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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