Recent news
President of Mongolia Ukhnaa Khurelsukh worked at the logistics center in Zamyn-Uud soum of Dornogobi aimag
On February 14, the President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh worked in Zamyn-Uud soum of Dornogobi aimag. It is the main logistics center that handles about 70% of freight and 30% of passenger traffic across the state border and generates 15% of customs revenue. The expansion and modernization of Zamyn-Uud infrastructure is being carried out in cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.The construction of the logistics center’s buildings, facilities and infrastructure began in 2019, and are 91% complete.
B. Dulguun: Electronic coal trading is piloted successfully
The government has approved a temporary regulation for the open electronic trade of coal for export. This will be effective until the “Law on Mineral Commodity Exchange” comes into force, i.e. until the end of June of this year. During this period, the government has assigned the electronic trading of coal through the Mongolian Stock Exchange, and the Financial Regulatory Commission has been tasked with overseeing electronic trading.
L.Oyun-Erdene reshuffled his cabinet and promotes his reform policy
These are days when the public and the authorities continue searching for “coal thieves”, when the demonstrations declined, when the government appointed new ministers, when the opposition elected a new leader, and when the Parliament closed its autumn session after passing a law that encroached on the freedom of speech of citizens.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS FILLED WITH PRIDE
Mongolia’s mining industry is celebrating its centenary. 25 December each year is a day for celebration for the mining industry and miners. Following the victory of the People’s Revolution and the establishment of a new government, the country’s leaders, declared that underground resources were “the property of all the people”.
Coal is our only fragile hope for the next year
The ruling party is arguing internally about “who will own the coal”. Anyone who understands politics realises that the winner of this “war” will not be Mongolia, but some government official or group with self-interest. That the winning side will continue to steal coal is as certain as ever. Xi Jinping, “leader” of the global trade war and chief author of the Wolf Warrior (Xi Defangs the Wolf Warrior) policy, will surely retain his seat while our leaders pursue petty interests by waging an internal “coal war”.
Government decision targeting Erdenes Tavantolgoi
That there is a balance of payments crisis is evident from the imposition on 26th October of a six-month special regime by JSC Erdenes Tavantolgoi. This was unexpected. The company’s director-general, B. Gankhuyag was dismissed from his post and an investigation into the group’s alleged stealing from coal exports that Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene mentioned last spring, has been launched. The government believes that the special regime imposed by Government Decree No. 362 of 2022 will help increase the flow of foreign currency into Mongolia. The government states that the core business, management, organization, and balance of payment of Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC will be improved, and revenues increased. The Ministry of Finance will be in charge for this work.
Miners working long shifts deserve to be paid more fairly
After the implementation of the revised labour law, which was endorsed last July and made effective from this year, miners have less money in their hands. That is because miners who worked more days at mining sites and spent much less time at home, are now entitled to have more time with their families and earn less. But it is not that simple.
Creation of the ‘Mongolian Coal’ brand
The bill on the Sovereign Wealth Fund will be discussed at the autumn session of Parliament. As the government supports, its approval without much objection is expected. The main point is that the structure, management, executive management, board of directors, operating strategy, and direction of the state-owned company, Erdenes Mongolia , is clearly stated in the bill.
Coal export revenues set a new record
The National Statistics Office reported that the total foreign trade turnover of our country as of August 15 this year reached $12.2 billion, an increase of 28.8% compared to the same period last year.
Mining Week and the confidence of investors
For the first time, representatives of the mining industry gathered at the Shangri-La Hotel for an entire week (19-23 September). Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene concluded by saying that there would be no recommendations or appeals from "Mining Week," but that we would discuss practical solutions and see the results of our work at next year's conference.
A real step forward for the coal industry
In the summer days while the war between Russia and Ukraine continued and China and Taiwan were on the brink of an armed conflict, Mongolia’s neutral foreign policy caught the world’s attention.
During his short visit (5 July) to Mongolia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concluded that “the positions of our two countries in the international sphere coincide.” UN Secretary-General Antуnio Guterres said: “I am happy to visit Mongolia, which is a symbol of peace at a time when peace and tranquility are becoming increasingly rare in the world. Mongolia’s declaration of a nuclear-weapon-free zone is a bold step.” His visit to our country and his speech (08-11 August) raised Mongolia’s image in the international arena.
ASM PARTNERSHIPS WHO RECEIVE TRAINING FROM PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONDUCTING ARTISANAL MINING
What is the current state of the small-scale mining industry?
ASM regulation which was approved by the Government Resolution No. 151 in 2017, has been suspended by Government Resolution No. 355 in 2019. As a result of this later resolution, state agencies, local governments were not able to assess and allocate land for ASM, no new contracts were made with ASMrs. In fact, the resolution No 355 provided a direction not to support ASM and basically ASM activities were stopped for three years.
N.Tserenbat: The future of Oyu Tolgoi depends on well educated and skilled Mongolians
G.Iderkhangai, editor for The Mongolian Mining Journal, spoke with N.Tserenbat, CEO of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC.
The members of the working group shared their views on many issues, and some progress is being made
You were appointed by the Board of Directors of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC (1 October 2021) as the CEO of the company. In the subsequent eight months, shareholders have made a number of major decisions. As a result of the agreement reached between the government working group and the Temporary Committee on one side and the investors on the other side, the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine finally began production after 26 months. As the CEO of a state company that owns 34% of the Oyu Tolgoi project, how would you assess the work you have done in this short period?
