Politics
Cabinet Rejects President’s Call to Pay Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Directly to Citizens
Published: 2026-11-04
President Khurelsukh recently told Prime Minister Uchral and Finance Minister Mendsaikhan that Oyu Tolgoi’s projected 3 trillion tugrik dividend should go directly to citizens, citing a public petition with more than 100,000 supporters. The Cabinet declined to endorse that on November 4 and will keep to the current National Wealth Fund law. Per Mendsaikhan and Deputy Prime Minister Dorzhkhand, the dividend would go into the Accumulation Fund, with citizens’ benefits opening from 2030. Mendsaikhan said 1 trillion would go to mortgages, education and health; sources differ on allocation. The government will not submit an amendment. It earlier withdrew an energy-projects bill after a public poll favored the fund. The 3 trillion tugrik is a 2027 projection, not money received.
“A cash handout would raise inflation by at least 2-3 percent and hurt people’s lives. So as Finance Minister, I will not distribute cash.” - Z. Mendsaikhan (eagle.mn)
Coverage:
Uchral Removes Tax, Veterinary and Investment Agency Heads, Orders Action on 113 Officials
Published: 2026-11-04
Prime Minister Uchral relieved three agency heads at a Cabinet meeting: B. Tsogtnaran (General Department of Taxation), Kh. Altangerel (General Authority for Veterinary Services) and B. Zandan (Investment and Trade Agency). He cited notices from law enforcement bodies and the Civil Service Council. Audit authorities demanded action against 113 officials; ministers and governors were instructed to hold them accountable, with results published next week. Uchral also instructed that acting appointments from State Secretary to agency heads be sorted out and open selection announced; the government’s summary says it was announced that day.
“In holding people accountable, we will not persecute anyone. But we will not protect anyone who broke the law.” - N. Uchral (isee.mn)
The Cabinet also allocated 629 million tugrik from its reserve fund to feed wildlife in Nomrog Strictly Protected Area, where preliminary estimates show 468,965.7 hectares, about 80 percent of its territory, burned.
Coverage:
Parliament Committees Hold Third Discussion of 2027 Budget Framework Amendments
Published: 2026-11-04
The State Great Khural’s Budget Standing Committee and Economic Standing Committee met jointly on November 4 and took up two items. The session opened with 53.6 percent attendance. First, the committees held the final discussion of a draft law adding provisions to the Law on Budget Stability, which was submitted together with a draft law amending the law on the consolidated budget’s 2027 budget framework statement and the 2028-2029 budget projections. They agreed to present the draft and its explanatory materials to the plenary session, naming MP O. Batnairamdal as rapporteur. Second, they held the third discussion of the draft law amending the 2027 budget framework statement and 2028-2029 budget projections. MP Sh. Byambasuren will present that draft to the plenary session, after which the joint meeting adjourned.
Coverage:
Government Orders Bill Exempting One Household Garage From Property Tax After Record Petition
Published: 2026-11-04
A petition on the E-Zasag platform to exempt one household garage or parking space from property tax gathered 101,097 supporters in 20 days, the first on the platform to pass 100,000. Initiator O. Batkhuu presented it to Prime Minister N. Uchral, who at the Nov. 3 cabinet meeting instructed Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan to draft a bill exempting one heated garage or parking space per household from the real estate tax. Garage and parking property is taxed at 0.6 to 2.0 percent, while residential apartments are exempt, up to two in the capital. Lawmaker A. Ganbaatar (named G. Amgalanbaatar in one report) has drafted a similar bill and plans to submit it to parliament next week, after the government did not answer his request for comments.
“2027 will be a year that frees working citizens from 1.3 trillion tugrik in tax burden and increases jobs.” - N. Uchral (unuudur.mn)
Coverage:
Cabinet Takes Up ADB Financing Program, Budget Stability Bill and Livestock Census Pilot
Published: 2026-11-04
The cabinet opened its regular session at 8:00 a.m. on Nov. 4 with 20 items on the agenda. Among them were ratifying the General Financing Program between Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank, a bill amending the Law on Science and Technology drafted by MP D. Regdel, and the Law on Budget Stability bill drafted by MP D. Enkhtuvshin. The agenda also included a proposal to run a pilot livestock census using modern technology. Reports covered the agenda only; outcomes were not yet available, and decisions are to be announced later. One outlet noted that Prime Minister N. Uchral said a day earlier that all permits have been moved fully online and that officials who created bureaucracy for citizens would be removed at cabinet meetings.
Coverage:
Lawmaker Warns Planned SME Loan Program Could Repeat SME Fund Shortfalls
Published: 2026-11-04
At the State Great Khural’s Standing Committee on Budget session on November 4, lawmaker M. Mandkhai criticized what he described as a 1.1 trillion tugrik concessional loan program for small and medium-sized enterprises, tied to the 2027 budget bill; the report’s introduction cites 1 trillion. He said State Bank would raise $300 million on international markets to boost its capital and be the sole implementer, with no criteria on jobs, sectors or products in the annex. Working group head Kh. Ganhuyag said a Speaker’s proposal for a 10 percent annual-rate loan program was not supported because setting a rate in a budget resolution was deemed inappropriate.
“There is a risk that many concessional loans like the SME Fund will be issued without real results.” - M. Mandkhai (ikon.mn)
“No bank is named in the budget, so commercial banks will take part.” - Kh. Ganhuyag (ikon.mn)
Coverage:
Anti-Corruption Agency Refers Officials With Unexplained Assets for Detailed Investigation
Published: 2026-11-04
The Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) reviewed preliminary conflict-of-interest declarations from 371 candidates for public service appointments between October 26 and 30, resolving 268 and continuing to examine 103. It also received 124 complaints and reports about corruption and conflicts of interest involving public officials, resolving 31, and found violations in nine. Those cases involve officials in Dornod’s standards and metrology department, a state-owned energy company, court decision enforcement bodies, school directors in Uvs and Bayan-Olgii, the Urban Development and City Standards Authority, and Ulaanbaatar Housing LLC. ACA referred them to its investigation department because their actions may constitute crimes under Article 22.1 of the Criminal Code. A planned review covered 35 officials’ declarations of private interests, assets and income. Officials concerned in its findings, which cited unexplained property sources and account income and expenses, were referred for detailed examination of possible illicit enrichment under Article 22.10.
Coverage:
Constitutional Court Finds Provision Barring Misdemeanor Liability for Parliament Members Violates Constitution
Published: 2026-11-04
The Constitutional Court has ruled that a provision of the Law on the State Great Khural barring misdemeanor liability for members of parliament violates the Constitution. At a middle session on October 26, 2026, the Court reviewed Article 41, Clause 41.7 of the law. That clause prohibits courts from imposing liability under the Law on Misdemeanors on a parliament member, except where the law specifically provides otherwise. The Court found that the provision contradicts Article 14, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which establishes that every person lawfully residing in Mongolia is equal before the law and the courts. The Court issued the finding as Conclusion No. 07. The ruling was reported on November 4 by gogo.mn, citing the Constitutional Court as its source.
Coverage:
Published: 2026-11-04
Parliament is debating a bill regulating children’s participation in social media, intended to protect users up to age 16 from harmful content. Nine MPs from the HUN party, MPP and DP submitted it in July, and the plenary session backed discussion on October 29. Digital Development, Innovation and Communications Minister Ch. Nomin, a co-sponsor, says the law does not affect people over 16. A critical unuudur.mn commentary disputes this, citing a clause requiring users to verify their age through their mobile number, with verification due before January 1, 2028. The draft also lets the Communications Regulatory Commission assess platform risk, set 90-day correction periods, and apply phased measures up to blocking access.
“The fact that all citizens of Mongolia would be punished together for someone violating children’s rights somewhere shows this is a ‘tyranny’ bill.” - Ts. Oyungerel (unuudur.mn)
Coverage:
Economy
Oyu Tolgoi Resumes Normal Concentrate Exports After Restrictions Are Resolved
Published: 2026-11-04
Oyu Tolgoi LLC announced that its concentrate exports have returned to normal operations after export restrictions were resolved. The company is stepping up shipments to clear accumulated concentrate and complete its annual plan. It said steady exports matter for accelerating Mongolia’s socioeconomic development and increasing returns for its shareholders. The announcement did not specify the nature of the restrictions or the size of the backlog. Concentrate is the product of processing ore at a concentrator to raise the share of valuable minerals and remove waste rock. At Oyu Tolgoi, copper-gold ore is processed into copper concentrate, which also contains gold and silver and serves as feedstock for smelters that produce refined copper and other metals.
Coverage:
Transport Minister Asks China Energy to Help Clear Coal Export Delays
Published: 2026-11-04
Road and Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan met China Energy Group Assistant General Manager Kang Fengwei in Beijing on November 4 to address delays in coal export transport. Delgersaikhan said year-to-date exports through the Gashuunsukhait road crossing as of November totaled 36.9 million tonnes of coal and 1.7 million tonnes of copper concentrate, but coal transport has fallen sharply since August 2026, with daily vehicle crossings dropping from 1,300-1,500 to 500-800. He said this complicates 2026 coal deliveries to China Energy agreed under an intergovernmental accord. China Energy said it would promptly take delivery of coal containers accumulated at the Mongolian side of the border and relay the situation to Chinese authorities. The sides also discussed progress on the Gashuunsukhait-Ganqimod cross-border railway, agreed to speed up renewal of the border railway agreement and reviewed transporting petroleum products.
Coverage:
Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Returns to Normal Operations After October 29 Rockfall
Published: 2026-11-04
Oyu Tolgoi LLC said in a November 4 statement that it had returned its underground mine to normal operations after completing monitoring and assessments and fully ensuring safety. A rockfall triggered by tremors struck the underground mine on the evening of October 29, affecting 15 employees. Thirteen were found to be in good health after medical checks, while two were brought to the city for medical observation. The company said the two remain in stable condition and treatment continues. CEO S. Munkhsukh said earlier that the rescue was carried out without delay and that no one sustained life-threatening injuries. The company thanked employees, their families, partner organizations and the public for their support, and thanked the relevant bodies providing professional advice. It said employee health and safety remain its top priority.
Coverage:
Uchral: Any Entrée Resources Licence Transfer Is for Parliament to Decide
Published: 2026-11-04
Prime Minister Uchral told a Cabinet meeting that a separate investment agreement would be made with Entrée Resources, which holds two licenses in the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits, and that if it is made, Parliament would decide it. He said he does not support the principles previously discussed with the company.
“No license transfer involving Entrée has taken place. This is a strategic deposit, so only Parliament decides whether this permit is transferred.” - N. Uchral (eagle.mn)
Under current law, Parliament could decide whether to take 34 percent or bring it in via a special AMNAT. Uchral told Minister G. Temuulen to draft and secure approval for negotiating guidelines before talks. He said the Government would be briefed and a decision made on whether to take the matter to Parliament; if that is not needed, there is no need to rush.
Coverage:
Airport Restricts Paid Services for Aero Mongolia Charter Flights Over Unpaid Balance
Published: 2026-11-04
Chinggis Khaan International Airport said it is restricting some paid services tied to Aero Mongolia LLC’s domestic and international charter flights from November 4, 2026. In its statement, New Ulaanbaatar International Airport LLC said it first sent Aero Mongolia an official notice about an outstanding balance in June 2026. The two sides then agreed on a payment schedule, and the restrictions were temporarily suspended. The airport said Aero Mongolia has not properly met its payment obligations and remains in breach of its contract, so the limits now take effect. The airport announced the move on the day it took effect. The statement does not specify which services are affected or the amount owed.
Coverage:
Irkutsk Gasoline Sells 705 Tugrik Cheaper Than in Mongolia
Published: 2026-11-04
AI-92 gasoline has reached 3,590 tugrik in Mongolia, while the same grade sells for 2,885 tugrik in Irkutsk, Russia, according to price figures reported on November 4. That leaves fuel in Irkutsk 705 tugrik cheaper than in Mongolia. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said filling stations are raising fuel prices, and the antimonopoly agency is monitoring the increases. The report does not specify the unit of sale for the quoted prices. The comparison covers a single Russian city and does not represent fuel prices across Russia. The report gives no dates for when stations raised prices. The gap equals the difference between the two quoted prices: 3,590 minus 2,885 tugrik.
Coverage:
Bank of Mongolia Allows Consumer Loan Terms to Be Extended by Up to 48 Months
Published: 2026-11-04
The Bank of Mongolia’s Monetary Policy Committee decided at its November 3 meeting that consumer loans subject to the debt-to-income cap can be restructured with terms extended by up to 48 months, without additional lending. The measure covers salary loans, herder loans and other consumer loans under the 45 percent debt-to-income limit; pension loans and deposit-secured loans are excluded. Borrowers who repay regularly are not covered. Those struggling with repayments can apply to their bank, which decides case by case, so extensions are not automatic. The committee cited rising risk: nonperforming consumer loans under the cap reached 9.1 percent in September, up 2.7 points from a year earlier, and 66.4 percent of the system’s 1.2 million borrowers held loans above 45 percent of their income.
Coverage:
Investment and Trade Agency Takes On Investor Complaints Under Amended Law
Published: 2026-11-04
Amendments to the Investment Law made on July 3, 2026 and in force from August 31 give the Investment and Trade Agency a formal role in handling investor complaints, agency head B. Zandan said in an interview with news.mn. State bodies must supply information within five days, after which the agency issues recommendations and requires reports on action taken. Unresolved cases can go to a Government meeting, and investors retain access to international arbitration. The agency has 18 complaints, five transferred from the Ministry of Economy and Development and 13 new, and none is fully resolved. It cannot impose fines or halt operations, and it does not accept disputes between companies. The agency is working toward the Government’s goal of $5 billion in investment in 2027 and $5.5 billion by 2028.
“Some investor complaints are long-running issues that have gone unresolved for more than 10 years.” - B. Zandan (news.mn)
Coverage:
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi Shareholders Face 20% Sale Cap as Government Plans Stock Exchange Listing
Published: 2026-11-04
Itoim.mn reports that about 3.4 million citizens each hold 1,072 shares in Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, and describes citizen holdings as 26.43 percent of the company’s shares. Prime Minister N. Uchral’s government has said it will make the company publicly traded and list it on the stock exchange, allowing shareholders to buy and sell. A cap has been set allowing sale of 20 percent of each 1,072-share holding. Uchral told reporters the holding, worth 1 million tugriks in 2010 at 933 tugriks per share, is now valued at 3 million tugriks. The source cites a 15 billion share total from 2010 and separately reports that the state holds 73.51 percent and 8.8 billion shares. It also reports 3.1 billion shares held by citizens, 7 million held by 488 business entities and 3 billion unissued. Once market trading begins, citizens’ and companies’ shares could enter economic circulation.
Coverage:
Diplomacy
Foreign Ministry Reminds Russia-Bound Travelers of Visa-Free Limits and Job-Ad Scam Risks
Published: 2026-11-04
The Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department issued a travel advisory for Russia. Under rules in force since Nov. 14, 2014, citizens of both countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per stay, and no more than 90 days in total within 180 days of first entry. Longer stays, work or study require visas from the Russian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar or the Consulate General in Darkhan. Passports must be valid for over six months. Travelers must complete a migration card and keep it until departure, register at their place of stay within a week, and, if students, mark “Uchyoba” (study) on the card. Bringing in or taking out $10,000 or its ruble equivalent requires a customs declaration. The ministry also urged people to verify social media ads promising high-paying jobs to avoid fraud, and not to photograph military sites.
Coverage:
Infrastructure
Intercity Passenger Fares to Rise From November 5 as Fuel Prices Climb, Amounts Not Final
Published: 2026-11-04
The National Center for Auto Transport (ATUT) has decided to raise intercity public passenger fares from November 5, tying the increase to higher fuel prices. The center said the exact amount has not been finalized, even though the decision takes effect the next day. Fares are expected to vary by region, and the center has so far released only general information rather than route-by-route prices. The center referred to a survey of price figures gathered from provinces and handled with the Ministry of Roads and Transport. As of November 4, neither the size of the increase nor the specific fares for individual regions had been announced publicly.
Coverage:
Ulaanbaatar Reroutes Halted Tuul Expressway Into Six-Lane Western Bypass Plan
Published: 2026-11-04
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdagva said the city is changing the route of the halted Tuul Expressway, a project budgeted at 2.3 trillion tugrik, and plans to build a western bypass in 2027 within its existing contract with China Highway. The plan calls for a 14.3 km, six-lane expressway from the Naadamchdyn (Yarmag) Bridge to 22 Tovchoo, built without cutting willow groves. A 12 km road from Emeelt to Olziit khoroolol is also planned for next year. Vehicles travel from the capital to 16 western provinces, and Naadam traffic toward Khui Doloon Khudag can stall for 4-8 hours. The city submitted a request to the Anti-Corruption Agency to fund the projects from the 500 billion tugrik earmarked for the expressway.
“Now there is no such thing as the Tuul Expressway.” - B. Purevdagva (gogo.mn)
Coverage:
Snow Prompts Salting on Darkhan–Erdenet Highway as Ice Risk Rises
Published: 2026-11-04
The Orkhon road authority (AZZA) reported overcast skies and snowfall on Nov. 4 along the Darkhan–Erdenet route, which carries road number A1001. The authority is inspecting the road and spreading salt on the sections that need it. It said falling temperatures create a risk of ice and slippery surfaces on the road and on mountain passes. The authority urged people setting out on long-distance trips to drive with care and caution. The notice came from Orkhon AZZA and was relayed by ikon.mn. In short, the authority warned of ice and slippery surfaces on the road and on mountain passes, and urged careful driving on long trips.
Coverage:
Government Plans 100,000-Home Program to Remove 50,000 Ger-District Chimneys by 2030
Published: 2026-11-04
The government plans to run a national “100,000 Homes” housing program through 2030, aiming to remove 50,000 ger-district chimneys. Sources differ on the start year: one gogo.mn report says 2026-2030, while isee.mn and another gogo.mn report say 2027-2030. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing E. Bat-Amgalan outlined it on November 3. Loans run 20 years, at 6 percent for the first three years and 12 percent from the fourth. The 2027 budget is to include 1.8 trillion tugriks for 16,000 households. Prices at the 5,002-unit Solongo 1 and 2 complex were cut from 4.4 million to 3.9 million tugriks per square meter. Bank of Mongolia Vice President G. Enkhtaivan defended the 12 percent rate:
“Loan funding has its own cost. With the global average mortgage rate at 11 percent, this is a feasible cost.” - G. Enkhtaivan (gogo.mn)
Commercial banks’ own-funded mortgages average 18.6 percent.
Coverage:
Snow Leaves Zagastai, Gants and Solongot Passes Slippery in Zavkhan
Published: 2026-11-04
Snowfall across most soums of Zavkhan Province has left the Zagastai, Gants and Solongot passes slippery, the Transport Police Service reported on November 4. The passes are among the province’s major mountain crossings, and ice has formed on all three. Police urged drivers and other road users planning long-distance trips to ensure their vehicles are in full working order and to replace summer tires before setting out. Motorists were also advised to adjust their speed to current road conditions, use only approved roads and passes, and drive with caution to protect themselves and others.
Coverage:
Official Says Ulaanbaatar Bus Speeds Reach 16.7 km/h as City Plans 160 New Buses
Published: 2026-11-04
Public Transport Policy Department specialist L. Erdenesuvd reported that average bus speed rose to 16.7 km/h after an Operations Headquarters began work and the first lane was reserved for buses. He said 1,186 buses run on weekdays and 1,081 on weekends, with about 670,000 daily riders. Since October 28, added buses have lifted passenger flow on high-demand routes by 6 percent and cut complaints by 7 percent. Mayor B. Purevdagva said buses currently average 10-15 km/h and that daily ridership rose from 640,000 to 750,000. He said 160 buses will be acquired this winter and listed 60 electric, 40 children’s and 50 medium-sized or short-turn buses. The 2027 city budget goes to the Citizens’ Representatives Khural on November 20, and the city is preparing to commission a cable car on December 15.
“It is important to speed this up and make arrival times clearer.” - B. Purevdagva (ikon.mn)
Coverage:
Western Source Joins Ulaanbaatar Water Network, Raising Supply Capacity
Published: 2026-11-04
Ulaanbaatar’s Western Source, an advanced-technology facility built with US Millennium Challenge Corporation grant funding under a second compact project with the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WSSA), has been connected to the city’s central water network. It began supplying water on November 2 through a nine-kilometer pipeline 700-1,000 mm in diameter, averaging 14,000 cubic meters daily. Residents use 190,000-210,000 cubic meters per day, and the city’s household water comes from 10 sources. The Western Source has capacity for 130,000-144,000 cubic meters daily, making it the country’s largest water source. WSSA Director Ts. Torkhuu said engineering conditions now allow supplying 350,000-360,000 cubic meters daily.
“As a result, even if Ulaanbaatar’s population reaches 2.5 million, there will be no water problems until 2050.” - Ts. Torkhuu (unuudur.mn)
Coverage:
Tuul Expressway Contractor Notifies Ulaanbaatar of About 80 Billion Tugrik in Contract Penalties
Published: 2026-11-04
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Budget discussed the Tuul Expressway project on November 4 while reviewing Ulaanbaatar’s spending. The capital paid the contractor a 500 billion tugrik advance based on an insurance company’s guarantee, and law enforcement agencies are still examining whether that guarantee was valid. MP J. Bayarmaa asked what the guarantee covered and why the contract had reached the point of halting. First Deputy Governor B. Munkhbat said he met the company last week to ask whether other congestion-reduction work could be done under the advance, after law enforcement told the city to decide for itself. He said the contract follows international FIDIC principles and sets penalties when either party is at fault, and the contractor has notified the city that penalties total about 80 billion tugrik.
“Under the contract’s obligations, the capital city must pay.” - B. Munkhbat (ikon.mn)
Coverage:
Ulaanbaatar Railway Runs 3,251 Transit Container Trains Through Mongolian Territory in 2026
Published: 2026-11-04
From the start of 2026 through November 4, Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC (UBTZ) ran 3,251 transit container trains across Mongolian territory, according to the company. Of these, 1,653 trains traveled from Russia toward China and 1,598 from China toward Russia. The total is 25 trains more than in the same period last year. The company describes transit container shipping as a low-cost, cost-effective form of transport. UBTZ also decided to extend through the end of this year its decision to fully cancel the 25 percent discount on transit container tariffs, which it had previously offered depending on shipment volume. The company says the move will further improve transport efficiency.
Coverage:
Ulaanbaatar Working Group Weighs Zone-Based Parking Fees and Citywide Parking Registry
Published: 2026-11-04
A working group on improving parking access, use and management held its second meeting on November 4 and discussed setting Ulaanbaatar parking fees differently by location and zoning. Participants also reviewed updating parking planning, organization and signage standards to international benchmarks, and improving procedures and legal rules for collecting fees at public parking lots. The capital plans to recount all parking lots and create a unified registry. L. Khosbayar, coordinator of the capital’s Road Development Project and Program, said every state, private and mixed-ownership lot should be recounted, and that contracts and agreements on parking use and ownership, and their implementation, need to be examined. The group also discussed preparations, financing progress and implementation problems for the World Bank-supported Smart Parking project. Members were instructed to study public opinion on the new tariff before developing further rules.
Coverage:
Environment
Ulaanbaatar Plans Electric Heat-Storage Switch for 7,000–10,000 Ger-District Households This Winter
Published: 2026-11-04
Ulaanbaatar plans to switch 7,000–10,000 ger-district households to electric heating with heat accumulators this winter, in partnership with UNICEF, Capital City Governor B. Purevdagva said after the November 4 government meeting. The city will present the technologies at Central Square on November 20. Households would store heat overnight, when ger-area electricity carries a zero tariff from 21:00 to 09:00, and use it during the day.
“We will not hand out free stoves. Instead, we will work with commercial banks to offer citizens the most affordable financial terms.” - B. Purevdagva (news.mn)
The city is also working with the UNDP on solar and battery projects, including a planned 2.4 MW solar plant. Coal use by more than 161,000 households accounts for about 51% of the capital’s air pollution, and professional agencies report pollutants fell 10–14% from a year earlier.
Coverage:
Ulaanbaatar PM10 Reaches 2.4 Times the Standard Near Khailaast
Published: 2026-11-04
Air pollutant concentrations in Ulaanbaatar exceeded air quality standards by 1 to 2.4 times on November 3, according to monitoring data from the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction. PM10 ranged from 52 to 242 micrograms per cubic meter, with the highest reading near Khailaast at 2.4 times the standard. PM2.5 ranged from 10 to 75 micrograms per cubic meter, peaking at twice the standard near the end of the 3rd and 4th khoroolols. Nitrogen dioxide measured 13 to 82 micrograms per cubic meter, reaching 1.6 times the standard near Zaisan. Sulfur dioxide ranged from 8 to 80 micrograms per cubic meter, also 1.6 times the standard near the 3rd and 4th khoroolols. Carbon monoxide ranged from 524 to 4,280 micrograms per cubic meter, with the highest reading in the same area.
Coverage:
Government Allocates 629 Million Tugrik to Feed Wildlife After Nomrog Reserve Fire
Published: 2026-11-04
The cabinet decided Nov. 4 to spend 629 million tugrik from the government reserve fund on hay and feed for wildlife crowded into the unburned parts of Nomrog Strictly Protected Area in Dornod Province. A preliminary estimate puts the burned area at 468,965.7 hectares, about 80 percent of the reserve. Governors of Dornod and Sukhbaatar provinces were ordered to organize the work, with feed planned for seven points ahead of expected snow. Environment Minister Ts. Sandag-Ochir said a team of more than 50 has finished fieldwork and a final damage assessment is due Nov. 16. Japan’s government has said it will support restoration.
“All expenses related to the Nomrog fire will be counted as damage. Once the responsible parties are determined, the damage will be recovered from them.” - Ts. Sandag-Ochir (ikon.mn)
Coverage:
Health
Flu Surge Pushes Ulaanbaatar Pediatric Emergency Loads Sharply Higher
Published: 2026-11-04
Influenza and flu-like illness are rising in Ulaanbaatar, straining children’s health services. The capital’s ambulance center recorded 2,249 calls, up 56.72% from the same period last year, and 877 children are hospitalized in city health facilities, up 14.79% from 764. At the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, emergency physician D. Duurenbileg said 300–450 children are seen daily, reaching about 500 on weekends, with influenza A and B and seasonal coronavirus infections detected. Another physician, T. Khash-Erdene, said each doctor should see around 20 children a day but is seeing 80–100. Over the past three years, outbreaks have peaked on average between November 19 and 24. The reports advise ventilating rooms, handwashing and influenza vaccination for young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immunity, while Khash-Erdene recommended nutritious food and early bedtimes.
Coverage:
Health Insurance Fund Covers 100,000-Tugrik Day Treatment for Children With Flu
Published: 2026-11-04
With influenza season under way and more children falling ill, funding for day treatment is to be increased at family, soum and village health centers, so children whom a doctor assigns to day treatment can be treated close to home. Each child’s day-treatment package is funded at 100,000 tugrik, fully covered by the Health Insurance Fund. It includes doctor’s examination, monitoring, necessary diagnostics, prescribed medication, physical therapy and fumigation therapy. B. Yanjindolgor, a senior policy and planning specialist at the health insurance agency, said reports that sick children will receive a 100,000-tugrik medicine package are mistaken: the money finances treatment, and doctors decide treatment and medication for each child.
“Parents will not buy the medicine needed for day treatment with their own money. The health institution will cover the treatment cost with insurance funding.” - B. Yanjindolgor (eagle.mn)
Coverage:
Zamyn-Uud Customs Warns of Rising Attempts to Bring Unregistered Mounjaro Injections Across Border
Published: 2026-11-04
Zamyn-Uud Customs Office warned that attempts to bring Mounjaro-branded injections across the border illegally are becoming more frequent, based on recent customs inspections. The product is not listed in Mongolia’s drug registry, and importing, selling or supplying it requires special permission and must meet requirements under relevant legislation. The office’s Quarantine Service urged travelers carrying medicines or pharmaceutical products from abroad to check with customs in advance on whether the product is registered in Mongolia and whether a special permit or other documents are needed to cross the border. It also called on the public to guard against illegal imports and sales in order to protect their own health and the health of others.
Coverage:
Hemodialysis Machine Shortage Leaves Kidney Failure Patients Waiting for Treatment Slots
Published: 2026-11-04
About 2,000 people with end-stage chronic kidney failure receive regular hemodialysis, which international guidelines call for three times a week for four hours per session. Health Ministry statistics show 100–150 new diagnoses each year, and 462 machines operate nationwide, but only in tertiary hospitals and some provinces and districts; certain districts have none or a broken unit. The Health Insurance General Office fully funds each 125,000 tugrik session, yet hospitals cover repairs from their own budgets, which prolongs downtime. Patients who cannot get a place in public hospitals wait in queues or pay private clinics out of pocket. Patients also report monthly medicine costs of 500,000–600,000 tugrik, above the 480,000 tugrik disability allowance.
“If we have no machine, we are immediately at risk of death; there is no other way.” - A. Munkhdelkhii (isee.mn)
Coverage: