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A scientific conference
Problems and Solutions in Combating and Investigating Crimes Related to Illegal Exploration, Use, and Extraction of Minerals

Mongolia's economy, contributing 25.8 percent to the gross domestic product and accounting for 92 percent of the country's exports as of the third quarter of 2024. However, illegal exploration, usage, and extraction of minerals, along with unauthorized mining activities, have significant negative impacts on the environment. In fact, illegal mining crimes account for 24.2 percent of all environmental crimes.

In response to this issue, the Coordinating Council for Environmental Crime Prevention in Mongolia, in collaboration with the University of Internal Affairs, organized a scientific conference titled "Problems and Solutions in Combating and Investigating Crimes Related to Illegal Exploration, Use, and Extraction of Minerals."

During the event, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Minerals and Petroleum Authority, the Prosecutor General's Office, the National Forensic Agency, the Environmental Police, the General Directorate of Border Protection, and the Mongolian Environment Civil Council presented their expert insights

 

The presentations focused on the mining sector's impact on the environment and the measures needed to protect it. The challenges associated with investigating illegal mining activities were also discussed. For instance, out of 460 registered cases of illegal mining activities from 2022 to 2023, only 39.5 percent resulted in prosecution, while 46.7 percent were closed due to a lack of criminality, expired statutes of limitations, or other reasons. As of October 2024, 47.1 percent of a total of 97 registered cases had been resolved.

 

One significant reason for the low prosecution rate is the use of unregistered technical equipment in these crimes and the numerous challenges in securing evidence.

Another presentation addressed the legal aspects of illegal mineral licenses and related court rulings. This emphasized the importance of cooperation between authorities and civil society to effectively prevent and combat such crimes.
 

Based on the presentations and discussions, a recommendation will be developed regarding the identified problems and potential solutions, which will be submitted to the appropriate authorities for further action.