Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy D.Zorigt answers
our journalist’s questions on his report at the Government meeting on Wednesday
on the status of implementation of the Oyutolgoi project.

What decision did the meeting take on your report?

The Government decided to start work on a power plant in 2012 itself, even
though the plan was to start building it in 2016. The plant would be the
largest source of energy in the Gobi region. The Ministry would submit initial
plans of the plant to the Government in June. Erdenes Tavantolgoi LLC and
Oyutolgoi LLC would take part in the construction.

Where would it come up and when will the feasibility studies
be made?

Oyutolgoi LLC has already prepared a techno-economic study of a plant in the Oyutolgoi
deposit area. If we decide to build it in the nearby Tavantolgoi deposit area,
a joint team of the two companies can work on a further study.

Did the meeting discuss the water issue?

We have taken certain decisions on this difficult issue but are yet to receive
access to the land through which the pipes to bring the water will be laid.  Prime Minister S.Batbold has spoken to local
officials about the urgency and asked them to finish the paper work quickly.
 
When would the agreement be signed?

We are talking with the investors on this and hope a date will be fixed in the
near future.

What did you discuss with delegates from the German Ministry
of Economics and Technology?

We discussed investment by German companies in some definite projects in the mining
sector and also the need for a strategic partnership that will allow Mongolia access
to German technology and will attract investment in processing factories.