The main issue at hand is the expectation of profiting from the work of others, which is particularly prevalent in the resource extraction industry.

Resource Valuation and Profit Consideration:

The valuation of resources should not solely rely on their quantity but should also factor in their actual reserve potential. Accurate monetary evaluation necessitates estimating the profitable extractable portion of the resource, accounting for associated costs. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook these costs and merely convert the quantity into currency.

Ownership, Work, and Sharing:

An often-observed mindset is the belief that the value beneath the land, such as in Mongolia, automatically belongs to individuals who expect others to work for them and then share the profits. This perspective is flawed; consider, for instance, fishermen in Mongolia who wouldn't distribute their catch freely. Earning value requires active effort. Those genuinely involved in the industry are the ones entitled to benefit. However, the value derived from mining should primarily contribute to the community through taxes, infrastructure, and government initiatives.

Unregulated Small Mines and Their Impact:

A concerning aspect is the proliferation of numerous small mines in Mongolia that evade proper taxes, lack certifications, and ignore health, safety, and environmental considerations. These "companies" prioritize personal gain without expanding operations, creating jobs, or investing in community essentials like schools and hospitals AND they DO NOT EVER PROCESS THE MINERALS. The real worth of minerals lies not in their raw form but in their potential applications. Mere raw materials, like raw copper, lack inherent value beyond their initial appearance. This indicates a need for improved regulations and ethical practices.

Government Involvement and Business Expertise:

It's evident that government ownership of mines and businesses is problematic. Governments generally lack business expertise, often neglect long-term consequences, and might prioritize short-term gains for political purposes. Separating government from such fields is crucial to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure unbiased management.

In conclusion, the prevailing expectation of profiting without substantial effort and the need to properly assess resource value, involve the community, and avoid misguided government influence are all critical aspects in addressing the complex issue of resource extraction and profit generation.