Politics
G. Temuulen Takes Over as Justice and Home Affairs Minister
Published: 2026-09-23
G. Temuulen formally assumed office as justice and home affairs minister under Prime Minister N. Uchral’s September 22 order, succeeding S. Amarsaikhan. Temuulen took the ministerial oath after Uchral presented his appointment to parliament and said he would continue policy work begun by previous ministers. Amarsaikhan handed over policy documents from his work in the sector. Separately, he reported 18 draft laws at various stages: eight submitted to parliament, three enacted, six approved by the government for submission to parliament, and one sent for government consideration. Uchral instructed Temuulen to dismiss named law-enforcement and judicial officials that day, along with all people appointed in the preceding two days. He also directed action on housing fraud, asset confiscation, online gambling enforcement, and misconduct toward businesses.
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Cabinet to Submit First Public Investment Management Bill to Parliament
Published: 2026-09-23
The Cabinet has decided to submit Mongolia’s first standalone Public Investment Management bill to parliament after incorporating comments from government members. Mongolia currently has no dedicated law governing public-investment management. Core matters are covered by the Budget Law, while planning, implementation, financing, performance, oversight, and reporting for investment projects are governed through other legislation and government or finance-minister procedures. The proposed bill contains eight chapters and 63 articles. It is intended to create a unified policy and legal framework for managing public investment projects for national and regional development. The government says the measure would place key investment-management relationships under statute rather than administrative rules, while seeking to improve project implementation, support economic growth and jobs, advance infrastructure and social development, and improve public-service quality and access.
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New Rules Require Agencies to Collect Permit Documents Only Once
Published: 2026-09-23
The Cabinet approved rules for the unified registry and information database for permits and notifications on September 23. Under the rules, applicants will provide relevant documents once throughout the process from submitting an application to receiving a permit, while agencies are expected to process applications promptly. Officials were instructed to develop the systems and data-exchange services used to build the registry, operate its website, and provide professional and methodological support to authorities that issue permits or receive notifications. The government says the framework is intended to reduce duplicated paperwork, multi-stage procedures, and uncertainty in administrative services. It also aims to create a more favorable business environment and protect the lawful rights and interests of market participants.
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Parliament Has Yet to Approve Budget Amendment Tied to Pension and Wage Increases
Published: 2026-09-23
Parliament has not yet given final approval to the 2026 budget amendment, despite the government’s earlier expectation that it would pass before the autumn session and allow pension and wage increases from November 1. Prime Minister Uchral said that, if approved, the amendment would raise pensions for recipients receiving MNT 769,000 by MNT 300,000 and create scope to increase public-service wages. Economists and lawmakers offered conflicting assessments. National University of Mongolia professor B. Otgontogs said projected revenues were insufficient and identified proposed funding from state-owned enterprises, an Asian Development Bank loan, and government securities. He argued that the latter two would add external and domestic government debt. Budget Stability Council member N. Uuganbaatar estimated inflation would increase by 1.7 percent.
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Published: 2026-09-23
Prosecutors have sent the case against former Bank of Mongolia Governor N. Bayartsaihan to the first-instance criminal court serving Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts. Bayartsaihan was urgently detained and placed under investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption on October 24, 2024. Prosecutors issued an indictment under Article 22.1, Paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, concerning abuse of official power or position by certain senior officials. Under the provision cited in the report, a conviction can carry a lifetime ban on public service and a prison term of five to 12 years. The report does not provide details of the alleged conduct or a date for court proceedings. Sending the indictment to court advances the case from investigation to judicial consideration.
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Customs Inspector Jailed Over Bribe Linked to Cargo Firm
Published: 2026-09-23
A district court sentenced Ulaanbaatar Customs inspector B. Munkhzorig to one year in prison and barred him from public service for two years in a case involving a reported 500,000-togrog bribe, Unuudur reported. The court ordered the 500,000 togrog received as a bribe confiscated for the state. Investigators said owners of Marine New Post Express LLC, Kh. Tuyaa and Kh. Bat-Amar, used an intermediary on April 10 to pay B. Munkhzorig so goods with violations at the Technic Import customs-control area could be collected quickly without inspection or resolution of the violations. Another customs inspector, B. Munkhbat, received the same sentence in August. An investigation into a reported 50 million-togrog bribe involving General Customs Administration inspector D. Nyam-Osor is unfinished.
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DP Lawmakers End Attendance Boycott as Parliament Appoints Justice Minister
Published: 2026-09-23
DP (Democratic Party) parliamentary group members joined a plenary session on September 22, allowing Parliament to appoint G. Temuulen as minister of justice and home affairs. The autumn session had not held a plenary meeting since September 15 because attendance had repeatedly fallen short. Seventy-five members registered, and the source reported attendance at 59.5%; 17 DP lawmakers took part. The group said it joined because its demands to remove the justice minister and appoint a new one were being met. The report said members discussed only whether to attend, then decided by majority to participate. It characterized the decision as not resulting from an arrangement with Prime Minister Uchral. The Democratic Renaissance Alliance faction said it would put forward lawmaker D. Ganbat internally for next year’s presidential election.
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Economy
Government Approves Investment Plan With 20-Year Tax Stability Certificates
Published: 2026-09-23
The government approved a 2026-2028 plan to attract, protect and retain foreign investment, aiming to raise annual foreign direct investment inflows to $5.5 billion by 2028. The plan prioritizes renewable energy, data centers, value-added mining, agriculture and tourism, seeking to reduce mining’s dominant share of investment. Vice Prime Minister T. Dorjkhand said qualifying investment in the five sectors may receive customs-duty exemptions and defer value-added tax payments until project completion. Investors committing more than MNT 100 billion will be eligible for a 20-year tax stability certificate. The Trade and Investment Agency will also direct relevant ministries and local authorities to address investor complaints involving government bodies within 30 days, with the goal of resolving cases before litigation.
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Oyu Tolgoi Shareholders Target Dividends From 2027, Though Terms Remain Unsettled
Published: 2026-09-23
Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s shareholders have reached a principle-level understanding to bring forward dividend distribution to 2027, according to company executives, but the amount, financing terms and a final dividend agreement remain unresolved. Chief Executive S. Munkhsukh said the company must operate profitably, preserve safe mine operations, generate surplus cash and continue discussions with lenders before it can distribute dividends. Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi CEO B. Telmuun said negotiations led by Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan are continuing and that no dividend agreement has yet been signed. He said the Mongolian side is seeking dividends from 2026 financial results. Officials cited stronger copper prices and expected 2026 revenue of $7.3 billion as factors supporting discussions, alongside efforts to reduce costs and borrowing rates.
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ADB Raises Inflation Forecast as Fuel and Meat Prices Drive Risks
Published: 2026-09-23
The Asian Development Bank retained its forecasts for economic growth of 5.7% in 2026 and 6% in 2027, while raising its inflation forecasts to 10.7% and 8.3%, respectively. Senior economist Z. Munkh-Orgil said higher meat and fuel prices prompted the revisions. Inflation reached 12.5% in August, with domestic goods, particularly meat, the largest contributor. The ADB reported that the economy grew 7.7% in the first half of 2026, driven largely by mining and its transport effects, while household consumption fell 4.9% year on year in the second quarter. It identified four main risks: prolonged fuel supply disruptions, persistently high meat prices, planned fiscal expansion, and volatile mining revenue. The proposed 2027 budget would increase spending by 32%, potentially adding demand-driven inflation pressure.
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Parliament Committee Backs US$450 Million ADB Financing Framework
Published: 2026-09-23
Parliament’s Budget Standing Committee and Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy have supported a proposed US$450 million financing framework between Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank. The framework includes a US$200 million budget-support loan and a contingent disaster loan facility of up to US$250 million. The disaster facility would not be drawn immediately: Mongolia could access an initial US$125 million only if pre-agreed emergency conditions are met, followed by a further US$125 million after the first amount is fully used. The US$200 million loan would have a 15-year term, a three-year grace period and a floating interest rate of SOFR plus 0.5 percentage points. The committees also scheduled consideration of loan documents for an expansion project at Chinggis Khaan International Airport with Japan and JICA.
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China’s Coal Supply Policy May Support Higher-Quality Exports
Published: 2026-09-23
China’s National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration issued a September 15 notice on maintaining safe and stable coal production and supply. The measures follow tighter mine-safety inspections after a methane explosion at the Lushengyu mine in Changzhi, Shanxi, which slowed output at some domestic mines. The notice calls for restoring production safely, meeting medium- and long-term thermal-coal contracts, and using imports to help stabilize supply and prices. It also directs authorities to restrict imports of low-quality, highly polluting coal while supporting cleaner, more efficient imports. Production and border infrastructure in Inner Mongolia are to be strengthened. The Mongolian Coal Association said the measures could support transport through Gantsmod, Khangi, and Shiveekhuren border crossings and improve prospects for Mongolia’s higher-quality and washed coal exports.
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Ulaanbaatar to Consider Cutting City Tax From 2% to 1%
Published: 2026-09-23
Ulaanbaatar’s Citizens’ Representatives Khural is expected to consider a resolution to reduce the city tax from 2% to 1%, following a September 23 meeting with hospitality, tourism and food-service businesses. Industry associations proposed that the lower rate take effect on January 1, 2027. The tax is paid by purchasers of goods and services specified by law, while sellers collect and remit it to the municipal budget. City council chair D. Ikhbayar and Governor and Mayor B. Purevdavaa said the proposal would be submitted for discussion. Businesses also raised rising operating costs, labor shortages, cash-flow pressure, duplicate permits and inspections, parking, traffic congestion, tourist safety and seasonal revenue swings. The city has designated 2026 a year of support for businesses and says it has removed 103 permit-related registrations.
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PetroChina Daqing Tamsag Told to Increase Exploration, Investment and Output
Published: 2026-09-23
Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinyam instructed PetroChina Daqing Tamsag LLC to increase exploration, investment and oil production during a meeting with its chief executive, Zhang Guangyan. The sides discussed six issues: exploration and extraction, investment, crude-oil exports, revisions to the Petroleum Law, local cooperation and protection of operating areas. Damdinyam said output should rise from 800,000 tonnes a year to 1 million tonnes and asked the company to deliver concrete results. He also called for investor input on procedures connected with placing petroleum exploration and production under Internal Troops protection, and for the company’s formal views on the revised Petroleum Law. PetroChina Daqing Tamsag said it would examine options to intensify exploration, increase necessary investment and raise production before reporting to senior management.
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Diplomacy
President Khurelsukh Announces UN Security Council Bid for 2048-49
Published: 2026-09-23
President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh announced Mongolia’s candidacy for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2048-49 during the General Debate of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session in New York. He said the country supports expanding both permanent and non-permanent membership, improving representation for developing countries, and making the council more open and transparent. Mongolia is among 58 countries that have never served as a non-permanent member. In his address, Khurelsukh called for a stronger UN, multilateral cooperation based on respect for diverse national paths, action on climate change, and greater attention to peacekeeping, health, education, food security, women, children and landlocked developing countries. More than 130 heads of state and government are attending the September 22-28 session.
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Uchral Discusses Oyu Tolgoi Returns and Broader Cooperation With Australia
Published: 2026-09-23
Prime Minister Uchral met Australian House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick on September 22 to discuss bilateral cooperation, including mining, trade, renewable energy and student mobility. Uchral described Australia as an important third neighbor and Pacific partner, and identified Oyu Tolgoi as a central example of economic cooperation. He said negotiations with Rio Tinto had produced specific results toward reducing project costs and increasing Mongolia’s returns. The government wants to expand domestic suppliers’ participation, train national specialists, and localize technology and know-how linked to the project. Mongolia also proposed cooperation on renewable-energy investment, standards, accreditation and professional training, including Australia’s certification system for rooftop solar installers and designers. Bilateral trade reached USD 66.8 million in 2025, while about 28,000 Mongolian citizens live in Australia.
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Infrastructure
Car-Free Day Will Reroute 43 Bus Lines While Markets Stay Open
Published: 2026-09-23
Ulaanbaatar will hold its 14th Car-Free Day on Saturday, September 26, restricting vehicles in the central area between West Four Roads and East Four Roads and on several connecting streets. Several supplied reports set the restriction at 07:00–18:00, while another reports 09:00–18:00. Electric scooters, mopeds and Sur-Ron vehicles will also be barred from the restricted zone. Authorities plan temporary reroutes for 448 buses on 43 public-transport routes, using roads including the Great Ring Road, Narnii Road, Police Street and Gandi Street. Major markets and shopping centers will remain open. The city will also host Night Marathon Ulaanbaatar 2026, with 5 km, 10 km and 21 km races. Three night-bus routes, served by 24 buses, will operate on altered routes until 02:00.
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Parliament Panel Backs $995 Million Loan for Chinggis Khaan Airport Expansion
Published: 2026-09-23
A parliamentary standing committee supported draft exchange notes with Japan and a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Khushig Valley. The proposed concessional loan totals JPY 158.3 billion, or about $995 million, and carries a 40-year term, a 10-year grace period and a fixed annual interest rate of 1.10%. Plans call for an 81,900-square-meter passenger terminal, related infrastructure, a thermal power plant and expanded parking between 2028 and 2033. The airport’s annual passenger capacity would rise from 1.6 million to 5.2 million. Officials also plan to discuss shifting domestic flights to Buyant-Ukhaa Airport during Prime Minister N. Uchral’s planned official visit to Japan.
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Auction Planned to Secure Oyu Tolgoi Power Supply by 2030
Published: 2026-09-23
Deputy Prime Minister T. Dorjkhand said the government planned a public auction on September 24 to select a private-sector solution for supplying Oyu Tolgoi with electricity. The Energy Ministry had received submissions from 10 companies. He said the mine requires 99.5% reliability because underground operations extend 2,000 meters below ground, where an outage could endanger workers. Dorjkhand said coal-fired generation had lacked financing, while renewable projects could be built more quickly and had become cheaper. He said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development had indicated it could provide up to US$2 billion in financing to private-sector participants. He said contracted energy supply for Oyu Tolgoi could be possible by 2030, while annual funds leaving Mongolia total US$140 million.
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Road Lanes Near Mirage Center Close for Paving Work
Published: 2026-09-23
Roadworks are temporarily restricting traffic between the Mirage service center and the Central Geological Laboratory in the 21st microdistrict of Songinokhairkhan District. On September 23, the eastbound carriageway closed from 08:00 until 23:00 for road cleaning and base-layer asphalt-concrete paving. Previous work had repaired the westbound carriageway from the Suu company area to the Central Geological Laboratory. On September 24, authorities plan to close the westbound carriageway on the Mirage Center-to-laboratory section from 06:00 until 23:00. Crews will carry out cleaning and surface-layer asphalt-concrete paving during that closure. The restrictions affect a route serving the district’s 21st microdistrict and are scheduled separately by direction, rather than closing both carriageways at once.
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Government Sets Up Company for Baganuur Coal-Pyrolysis Plant
Published: 2026-09-23
The government on September 23 ordered the board of Chinggis Khaan Wealth Fund Association LLC to establish Baganuur Coal-Chemical Plant LLC as a public-private partnership for a coal-pyrolysis plant linked to the Baganuur coal mine. The fund association and a city-owned entity will hold 67 percent of the company’s ordinary shares; the Citizens’ Representatives Khural of Ulaanbaatar will decide the holder of the remaining 33 percent. The project is designed to produce 600,000 tonnes of semi-coke annually, include a 40 MW thermal power plant, and employ 400 people. Prime Minister Uchral has directed construction to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and commissioning in the first quarter of 2028. The decision identifies the public partner, allowing partner selection, contracting, and construction preparations to proceed.
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Sun Petroleum Opens 16,000-Cubic-Meter Fuel Storage Facility
Published: 2026-09-23
Sun Petroleum LLC has completed and put into operation a fuel storage facility with 16,000 cubic meters of capacity, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said on September 23. Built with government support, the facility can unload 14 rail tank cars at one time, which can improve the efficiency of fuel receipt, storage and distribution. The project forms part of the government’s 2024-2028 action plan, which calls for phased expansion of petroleum-product storage capacity to build reserves equivalent to three to six months of consumption. The new facility adds storage capacity intended to support strategic petroleum reserves and improve continuity of fuel supply. The reports did not specify the facility’s location or which fuel products it will store.
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Cabinet Reviews Progress on Russia-China Gas Pipeline Via Mongolia
Published: 2026-09-23
The Cabinet’s regular meeting on September 23 included a review of progress on a proposed natural-gas pipeline that would carry supplies from Russia to China through Mongolia. The reports state only that the project update was on an agenda of more than 20 items; they do not report a decision, construction timetable or change in project status. Other agenda items included a draft intergovernmental agreement on reciprocal visa exemptions, a proposed Budget Investment Management Law and related legislation, a government position on a draft cyber-resilience law, and a draft resolution on measures concerning a coal-pyrolysis plant. Ministers were also set to consider updated rules for the unified registry and information database for permits and notifications, and amendments concerning the number of radio and television services transmitted over state-owned terrestrial networks.
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Rail Operator Reaches Preliminary Deal for New Locomotives and Wagons
Published: 2026-09-23
Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan and Mongolian Railway SOE Chief Executive O. Batchuluun met CRRC Group executives in China on September 22 to discuss rolling-stock procurement, financing, fleet renewal and maintenance. The sides reached a preliminary agreement to purchase 20 locomotives, 500 to 1,000 wagons and 300 tank wagons in the first phase. Mongolia proposed acquiring the equipment through financial leasing under applicable laws and planning production and delivery schedules in advance. Officials are considering financing support from the Development Bank of Mongolia, DBM Leasing LLC, China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, known as SINOSURE, and other financial institutions. The Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway is scheduled to enter service in 2027, increasing transport capacity. Mongolia said its locomotive and wagon fleet needs to expand to meet growing demand.
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Thermal Power Plant No. 5 Construction Reaches 20%
Published: 2026-09-23
Construction of Ulaanbaatar’s Thermal Power Plant No. 5 has reached about 20% completion, while total project progress exceeds 30%, according to a site report. Foundation work for boilers, turbine generators and the chimney is under way at the former Thermal Power Plant No. 2 ash-pond site. The 300 MW project will have two 150 MW units and is planned to produce 340 Gcal of heat per hour. The plant is expected to supply heat to parts of Bayangol and Songinokhairkhan districts, including 5 Shar, Khilchin residential area, and the first, third and fourth residential districts. Equipment deliveries are planned to begin in October, and commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2028.
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Construction Advances on 100 of 113 Selbe New-City Blocks
Published: 2026-09-23
Construction is under way on 100 of 113 apartment blocks in the Selbe 20-Minute City project across 158 hectares in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts. The development is planned to contain 8,575 homes, along with schools, kindergartens, family clinics and local administrative services. City officials said the project is 39% complete, with 1,456 workers and 89 pieces of equipment on site. Most blocks have completed floor pouring and are moving to interior finishing, plumbing and masonry work. Contractors plan to install facades, doors and windows this autumn so the buildings can receive heating and interior work can continue. The first 3,818 homes are scheduled for commissioning in the third quarter of 2027; sales prices have not yet been set.
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Paving Completed on the 37.9-Kilometer Khatgal–Jankhai–Toilogt Road
Published: 2026-09-23
Paving has been completed on the 37.9-kilometer Khatgal–Jankhai–Toilogt road, a project financed by the Asian Development Bank and proposed by Member of Parliament B. Bat-Erdene. The project aims to develop tourism and prevent pollution of Khuvsgul Lake. It began in 2022 but was delayed because of the original foreign contractor. Domestic businesses subsequently continued the work and completed the paving on schedule. Work continues on road shoulders, signs and markings. Facilities are also being arranged for parking along the route, with capacity for 49 buses and 635 cars. Construction finishing work is under way at a tourist information center near Khatgal village. The report describes the completed paving and the remaining roadside, parking and information-center work.
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Society
Livestock Theft Cases Rise 69.7% in First Eight Months
Published: 2026-09-23
Police recorded 589 livestock-theft cases nationwide in the first eight months of 2026, up 242 cases, or 69.7%, from the same period last year. Police reported that criminal cases were opened and suspects charged in 300 cases, while the detection rate was 51.5%, up 4.9 percentage points year on year. Police have stepped up checks of livestock and meat transport with unclear origins, established additional checkpoints and increased inspections at markets and trading centers. In Khentii Province, police uncovered a case in which three people allegedly stole 66 large livestock and 328 small livestock in 50 incidents, causing 180.53 million tugriks in losses. Investigators are also examining the alleged theft of 29 male goats in Tuv Province. Police urged herders to keep animals attended and report suspected theft through 102.
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Prosecutors Indict 33 Defendants in Apartment-Order Fraud Cases
Published: 2026-09-23
The Prosecutor General’s Office said it has issued indictments in 20 cases involving alleged fraud through apartment reservation agreements. The cases involve 33 defendants accused of causing losses of MNT 62.9 billion to 656 people; 12 cases have been sent to court. In May, prosecutors conducted research into the cases and formed a task force at the Capital City Prosecutor’s Office to speed their resolution. Separately, prosecutors reported 173 cases nationwide involving 76 individuals and 89 legal entities, alleging MNT 211.1 billion in losses to 2,779 people; 93 percent were being investigated in the capital. Authorities have resolved 102 cases, recovered MNT 5.9 billion for 102 victims, restricted transfers of 372 assets valued at MNT 42.2 billion, and frozen MNT 1.7 billion. Investigations continue in 71 cases.
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Police Investigate Attempt to Lure Tenth-Grade Student From School
Published: 2026-09-23
Police warned that scammers’ methods are becoming more sophisticated after an unidentified caller allegedly tried to lure a tenth-grade girl away from her school on September 22. The caller told the student that her mother had died after being hit by a car and urged her to come outside immediately. As the girl was hurrying to leave, a school academic manager encountered her, asked what was wrong and contacted her parents to clarify the situation, preventing the risk. Chingeltei District Police are investigating. Authorities said they established that the unidentified person lives near the student’s home. Police also warned that deceptive incidents of this kind continue to recur.
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Environment
Government Funds Bear-Response Equipment After 240 Incidents
Published: 2026-09-23
The government has approved response funding for brown bears entering populated areas in 12 provinces, although reports differ on the amount: most cite MNT 1.088 billion, while one reports MNT 1.88 billion. More than 240 incidents have been reported, including two reports from Ulaanbaatar. The funding is intended for tranquilizer guns, specialized ammunition or deterrent spray, and fuel and travel costs for environmental inspectors. Authorities also plan to make live-capture cages for protected areas. In life-threatening situations, permits will allow residents in 12 provinces to shoot bears; Darkhan-Uul Province has received a quota for three bears. Environment and Climate Change Minister Ts. Sandag-Ochir linked the encounters to drought, food shortages and poor harvests. Mongolia has not conducted a brown-bear census since the 1980s.
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Police Detect Attempted Smuggling of 3,260 Wild Saiga Horns From Russia
Published: 2026-09-23
Police in Bayan-Ulgii Province detected an attempted illegal crossing involving 3,260 wild saiga horns, weighing about 700 kilograms, from Russia into Mongolia. Officers are conducting a joint investigation with border and customs authorities. The reports did not identify suspects or state whether arrests have been made. Wild saiga horn trafficking operates through highly organized networks, according to the reports, driven by demand in traditional medicine markets. Horns are commonly moved from Central Asian countries, including Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, toward East and Southeast Asia. The case concerns an attempted illegal crossing detected by Bayan-Ulgii police and remains under joint investigation with border and customs authorities. The reports do not provide information on the shipment’s intended destination or the species’ conservation status.
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Reservoir Project in Bayandalai Aims to Ease Gobi Water Shortages
Published: 2026-09-23
A reservoir is under construction in Bayandalai soum of Umnugovi Province to address water shortages in the Gobi region, conserve groundwater and provide water for wildlife, according to the Water Agency. The MNT 2.1 trillion project is designed to store 99,000 cubic meters of surface water and is one of the government’s larger climate-adaptation and water-conservation projects. Hydrodizain Innovation prepared the design based on research and recommendations from water-sector specialists. Khuis Nutag is carrying out the work under oversight from the Altai Uvur Gobi Basin Administration and the land relations, construction and urban development authority. The project is 20% complete, with crews currently filling the dam foundation and installing pipes. Authorities also cite the reservoir’s role in reducing the risk of wildlife perishing during periods of water scarcity.
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Health
African Swine Fever Pathogen Detected in Imported Frozen Pork
Published: 2026-09-23
Mongolia’s State Veterinary Sanitary Central Laboratory has detected the African swine fever pathogen in a tested sample of imported frozen pork. The finding was confirmed in laboratory result No. 26-4952 dated September 17, 2026. Veterinary authorities warned that African swine fever does not infect people but can cause major economic losses to pig farms. They urged strict biosecurity measures following the detection. The report identifies the product as imported frozen pork but does not name its country of origin, importer, brand, quantity or distribution locations. It also does not state whether the product had entered retail sale, whether any farms were affected, or what specific containment or recall measures authorities will take. The laboratory finding concerns a pathogen in the tested meat sample.
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Seasonal Flu Vaccination Reaches 277,546 People Nationwide
Published: 2026-09-23
Seasonal influenza and influenza-like illness vaccination had reached 277,546 people in target groups nationwide as of September 23, the Ministry of Health reported. Coverage in Ulaanbaatar stood at 59.9 percent, including Songinokhairkhan at 74.4 percent, Khan-Uul at 68.4 percent, and Bagakhangai at 59.3 percent. Average coverage in rural areas was 49.3 percent; Khovd, Arkhangai, and Orkhon reported 60.8 percent, 59.8 percent, and 58.8 percent, respectively. Among children, coverage was 89.9 percent for those aged three to six, 65.5 percent for infants aged six months to one year, and 39.5 percent for children aged one to two. Health authorities urged families to vaccinate children and other household members before influenza activity increases.
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Parliament Nears Vote on Ban for Flavored and Menthol Tobacco Products
Published: 2026-09-23
Parliament has one final-reading vote remaining on amendments to the Tobacco Control Law that would bring newer tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, under regulation and prohibit sales of flavored, scented and menthol cigarettes. The proposed restrictions have prompted debate over enforcement and the possible growth of illicit trade. The report notes that consumers may shift to conventional cigarettes or products of unknown origin rather than stop smoking. It cites France, where a menthol-cigarette ban took effect in May 2020 and French customs reported illicit-tobacco detections rising from 284.54 tonnes in 2020 to 547.94 tonnes in 2025. Enforcement could be difficult without detailed prohibited-additive lists, permitted standards, testing methods and licensing criteria. The report calls for clear criteria, stronger product-testing capacity, equipment and staffing to support implementation.
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