The Mongolian Mining Journal

PM’s visit gives a big push to transit transport deals It’s been said that with access to the ocean, Mongolia could serve the world, but without it, she will only serve her neighbours. Seaborne trade will allow Mongolia to offer her abundant natural resources in the global market and fulfil her economic potential, but for this the country needs transit transport facilities through both its neighbours. Mongolia has been holding regular strategic talks with them to reach this goal.

Wondering why companies are there I remember how in the early days of my stay in Ulaanbaatar, interaction with local journalists would leave me both amused and bemused by their insistence on using the word Company or LLC after mentioning the name of a business firm, particularly if it was one of some size.

Team absolves Areva of damaging environment, animals Uranium miner Areva SA has been cleared of causing any damage to the environment and being responsible for cattle deaths.

“We have to balance the commercial and environmental aspects of mining” The draft State policy on the mineral sector, now before the State Great Khural, is likely to be discussed and, many hope, approved during the Fall session. Three independent working groups helped prepare the draft. One of these was led by B.Batkhuu, director of Policy Implementation Department at the Ministry of Mining. N.Aruintuya of MMJ talked to him to know more about the draft.

Erdenet Mining mulls copper cathode plant Erdenet Mining Corp is carrying out a feasibility study for the construction of a 100.000-tpy copper smelter, according to commercial department head N. Enkhbaatar.

TNC: Mongolia needs more data on its groundwater resources Bruce McKenney, Strategy Director for the Nature Conservancy’s Development by Design program, tells how Mongolia can develop the green economy and minimize the mining sector’s impact on the environment.

“Geologists are romantic, unique individuals” B. Bat-Erdene, head of the Mongolian Industrial Geologists Association, explains to E.Odjargal the unique nature of a geologist’s work and what leads to success in a remarkable profession.

At tide’s ebb Faced with a yawning budget deficit, Prime Minister Julia Gillard last year came up with a 30%-tax on the “super profits” from the mining of iron ore and coal in Australia. From 1 July 2012, a company was to pay the tax when its annual profits reached $75 million. Around 320 companies fell into the net.

Fluorspar mining gets a boost Fluorspar is not among the top export items in Mongolia, but is beginnings to play an increasingly important role in the country’s economy. Total production is 2012 was 420,000 tons, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), making it the world’s third largest producer.

It has always been a magazine of the times Looking back, 2008 was a landmark year for the mining industry of Mongolia. Mining began in many deposits, reserve estimates in several already discovered deposits were re-estimated, and talks began on operating Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi.

End of confusion over “long-titled” law in sight The law prohibiting exploration and extraction in certain water and forest areas, commonly known as the“long-titled” law, continues to be in limbo. Belying expectations, the special session of the State Great Khural did not discuss the draft regulatory law to amend several of its disputed provisions. Some reconciliation of opposing positions is now likely before the Fall session. N.Aruintuya explores how the proposed amendments will alter the law.

New law on foreign investment to be effective from November 1 The new law on foreign investment, passed by Parliament at its special session, becomes effective on November 1.

NTR Metals: Gold mining in Mongolia will continue to grow in a consistent and rational manner NTR Metals, the US based company for trade and processing of the precious metals, is implementing its successful operation globally. The company has decided to enter the Mongolian gold industry. Kenneth W. Beilstein explains about what services does the new branch of NTR Metals in Mongolia bring here and the opportunities for the Mongolian gold industry’s development.

Bureau Veritas brings state-of-the-art laboratory to Mongolia Bureau Veritas, a global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), has opened a state-of-the-art coal testing facility in Ulaanbaatar. It will service the technical needs of the coal industry by providing analytical facilities, technical support and consulting services.

Shale gas in Mongolia – more questions than answers The conflict between the claims of industry-based growth and environmental protectionism will not be resolved until both sides appreciate the merits of their antagonists’ position and agree to abandon unreasonable posturing.

Ambassador wants bigger role for US companies US Ambassador to Mongolia Piper Campbell took questions from MMJ during her recent visit to Peabody Winsway’s Ereen mine restoration project. She sees “potential for tremendous growth and expansion” of cooperation between Mongolia and its third neighbor, and wants U.S. companies to play a bigger role in it.

Rising FDI means more GDP The contents of the Draft Investment Law were published in our August issue and this month we present some of the views of The National Council for Support of the Private Sector on the draft. We hope Parliament considers these before taking up the draft for discussion at its special session.

B.Enebish: Politics were leading to a long delay In the interview with MMJ, B. Enebish (former CEO of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi and Erdenes MGL) explains why the company sees slower progress than expected.

CRU: There is a potential to supply Chinese demand in Mongolia John Johnson, CEO for the CRU China, is explaining on Mongolian future opportunities for mineral export. And he gives MMJ the long term outlook for iron ore and met coal.

MMJ co-hosting forum on the mineral sector The Mongolian Mining Journal is adding another feather to its cap as it prepares to organise a forum to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the modern Mongolian mineral sector. We shall be working in conjunction with the Office of the President and the forum will be held at the Government Palace in November 2013.