Mongolia News Summary for August 05, 2024
The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.
Today's Stories
Economy
- 4.5 Trillion Tugriks Contributed to the State Budget
- Highlights of "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC's First Half of the Year
Diplomacy
- Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene Pays Courtesy Call on President Viola Amherd
- Meeting with Japanese delegation led by Kazutoshi Nishida
- Mayor of Ulaanbaatar H. Nyambaatar met with representatives of St. Petersburg, Russia
Infrastructure
Society
- Member of Parliament J. Bayasgalan discusses creating a friendly environment for people with disabilities
- Rescuers Ensure Safety of 37 Citizens
- Public Transport Routes to "Danshig Naadam-Khüree Tsam 2024" at Khui Doloon Khudag
Environment
- Rivers originating from Khangai and Khentii mountains are experiencing severe flooding, exceeding flood and danger levels
- Operations of "MS Bell Mining" company that polluted the Ongi River have been suspended
Innovation
Health
Arts
Economy
4.5 Trillion Tugriks Contributed to the State Budget
Published: Sun, 04 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
According to S. Narantsogto, CEO of "Erdenes Mongol" LLC, during the 19 months of special regime imposed by the government, the company extracted 34% of the total coal mined and repaid 200 billion tugriks of accumulated debt.
The export-transportation of "Erdenes Mongol" LLC increased from 16.7 million tons in 2022 to 38.3 million tons in 2023, a 50% increase. The investment in the Gashuunsukhait auto road increased 4.5 times in 2023, vehicle passing capacity increased 8 times, coal transportation increased 2.3 times, and coal exports increased 2.4 times.
The mineral resource reserves were increased, with the Tavan Tolgoi deposit's reserves increased by 1.8 billion tons, now newly established at 8.1 billion tons. Along with this, financial discipline was tightened and cost savings were created, resulting in savings of over 400 billion tugriks.
During the special regime period, historical achievements were made in consolidated products and production. Record highs were set in the production of copper concentrate, coal, silver concentrate, thermal brown coal, iron ore concentrate, and steel products, contributing 4.5 trillion tugriks to the state budget. Sales revenue reached 14.9 trillion, increasing 3.6 times, net profit reached 4.5 trillion, increasing 3.7 times, and tax payments reached 4.4 trillion, increasing 1.8 times.
The company has planned the following in its medium-term strategic planning:
• Ensure sustainable growth in production and finance, and increase efficiency, • Increase business growth and consolidated value, • Overcome energy and water supply shortages, • Implement responsible mining principles.
Major projects and programs are being developed and implemented in these strategic directions, with production and technical park plans being developed. This includes:
• A fluorine and silicon complex based on wind, solar, and coal hybrid energy, • An industrial complex based on coke-chemical production, • A coal-chemical complex based on brown coal pyrolysis-chemical production, • A chemical-metallurgical complex based on copper smelting, • A ferrous metallurgical complex based on steel smelting, • A building materials industrial complex based on limestone.
The Government of Mongolia established "Erdenes Mongol" company in 2007 with the goal of putting strategically important deposits into economic circulation and creating value and benefits. Subsequently, decisions were made to operate state-owned companies in the mining sector on a consolidated basis, and "Erdenes Mongol" company was given the rights and responsibilities of a parent company to provide unified management and organization to the consolidated subsidiary companies.
Highlights of "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC's First Half of the Year
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
For "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC, the first half of 2024 was a period when major projects were put into operation, the company's main indicators increased, and previous achievements were surpassed. While 11.9 million tons of coal were mined and 12.3 million tons of coal were sold in the first half of the previous year, this year's first half saw 17.1 million tons of coal mined and 16.8 million tons of coal sold, exceeding the previous year's performance by 30-40 percent.
While the company operated with a profit of 3.5 trillion tugriks last year and paid 2.8 trillion tugriks in taxes, in the first half of this year, it contributed 2.0 trillion tugriks in taxes to the state budget.
As of the first half of 2024, "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC organized 27 open online coal auctions through the Mongolian Stock Exchange, selling 10.8 million tons of coal valued at 1.2 billion US dollars.
Within the framework of the policy pursued by the State Great Khural and the Government of Mongolia to sell coal at border conditions and increase foreign currency inflows, since the exchange trading began in February 2023, "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC has successfully organized a total of 95 auctions, trading 20.9 million tons of coal worth 2.5 billion US dollars through the exchange based on the principle of price increase.
"Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC is implementing 10 strategically important major projects and programs. One of these projects, the Coal Enrichment Plant project, was launched in 2022, and the opening ceremony for the start of trial production and adjustment work of the first product of the plant with an annual capacity of 10 million tons of coal enrichment was held on June 20, 2024.
Once the Coal Enrichment Plant is fully operational, "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC plans to produce and sell an average of 24 million tons of products annually, generating sales revenue of 1.9 billion US dollars, and contributing a total of 185.8 million US dollars to the state and local budgets in the form of taxes and fees.
Moreover, the implementation of the project will support the socio-economic growth of the country and the region by creating 472-928 new direct jobs, reducing negative environmental impacts, and increasing the production of value-added products.
For the first time in Mongolia, the "Tavan Tolgoi Coal Loading Logistics Center" with fully automated engineering facilities was built and put into operation on May 27, 2024. This center has the capacity to transship 20 million tons of raw coal per year.
The Tavan Tolgoi Coal Loading Logistics Center is a complex construction with 7 technological stages for receiving raw coal mined from the West and East Tsankhi mines of the Tavan Tolgoi deposit, crushing and transporting it, sorting and mixing it to supply raw coal to the "Coal Enrichment" plant of "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC, as well as preparing it for rail transport and loading it onto wagons.
With the commissioning of the Tavan Tolgoi Coal Loading Logistics Center, which has a comprehensive engineering solution with a fully automated system, it will be possible to average coal that meets quality requirements, and it is a project that will extend the lifespan of the Tavan Tolgoi deposit and mine and bring low-quality coal into economic circulation.
The construction work of the 110/35/10kV 2x25MW substation, implemented and constructed by "Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi" JSC to resolve the electricity supply for the Tavan Tolgoi Production and Technology Park, the Coal Enrichment Plant within its framework, the Zagiin Us water supply system, and future projects, has been 100% completed and was accepted for use by the State Commission's conclusion on May 7, 2024.
The construction work of the project to lay a pipeline from the "Zagiin Us pipeline" groundwater deposit with an approved reserve of 63.65 liters/second to the Tavan Tolgoi deposit, aimed at supplying water to the Coal Enrichment Plant, has been 100% completed.
Diplomacy
Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene Pays Courtesy Call on President Viola Amherd
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene paid a courtesy call today on President Viola Amherd of the Swiss Confederation, who is on a state visit to Mongolia.
Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene recalled his meeting with President Viola Amherd during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last January, and emphasized the importance of this state visit in the history of bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on opportunities to expand and deepen relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Switzerland. In particular, they discussed aligning the long-term development policy goals of the two countries and implementing specific projects in trade, economy, investment, culture, heritage tourism, agriculture, sports, and humanitarian sectors.
Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene highlighted that the Swiss Confederation is one of Mongolia's major foreign trade partners and expressed interest in expanding cooperation between mineral processing and banking and financial institutions.
Meeting with Japanese delegation led by Kazutoshi Nishida
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The 6th Northeast Asian Mayors' Forum is being held under the theme "Supporting and Implementing Sustainable Development and Public-Private Partnerships in Northeast Asian Cities". During this time, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar and Governor of the Capital City, Kh. Nyambaatar, received a delegation led by Kazutoshi Nishida, Deputy Mayor of Miyakonojo City, Japan.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar expressed his gratitude to the delegates attending the forum and stated, "In line with the 'New Recovery Policy' aimed at creating the basic conditions for effective implementation of Mongolia's long-term development policy 'Vision-2050', improving the economy, infrastructure and government productivity, we aim to increase the human resources of skilled civil servants that meet the needs and demands of local government service by sending our staff to study and gain experience in foreign countries. In this context, we would like to work together to bring senior Japanese consultants with experience to work in Ulaanbaatar in areas that require specialized knowledge such as environment, urban planning, roads, infrastructure, engineering construction, and public transportation, where there is a shortage of professionals."
Kazutoshi Nishida, Deputy Mayor of Miyakonojo City, Japan, expressed that he would be pleased to provide support and cooperation in all aspects to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in the future.
Incidentally, the Northeast Asian Cities Forum aims to promote common issues facing the region, showcase good practices of cities, develop together in the future, and expand regional cooperation. This forum has been traditionally organized every two years since 2014.
Mayor of Ulaanbaatar H. Nyambaatar met with representatives of St. Petersburg, Russia
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
During the 6th Meeting of Mayors of Northeast Asian Cities, the Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar H. Nyambaatar met with representatives from St. Petersburg, Russia, including Enokaev Valentin Kamilevich, Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg, Evgeny Pankeviche, First Deputy of the Tourism Development Committee, and other delegates.
During this meeting, Mayor H. Nyambaatar expressed his satisfaction that the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Russia have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and are expanding and developing in all sectors.
He also emphasized, "We initiated the first Meeting of Mayors of Northeast Asian Cities in 2014 with the aim of addressing pressing issues facing the cities of the Northeast Asian region, exchanging experiences, and expanding cooperation, and have been organizing it every two years since then. We hope that this meeting will further expand our future cooperation and make a valuable contribution to sharing and collaborating on development benchmarks between the two cities."
The representatives from St. Petersburg, Russia expressed their interest in expanding economic cooperation and collaborating in the education sector.
Infrastructure
Road repair underway from Household Services intersection to "Urgoo" cinema intersection
Published: Sun, 04 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The road from the Household Services intersection to the "Urgoo" cinema intersection in Bayangol district will be closed for repair and renovation work from 23:00 on August 3, 2024, to 06:00 on August 6, 2024.
As part of this work: Manhole covers will be adjusted to the level of asphalt concrete pavement, barriers will be replaced, signage and marking work will be done, and asphalt concrete pavement work will be carried out on the road surface.
Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised to choose alternative routes for travel during this period.
Society
Member of Parliament J. Bayasgalan discusses creating a friendly environment for people with disabilities
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
Member of Parliament J. Bayasgalan met today with a delegation led by Park Gil-su, Secretary General of the Association for People with Disabilities in Buryeon City, Republic of Korea. They exchanged views on creating a friendly environment for people with special needs in both countries, studying each other's experiences, and collaborating.
The meeting was attended by Park Sang-moo, a member of the Buryeon City Council, Hwang Moo-yeon, head of the Foreign Cooperation Team of the Buryeon City Administration, and Im In-hwan, head of the Food and Agricultural Products Team of Buryeon City.
Park Gil-su, Secretary General of the Association, congratulated Mongolia on electing a person with disabilities as a member of parliament for the first time in the country's history during the 2024 regular parliamentary elections. He expressed a desire to expand cooperation not only in other sports but also in the tourism sector.
Member of Parliament J. Bayasgalan stated that there are over 110,000 registered people with disabilities in Mongolia, and it is crucial to create social infrastructure that is friendly to these citizens. Therefore, he expressed readiness to study the experience of the Republic of Korea and work diligently to successfully develop cooperation, according to the Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural (Parliament).
Rescuers Ensure Safety of 37 Citizens
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn
Due to the rain that fell in the past day, the National Emergency Management Agency personnel worked to ensure the safety of citizens in 28 calls where homes and fences were flooded in the Bayanzurkh, Khan-Uul, Songinokhairkhan, and Bayangol districts.
Specifically, there were 17 calls for flooded homes and fences, 4 for cars being washed away, and calls for flooded public roads and squares. Out of these, 126 personnel with 44 pieces of equipment worked on 18 calls, pumping out 486.5 tons of water and ensuring the safety of 37 citizens whose homes and fences were flooded or who were trapped by water.
Public Transport Routes to "Danshig Naadam-Khüree Tsam 2024" at Khui Doloon Khudag
Published: Sun, 04 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The "Danshig Naadam-Khüree Tsam 2024" festival at Khui Doloon Khudag continues today. In connection with this, 10 buses will serve the public on two public transport routes.
Specifically:
Between 08:00-22:00: - "MUBIS - Khui Doloon Khudag"; - "Central Stadium - Khui Doloon Khudag" routes will serve the public.
Therefore, citizens are advised to travel according to the diagram below.
Source: Public Transport Policy Department
Environment
Rivers originating from Khangai and Khentii mountains are experiencing severe flooding, exceeding flood and danger levels
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn
As of August 2, 2024, the water levels of rivers originating from the Khuvsgul mountains such as Eg and Shishkhed, those flowing from the back of the Khangai mountains including Ider, Hanui, Chuluut, Orkhon, Ongi, Taats, Tui, Tsagaanturuut, as well as the Tuul and Haraa from the western side of the Khentii mountains, Kherlen from the eastern side, and Khalkh from the Great Khingan mountains have increased by 10-80 cm compared to the previous day.
Rivers such as Tuul (Bosgo Bridge-Ulaanbaatar-Altanbulag), Haraa (Darkhan), Eg, Onon (Binder), Kherlen (in its middle and lower sections), Khalkh (Yalaltbag), Ulz, Orkhon, Ongi, and Khogshiin Orkhon are flooding heavily, exceeding the flood level by 10-40 cm. The Tuul (Lun), Khurkh, Balj, Onon, Ulz (Dashbalbar), and Kherlen river near Baganuur district are severely flooding, surpassing the danger level by 10-50 cm.
Additionally, the Hovd, Buyant, and Kharkhiraa rivers in the Uvs Lake basin, originating from the Altai mountains, have exceeded their flood levels by 5-15 cm.
Tomorrow, on August 3, the water level of the Tuul River near Ulaanbaatar is expected to rise by 5 cm, the Chuluut River near Ondorulaan soum by 35 cm, the Orkhon River near Olziit-Kharkhorin soum by 10-25 cm, and the Kherlen River near Baganuur district and Ondorkhaan city by 5-10 cm.
As heavy rainfall is expected in most areas of the central and eastern provinces in the coming days, the water levels of these already full rivers may increase sharply in a short period. There is also a risk of flash floods in dry ravines, gullies, and valleys. We strongly urge herders and travelers to avoid camping or staying overnight in mountain valleys, river basins, or areas prone to flash floods, and to be cautious of flood dangers.
Operations of "MS Bell Mining" company that polluted the Ongi River have been suspended
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: unuudur.mn
Local authorities announced yesterday that they have suspended the operations of "MS Bell Mining" company, which has been extracting minerals in Zuunbayan-Ulaan soum of Uvurkhangai aimag. The nature conservationist of Zuunbayan-Ulaan soum reported to the aimag's Department of Environment and Tourism that the company was polluting the Ongi River, causing it to flow red. Following this, state environmental inspectors conducted an investigation and determined that the company's wastewater used in mineral extraction had flowed into the river due to a breach in the Ongi protection dam. As a result, the company's operations have been suspended.
Currently, the company is being made to repair the breached dam. The aimag's Department of Environment and Tourism has also given instructions to reinforce the dam and take preventive measures against disasters and accidents. Law enforcement agencies have opened a misdemeanor case and are investigating. Water samples have been taken from two points and are being analyzed in a laboratory. The company had been extracting gold from both primary and placer deposits in an area called Urtuntiin Urd Denjiin Heseg.
Innovation
Ministry of Education and Science: There will be a shortage of 4,200 teachers this school year
Published: Fri, 02 Aug 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn
The Minister of Education and Science held an urgent meeting last Monday. The meeting heard updates on the preparations for the new school year from relevant organizations in the sector, and it was reported that there will be a shortage of about 4,200 teachers this year.
Therefore, the following tasks and directions were given:
- Conduct research to initiate the process of granting teaching licenses flexibly through short-term training to young people who have successfully graduated from good schools both domestically and abroad, in order to address the teacher shortage
- Establish a system to transfer up to 20 percent of principals, administrators, and teachers within districts and regions in the capital city and provincial centers
- Develop proposals to study making school uniforms more optional at the primary school level, such as polo shirts, and allow school boards and principals to make their own choices
- Simplify and digitize the timeline and system for accepting materials from newly established private schools and kindergartens
- Provide directions to reduce paper usage in the education sector
Health
Ministry of Health: Two cases of measles confirmed, 725 contacts identified
Published: Sun, 04 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The Ministry of Health has just reported that a 47-year-old Mongolian citizen has been confirmed to have measles through laboratory tests.
D. Ochirbat, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health:
"The first case of measles was confirmed by laboratory diagnosis on July 31 to be a 47-year-old (male) Mongolian citizen. As of today, two imported cases of measles have been confirmed, one of which has become a domestic case. We have also registered one suspected case and taken it under control.
We have conducted two risk assessments in connection with the confirmed case. Although the assessment rates measles as moderate, the level of activity has entered the first level.
We are operating a case management headquarters approved by the minister's order. Over the past period, we have given instructions and directions to all health organizations in six areas to investigate and be prepared for this disease.
We have identified 725 contacts and organized focal vaccination, covering 67.1 percent of immunizations.
We have organized three trainings at all levels of health organizations and covered 1,200 doctors and professionals. We are taking preventive measures for the total population and the population at risk in order to reduce the risk of measles spread and reduce morbidity and mortality.
The State Emergency Commission met today and gave the following instructions. To intensify measles surveillance, organize immunization during outbreaks, and in connection with the start of the new school year, to calculate in detail the number of children who have been immunized and not immunized, and to vaccinate them urgently.
To intensify health monitoring of citizens coming from foreign countries, all levels of organizations (Border Protection Agency and border military organizations) will take the address and phone number of the destination to establish a return connection.
In connection with the start of the new school year, instructions were given to make a detailed risk assessment of the risk of measles outbreaks in general education schools and kindergartens, and to organize preventive measures against infection spread early.
Organize catch-up immunization promptly. Intensify surveillance and immediately eliminate outbreaks.
Urgently organize immunization during measles outbreaks.
Isolate and treat infected citizens in hospitals. Treat separately by severe and mild stages. Fully vaccinate unvaccinated children and citizens in stages.
Prioritize immunization of the elderly, those with cardiac and cerebral blood supply deficiencies, diabetics, and vulnerable groups. Citizens should maintain good personal hygiene. Avoid traveling to places at risk of spreading infection.
Measles is considered a highly contagious acute infectious disease of viral origin. In 2015 and 2016, more than 150 elderly, newborns, and vulnerable citizens were at risk.
We are organizing work to take good protective measures to prevent and treat the disease when it occurs to prevent deaths," he said.
Arts
Mongolian Cultural Heritage "Danshig Naadam-Khüree Tsam 2024" Has Begun
Published: Sat, 03 Aug 2024 | Translated from: news.mn
The Mongolian cultural heritage event "Danshig Naadam-Khüree Tsam 2024", organized by the Governor's Office of the Capital City, the Tourism Department of Ulaanbaatar, and the Gandantegchenlin Monastery, the center of Mongolian Buddhism, has begun at Khui Doloon Khudag. This festival, which will continue until the end of this weekend, features 256 strong wrestlers competing in the national wrestling tournament, 64 in Buryat wrestling, and 64 in Inner Mongolian wrestling, making it unique.
Opening the festival, H. Nyambaatar, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, said, "Danshig Naadam - Khüree Tsam is becoming increasingly important not just as a religious celebration and tradition, but as a way to promote and spread our national identity, heritage, and as a symbol of the unity and independence of the Mongolian people, celebrating our ancient history and spiritual uniqueness. This year's Danshig Naadam is notable for its focus on promoting and introducing the unique characteristics and culture of all Mongol peoples. I wish all the citizens of the capital and honored guests who have come to this festival to spread and promote our national heritage and unique traditions a wonderful celebration."
As part of the festival, there will be performances, competitions, photo exhibitions, small and medium enterprise exhibitions and sales, and many other cultural events showcasing the unique characteristics of religion, culture, and tradition.
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