GARY PAULSON: As long as there is a demand for mineral products mining will have a future in Mongolia

Founded of Falcon Drilling Ltd Gary and Grand Paulson. 30 years experience in Drilling, Mining, Construction, Aviation and Exploration at management level.

Back in 1986, the two brothers opened up their first office in Prince George of British Columbia, Canada, and now, today, Falcon Drilling Ltd has become one of the powerful companies in the world. Can you share your success history with us?

We first started by specializing in support services in remote areas. We were both helicopter pilots who were familiar with these areas. We then built a drill rig that could be transported more efficiently by helicopter and found a lot of companies required this. The company grew from that to where it is today, involved in many facets of the industry.

It is interesting for us to know what would be your main principal toward yourself and toward your company. Of course, your well experienced team might have helped you to come to this stage while going through some difficulties that businesses face in its environment. What is your main business principal?

Our main business principal has been to support our projects to the highest level. As our work is remote we felt that having all the tools and resources on site available; also communication system from the drill site to our main office which allows us to solve any situation that may occur quickly; this creates the greatest value for our clients and make difficult projects efficient and workable.



The year of 2005 is special by Falcon Drilling opening up its branch in Mongolia. In other words, in 2005, your company entered into drilling industry of Mongolia by adding new page. Were you confident about becoming successful in the vast country?

We were confident that we could do the work if given the opportunity. We put together a great team and had confidence in the Mongolian workforce and their potential.



There is no doubt about that you have many business partners now in Mongolia. Of course you may have some words to say about them?

A lot of our business partners have grown as our company has in Mongolia. Every day we see progress and improvements in our relationships which we value very highly. 
 
What do you think about how mining sectors of Mongolia has changed? What are the significances that you noticed?

Many more projects are going from the exploration stage to the development stage. The sector is now much more sophisticated and is continuing to develop.

It is impossible to visualize mining sector of Mongolia without drilling. In the recent years, domestic drilling companies are increasing rapidly. I believe they have learned and gained some experience from foreign companies such as yours?

As more drilling was required domestic companies started, many of them by people that had experience with companies such as ours. As in any business they have had varying degrees of success. We feel that it is healthy to have both in our industry.

This year is the 10th year anniversary of international investor’s forum, Discover Mongolia. How do you see the importance of the forum?

The Discover Mongolia investor’s forum is very important as it gives all parties involved in mining a chance to meet, exchange ideas, and hear from each other. Ideas and possible solutions to industry problems can be addressed in one place at one time.



How do you see the future of the mining sector especially drilling sector of Mongolia? Do you see prosperity compared to other countries?

Mongolia is still vastly underexplored. “As long as there is a demand for mineral products mining will have a future in Mongolia.” Of course drilling is a vital component of this and we would expect to have continued growth.

There are many technological innovations coming up in the drilling sector throughout the world. Can you please update us on the recent information about it?

Most of the technological innovations will involve computerization of the drilling process, more automation and accurate instrumentation for data logging.

Employees comfort and working environment is one the essential factors of the business. I see that your camp set up in countryside is very comfy. Are you planning to do more in the future in relation to this?

We believe that to have an efficient work force they require comfortable camps and safe working conditions. We intend to progress in all these areas.