Chapter 243: This Is My Attitude!
Rumors had started to spread outside.
"The media is all talking about our Talego Copper-Gold Mine," Alice said, having arranged to receive several newspapers from the U.S. She read through the reports, uncertain if they were good news or bad. "Apart from reporting the mine's achievements, these newspapers even say that our company is signaling a willingness to transfer our mining rights to outside parties."
After reading the newspapers, Guo Fengchun couldn't help but laugh. "I was there at the press conference. I never gave any interviews, didn't even talk to the reporters—oh wait, I did say a few words to one reporter who asked about your whereabouts. But I can confirm one thing: none of our people ever publicly expressed any intent to transfer the mining rights!"
"I didn't do any interviews either," Alice quickly clarified her position.
Qin Jianshe crossed his legs and thought for a moment before speaking calmly, "It's likely fabricated by the media. Our team has always maintained a low profile."
"Judging by the content in a few papers, only a few outlets claimed we said it ourselves. Most of them attribute the statement to Bayar," Alice analyzed.
"At the press conference, Bayar was clearly struggling to respond to a bunch of Western journalists," Guo Fengchun recalled. "But I was right there, and his responses were fine—nothing leaked, nothing careless."
"They're good at taking words out of context," Alice blushed a little. "Western media always does this—they take a tiny detail and spin it into something dramatic. Sometimes, they'll even fabricate things outright to suit their agenda."
"They're just spreading false rumors to confuse the public."
Despite all the noise, Li Tang remained calm, unfazed by the chatter. "Let them say what they want. Let them entertain themselves. We'll focus on our own business—there's no need to be distracted."
Turning to more serious matters, Qin Jianshe gave an update on his work: "Most of the drilling rigs have been withdrawn. Only two deep holes, around 1,500 meters, are still under work. We hit a snag with one—a jammed drill pipe—so the schedule's been delayed. But it doesn't affect our overall timeline. While those two continue slowly, we can proceed with the acceptance work and move forward with the mining license application."
Applying for mining rights was currently everyone's top priority.
After investing so much money, the goal was simple: obtain the mining license.
Whether the development plan could pass Mongolian regulators was a matter for the next phase.
One step at a time.
Li Tang knew that the spring of the mining industry was fast approaching and wanted to secure the mining rights as soon as possible.
Not a second should be wasted.
Once the license was in hand, and the market began to warm up, they'd be in a strong position—whether they wanted to begin mining or consider transferring rights. The license was a fundamental requirement.
By rights, since Mongolia had fully opened up its mining market, it should have been relatively easy to process exploration and mining licenses.
But this very ease of process had created shadows—dark corners rife with corruption.
Many were trading rights like commodities, while others used the promise of mining rights to deceive. Many Chinese businessmen had chased dreams of wealth in Mongolia, only to lose everything—some even lost their lives.
But they had their own legitimate project, and their own exploration results. They didn't need to fear being cheated.
Still, the Talego Copper-Gold Mine was designated as a strategic national resource. It was understandable that the application would take longer.
"We submitted all application documents according to the Mining Law," Qin Jianshe explained. He had just finished wrapping up the drilling work and now focused on the mining rights task. "We even hired a top domestic mine design firm to prepare a preliminary development plan. We also hired an environmental agency to handle the environmental impact assessment. Everything was done beyond required standards—stricter than what Mongolian law mandates."
Seeing Qin look troubled, Li Tang asked, "Is something wrong?"
"Our application has been rejected three times already," Qin said with a frown, clearly having lost sleep over it.
"Why was it rejected?" Li Tang asked urgently.
"Minor issues—nitpicky and vague. The Mineral and Petroleum Bureau isn't giving us clear answers. I feel something's off."
"You mean they've forwarded our application to the higher-ups, and the senior leadership isn't approving it?" Li Tang asked, puzzled.
"The entire Mongolian administration's attitude seems off," Qin replied. He had sensed a subtle shift.
At this point, Alice hesitated, then voiced her uncertain thoughts. "Some Mongolian parliament members have been meeting with foreign businessmen lately. I don't know if they're genuine investors or something else, but I have a feeling something's going on behind the scenes."
"I need to speak with Bayar."
Li Tang could feel the hostility—this wasn't right. They had invested heavily and uncovered a world-class mine for Mongolia. Even if not treated like VIP guests, they deserved basic respect.
With Alice's help arranging a meeting, Li Tang met with Minister Bayar of the Ministry of Industry and Trade the next day.
Jirigala was there as well.
Wasting no time, Li Tang went straight to the point: "We obtained exploration rights legally and invested a significant amount of capital in the project area. According to your country's Mining Law, we are entitled to mining rights. I want to know: was the rejection of our application your ministry's decision, or was it a higher-level decision, possibly even from the parliament?"
Bayar and Jirigala seemed prepared for this confrontation. They had their strategy ready.
"This is an important mining right, so we must proceed cautiously."
"The reasons given for rejecting our application make no sense," Li Tang countered.
"Please don't rush," Bayar replied with a warm smile, assuming a businessman's tone. "The Talego Copper-Gold Mine has enormous implications. Our top leaders must consider the national and public interest when reviewing this license."
"What exactly is the issue?" Li Tang sensed there was more to be said.
"We believe that your company holding all of the mining rights is not in the best interest of the country and its people. Therefore, we need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before issuing the license," Bayar said, finally revealing their true stance.
No guessing games—he wanted things out in the open.
"So, you're suggesting that we relinquish part of our rights?" Li Tang asked directly.
"Yes," Bayar nodded firmly.
"According to your Mining Law and Investment Law, there's no clause stating that acquiring a mining license requires partial relinquishment of rights. In fact, your laws explicitly allow foreign companies to own mineral resources outright."
Li Tang had even brought a copy of Mongolia's Mining Law with him. "You know better than I do that your request has no legal basis whatsoever."
"Yes, the Mining Law does state that," Bayar remained composed, clearly well-prepared. "But due to the mine's enormous importance, the approval must go through top-level decisions, and potentially even a parliamentary vote. If you insist on holding all the rights, it's unlikely that parliament will approve the license."
"Talego Copper-Gold is different from other mining rights," Jirigala added.
"So what you're saying is—you want part of our mining rights, without payment?" Li Tang finally saw their intent. No wonder their application had been repeatedly rejected—they wanted something else entirely.
"It's not without compensation. That would be robbery. We respect foreign investors and won't resort to such tactics," Bayar quickly clarified.
They had discussed this internally. If they simply took foreign assets, it would drive away all investors. Once a government resorts to confiscation, the trust is gone. The market would collapse.
"How much do you want? And what price are you prepared to offer?" Li Tang asked bluntly.
"It's not about coercing you into selling. We have to consider it from a national perspective," Bayar continued, echoing the high-level position. "As a regulatory body, we're committed to a free and open mining market. We won't interfere with market activities, and you needn't worry about us seizing your rights."
"Oh?" Li Tang said, puzzled. "Then what exactly do you mean?"
"We hope you will bring in a strategic partner—a capable enterprise that can help develop this world-class mine," Bayar explained. Though he avoided being completely blunt, his message was clear. "If you can't secure a strong enough partner, we can help you."
Li Tang now understood everything.
They were worried about him having full control. They wanted Western capital involved, to create a balance of power.
With themselves as regulators, they envisioned a three-way power structure—Chinese, Western, and Mongolian—all supervising each other to prevent abuse.
Their concerns were understandable, but their coercive tactics were not exactly upright.
Li Tang was no pushover.
He made his position crystal clear: "Let me be clear—we are entitled to mining rights. They should not be withheld."
"If you hold your stance, it will be difficult for the license to pass parliament," Bayar reminded him.
"Our exploration license is valid for three years. This is year two. After three years, we can apply for an extension—that's our legal right. Any threats or pressure will not shake that."
Li Tang's tone was firm, his expression resolute. He stared straight at Bayar and Jirigala. "We will not compromise. Wherever Chinese people go, we respect local laws. But if we are bullied, we will fight back."
"We didn't threaten you, did we?" Bayar replied, surprised at Li Tang's unwavering posture. "We're just trying to solve a problem with you. Your interests will be protected—you have our assurance."
Li Tang stood up, eyes burning with resolve. "There is no room for negotiation. We will not sell out our rights. Compromise is not an option."
"Please don't be hasty..." Bayar tried to de-escalate.
"This is my stance—and it represents the stance of the Chinese companies behind me, who have invested countless resources!" Li Tang declared before turning and walking out, leaving a warning behind: "I suggest you reconsider whether your approach is appropriate."
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