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GUEST: Aisha Bain, Mongolia Program Associate at Global Rights

Over the past year, the government of Mongolia has passed laws increasing taxes and state ownership in the country’s mining industry. Most recently, a law passed on August 27th, allows the Mongolian government to acquire up to thirty four percent of private mining projects. The international financial community, which is eagerly awaiting official translation of the law, views the legislation with much trepidation. The mining industry, according to the International Labor Organization, accounts for 60 percent of Mongolia’s export revenue and roughly 17 percent of its gross domestic product. However, Mongolia’s minerals haven’t just been a source of revenue. According to a new article in Global Rights Magazine, the mining industry is related to many human rights abuses. Herders, who comprise a third of the nation’s populations, have been forced to move from their villages due to environmental degradation wrought by mining projects. Mongolian citizens and miners are also suffering from various health problems as a result of increased pollution. Independent miners not legally recognized by the government are exposed to unsafe working conditions and violence from mining security forces and local police.

For more information, visit www.globalrights.org.