These coverage percentages may be compared with the over 30 per cent of land covered by exploration licences in 2008 and the current aim of raising it again to 20 per cent. The Ministry estimates that about 30 per cent of the licensed area is being used, with the remainder idle because of low commodity prices, poor infrastructure or the risk of environmental impact. The number of licences for oil and gas and radioactive minerals is two orders of magnitude lower. Such permits are issued by soum and district governors based on the conclusions of NAMEM’s departments at local level.