Discover Mongolia 2015 Calls for Mining Without Populism

By Ch.KHALIUN

The 13th annual Discover Mongolia 2015 took place from September 3 to 4, under the slogan "For mining without populism".

A drop in the prices of coal and iron ore has occurred in the global market, which has negatively influenced Mongolia's mining sector. The sector's representatives explained that the crisis is linked to politics. Since 2012, mining policy has been politicized, and the mineral resources policy was changed by nationalism, said the President of Mongolian National Mining Association, N.Algaa.

N.Algaa also said that in order to move forward, the mining sector, the government, private sector and civil organizations should reach an integrated consensus, and define the sector's policy and decisions based on knowledge and real research.

President of the Mineral Processors Association of Mongolia S.Davaanyam presented the opening remarks at the forum, saying, "Minerals processing is the motor of the mining sector, and it is like a heart for a human. Value-added and final products come from processing and enriching factories, creating real wealth. In order to conduct such work, Mongolia needs to improve its professional personnel, and following this, an investment is required, and the government should provide support."

Industry analysts say it is uncertain how long the sector's crisis will continue, but the sector's representatives are positive. The issuing of exploration licenses began this year, drawing foreign investment back to the mining sector. Around 3,000 special exploration licenses will be issued to individuals and entities, over 1,700 of which...