SouthGobi Sands has responded to the complaints of grieved workers who were recently fired and the reports that followed in the media, saying that the decision was “based on negotiations with mining workers on vacations and [changes to] the working schedule.”

The company said its workers had worked for two weeks and two weeks for vacation. The policy meant to give workers more time to work, and in affect more money to earn. This resulted in the need to let go of some workers, it said. It added that although 49 workers were let go, “650 vacancies are still being provided.”

“We regret that there exists some misunderstanding information of our vacancy rationalization in media related to our company,” said the company in its statement. “That incorrect information should be corrected...”

The company said that the 49 workers were not fired, but had been “rationalized” due to the new working and holiday schedule. It also said the discussion of a trade union had no influence on the decision. In response to accusation that the company has broken the law, it said that the fired workers are receiving compensation in accordance with the Mongolian Labour Law. While the media has reported that SouthGobi Sands has avoided contact with the grieved workers, it said it had met with the group of grieved workers three times.

“'SouthGobi Sands' company is now in full operation, and we treat our workers as one family,” said the company.