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Mongolia Daily: Oyu Tolgoi Confirms Dividends, Inflation Hits 13.4%, and Fuel Cuts Planned

MongoliaDaily

Politics

Cabinet Backs Witness Protection Overhaul and Whistleblower Bill for Parliament

Published: 2026-11-11

The Cabinet decided on November 11 to submit a revised Law on Protection of Witnesses and Victims and a new Law on Protection of Whistleblowers to Parliament. Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen said the witness law adds nine categories to the six currently protected, including suspects, defense lawyers, judges, prosecutors and victims’ families, and establishes an independent Security Service. The 26-article whistleblower bill allows oral, written or electronic reports. Temuulen cited rising corruption crime and a falling Corruption Perceptions Index. The guarantee of exemption from liability does not apply where a whistleblower knowingly reported false information, forged evidence or committed a crime while obtaining evidence. Temuulen said:

“A whistleblower who based the report on facts and verifiable sources, and had sufficient grounds to believe it true at the time, will not bear civil, administrative or disciplinary liability.” - G. Temuulen (eagle.mn)

Coverage:

Parliamentary Committee Backs Bill to Speed Release of State Reserves During Disasters

Published: 2026-11-11

Parliament’s Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy voted on November 11 to take up amendments to the Law on State Reserves, with 57.9 percent of members in favor. The government submitted the bill on October 23. It covers seven main areas, including faster release of goods and materials during disasters and accidents and better management of local reserves. Current rules lose time in the decision process. The bill would let the government member in charge of emergency management release reserve goods within limits set by the government. It would also define the reserve duties of governors at aimag, capital city, soum and district levels, and create a digital database for real-time monitoring of strategic, disaster and local reserves. Warehouses could be built, expanded or repaired through public-private partnerships. The bill will be presented to a plenary session.

Coverage:

MPP Factions Reportedly Agree to Pass 2027 Budget Before Cabinet Reshuffle

Published: 2026-11-11

Media reports say factions of the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) have agreed to pass the 2027 budget before addressing changes to Prime Minister N. Uchral’s cabinet. News.mn says the budget must clear four readings and be approved by November 15 under law. The MPP caucus in parliament is reported to be split, and the 42-member Democratic Party (DP) is said to have prepared a document to bring down Uchral’s government. Options reportedly under discussion include giving DP six ministerial seats or reshuffling ministers within the MPP. Urug.mn, citing sources, reports a possible swap of Economic Development Minister J. Enkhbayar into the defense post held by D. Batlut, with B. Choijilsuren and Kh. Gankhuyag joining the cabinet. Justice and Home Affairs Minister S. Amarsaikhan was earlier replaced by G. Temuulen.

Coverage:

Government Backs Garage and Parking Tax Exemption, Will Merge Bills for Parliament

Published: 2026-11-11

The Government agreed at its regular meeting on November 11 to merge a bill by MP A. Ganbaatar with a government-drafted bill and submit the combined text to Parliament. The legislation would amend the Law on Real Estate Property Tax to fully exempt one privately owned garage or parking space from the tax. Ganbaatar began drafting it in May and sought public input on the D-Parliament website on September 11. The Government drafted its own version after Prime Minister N. Uchral’s adviser O. Batkhuu launched a “Cancel the garage tax” initiative on E-Zasag.mn that drew more than 100,000 supporters in 20 days. The measure reflects the view that in the country’s harsh climate a garage is a household necessity, not a luxury. After formal submission, the relevant standing committee and a plenary session will hold final discussions.

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Budget Revision Advances to Second Discussion in City Khural

Published: 2026-11-11

A committee of the Ulaanbaatar Citizens’ Representatives Khural on November 11 backed, as submitted, amendments to the capital’s 2026 budget, an internal securities issuance and measures to improve budget discipline. The items now go to a second discussion at the Khural’s IX regular session. The budget revision aims to align revenue and funding sources with actual conditions, increase district financing, smooth public-sector pay growth, clear debts, and address winter preparations and costs from higher fuel prices. Delegates urged prioritizing works started last year that were not yet completed, whose work has been carried out but whose financing remains unresolved. They also called for including pay supplements and social insurance arrears of the Housing and Public Utilities Authority and a stalled school and kindergarten complex in Songinokhairkhan District’s 31st khoroo. Public transport, fuel-cost gaps and the “Milk” programme also came up.

Coverage:

Parliament Debates Limits on Children’s Social Media Use as Writer Backs Bill

Published: 2026-11-11

Parliament is debating a bill that would regulate children’s participation on social networks. Members including Digital Development Minister Ch. Nomin submitted the legislation. According to children’s writer O. Sundui, the bill restricts digital use by children up to age 13 and requires age-appropriate content for ages 13 to 16. Sundui, an Honored Cultural Figure of Mongolia, backs the measure in an interview with zarig.mn, arguing that heavy social media use reduces reading and native-language use and harms children’s emotional well-being. He says the bill would help families, teachers and writers raise readers.

“In essence, this is a bill that protects Mongolian children.” - O. Sundui (zarig.mn)

Sundui also notes that some countries are returning to traditional, offline habits.

Coverage:

O. Shijir Warns 2027 Budget Expansion Puts 6% Inflation Target Out of Reach

Published: 2026-11-11

O. Shijir criticized the 2027 state budget as the third parliamentary discussion concluded, calling it a wasteful, election-driven plan expanded by 10 trillion tugrik. He said inflation cannot be held at 6% next year and could reach 10-12%, and that 10% inflation would cut the value of 1 million tugrik by 100,000 tugrik. He argued that the debate centered on how to divide dividends from Oyu Tolgoi, whose arrival is uncertain, and that the third discussion ended in a way that limited lawmakers’ right to propose changes, with parties and caucuses voting down the few proposals made. He urged households and businesses to plan cautiously and said government policy hurts small and medium-sized enterprises.

“The state is not short of money; its policy is wrong, so people are worn out and poor.” - O. Shijir (urug.mn)

Coverage:

Government to Hold 21 Officials Accountable for Breaching Permit Procedures

Published: 2026-11-11

The government decided at its November 11 session to hold 21 officials accountable for violating procedures for issuing permits, including granting some permits unlawfully. Rather than dismissing all of them immediately, it opted for accountability measures, according to Government Monitoring Agency head P. Batbaatar.

“Rather than immediately dismissing all 21 officials, it was decided to hold them accountable.” - P. Batbaatar (tug.mn)

Batbaatar said that in Chingeltei District, officials took cash payments from residents, starting at 460,000 tugrik, in connection with issuing permits. That case was referred to the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) for investigation. The source did not specify what accountability measures will apply to the 21 officials or give details of the other cases.

Coverage:

Civil Service Council Annuls Two Agency Head Appointments Made in Violation of Law

Published: 2026-11-11

The Civil Service Council annulled the appointments of two acting agency heads, P. Bayanbaatar at the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority and G. Batkhuyag at the Culture and Arts Authority, after finding them unlawful. Deadlines to correct the appointments went unmet.

The decision follows Prime Minister N. Uchral’s dismissal last week of General Department of Taxation head B. Tsogtnaran, General Veterinary Authority head Kh. Altangerel and Investment and Trade Agency head B. Zandan, based on notices from law enforcement and the Civil Service Council. Uchral also ordered the status of acting officials, from the State Secretary down to agency heads, to be resolved through open selection.

“Public service is not a place to exercise power, but a place to serve citizens.” - N. Uchral (isee.mn)

“We will not persecute anyone, but we will not protect anyone who broke the law.” - N. Uchral (isee.mn)

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Anti-Corruption Agency Seizes 212.7 Million Tugrik in Bribes in Customs Officials Probe

Published: 2026-11-11

Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigators seized 212.7 million tugrik in bribe money and froze real estate valued at 405 million tugrik in 25 criminal cases involving customs officials. The cases involve 71 people: 40 customs inspectors and 31 authorized representatives. Investigators allege they abused their positions during border inspections of goods and vehicles, accepting bribes in the interests of cargo companies. The ACA uncovered the possible group money-laundering conduct in May 2026. The ACA said 17 cases have been resolved by courts, one is before the Inter-Soum Court in Zamyn-Uud, Dornogovi Province, three are under review at the Capital City Prosecutor’s Office, and four remain under investigation. These figures do not reconcile with the 25-case total. The seized bribe money was deposited in the ACA’s State Treasury account, and cases sent to court include proposals to turn the frozen property into state revenue.

Coverage:

Economy

Oyu Tolgoi and Rio Tinto confirm in letter plan for 2027 dividends

Published: 2026-11-11

Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Rio Tinto have told the government in writing that they are preparing a plan to pay 2027 dividends, Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan announced at the November 11 cabinet meeting. The letter, dated November 9 and signed by Oyu Tolgoi LLC director S. Munkhsukh and Rio Tinto’s Mongolia director B. Dulamsuren, refers to the government’s plan to collect 3 trillion tugriks from Oyu Tolgoi LLC in 2027, on top of taxes, royalties and other fees. Mendsaikhan said the payment would come in three stages, and a working group he leads is setting the schedule. Prime Minister N. Uchral said the investor side has reached a joint position and the timeline will be finalized.

“Politics claimed the investor side had not expressed a position on the dividend. This letter answers all of that.” - Z. Mendsaikhan (itoim.mn)

Coverage:

Inflation hits 13.4% in October, the year’s highest rate

Published: 2026-11-11

Consumer prices rose 13.4% year on year in October 2026, the highest rate this year, the National Statistics Office reported. Inflation was 9.2% in October 2025 and 7.5% in January 2026. The figure is 5.4 percentage points above the 8% upper limit of the Bank of Mongolia’s 2026 target range. Prices rose 1.1% from September, driven mainly by a 4.2% jump in transport costs. Food, beverages and water contributed 5.4 points to the annual rate and transport 2.8 points. Meat and meat product prices rose 44.4% year on year, including beef up 46.2% and mutton and goat meat up 55.2%. Imported goods, 55.3% of the consumer basket, contributed 4.9 points.

Coverage:

Government to propose fuel price cuts next week as supply improves

Published: 2026-11-11

Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinnyam said on November 11 that the government will act to lower and stabilize fuel prices. The Prime Minister instructed him and the Finance Minister to present a proposal at next week’s cabinet meeting. Damdinnyam said the country has faced fuel shortages for five months, with supply expected to improve in November and December. He cited July consumption of 100,000 tonnes against 47,000 tonnes imported, then 64,000 tonnes imported in August and 67,000 in September. Imports of 90,000 tonnes are planned this month. Russia cannot supply the volume requested but is raising deliveries as it can.

“In any case, we will bring fuel prices down and stabilize them.” - G. Damdinnyam (eagle.mn)

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Exports Rise 45.3% in First 10 Months of 2026, Producing $6.9 Billion Trade Surplus

Published: 2026-11-11

The National Statistics Office reported that Mongolia’s total goods trade turnover reached $28.8 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, with trade conducted with 164 countries. Exports totaled $17.9 billion and imports $11.0 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $6.9 billion. Compared with the same period a year earlier, total turnover rose by $7.1 billion, exports by $5.6 billion and imports by $1.5 billion, while the surplus widened by $4 billion. Exports grew 45.3 percent from the prior-year period, according to the report. Exports accounted for $5.6 billion of the $7.1 billion increase in total turnover. The figures cover January through October 2026 and are reported in U.S. dollars.

Coverage:

Flavor Ban and Higher Excise Taxes Take Effect in 2027 Under Revised Tobacco Law

Published: 2026-11-11

Parliament gave final approval on October 16, 2026 to amendments to the Law on Tobacco Control, which takes effect January 1, 2027. The revised law applies the same controls to electronic and traditional tobacco and bans all flavor and aroma additives, including fruit and mint. It also raises excise taxes on all tobacco products in stages from 2027 to 2031. A commentary on isee.mn warns that curbing the legal market while demand persists could push sales to online and informal channels and weaken the tax base. The state collects about 300 billion tugrik a year from tobacco taxes. The commentary cites a World Bank report on illicit tobacco trade, Canada’s estimated losses of up to C$2.75 billion in potential tax revenue in 2023-2025, and illicit products’ 64 percent share of Malaysia’s tobacco market in 2020. It urges stronger customs and police controls.

Coverage:

Gasoline Shortages Persist as AI-92 Supply Lags Demand and Price Rises

Published: 2026-11-11

Queues at fuel stations and shortages of some gasoline grades are straining daily life as winter sets in. Importers cite a contract with Russia’s Rosneft setting a monthly AI-92 minimum of about 50,000 tonnes, a figure set over a decade ago, while they put monthly demand at 75,000-85,000 tonnes. Importers say only about 15 percent of November orders had been loaded as of November 10. AI-92 rose from 2,590 to 3,600 tugrik. Importers say retail prices followed import cost, up from $705-873 to $1,070 per tonne. Importers deny withholding rail wagons, blaming a two-day customs delay on the zero customs duty lapsing October 21; a company representative says nearly 90 percent of wagons en route carry diesel. Separately, a news.mn commentary on winter hardship highlights the documentary “Colors of Tsagaan Khad” by director Ch. Khorloldorj, about a woman coal-truck driver.

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Cuts City Tax on Restaurants, Hotels, Bars and Car Services From January 2027

Published: 2026-11-11

Ulaanbaatar’s Citizens’ Representatives Khural approved a resolution cutting the 2 percent city tax on bars, restaurants, hotels, resorts, car washes and auto repair and maintenance from January 1, 2027. According to ikon.mn, car washes using grey water will pay 1 percent, while those using clean water will pay 2 percent. zarig.mn describes the rate as cut to 1 percent without that exception. Capital City Governor B. Purevdagva submitted the measure, which aims to ease the tax burden on businesses and residents during difficult economic times. The 2 percent tax on tobacco, accessories and alcoholic beverages stays unchanged. The mayor said a future review is planned:

“Going forward, we will look again at the tax on these two domestically produced, value-adding products.” - B. Purevdagva (ikon.mn)

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Central Bank Opens 48-Month Restructuring for Consumer Loan Borrowers in Payment Difficulty

Published: 2026-11-11

The Bank of Mongolia’s Monetary Policy Committee decided at its November 3 meeting to let borrowers in payment difficulty restructure consumer loans over up to 48 months. The restructuring adds no new lending or balance, and the 45 percent debt-to-income cap does not apply. The 48 months run from the restructuring date, regardless of time already repaid. B. Amgalan said monthly payments should fall noticeably, though total interest will rise. Consumer loan growth has slowed to 5.2 percent as of September, from over 40 percent annually in 2023 and 2024. Amgalan links this to debt-to-income rules, cut to 45 percent in January from 70 percent in earlier years.

“This is not debt relief. Borrowers must still pay the principal and interest in full over the extended period.” - B. Amgalan (news.mn)

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Central Bank Moves to Stop Funding Government Programs in 2027 Policy Guidelines

Published: 2026-11-11

The Bank of Mongolia has submitted its Basic Guidelines of Monetary Policy for 2027, which seek to stop the central bank from funding government programs. Inflation stands at 12.9 percent. The bank says addressing its root causes could bring it down to 5 percent, and warns that high inflation may return without urgent measures. The guidelines say central bank losses have grown from 1 trillion tugrik in 2011 to 6.9 trillion tugrik, with an equity shortfall of 4.8 trillion tugrik. President S. Narantsogt said the bank has financed programs outside its core mandate, including mortgage lending, price stabilization and pandemic-era funding. Since 2012, these quasi-fiscal measures have totaled 15.8 trillion tugrik. The bank has long asked the government to take over mortgage lending. The guidelines state that lower inflation would allow lower loan interest rates.

Coverage:

Current Account Surplus Reaches $471.7 Million as Goods Trade Gains

Published: 2026-11-11

The current account posted a surplus of $471.7 million in the first nine months of 2026, up $2.5 billion from the same period a year earlier, the National Statistics Office reported. The goods trade surplus rose $4.8 billion year on year, the main driver. The services account recorded a $2.4 billion deficit, which widened by $425.8 million, while the primary income account showed a $4.0 billion deficit, widening by $1.8 billion. Services revenue reached $1.7 billion, up $240.6 million. Transport services revenue rose $25.6 million, travel revenue $61.0 million and other services revenue $154.0 million. Travel accounted for 39.5 percent of services revenue, transport for 32.2 percent and other services for 28.2 percent.

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Parliament Committees Postpone Hearing on Petition for 857,000 Tugrik Oyu Tolgoi Payouts

Published: 2026-11-11

A joint session of Parliament’s Economic Standing Committee and Petitions Standing Committee was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on November 11 to consider a citizen petition on Oyu Tolgoi profits. The petition calls for a bill to transfer 857,000 tugrik to each citizen’s share account from three trillion tugrik of Oyu Tolgoi profit, described in one report as Mongolia’s share. Citizen Kh. Oyunbileg submitted it on the public petition system on October 23, and it gathered 100,475 supporters in just over 10 days, meeting the requirement for parliamentary discussion and referral to the two committees. isee.mn later reported that the hearing was postponed for unspecified reasons. The reports did not give a new date.

Coverage:

Financial Market Associations Urge Parliament Speaker to Appoint FRC Leadership on Merit

Published: 2026-11-11

Five associations of entities regulated by the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) sent a letter on 11 November 2026 to Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt about the appointment of the commission’s leadership. They represent securities dealers, insurers, real estate businesses, loss adjusters and non-bank financial institutions.

The letter notes that the FRC oversees more than 4,700 regulated entities across the capital market, insurance, non-bank financial institutions, savings and credit cooperatives and real estate brokerage. It asks the Speaker to:

  • select candidates on merit, not political affiliation;
  • publish candidates’ qualifications, experience, interest declarations and policy concepts;
  • hold open hearings that take in views from professional associations, market participants and civil society;
  • protect the FRC’s independence and continuity without disrupting sector operations.

Coverage:

Infrastructure

Ulaanbaatar to unveil heat-storage heaters on November 20 to cut air pollution

Published: 2026-11-11

Ulaanbaatar will present heat-storage heating technology to residents at Sukhbaatar Square on Friday, November 20, as part of its winter effort to cut air pollution. Working with UNICEF, the city plans to move 7,000-10,000 ger district households to electric heating with heat accumulators, aiming to reduce the number of chimneys by the same range. The project has two phases: insulation, then heat storage units. Electricity in ger districts is priced at zero from 21:00 to 09:00, when the devices charge; the technology stores heat for 12 hours. City officials also plan small power stations in ger districts with the UN Development Programme. The capital is implementing 573 winter-preparation projects and measures, with implementation at 95.1%.

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Ulaanbaatar Council Backs Road Fee Relief for Odd-Even Plate Driving

Published: 2026-11-11

Ulaanbaatar’s Citizens’ Representatives Khural backed an amendment to the annex of Resolution 24/29 on road usage fees at its Monday meeting, with 70 percent of attending representatives in favor. Under the change, vehicles driving on odd-even plate days, other than the weekly restricted days, would have an amount deducted from next year’s road usage fee. The city uses odd-even plate rules during Tsagaan Sar, preparations for September 1 and major international conferences. Of 744,246 registered vehicles in the capital, 720,122 are subject to plate restrictions. The draft resolution sets deductions by vehicle type of 274-1,370 tugrik per day, 3,836-19,180 tugrik per 14 days and 8,220-41,100 tugrik per month. Discounting the vehicle tax itself requires amending the Law on Motor Vehicle and Self-Propelled Vehicle Tax. The city administration has sent its proposal to the Government, which would submit it to parliament.

Coverage:

Working Group Opens Talks to Amend Booroljuut Power Plant Investment Agreement

Published: 2026-11-11

A working group held its first meeting on November 11 at the Ministry of Economy and Development to negotiate amendments to the Booroljuut power plant investment agreement, with investor Tsetsens Mining and Energy LLC attending. The investor requested changes to some terms of the 2016 agreement. The group, created by Prime Minister’s Order No. 237 of 2026, is chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development J. Enkhbayar. The plant supplied about 8.7 percent of national electricity consumption in 2025, when imports covered about 21 percent. Once Units III and IV are commissioned, capacity is planned to reach 600 MW, covering 20-25 percent of national consumption.

“The draft investment agreement must be prepared in line with legislation and sector policy, and its terms studied in detail.” - J. Enkhbayar (ikon.mn)

Coverage:

Sergelen Substation Enters Permanent Operation as Khunnu City Infrastructure Advances

Published: 2026-11-11

Core infrastructure for Khunnu City is advancing in Khoshig Valley, 53 km from Ulaanbaatar and 10 km from Zuunmod, near Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The 220/110/35 kV Sergelen substation, built on 6.4 hectares with 250 MVA of installed capacity, has been accepted for permanent operation by a state commission; it will also serve as a regional grid hub. Railway construction is 100% complete, with rail transport started and trial work continuing. A 41.5 km fiber-optic network, the 35/10 kV Khondii substation and the first flood-protection dam canal are finished. Still underway: the Aerocity substation (80%), the 5 MW Khunnu Eco Heat-2 plant (40%), a water reservoir and network with 2,000 cubic meters daily capacity (85%) and a wastewater plant with 3,000 cubic meters daily capacity (50%). The city is planned for 150,000 residents and 80,000 jobs.

Coverage:

Traffic Control Center Director Says Ulaanbaatar Signal Waits Will Not Exceed Four Minutes

Published: 2026-11-11

Ulaanbaatar’s traffic lights will not hold drivers for more than four minutes, according to Ch. Khuvziaya, director of the Traffic Control Center, a municipal public enterprise. Residents often complain of waits exceeding 10 minutes at signals after work hours. The concern was raised at a session of the capital’s Citizens’ Representatives Khural, where speakers noted the discomfort of long idling in winter.

Khuvziaya said waiting times arise from coordination with pedestrian crossings and junction traffic organization. Under a memorandum between the Traffic Police Department, the Capital City Governor’s Office and the center, signals are set with no cycle longer than 240 seconds.

“No wait at a traffic light will exceed four minutes.” - Ch. Khuvziaya (ikon.mn)

The capital has 176 traffic lights, maintained by the center. The city budget approved ₮1.3 billion for signal maintenance and new installations in 2025-2026.

Coverage:

Society

129 foreign nationals from nine countries deported from Mongolia

Published: 2026-11-11

Immigration officials reported that 129 foreign nationals from nine countries were deported from Mongolia for offenses including working without authorization, overstaying residence permits and exceeding temporary visa periods. The group included 110 Chinese citizens, five Russians, four Uzbeks, three Vietnamese, three Filipinos, and one each from South Korea, India, Syria and Malawi. In October, officials carried out 18 inspections, four planned and 14 unplanned, covering 2,677 foreign nationals at 198 businesses and organizations. Penalties were imposed in cases involving 2,262 foreign nationals, 91.6% of them tied to violations by inviting companies or organizations. Among violations by inviting parties, overstaying residence permits accounted for 46.2% and failing to obtain a permit within the legal period for 41.9%.

Coverage:

Chingeltei Fuel Outlets Run Low on Briquettes as Winter Sets In

Published: 2026-11-11

Contracted briquette sales points visited in Chingeltei District’s 16th, 17th and 18th khoroos had nearly empty stocks, a news.mn field report found. One outlet had seven bags left, a few days’ supply for one household. Sales of improved briquette fuel began September 15 at more than 400 points across six central districts, at last year’s price of 5,000 tugrik per bag. Households may buy seven bags a week, and sellers say residents ask for 14. Tavan Tolgoi Fuel plans to supply 427,000 tonnes this heating season: 120,000 tonnes of briquettes made from Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi washed coal and 307,000 tonnes of semi-coke fuel. Resident B. Dulamgarav described the shortage:

“When I come to the sales point near my home, I am met with answers that it is sold out or no one knows when it will arrive.” - B. Dulamgarav (news.mn)

Coverage:

Police Continue Searches for Four People Missing Since September and October

Published: 2026-11-11

Police said on November 11 that searches continue for four people reported missing in September and October. Col. D. Ochgerel, head of the Criminal Police Department’s search division, said a woman left her workplace, the sports complex of Erdenet Mining Corporation, at 18:00 on September 13; her family reported her missing on September 22. One person has been charged and detained. In Dornod’s Bayandun soum, a person reported missing on October 8 was sought by 844 people over 23 days, and the search continues. In Uvs, a person went to tend livestock on October 15; over 700 officers searched for 14 days, and the search was paused on October 29 and resumed at the family’s request. In Ulaanbaatar’s Bayanzurkh District, a person who left home on October 29 was traced 2.6 km using camera footage from 269 cameras, and 1,150 officers have joined sweeps.

Coverage:

Court Returns Ex-Deputy Governor Davaadalai’s Money Laundering Case for Further Investigation

Published: 2026-11-11

A court returned the criminal case against former Ulaanbaatar deputy governor T. Davaadalai, his brother T. Munkhdalai, A. Erbol and N. Bilguun for additional investigation after a preliminary hearing on November 11. The hearing at the Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei district criminal court of first instance ran from 10:00 to 18:00 under Judge D. Shinekhuu, and the panel rejected a defense request to postpone over a lawyer’s absence. The court found participants’ rights were restricted, including incomplete access to case materials, and required evaluation committee members’ involvement and an opinion from an expert council at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on environmental assessment timing. Police allege Davaadalai, with three related parties, illegally awarded a 16.9 billion tugrik tender for New Ring Road feasibility studies and designs. The four were investigated for abuse of office and money laundering.

Coverage:

Fact-Check Rejects Claim That France and Japan Discussed Burying Nuclear Waste in Mongolia

Published: 2026-11-11

The Mongolian Fact-Checking Center (MFCC) found false a viral claim that French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae discussed taking uranium from Mongolia and burying nuclear waste there. A Facebook post made the claim on April 3, 2026, and was recently reshared more than 2,900 times. MFCC traced the image to Road and Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan’s February 2026 visit to France, where he discussed financing transport modernization with Bpifrance representatives. Macron actually visited Japan on April 1, 2026, and met Takaichi on economic, security, energy and nuclear cooperation, including neutron reactors and fusion energy. MFCC noted there is no information that burying nuclear waste in Mongolia was discussed at the meeting. Article 4.2 of the Law on Nuclear Energy bans bringing foreign radioactive waste into Mongolia or burying it there.

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Citizen Begins Hunger Strike in Sukhbaatar Square Over Fuel and Meat Price Increases

Published: 2026-11-11

A hunger strike began in Sukhbaatar Square on 11 November 2026, when citizen S. Mishig protested rising fuel and meat prices. He said he wants to meet the Prime Minister and press for action on prices. Mishig alleged that fuel-importing companies colluded to raise fuel prices by 600 tugriks in a single morning, calling the increase unjustified and demanding a working group to investigate. He also said the Anti-Monopoly Agency is failing to fulfil its duties, which he believes created the situation.

He brought whips and mannequin heads symbolizing the 126 members of parliament, including one representing MP Kh. Dorjkhand, as a protest against officials he says pursue policies against citizens’ interests.

“The state has come to need an iron whip. If wrong decisions keep being made, fluid will leak from their heads.” - S. Mishig (urug.mn)

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Apartment Buyers Press Justice Ministry Over Delayed 16-Storey Brilliant Apartment-1 Project

Published: 2026-11-11

Buyers in the Brilliant Apartment-1 project held a press conference on 11 November 2026, asking why the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs (MJHA) and the National Institute of Legal Studies have not addressed their delayed apartments. According to buyers, developer Brilliant Partner LLC said the project on the institute’s land would serve civil servants, and they ordered on that basis.

The 16-storey, 160-apartment building in Bayanzurkh District’s 4th khoroo has been under construction since 2018. About 60 households are ministry employees, and over 100 households paid 50-100 percent upfront.

Buyer N. Javkhlan said the 60-plus households that joined their NGO invested about ₮5 billion, and losses could reach about ₮10 billion including the remaining 40 households. Buyers plan to meet the justice minister.

Coverage:

Environment

Heavy snow forecast for western and central provinces from November 12

Published: 2026-11-11

Most of the country is calm and warming by day on November 11 and 12, with no snow forecast anywhere on November 11. Ulaanbaatar turns cloudy on November 11 with daytime highs of +7 to +9°C, southwest winds of 3-8 meters per second and no snow. Nights drop to -4 to -6°C, and to -12 to -14°C around Yarmag-Songino. The meteorological agency has warned of heavy snow on November 12 in Bayan-Ulgii and northern Khovd, overnight on November 12-13 in Uvs and Zavkhan, and on November 13 in Arkhangai, Khuvsgul, southern Bulgan and western Tuv. On Saturday, November 14, wet snow, snow and snowstorms are forecast across most central provinces. Temperatures will fall, visibility on roads and passes will be limited, and icy conditions are likely.

Coverage:

Wild Deer Attacks in Zaisan Valley Prompt Safety Warning for Hikers

Published: 2026-11-11

Wild deer have repeatedly charged and butted people in Zaisan Valley, part of the Bogd Khan Uul Strictly Protected Area, prompting warnings from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the protected area’s administration. The administration said deer may attack to protect themselves when frightened. Possible causes include aggressive behavior by males during the spring and autumn rut, deer accustomed to being hand-fed, and people approaching too closely to photograph or touch them. Visitors are advised not to feed, touch, chase or provoke wild animals, and not to get too close for photos. If a deer acts aggressively, they should keep a safe distance and walk away calmly. Children should not be left unsupervised. Risky situations can be reported to 7707-0840 or 11-31-00-05.

Coverage:

Health

Flu Season Guidance: Prevention Steps, Home Care and Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Help

Published: 2026-11-11

Health guidance published by urug.mn as influenza and flu-like illness spread outlines prevention and home care. Recommended precautions include washing hands for at least 20 seconds, wearing masks in crowded, poorly ventilated places, airing rooms and staying home when ill. A flu vaccine lowers the risk of severe illness. For fever, paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used at doses suited to age and weight; children should not be given aspirin. Antibiotics do not act on viruses, and oseltamivir works best when started within 48 hours on a doctor’s assessment. Adults with breathing difficulty, chest pain or confusion, and infants under three months with a fever of 38 degrees or higher, should seek urgent care; the emergency number is 103. High-risk groups include children up to five, people over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic illness.

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Sports

PGL Moves Counter-Strike 2 Tier 1 Tournament From China to Ulaanbaatar for April 2027

Published: 2026-11-11

PGL has moved its fourth 2027 tournament from China to Ulaanbaatar after obtaining special approval from game developer Valve. PGL Ulaanbaatar 2027 is a Counter-Strike 2 Tier 1 event in April 2027; sources give differing dates between April 14 and 26. Sixteen teams will compete for a $1 million prize pool plus a $300,000 VRS invite bonus. Fourteen teams qualify through the Valve Regional Standings ranking and two through regional qualifiers. BLAST Premier Open Ulaanbaatar 2027, the organizer’s first Tier 1 event in Mongolia, is scheduled for May 10-23 with the Mongolian Esports Association. Capital City Governor B. Purevdagva commented on the event:

“Ulaanbaatar has every opportunity to become a hub for major international esports tournaments. Hosting PGL Ulaanbaatar 2027 is an important step toward giving Mongolia a clear place on the world esports map.” - B. Purevdagva (eagle.mn)

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