The CIMG with the assistance of Jinshan Gold Mines organized a mission for CIMG member mining companies to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The CIMG mission visited Huhote as well as Jinshan Gold Mine’s CSH Gold mine, located north of Baotao. The CIMG mission met with officials related to mining and FDI in Inner Mongolia including representatives from the DLR, BGMR, EPB as well as a number of exploration brigades.
The general message was clear regarding FDI in the mining and minerals sector in Inner Mongolia. It is clear that development of the mining and minerals sector will proceed, however FDI sought will be quality investment. By quality it is meant that the investment will not only bring capital, but also technology and other expertise. This is a positive message for foreign invested enterprises, but it is still apparent that the mechanisms to encourage FDI as expressed by the officials were perceived as still in development, e.g. Implementation of a transparent auction and bidding process.
The development of state run entities to a competitive private business model is highly apparent. Moreover it appears very common practice that the once state owned and run exploration bureaus are becoming private companies. These companies are receiving less and less state funding and are now searching for ways to become sustainable. As such, some are looking for foreign partners to develop deposits. The conditions for these partnerships may be extreme, but would still give foreign investor a presence in China.
The mission sought to enhance the understanding of mining in the provincial areas of China and much was learnt from this mission. It was learnt that there is still much opportunity in mining and minerals in Inner Mongolia, but this very much dependant on the acquiring of a solid local partner and good research. Inner Mongolia covering 20% of China’s land mass is regarded as resource rich province in China and the mission delegates explored business opportunities, established relationships with local partners and gained a better understanding of accessing opportunities in Inner Mongolia.
| 
