RE: Activists14 Mar 2024 09:24
INTERVIEW OF BAYARMANDAL. L, CHAIRMAN
Ашигт малтмал, газрын тосны газрын дарга Л.Баярмандалын олон улсын “Глобал бизнес сэтгүүл”-д өгсөн ярилцлагыг хүргэж байна.
BAYARMANDAL. L, CHAIRMAN
THE MINERAL RESOURCES AND PETROLEUM AUTHORITY OF MONGOLIA (MRPAM)
“We are open for our foreign and domestic investors to cooperate within the framework of the law in the direction of discovering Mongolia’s vast mineral resources”
-Please introduce the functions of MRPAM?
-MRPAM is an implementing agency of Mongolian Government and it is been 27 years since its establishment. Our main objective is to support in framing development policies of geological, mining, and the oil sector and provide quick and fair services to investors and customers. Also, we are responsible for implementing laws and regulations related with the licenses. We are in the process of renewing the system to transit from the Russian system to the Western system, and to digitalize it.
-Could you share the recent changes and achievements of MRPAM?
-In the “Vision 2050” policy document, it is stated that “Citizen-centered public services will be created based on electronic technology.” In this context, the MRPAM is now in the process of transmitting e-governance in order to increase the mineral resources sector’s efficiency, benefit, and productivity, and to make the services open, unbureaucratic, transparent, and accountable. We have been receiving complaints related to the selection of exploration licenses quite often. The process of receiving exploration and mining reports and plans was notoriously bureaucratic. This issue has resolved, and in accordance with Recommendation No. 03 of the National Security Council of Mongolia, dated November 25, 2022, the mineral special licenses issuing process through a selection process has been developed into the electronic system www.tender. gov.mn in cooperation with the State Procurement Department. The entire selection process has been digitilized, and the licensing area became publicly announced from November 23, 2022. Being able to monitor the decision-making process of government institutions is a big advantage of providing information transparency. Furthermore, foreign investors do not necessarily need to come to Mongolia. They can access the information, participate and apply in the selection process online by paying the fee. Thus, we are working to intensify the rare earth elements exploration and geological research, and increase mineral resources that will ensure economic growth in the medium and long term.
-What are the main changes of the Minerals law? Which direction did you pay more attention to?
The Minerals Law is a big law. In order to strengthen transparent, open and responsible governance, the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry has developed policies for the sector in five main a