News from Mongolian Environmental Group of United Movement of Mongolian Rivers and Lakes

Mongolian Environment Group-River Movements monthly update for December, 2009.
Regarding the law implementation

Following the passing of the law “to prohibit mining operations at headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoir and forested areas”, the 50th Parliamentary resolution was developed. The River Movements sent official documents regarding its implementation to the Prime Minister S. Batbold.

That is why, at Mr. S. Batbold’s request, on December 25th, the Minister of Nature, Environment and Tourism, as well as the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and other government officials answered questions regarding this issue before the Parliament.

Some Parliament Members were highly critical towards the implementation work, arguing that it was being too slow and that almost half a year had gone since the law was passed in the Parliament.



According to the preliminary study of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, 1115 licenses (among which 901 are exploration licenses and 214 are mining ones) will be revoked by the law and 150 billion USD will be spent on reparations.

As of today, the procedure of delineating the boundaries that fall under the jurisdiction of the law is an ongoing process. Boundaries are being determined by soum governors for rivers and forests located in their soums. Between the end of November and December 25th, the River Movements worked in their own countryside to help in this process They have collaborated with local people to urge their respective local governors to set up the boundaries at least 500 to 1000m away from river beds.

We will keep up the work on the implementation of the law and hope to inform you soon about our future activities.

In the mean time, we hope that New Year brings good luck, good health and continued happiness in your life! Happy New Year!


Please feel free to contact us at rivermovements@gmail.com if you have any questions.