Politics
Task Force Deployed to Southern Border as PM Orders Probe into Alleged Protected-Zone Mining; Dalanzadgad Power and Airport Upgrades Advance
Published: 2026-02-08
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar met more than 700 residents in Umnugovi on Feb. 7, pledging a joint task force of the Independent Authority Against Corruption, National Police Agency, and General Intelligence Agency to investigate claims that a company illegally disturbed subsoil within a protected border strip and that border guards ignored it. He warned of sanctions if evidence confirms the allegations. Residents also urged a review of the decision to open a port in the Tsagaandel Valley basin. The prime minister noted the approval stems from an intergovernmental agreement and a law passed by parliament, but proposed renewed environmental assessment with local representation. Separately, he announced central bank approval for the province to issue a bond to build a 50 MW plant to stabilize Dalanzadgad’s strained power supply, and plans to upgrade Gurvansaikhan Airport for potential international flights.
“This issue was decided by an intergovernmental agreement and a law passed by parliament. I won’t promise to overturn it, but let’s work together on solutions that are friendly to the environment and local communities, with a task force including residents and a new detailed environmental assessment.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (isee.mn)
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Economy
Published: 2026-02-08
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar reviewed operations at Erdenes Tavantolgoi’s coal washing plant in Tsogttsetsii, setting new directives to strengthen governance and efficiency at the state-owned miner. The government instructed the company to finalize a feasibility study to bring the Borteeg deposit into production, improve utilization of the coal washing facility, and boost investment returns. It also ordered stricter financial discipline and public disclosure of actions taken against responsible officials in case of lapses. Labor safety and human resources modernization are to be prioritized to reduce industrial accidents and operational risk. Zandanshatar emphasized the need for transparency and tangible local benefits, signaling a renewed push for accountability and improved performance at Mongolia’s flagship coal producer.
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Infrastructure
Ulaanbaatar Airport Set for $1 Billion Expansion and Potential Light Rail Link by 2027
Published: 2026-02-08
Mongolia plans to expand Chinggis Khaan International Airport by 86,000 m2 from 2027, bringing total terminal space to 123,000 m2 and adding 11 gates, as passenger volumes are projected to reach 2.4 million in 2025—50% above original design. The Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan discussed the plan in Japan with government counterparts and Mitsubishi, which holds the largest stake in the airport’s operating consortium. The two sides agreed in principle on a $1 billion loan with 40-year tenor at 0.8% interest. Authorities are also exploring a light rail link from the airport to central Ulaanbaatar, potentially financed via JICA’s concessional lending, with provisional stations near the National Stadium site, the National Garden Park, and Dunjingarav. Japan will dispatch a team to review proposed routes. A separate proposal would designate Buyant-Ukhaa Airport for domestic flights, with joint management during the transition.
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ETT Commissions 12.6 km Conveyor to Boost Clean Coal Exports; UB Energy Projects Advance as Education Minister Faces Ouster Bid
Published: 2026-02-08
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi commissioned a 12.6 km conveyor, crusher, and loading system at Tavantolgoi, enabling full-ore utilization by processing semi-soft coking coal for export. Built in 14 months to German DIN standards and capable of 15 million tonnes/year, the system is expected to cut transport costs by about 70%, reduce environmental impact by over 80%, and eliminate on-site accidents associated with truck haulage. Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar reviewed the project on February 8. In parallel, authorities are advancing power reliability for Ulaanbaatar with the Sergelen substation—planned as a transit hub linking Songinokhairkhan and Nalaikh—plus a 100 MW solar plant and a 90 MW battery system to be procured this month, with commissioning targeted this year. Officials also aim to start Thermal Power Plant No. 5 construction in April for 2028 completion. Separately, opposition MPs demanded Education Minister P. Naranbayar’s dismissal over unfulfilled teacher pay pledges.
“Developing Sergelen as a transit substation will be strategically vital for Ulaanbaatar’s power reliability.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (news.mn)
“Sergelen will connect to Songinokhairkhan and Nalaikh, and we will build a 90 MW battery to share peak loads through a public–private partnership selected this month.” - Ulaanbaatar Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar (news.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar High-Density Housing Project Proceeds Without Schools, Raising Congestion Fears
Published: 2026-02-08
An opinion piece alleges Energy Minister B. Choijilsuren is linked to a developer building eight high-rise apartment blocks on the former UB Palace site, despite city rules intended to limit new housing in high-density districts. The project—reportedly at least 16 stories per building—could add roughly 1,000 units without accompanying schools or kindergartens, according to the report. Residents warn that traffic in the 25th Pharmacy and 10th Khoroolol areas could worsen significantly, while families may face long commutes to access education due to land constraints for social infrastructure. The article argues city authorities lack a mitigation plan and suggests political accountability will fall on Ulaanbaatar officials once units are sold and occupied. No official statements or timelines from the city or national government are provided in the piece.
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Society
‘Ten Thousand Camels’ Festival Draws 8,000 Visitors and Spotlights Growing Camel Economy
Published: 2026-02-08
The 29th “Ten Thousand Camels” Festival ran February 6–8 in Dalanzadgad, bringing together camel herders from over 60 soums across four provinces with more than 1,000 camels. Organizers reported around 8,000 attendees, including 200+ foreign tourists, underscoring winter tourism’s potential. Events ranged from multi-age camel races, a parade, camel polo, archery from camelback, and a business forum on camel science and investment. Mongolia’s camel herd has doubled over two decades to 501,300, with Ömnögovi now leading at 155,900. Officials emphasized camel-based value chains—milk, wool, and local brands—for rural livelihoods and regional growth.
“Camel husbandry is integral to our economy and identity, and we will consistently support production, tourism, and branding linked to camels,” - O. Erdene-Örnoh, Chair of Ömnögovi Citizens’ Representative Khural (gogo.mn)
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Environment
Forest Oversight Goes Digital with ERP Rollout and Joint Policing in 2026
Published: 2026-02-08
Mongolia is introducing the erp.forest.gov.mn platform to digitize permitting and compliance across the forestry sector, aiming to speed service delivery and tighten oversight of timber harvesting, transport, and provenance certification. In 2026, the Ministry will partner with the Environmental Police to jointly monitor land use and registration within forest reserves, assess patterns and methods of environmental crimes, and run targeted inspections. The cooperation extends to risk-based checks on entities involved in primary logging, thinning, and forest operations to prevent illegal timber procurement, sales, and transport. Authorities will also verify permits and origin documents for non-timber forest products and enforce proper use. Enhanced patrols and legal compliance checks are planned in state protected areas to deter illegal logging and plant collection. The initiative signals a move toward integrated digital enforcement and interagency coordination.
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Innovation
Dornod to Pilot Home-Based Education for Children with Disabilities, Expand Accessibility Measures
Published: 2026-02-08
Dornod province will launch a pilot program this year to deliver home-based education for children with disabilities, with a dedicated curriculum to follow if results are positive. The initiative complements broader accessibility upgrades: audible signals will be installed at 13 traffic light intersections in the provincial center, and general education school restrooms will be adapted for accessibility. Budget support for disability-focused programs will rise from MNT 50 million to MNT 80 million. The province—among the first to design and implement a local development and protection program for people with disabilities—works through four NGOs to reach target groups and regularly supports the national network of Disability Development Centers, of which only six exist nationwide.
“In the coming years, we will focus on creating environments for leisure and recreation for people with disabilities,” - Governor Sh. Yöl (montsame.mn)
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Sports
Cross-country Skier B. Achbadrakh Finishes 55th in Olympic Skiathlon, Sets Sights on Sprint Event
Published: 2026-02-08
Mongolia’s cross-country skier B. Achbadrakh competed in the men’s 10 km + 10 km skiathlon at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb 8, finishing 55th out of 75 entrants from 38 countries. Starting with bib 62, he completed both the classic and freestyle segments at the Tesero venue in Valtellina, Italy. The result marks his third consecutive Olympic appearance (2018, 2022, 2026), underscoring continuity in Mongolia’s presence in cross-country skiing at the Games. Norway and France dominated the podium, while Japan led Asia in 22nd. Broadcasters in Mongolia carried the race live, reflecting growing domestic interest in winter sports. Achbadrakh is scheduled to compete next in the sprint discipline on Feb 10, offering another chance to improve his standing in a field historically led by Scandinavian athletes.
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