Mongolia’s Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, G. Temuulen, clarified that the recent tax payment by Ontree Company does not automatically result in the transfer of its special license related to the Oyu Tolgoi mine. Ontree Company paid 24.3 billion MNT in taxes related to its licenses in June. Despite this payment, Temuulen emphasized the license transfer remains subject to fulfilling legal requirements outlined in the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement. He stated Ontree previously agreed to transfer the license to the government when establishing the investment agreement but failed to do so within the designated timeframe. While companies can prepay taxes, this does not equate to license transfer; prepaid taxes will be refunded at year’s end if necessary. He confirmed there has been no actual transfer of Ontree’s special license. He indicated Ontree could potentially be included in the Oyu Tolgoi project through formal agreements and negotiations regarding revenue sharing, as it stands open under current laws.