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Mongolia Daily: Oyu Tolgoi deal, confidence push, budget delay, and Russia trade forum

MongoliaDaily

Politics

DP Presses Prime Minister Uchral to Seek Parliamentary Confidence Vote

Published: 2026-09-14

The DP Political Council and its parliamentary group decided on September 14 to press Prime Minister N. Uchral to submit a parliamentary confidence motion. The party says it will seek the motion before continuing participation in plenary and standing-committee sessions. Its demand follows allegations that the proposed 2026 budget amendment allocates MNT 3.5 billion to a school linked to Uchral’s family. DP member B. Enkhmunkh filed a complaint with the Independent Authority Against Corruption, while Uchral denied the allegation and said he had also asked the agency to investigate. DP leader O. Tsogtgerel also criticized the 2026 budget amendment and proposed 2027 budget as unworkable, arguing that they could fuel inflation. Under Article 44 of the Constitution, failure to win a confidence vote would mean the prime minister is considered resigned.

“The government of Prime Minister N. Uchral must resign, and we will press him to submit a confidence motion.” - O. Tsogtgerel (ikon.mn)

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Parliament Defers 2026 Budget Amendment to Autumn Session

Published: 2026-09-14

Parliament closed its September 7-14 extraordinary session without final approval of the 2026 budget amendment, transferring the bill to standing committees for preparation for its third reading. Lawmakers completed the second reading of the amendment and related bills on September 14, after Economic and Budget Standing Committee meetings had been delayed the previous week because quorum was not met. The amendment proposes MNT 1.4 trillion in spending, including MNT 150 billion for price stabilization, MNT 200 billion for energy repairs and subsidies, and MNT 50 billion for schools closer to homes. Speaker S. Byambatsogt said the measure addresses spending cuts, food-price controls, fuel reserves, energy reliability, and wage and pension increases. Parliament’s regular autumn session opens September 15 and will continue debate on the amendment before considering the 2027 budget proposal.

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Budget Revision Sets Aside MNT 50 Billion for Chinese Power Imports

Published: 2026-09-14

Parliament’s Standing Committee on the Economy discussed a proposed revision to Mongolia’s 2026 budget that includes MNT 50 billion for electricity imports from China. MP M. Enkhtsetseg said the plan covers 150 million kWh through year-end at a tariff of nine US cents per kWh, and questioned why the figure exceeds an earlier National Dispatching Center estimate of 40 million kWh. Acting Energy Ministry State Secretary G. Enkhtuvshin said the imported electricity would meet Umnugovi Province’s demand, where the evening peak has extended to 17:00-23:00 as the economy grows. He said the subsidy calculation covers August through November. Enkhtsetseg also challenged a MNT 790 million tender to prepare an electricity-export strategy.

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Enforcement Agency Chief Alleges Pressure Over Appointments and Debt Cases

Published: 2026-09-14

General Executive Agency of Court Decisions chief A. Namsamand alleged on September 14 that Justice and Home Affairs Minister S. Amarsaikhan had pressured the agency to appoint people who did not meet legal or job-description requirements. He said the agency had appointed the minister’s driver’s wife to lead the Tur Khurkh recreation and sanatorium facility and the driver’s brother to head the Arkhangai provincial enforcement office. Namsamand also alleged interference in civil enforcement cases involving companies linked to politically influential figures, including a company connected to the minister with more than USD 4 million in liabilities and another minister-linked case valued at MNT 53 billion. He said the agency plans to refer suspected breaches of state and official-secrets laws to law-enforcement bodies.

“I did not swear an oath to carry out any minister’s unlawful orders.” - A. Namsamand (ikon.mn)

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Government Plans Higher Pensions, Public-Service Pay and Mortgage Support

Published: 2026-09-14

Prime Minister Uchral presented planned pension, wage, energy and housing measures at a Mongolian Confederation of Trade Unions event on September 14. Under the proposed 2026 budget amendment, the base pension would begin on November 1, lifting a MNT 769,000 pension to MNT 1 million and increasing pensions by an average of MNT 380,000. The government also plans to raise pay for public-service employees by 50%, keep electricity tariffs unchanged, and include 16,000 households in its mortgage-loan program. It allocated MNT 200 billion to the energy sector, including MNT 100 billion in subsidies and half of the total for repairs and upgrades. Uchral said the government intends to collect MNT 3.5 trillion in dividends from state-owned companies for the budget and has formally secured dividends from Oyu Tolgoi, projected at MNT 3 trillion.

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Lawmakers Submit Bill to Disclose Resource Revenues and Beneficial Owners

Published: 2026-09-14

Members of parliament B. Uyanga, B. Munkhsoyol and B. Jargalan submitted a draft Law on Transparency in Natural Resource Use. The bill would create a unified online portal to consolidate and disclose reports and information related to the use of mineral, water, forest, animal and plant resources. The portal would electronically receive, register, store, process, verify, publish and exchange reports and information. It would make permits, contracts, payments, taxes, revenues, beneficial-owner information and environmental-impact information publicly accessible. Under the proposal, information on resource-use payments and taxes, and on payments, dividends, donations, aid and support paid to state-owned or locally owned entities, would not be classified as an organization’s secret. Contracts, agreements and their amendments would be published in full on the portal. The five-chapter, 22-article bill includes proposed amendments to 17 laws.

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Chief Justice Sets Plan to Cut Court Delays and Improve Transparency

Published: 2026-09-14

Chief Justice Ts. Tsogt of the Supreme Court outlined four priorities at a September 14 briefing with more than 30 media representatives: coordinate with the Judicial General Council and Judicial Disciplinary Committee; improve legal consistency and case management; identify reasons hearings are postponed; and make court operations more open. He said application-based loan disputes account for most cases at the recently established Simplified Procedure Court, sharply increasing its workload. The Supreme Court is reviewing the issue with parliament and the Financial Regulatory Commission. It has begun automating some staff tasks with the council and testing the Court Channel and CaseLine digital platforms to share hearings and court information with journalists.

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President Orders Bayan-Ulgii Officials to Address Discrimination and Protect National Unity

Published: 2026-09-14

President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh instructed Bayan-Ulgii Province leaders and the heads of judicial, prosecutorial and law-enforcement bodies to prevent discrimination and actions that could harm national unity or national security. He said all citizens have a duty to learn Mongolian, the official state language, and called for stronger early-language education. The president also stressed that burial rituals are prohibited in winter and spring camps, pastureland, historical and cultural sites, and specially protected environmental areas. He directed officials to enforce laws on place names and administrative names, prevent unlawful conduct, and ensure public-service recruitment follows legal criteria for knowledge, ability and ethics rather than local origin, personal connections or party affiliation. National Security Council Secretary A. Byambajargal was tasked with coordinating follow-up work.

“No one should be discriminated against because of ethnicity, social origin, religion or political views.” - President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh (gogo.mn)

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HUN Party Backs Government Stability While Promoting Data-Center Energy Exports

Published: 2026-09-14

The HUN Party said it would work to keep the government stable and focused on results, saying stability was part of its commitment to foreign partners and investors seeking predictable medium- and long-term business conditions. Deputy Prime Minister and HUN Party leader T. Dorjkhand described four forms of energy export: green hydrogen, data centers, green metals and physical electricity. He said data centers could pair power plants at coal deposits with nearby solar and wind generation, producing tokens that would be sold through fiber-optic cable. Dorjkhand said agreements on more than USD 30 billion in investment were reached during COP17. He also said a Data Law submitted to Parliament would set assurances for storing and protecting data and keeping it confidential while bringing it into economic circulation.

“If unjustified accusations are used to destabilize the government, we will respond firmly.” - T. Dorjkhand (ikon.mn)

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Economy

Oyu Tolgoi Agreement Cuts Projected Costs and Targets 2027 Dividends

Published: 2026-09-14

Mongolia and Rio Tinto have signed amendments to Oyu Tolgoi’s 2011 Shareholders’ Agreement following negotiations that began in August 2025. The government says the changes could reduce projected costs by about MNT 30 trillion: around MNT 8 trillion from lower management costs and eliminating duplication, and MNT 22 trillion from lower shareholder-loan interest. Finance Minister Mendsaikhan said the rate will fall from SOFR plus 6.5% to SOFR plus 4.0%, cutting interest expense by USD 6.2 billion; reviews will shift from every seven years to every three. The parties agreed to work toward dividends from 2027, but the amount and structure remain to be finalized. The 2027 budget projects at least USD 835 million in dividends.

“We have made substantial changes to the Shareholders’ Agreement and reduced both shareholder-loan interest and management-service fees.” - Simon Trott (unuudur.mn)

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Oil Prices Rise Above USD 107 After Attacks Threaten Saudi Supply Routes

Published: 2026-09-14

Oil prices rose by more than 3% on September 14 after attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of supply disruption. Brent futures climbed to between USD 107.56 and USD 108.23 per barrel in reports during the day, while West Texas Intermediate reached about USD 103.20 per barrel. Saudi Arabia temporarily closed its East-West pipeline after a reported drone strike on September 10. The pipeline can carry up to 7 million barrels a day from eastern oil-producing areas to Red Sea terminals, providing an export route that bypasses the Persian Gulf. Reports also cited attacks on shipping in the Gulf and the wider risks around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. The duration and scale of damage to the pipeline have not been confirmed.

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CNPC Plans Fuel Deliveries as Mongolia Seeks Long-Term Supply Deal

Published: 2026-09-14

Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinyam met China National Petroleum Corporation executives to discuss expanding petroleum-sector cooperation over the next 20 years. The parties agreed to work on stable long-term fuel supplies from China, increased oil exploration and production in Mongolia, and feedstock for Mongolia’s oil refinery. CNPC is set to supply 10,000 tonnes of motor gasoline and 7,000 tonnes of jet fuel and diesel this month. Mongolia’s ministry has also requested an additional 5,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline and 20,000-30,000 tonnes of diesel for September, followed by 10,000 tonnes of AI-92 and 30,000-40,000 tonnes of diesel next month. The Chinese side said it would review the request positively. The parties also discussed a long-term agreement to stabilize fuel supplies.

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Exporters Face Tariff-Preference Issues as Russian Customs Data Remain Unupdated

Published: 2026-09-14

The first Joint Committee meeting on implementation of Mongolia’s interim trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states has discussed obstacles facing exporters after the agreement took effect. Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President B. Lkhagvajav said exporters have encountered difficulties involving tariff preferences, customs clearance, payments and information coordination. Reported problems include Russian customs-system data that have not been updated, differences in signatures on certificates of origin, and requests for an additional Form B certificate. Dairy exports to Kazakhstan also face veterinary and quarantine-related restrictions. The Mongolia-Russia Regional Forum II began on September 14, with business-to-business meetings involving more than 100 companies from the two countries. Participants discussed trade, investment and cooperation opportunities and were expected to sign cooperation memorandums.

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Foreign Trade Turnover Reported at $22.8 Billion in Eight Months

Published: 2026-09-14

Mongolia reported $22.8 billion in foreign trade with countries worldwide during the first eight months of 2026. The source separately states a 36.8% year-on-year comparison. It reports exports of $14.4 billion in goods and raw materials, alongside a separately stated 57.2% year-on-year comparison. Imports were reported at $8.4 billion in goods and products; the source also states a 12.0% year-on-year comparison and gives a more exact import figure of $8.3735 billion. Total turnover was reported more exactly as $22.7735 billion. Separately, the source reports a trade balance surplus of $6.0266 billion. It says export growth was relatively higher than import growth and was a main influence on the increase in the trade surplus. The figures cover January through August 2026.

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Apartment Prices Reported 2.2% to 2.4% Higher Than Previous Month

Published: 2026-09-14

In August, the source reported overall housing-price comparisons of 7.2% with the same month a year earlier and 2.5% with the previous month. It separately reported monthly comparisons of 2.2% for new apartments and 2.4% for existing apartments. The average price of new apartments was MNT 4.77 million per square meter, with Sukhbaatar District highest at MNT 5.5 million. Existing apartments averaged MNT 4.7 million per square meter, and Sukhbaatar District was again highest at MNT 5.8 million. Areas around Sukhbaatar Square and 220 Myangat had the highest average, MNT 7.89 million per square meter, while the 21st khoroolol area of Songinokhairkhan recorded the lowest, MNT 3.1 million. Average monthly rent was MNT 1.4 million for one-room, MNT 1.9 million for two-room and MNT 3.3 million for three-room apartments.

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Erdenet Sells Molybdenum Concentrate Through Exchange for First Time

Published: 2026-09-14

Erdenet Mining Corporation held its first trade in molybdenum concentrate through the Mongolian Stock Exchange last Friday. The transaction involved a combined 988 tonnes of wet and dry concentrate containing at least 44% molybdenum, sold at a reported minimum price of about $28,317. According to the source, using the exchange could make it possible to sell molybdenum concentrate in line with market conditions, increase buyer participation, broaden sales channels, and improve sales efficiency and transparency. Erdenet processes an average of 40 million tonnes of ore annually and produces about 600,000 tonnes of copper and 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes of molybdenum concentrate. In the first quarter of 2026, it prepared 1,600 tonnes of molybdenum concentrate. The source describes the transaction as the company’s first exchange trade for the product.

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Inflation Reaches 12.5% as Fiscal and Monetary Policies Pull in Opposite Directions

Published: 2026-09-14

Consumer inflation stood at 12.5% in August, well above the Bank of Mongolia’s medium-term target range of 3% to 7%. The central bank raised its policy rate by 0.5 percentage points to 12.5% on August 12 and increased banks’ reserve requirement to 14.5%, seeking to curb credit demand and money growth. Its measures typically affect the banking system after two to three quarters and broader inflation after three to six quarters. At the same time, the government has approved pension increases of MNT 100,000 to MNT 300,000 for more than 450,000 seniors from November 1, alongside public-sector pay rises. The timing could prolong high interest rates if stronger household demand outpaces supply.

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Coal Exports Are Projected to Reach 100 Million Tonnes by Year-End

Published: 2026-09-14

Parliament’s Economic Standing Committee began reviewing second-reading amendments to the 2026 state budget, National Wealth Fund budget, Social Insurance Fund budget and Health Insurance Fund budget. Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan said the budget recorded a MNT 2.2 trillion shortfall in second-quarter execution, partly because spending planned for the end of the year, including teacher and doctor salary funding, was brought forward in May. He said the government expects tax revenue to remain on track through year-end. The 2026 budget assumed 90 million tonnes of coal exports at an average price of USD 70 per tonne; the market price was about USD 68. Coal exports had reached 80 million tonnes by August, with about 100 million tonnes projected for the full year.

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Diplomacy

Ulaanbaatar Hosts Mongolia-Russia Forum on Regional Trade and Transport

Published: 2026-09-14

The second Mongolia-Russia Regional Forum is being held in Ulaanbaatar on September 14-15, bringing together more than 400 representatives of national and local authorities, chambers of commerce, business associations, and companies. Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Development Minister J. Enkhbayar and Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Minister Ts. Iderbat represent Mongolia, while Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk leads the Russian delegation. The program includes business matchmaking, bilateral meetings, an enterprise exhibition, and sessions on transport connectivity, border cooperation, sports, tourism, and the Eurasian corridor. Participants will also hold the first meeting of a joint committee created under the interim trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union. Overchuk said the sides plan to discuss transit capacity, non-tariff barriers, customs cooperation, technical trade barriers, e-commerce, and rules of origin.

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Infrastructure

Planned Power Outages Scheduled at Listed Locations This Week

Published: 2026-09-14

Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network has announced temporary planned power outages at listed locations from September 14 to 20. The interruptions are connected to planned distribution-network maintenance, which the utility said is conducted under electrical-installation safety rules and technical operating standards for energy equipment and facilities. It asked consumers to temporarily adjust their electricity use during the announced interruption periods and to be patient while work is carried out. The reports state that locations are included in the weekly schedule, although the supplied text does not reproduce individual locations or outage times. The utility said weather conditions may require schedule changes. If that occurs, it will send information to the mobile phone number registered under the customer’s contract.

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Jet Fuel Supply at Chinggis Khaan Airport Returns to Normal

Published: 2026-09-14

Erchis Oil LLC reported that aircraft-fuel supply has stabilized at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. It said the airport’s fuel hydrant system returned to normal operation on September 12 and began fueling aircraft with TS-1 aviation fuel. Refueling trucks are also supplying aircraft with both TS-1 and Jet Fuel No. 3, according to the company. Erchis Oil LLC said aircraft refueling with the two fuel types is proceeding normally and without restrictions. The statement specifically concerns aircraft fuel at the airport. It describes both the airport hydrant system and refueling trucks as operating: the hydrant system is supplying TS-1, while the trucks are supplying TS-1 and Jet Fuel No. 3. The company’s update reports normal refueling operations for both listed fuel types.

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Erdeneburen Hydropower Project Reaches 40% Completion

Published: 2026-09-14

Construction of the 90 MW Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant in Khovd Province has reached 40% completion, according to an update reviewed by President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on September 14. The project is scheduled to enter service in May 2030 and generate 360 million kWh annually, enough to fully supply the western region and support the central grid. Workers have completed a 385-meter water-diversion tunnel, linked auxiliary tunnels to four main-tunnel sections, and finished foundation work. PowerChina is building the project. The planned dam and 11 billion-cubic-meter reservoir will create a lake 24 km long and 4 km wide, which Khurelsukh named Shuteen Lake. The project manager said it is expected to create about 100 permanent jobs and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 300,000 tonnes.

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Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway Reaches 54% Completion

Published: 2026-09-14

Construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway was 54.15% complete as of September 14, and installation of its track superstructure had formally begun. The project includes 32.6 km of superstructure work. As of the update, 2.5 km of narrow-gauge superstructure had been installed, five turnouts assembled, and 2,304 reinforced-concrete sleepers placed at three locations. Package two covers work on a long bridge. Its reported output includes 2,382 long-pile foundations, 291 intermediate supports and 666 girders; crews had completed installation of 426 girders. The progress figures and construction details were provided in an update attributed to Tavantolgoi Railway LLC. The update described work underway on the rail project as of the stated date.

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Ulaanbaatar to Start Household Heating on September 15

Published: 2026-09-14

Ulaanbaatar plans to begin supplying heat to households on September 15 after water and heat-transfer centers begin filling their systems, Citizens’ Representative Khural member Ch. Mendbayar said on September 14. Heating for businesses is scheduled to start on October 1. The city’s winter-preparedness work is 83% complete, he said. Mendbayar also reported progress on stockpiling meat for the spring: 21 companies entered the municipal agriculture authority’s tender, with 19 qualifying. Five companies have received loans and authorization to prepare 3,000 tonnes of meat, while approvals for the remaining firms are expected in stages. The city expects the reserve-meat procurement to finish in October and November.

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Yunex Traffic Begins Work on Smart Traffic Management for Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2026-09-14

Specialists from Germany’s Yunex Traffic have begun work at Ulaanbaatar’s Traffic Management Center to introduce a smart traffic-management system, according to official sources. The work forms part of a World Bank-supported project to modernize the city’s traffic-control system. Yunex Traffic specializes in traffic management, intelligent traffic signals and intelligent transportation systems. Ulaanbaatar has already installed more than 2,600 smart cameras at 176 intersections and access points, linking them to a unified network. The system counts traffic volumes in real time, identifies vehicle routes and flows, and detects vehicles involved in traffic violations. Separately, the Yunex Traffic specialists are to introduce a system for intelligently managing traffic movement in Ulaanbaatar.

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Erdenet Plans 1,000-kW Solar Plant Under 2027-31 Investment Program

Published: 2026-09-14

Erdenet Mining Corporation plans to build a 1,000-kW solar power plant as part of a 2027-2031 investment program intended to strengthen competitiveness and support stable growth. The program also covers mineral-reserve expansion, modernization of the open-pit mine and vehicle transport workshop, upgrades and expansion at its repair and mechanical plant, and renewal of water-supply pipelines, electricity networks and substations. The company also plans a fully automated tree nursery complex using advanced technology and strategic investment projects to fully develop the Oyut deposit. Chief Executive G. Yondon told Economy and Development Minister J. Enkhbayar that coordinated state policy, a stable legal environment and a unified implementation mechanism would be needed to support the plans.

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Ulaanbaatar Unveils Infrastructure and Transit Program, Including Sky Shuttle Study

Published: 2026-09-14

Ulaanbaatar Governor B. Purevdavaa presented the New Generation Ulaanbaatar policy, which combines projects on air pollution, transport congestion, utilities, public services and urban green space. The city reports that construction of Thermal Power Plant No. 5 is 16% complete and the Dambadarjaa thermal plant is 70% complete. It plans 158.8 km of roads, a 327.5-km cycling network, five multilevel intersections, and additions to the public-bus fleet and route network. The policy includes a Sky Shuttle high-capacity transit project, alongside dedicated-lane buses, metro, tram and cable-car proposals. The Sky Shuttle feasibility study is scheduled for completion in December, with the city working toward opening a line within two years. The policy also identifies expanded charging infrastructure and household solar and liquefied-gas energy systems as pollution-reduction measures.

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Seat Reservations Begin on Buses to Airport and Outlying Districts

Published: 2026-09-14

Ulaanbaatar has started a pilot seat-reservation service on public buses serving Baganuur, Bagakhangai and Chinggis Khaan International Airport in the Khushig Valley. Sh. Oyumaa, senior transport-policy and planning specialist at the Public Transport Policy Office, said the city’s new fare-management system lets passengers use a mobile application to reserve seats and arrange ride-sharing on long-distance routes. About nine to 10 vehicles operate daily on the three outlying corridors. The service is intended to make longer journeys more comfortable by allowing seats to be reserved before travel. Listed routes include X:18 from Tenger Plaza to Bagakhangai, X:17 from Ulaanbaatar through Erdene soum to Baganuur, and three airport services: X:19 and SHU:4 from Sukhbaatar Square, plus X:20 from 5 Shar.

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Society

Authorities Deport 94 Foreign Nationals After August Compliance Checks

Published: 2026-09-14

The Immigration Agency deported 94 foreign nationals from 12 countries after August inspections found immigration, visa, registration, residence, and employment violations. The agency set periods during which those deported will not be allowed to re-enter Mongolia. The cases included working without authorization, remaining after residence permits expired, overstaying temporary visitor visas, and repeated breaches of visa or registration rules following earlier penalties. Inspectors conducted 30 checks, including three planned and 27 unplanned inspections, covering 2,299 foreign nationals at 145 businesses and organizations. Administrative fines were imposed on 2,994 foreign nationals. Of those fined, 2,741 were linked to sponsoring legal entities, 244 to individual sponsors, and nine to citizen sponsors. The agency reminded sponsors to monitor visa and residence-permit validity, arrange extensions before expiry, and ensure departure or repatriation where required.

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Shortage of Qualified Elevator Technicians Raises Safety Concerns in Ulaanbaatar

Published: 2026-09-14

A shortage of qualified elevator technicians is leaving building guards and cleaners to respond when lifts malfunction or passengers are trapped in Ulaanbaatar residential complexes, according to a report by Unuudur. Elevator operation, repair, safety-device adjustment and emergency rescue require specialized technical skills, but some workers receive only seven to 14 days of training. Apartment owners’ associations commonly handle day-to-day operation and are required to employ qualified personnel, yet available specialists remain scarce. Mongolia’s elevator safety rules require knowledge and skills to be assessed one month after employment and every 12 months thereafter. Government Resolution No. 80 approved an elevator safety technical regulation, effective from June 1, including requirements to replace elevators older than 25 years. Hyundai Elevator Mongolia and Sigma Mongolia are among the few providers offering technician training.

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Court Extends Detention of Three People in PetroChina Protest Case

Published: 2026-09-14

The inter-soum first-instance court in Dornod Province extended the pretrial detention of G. Solongo, G. Adilbish and E. Soronzonbold by one month after considering a prosecutor’s request. The three are being investigated in connection with a 2024 case involving alleged violations during their opposition to the activities of PetroChina Daqing Tamsag LLC, which the source describes as wholly Chinese-invested. Separately, the source says Chinese citizens had been conducting oil exploration in Sukhbaatar Province and alleges that the three infringed on those citizens’ rights and freedoms. The court had previously ordered 30 days of detention, citing information indicating possible risks of harm to life, health or property, flight, destruction of evidence, or further criminal conduct. The detention preventive measure will continue for another month.

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Environment

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination Campaign Starts September 15

Published: 2026-09-14

A month-long vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease will begin September 15 and continue through October 15. Veterinary authorities have purchased and distributed 2.4 million vaccine doses to prevent infections from the SAT-1 and O strains. The campaign is planned for livestock in Selenge, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, Ulaanbaatar, Khentii, Sukhbaatar and Dornod. It will cover cattle and pigs, as well as small livestock in selected soums. Local veterinary organizations will organize the vaccinations in these areas and implement measures to prevent the spread of infection. The report does not state how many animals are scheduled to receive doses.

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IEA Forecasts Record Coal Demand as Gas Supply Risks Raise Reliance

Published: 2026-09-14

The International Energy Agency has revised its 2026 outlook and now expects global coal demand to rise 1.2% from 2025 to 8.94 billion tonnes, rather than decline by 1.5%. The agency had previously expected demand to begin falling in 2026 and continue declining through 2030. Higher natural-gas prices, uncertainty over liquefied natural-gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and stronger electricity demand following an unusually hot summer have altered the forecast. Reports also point to a possible El Nino peak late this year and in early 2027, which could increase power demand further through droughts, heat and floods. The revision complicates efforts to reduce use of coal, the most emissions-intensive major energy source, despite continued deployment of wind and solar generation.

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Pasture Growth Is Good Across More Than Half of the Country

Published: 2026-09-14

Pasture vegetation was in good condition across more than half of the country as of September 10, according to the Agricultural Meteorology Research Department of the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment. More than 40% of the country was assessed as moderate, while about 10% was rated poor. Poor growth was reported in parts of some soums in Sukhbaatar and Dundgovi provinces, as well as isolated areas of Umnugovi, Govi-Altai and Khentii. Conditions were good throughout Arkhangai, Orkhon, Selenge, Darkhan-Uul, Govisumber and Dornod provinces, and across most of Govi-Altai, Khuvsgul, Bulgan, Uvurkhangai and Tuv. Good conditions were also recorded in selected soums of Uvs, Zavkhan, Bayankhongor, Khentii, Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd, Dundgovi, Umnugovi, Dornogovi and Sukhbaatar.

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Seven Provinces Open Licensed Marmot Hunting Until October 15

Published: 2026-09-14

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has authorized more than 5,000 permits for marmot hunting in Arkhangai, Bayan-Ulgii, Govi-Altai, Tuv, Uvs, Khovd and Khuvsgul provinces. Residents may hunt or capture marmots in those areas through October 15 after obtaining approval from an environmental ranger and paying the wildlife-resource use fee. The authorization applies only within the designated provincial territories and does not remove penalties for unlicensed hunting. Under the Law on Offences, individuals caught hunting marmots without permission face fines of MNT 150,000 to MNT 300,000, plus compensation equal to twice the animal’s ecological and economic valuation. The measure sets a defined seasonal and permit-based framework for using the species in the seven provinces.

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Tavan Tolgoi Fuel Plans 427,000 Tonnes for Ulaanbaatar Heating Season

Published: 2026-09-14

Tavan Tolgoi Fuel LLC opened its 2026-2027 heating-season program on September 14 and plans to distribute 427,000 tonnes of fuel in Ulaanbaatar. The company said it will produce 120,000 tonnes from washed thermal coal supplied by Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, replacing the middlings previously used in its fuel. Sales of briquetted fuel are scheduled to begin September 15 through 446 permanent outlets across the capital’s seven districts, with 54 additional locations held in reserve. The Khutula app will show supply levels at sales points and allow vendors to track ordered fuel deliveries on a Ulaanbaatar map. Chief Executive S. Davaasuren said the company aims to reduce fuel-related air pollution by 50 percent this season, following an estimated 30 percent reduction last year from semi-coke fuel.

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Innovation

Prosecutors Send Fake E-Mongolia App Case to Court

Published: 2026-09-14

Prosecutors issued an indictment and sent a case involving an imitation of the E-Mongolia government-services application to the first-instance criminal circuit court for Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts. Two people identified as U and Ts are accused of acting together to imitate the platform, copy data and information, and deliberately distribute it to others. They are also accused of forging an authorized citizen’s personal information and selling it to others. The indictment cites Article 23.2.1 of the Criminal Code, on creating and using forged documents. The case was one of 324 for which prosecutors prepared indictments from September 7 through 11. During that period, prosecutors supervised 44,545 criminal registration and investigation cases; 1,461 crime-related complaints and reports were registered, and 761 new registration cases were opened.

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Health

Seasonal Flu Vaccination Reaches 162,297 People Nationwide

Published: 2026-09-14

Seasonal influenza vaccination continues nationwide. The source reports that 162,297 people have been vaccinated and separately puts overall coverage at 32.5%. Ulaanbaatar recorded 113,587 vaccinations, while other local areas recorded 48,710. It also reports 113,897 vaccinated children aged six months to six years and coverage of 37.4% for that age group. By age, reported coverage was 15.6% for children aged six months to one year, 17% for those aged one to two, and 47% for those aged three to six. The source says coverage is relatively low among children aged six months to two years. Authorities recommend that parents and guardians vaccinate young children to help prevent influenza and reduce complication risks. Vaccination-site and schedule information is available through local family, soum and village health centers.

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