Mongolian Law to prohibit mineral exploration and mining operations at headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoirs and forested areas. Country/Territory Mongolia Document type Legislation Date 2009 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Environment gen., Forestry, Mineral resources, Water Keyword Pollution control Protected area Soil rehabilitation Forestry protection measures Forest management/forest conservation Minerals Exploration Mining Authorization/permit Liability/compensation Freshwater resources management Sustainable development Sustainable use Water conservation zone Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Asia, Landlocked Developing Nations Abstract The purpose of this Law is to prohibit mining operations in most vulnerable areas associated with water sources (headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoirs and forested areas) and to regulate rehabilitation activities carried out in the above-mentioned areas. The Law also aims to reduce conflict between mining companies and indigenous communities of herders. The Law does not affect areas containing deposits of strategic importance. The Government shall define the boundaries of the areas in which the prohibition shall apply. Headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoirs and forested areas are defined in the Law on Water, the Law on Forests and this Law respectively. The prohibition shall not apply outside these areas if the licence holder engages in equitable rehabilitation, plants trees or builds an artificial lake or water reservoir. The Government shall pay compensations to those license holders whose licenses are cancelled. Holders of cancelled exploration and exploitation licenses are not discharged of their duty to rehabilitate the environment. Environmental rehabilitation activities must be completed within two years under the monitoring of local governors and local citizens (environmental and nongovernmental organizations by decision of a Citizens’ representatives Khural). Full text English Website www.transrivers.org References - Legislation Implemented by Mongolian Parliamentary Resolution concerning some measures to be taken relating to the passed Mongolian Law to prohibit mineral exploration and mining operations at headwaters of rivers, protected zones of water reservoirs and forested areas. Legislation | Mongolia | 2009 Keyword: Protected area, Exploration, Water quality standards Source: FAO, FAOLEX