Have Similar Difficulties Mining Minister visits Columbia and Brazil
By Ch.KHALIUN
Minister of Mining R.Jigjid paid an official visit to Columbia and Brazil to meet his counterparts and share views on global mining conditions and possibilities for collaboration.
During his visit to Columbia, held from September 15 to 18, Minister R.Jigjid met with the Minister of Mining and Energy of Columbia, and the ministries of Foreign Affairs, and Environment and Sustainable Development.
The sides presented brief introduction of both countries’ mining sectors, exchanging views on challenges – including illegal and small-scale mining operations, communication with local residents, and theinvestment and tax environment.
Minister R.Jigjid also met with the Columbian Deputy Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Pablo Vera Santos, and discussed management of environmental pollution, the application of environmentally-friendly technology, and the distribution of special licenses.
From September 21 to 24, R.Jigjid visited Brazil. He met with the Minister of Environment of Brazil Izabella Teixeira, and became acquainted with the activities of the National Department of Mineral Production of Brazil and Brazilian Mining Association. During his meeting with Minister Teixeira, the sides shared information on measures being taken to limit mercury usage under the Minamata Convention.
R.Jigjid also sat down with the Deputy Minister of Mining and Energy of Brazil and other officials, and the parties touched upon issues concerning illegal mining exploration, micro-mining, and the investment and tax environment.
They discussed possibilities for exchanging mutual experience in the future. The Mongolian side proposed the exchange of geologists between the two countries for exploration projects, which was supported by the Brazilian side.
The parties underlined that the two countries have similar difficulties, sharing opinions on legal and tax environment improvement; formalization of micro-mining; opportunities for increasing investment; and talked about environmental restoration and expansion of geological research.
The Brazilian side agreed to establish a memorandum facing the understanding on resolving challenges of mining sectors of the two countries.