Protesters block copper exports from Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia
8 reported1 unconfirmed
Protesters blocked copper exports from a Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia on Wednesday, partially disrupting supply of a mineral important to China’s renewable energy sector. The protest group, called the Radical Reform Movement, is pushing for a greater share of mining revenue for Mongolians. Videos posted on Facebook by the group showed a small group of protesters at a barrier on a two-lane road with a banner reading “Stop Rio Tinto.” The jointly owned mining company said shipments of copper concentrate were halted after the road was blocked Wednesday morning. It warned that a weeklong blockage could cost the government 35 billion Mongolian Tugrik ($13.3 million). At a Cabinet meeting, Mongolian Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor told the justice and internal affairs minister to enforce the law and hold accountable those who unlawfully obstruct business operations, according to a government Facebook page. It was not clear if the protest was a one-day affair or the start of a prolonged standoff.
What’s reported
Protesters blocked copper exports from a Rio Tinto mine in Mongolia on Wednesday.
The protest group is called the Radical Reform Movement.
The group is pushing for a greater share of mining revenue for Mongolians.
Videos posted on Facebook showed a small group of protesters at a barrier with a banner reading “Stop Rio Tinto.”
The jointly owned mining company said shipments of copper concentrate were halted after the road was blocked Wednesday morning.
The company warned a weeklong blockage could cost the government 35 billion Mongolian Tugrik ($13.3 million).
Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor told the justice and internal affairs minister to enforce the law and hold accountable those who unlawfully obstruct business operations.
It was not clear if the protest was a one-day affair or the start of a prolonged standoff.
Open questions
It is unclear whether the protest was a one-day event or the beginning of a prolonged standoff.
Key figures
Radical Reform Movement (protest group)
Rio Tinto (mining company)
Uchral Nyam-Osor (Mongolian Prime Minister)
Sources: abcnews.com
