Ulaanbaatar
Public Oversight and Participation in Uranium Exploration and Mining Project to Be Ensured
Politics
Ulaanbaatar, May 7, 2025 /MONTSAME/. During its regular session on May 7, 2025, the Cabinet of Mongolia approved the draft Resolution on “Certain Measures to Ensure Citizens’ Oversight and Participation in Uranium Exploration and Mining Activities.” The Government of Mongolia issued the Resolution in accordance with the Law on the Government of Mongolia, the Law on Environmental Protection, and the Law on Nuclear Energy. The Constitution of Mongolia stipulates that “citizens shall have the right to live in a healthy and safe environment and to be informed about the environmental impacts of natural resource utilization,” the Government decided to implement immediate measures aimed at delivering accurate, comprehensible, and accessible information to the public on uranium exploration and mining, as well as raising awareness of the implications and significance of uranium-related projects. Under the Resolution, relevant authorities are instructed to implement measures to spread information to the public regarding past geological and exploration work conducted in Dornogobi aimag, as well as up-to-date information on current uranium mining technologies and safety procedures. Furthermore, the Resolution instructs the preparation and disclosure of information to the public concerning radiological impacts on humans, livestock, wildlife, and the environment associated with the mining and processing of uranium deposits located in Zuuvch-Ovoo and Dulaan-Uul areas of Ulaanbadrakh soum, Dornogobi aimag. This information will be based on the findings of studies conducted by international and national professional research institutions and scholars. In addition, the Government will prepare and present accurate information to the public regarding the social, economic, and local effects and significance of putting the Zuuvch-Ovoo and Dulaan-Uul uranium deposits into economic use. In addition, to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of uranium projects and establish a mechanism for public oversight, the Government will study and decide on the establishment of a Citizens’ Oversight Board, which consists of local citizens’ representatives, non-governmental organizations, independent professional researchers, and experts. Moreover, the issue of establishing a laboratory that meets international standards for nuclear and radiological measurements and analysis of radioactive mineral resources will be studied and presented to the Cabinet of Mongolia.
