Politics
Parliament Sets Agenda as Ruling and Opposition Caucuses Meet; Budget and Ethics Panels Convene
Published: 2025-11-03
Parliament is scheduled to meet today, November 3, with a set agenda, while both the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) and the Democratic Party (DP) caucuses hold internal meetings. In parallel, the Standing Committee on the Budget and the Subcommittee on Ethics will convene to review items referred to them. Although neither outlet detailed the full docket, the timing indicates continued work on fiscal planning and parliamentary oversight as year-end budget decisions typically move through committee and caucus coordination. Outcomes from the Budget Committee could shape final appropriations and sectoral allocations, while the Ethics Subcommittee session signals ongoing attention to parliamentary conduct standards. Market participants and public-sector partners should watch for committee resolutions or caucus positions that could preview floor votes and policy direction in the coming weeks.
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Democratic Party Caucus Rejects Party-Funding Changes, Floats Pegging Lawmakers’ Pay to National Average
Published: 2025-11-03
Parliament’s Democratic Party (DP) caucus reviewed health financing strains, teacher pay demands and strikes, and proposed legal workstreams, while opposing amendments to the Political Parties Law that would relax funding limits. DP caucus head O. Tsogtgerel said the group will form task forces to refine the Election Law, Civil Service Law, and Local Administration Law, and argued ministers and MPs should be paid at sectoral and national average wage levels to anchor policy to real incomes. The caucus also heard from the teachers’ union on salary grievances. DP members linked unfunded public wage hikes to inflation risk and called for structural reforms and tax reductions.
“Members of Parliament should be paid the national average salary of MNT 2.7 million; ministers should earn their sector’s average so they truly grasp wage realities.” - O. Tsogtgerel, DP caucus leader (unuudur.mn)
“We do not support changing the Political Parties Law to allow parties to exceed the current state-funding threshold.” - O. Tsogtgerel, DP caucus leader (eagle.mn)
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Parliament Moves to Oust Deputy Speaker Kh. Bulgantuya as Legal Fight Over Possible Expulsion Intensifies
Published: 2025-11-03
Parliament will debate removing Kh. Bulgantuya as Deputy Speaker this Wednesday, while leaving uncertain whether it will also consider expelling her as an MP. The Constitutional Court (Tsets) found Bulgantuya violated Articles 1.2 and 43.1 of the Constitution when presiding over a no-confidence session. Legal analysis highlights two potential routes: the State Structure Committee could advance a motion under the Law on Parliament 9.3 based on Tsets’ finding of a constitutional breach, or Tsets could issue a specific conclusion that she is “subject to recall,” enabling a vote under 9.1.4. Opposition MPs insist the chamber must address expulsion to uphold constitutional oaths, warning of an erosion of rule-of-law norms if she remains. Pro-government lawmakers argue dismissal from the Deputy Speaker post suffices, reflecting a tactical consolidation within the MPP following weeks of intra-party rifts.
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Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar courts have tightened measures in an ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of office, bribery, illicit enrichment, and money laundering involving Oyu Tolgoi LLC legal director D. Amartuvshin and company officials B. Serchmaa, Ch. Nergui, and M. Ganbold. After an initial 30‑day detention order for Amartuvshin and Nergui on October 24 over risks of evidence tampering, the court’s presiding judge later voided Amartuvshin’s detention upon appeal. Prosecutors then sought non-custodial restrictions, and on October 31 a judge ordered travel bans, residence restrictions, and no-contact conditions; Nergui and Ganbold remain in 30‑day custody. Separately, Ulaanbaatar City Council member and Democratic Party caucus head B. Erdenesukh—previously detained for alleged domestic violence and witness intimidation—had his detention lifted on October 30 and was placed under a travel ban and no-contact order as his case advances to prosecution. The moves signal stricter judicial controls while easing custodial detention in select cases.
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Police Probe Tax and Social Insurance Officials Over Alleged Fake Records, Loan Fraud and VAT Scheme
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s Economic Crimes Division is investigating alleged long-running abuses inside tax and social insurance agencies, detaining several suspects and raiding offices. Investigators say officials and associates falsely “back-entered” social insurance contributions for over 400 individuals across 32 entities to fabricate employment histories and secure roughly MNT 70 billion in bank and non-bank loans, with elements of money laundering, threats, and unlawful detention under review. Three suspects identified as E.Z., D.M., and D.U. are held at Detention Center No. 461. In parallel, VAT officers and intermediaries allegedly registered 1,877 fake VAT invoices from 16 dormant companies, reducing payable taxes by MNT 24.6 billion. Around 50 people across three groups are under investigation, including a Sukhbaatar District social insurance official and staff from the Tax General Department and district tax offices. Broader task forces have been formed as probes continue.
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Calls Intensify to Fully Probe Coal Scandal as Officials Face Renewed Scrutiny
Published: 2025-11-03
A renewed push is underway to resolve Mongolia’s long-running “coal theft” scandal, with authorities reopening investigations into alleged corruption tied to state-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT). The article argues that, despite four years of public outcry over purported losses valued at tens of trillions of tugriks, enforcement has yielded few concrete outcomes. A government review reportedly uncovered overpriced procurement, costly logistics to an off-site washing plant, and underpriced offtake deals shielded by secrecy. Lawmakers are urged to disclose all offtake contracts and to cooperate with investigators without invoking parliamentary immunity. Political friction continues as some figures resist being served as suspects, while others claim persecution—signs of entrenched institutional hurdles. The stakes are significant for governance, investor confidence, and transparency around Mongolia’s flagship coal exporter and its contract practices.
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Draft Welfare Overhaul Separates Child and Family Services from Social Assistance Policy
Published: 2025-11-03
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection presented companion bills to a revised Social Welfare Law, emphasizing a structural shift to separate child and family services from welfare policy. State Secretary L. Munkhzul said the redraft aims to align welfare measures with employment to reduce poverty, raise living standards for vulnerable households, and support independent living through expanded services and activation measures.
“The revised draft prioritizes separating child and family-oriented services from social welfare policy and links welfare measures with employment to lift households out of poverty and support independent living.” - L. Munkhzul, State Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (unuudur.mn)
Civil society groups from 30 organizations urged clearer provisions and more targeted services for seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income households, and survivors of violence. They also called for job creation measures and ensuring children from below subsistence-level households have equitable access to education, signaling pressure for stronger safeguards as the draft advances.
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Economy
S&P Lifts Sovereign and Development Bank Ratings to BB- with Stable Outlook
Published: 2025-11-03
S&P Global Ratings upgraded Mongolia’s long-term sovereign rating to BB- from B+ with a Stable outlook, restoring the country to this level for the first time in 13 years. The agency cited improved fiscal performance since 2022, driven by stronger mineral exports, notably a 45% surge in copper concentrate output this year, which helped reduce government debt-to-GDP. The Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) was also raised to BB- with Stable, aligned to the sovereign, reflecting its status as a 100% state-owned policy bank and expectations of extraordinary support. S&P highlighted DBM’s capital increase plan of MNT 1.5 trillion for 2025, its $500 million bond easing near-term refinancing risk, and pending legal reforms to strengthen governance. Risks remain around external balances and central bank independence; the outlook assumes steady growth and contained fiscal deficits over the next two years.
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Rio Tinto, Government Open Talks to Cut Oyu Tolgoi Shareholder Loan Interest, Targeting Decision by Jan 31, 2026
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia and Oyu Tolgoi’s investors agreed to begin formal negotiations to reduce the project’s shareholder loan interest and review related terms, with a protocol signed and an ambition to reach a decision by January 31, 2026, extendable if needed. The scope includes aligning interest rates with international market standards and reassessing management service fees to achieve a “fair, acceptable” outcome. The government says the first round concluded positively and talks will resume in November after Mongolia compiles additional information. The article underscores public pressure for tangible financial gains—such as a multi‑percentage‑point rate cut—to slow the mounting daily interest burden. It also flags risks of open‑ended talks, recalling a similar pause in 2018, and urges stricter scrutiny of management costs and core agreements to secure greater benefits for the state’s 34% stake.
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Economist Urges Pivot to Private-Led Industrialization as 2026 Budget Aims to Rein In Deficit
Published: 2025-11-03
Economist Ch.Khashchuluun says the forthcoming budget is more realistic than recent years and signals a shift toward correcting past overspending tied to the coal windfall, which fueled inflation and eroded fixed-income livelihoods. He argues that state-led projects delivered poor returns and calls for redirecting resources to heavy industry—copper smelting, oil refining, and steel—while leveraging private investment through tax relief, concessions, and targeted credit. Khashchuluun criticizes state-owned enterprises for opaque, politicized practices and losses, urging structural reforms to curb their dominance and reduce corruption. He advocates transparent government–union negotiations on wage demands and better capital allocation to free space for teacher and healthcare pay rises, paired with multi-year planning and service quality improvements. He also stresses diversifying beyond raw commodities by processing exports and adopting global technologies.
“State-owned companies have become vehicles for populist promises, with weak oversight and large losses.” - Ch. Khashchuluun, economist (news.mn)
“If the state supports policy and leaves operations to the private sector, there is nothing they cannot do.” - Ch. Khashchuluun, economist (news.mn)
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Editorial Critiques State Role in Mining, Urges Clear Policy and Reduced Direct Control
Published: 2025-11-03
A commentary argues Mongolia’s economy is overdependent on mining while state intervention and shifting policies deter investment. It highlights inconsistencies such as frequent cabinet changes, reversals of permits, and partial legislation. The piece faults the new National Wealth Fund law for omitting how oil revenues should flow into sub-funds, noting MPs led by M. Badamsüren have proposed amending the Petroleum Law to allocate oil proceeds to these funds. The article criticizes the “strategic deposit” legal concept as outdated and restrictive for investors, contrasting state-run projects’ scandals and losses with private operators’ performance. It cites the Oyu Tolgoi structure as burdensome for the state and reports current talks to cut borrowing costs and end management fees charged as operating expenses to raise Mongolia’s take. The author concludes the state should focus on clear policy and taxation rather than direct ownership or operations.
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Infrastructure
Ulaanbaatar Reports 95% Winter Readiness, Advances Paid Parking and Cycling Network Plans
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar authorities report 95% completion of 750 winter-preparation projects as of October 31, covering utilities, education and health facilities at 86–100% readiness. Road maintenance stocks stand at roughly 6,890 tons of salt, 7,128 tons of chemical de-icer, and 1,003 m³ of aggregate. The city is also moving on mobility projects: Ulaanbaatar City Development Corporation is upgrading paid parking management across 50 sites, with designs underway for 13; the Urban Development and Standards Agency listed 40 new parking locations and is preparing detailed feasibility studies for 30. Plans call for 75.17 km of bike and pedestrian routes citywide, including 12.9 km of bike lanes and a 555 m pedestrian overpass slated from 2026. Utility upgrades include 80 km of main pipelines and 100+ km of roads renewed, improving heat supply in key districts.
“If the city’s heat supply stabilizes this month, winter readiness will be ensured.” - L. Altangerel, Head of Urban Engineering Infrastructure Department (ikon.mn)
“Increase fuel sales points and prevent raw coal from entering Ulaanbaatar via checkpoints or off-route roads.” - T. Davaadalai, First Deputy Governor (gogo.mn)
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PM presses for higher oil output as refinery construction reaches 50% and pipeline nears completion
Published: 2025-11-03
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar toured Dornogovi to accelerate upstream and downstream oil milestones. He urged Donshen Oil (Mongolia), a SINOPEC unit operating 170 wells, to expand exploration and lift annual output from 50–60,000 tonnes toward 100,000 tonnes. The company cited legal and tax changes since 2012 and a pending $14.5 million dispute as constraints; the Prime Minister said court cases will proceed without government intervention. The 1.7 billion USD India-financed refinery in Altanshiree is reported at roughly 50% completion, with the 527 km feed pipeline 89.4% finished and power and process units under assembly. Commissioning is planned by December 2027 with operations in 2028 to supply at least half of domestic fuel demand and create 1,500 jobs.
“The government will back the refinery’s commissioning on all fronts and act against intentional or accidental obstruction.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (urug.mn)
“With joint effort, we are confident it can start ahead of schedule; visa facilitation for personnel is important.” - Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve, India (urug.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar to Roll Out Smart Paid Parking at 50 Public Sites, With EV Charging and Pre‑Booking
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar’s City Development Corporation is implementing a phased upgrade of paid parking across 50 public locations, introducing a unified digital system with advance booking, automated payments, and electric vehicle charging. Work has started at 23 sites, with initial upgrades completed at locations including KH Apartment and the Central Sports Palace. Construction will pause for the winter and resume in spring. The project follows a 2019 city council resolution mandating improved parking management and is being executed by NTB since 2023. Officials say the system aims to ease congestion, improve user convenience, and support EV adoption—an alignment with the capital’s broader traffic and air-quality goals.
“Under a 2019 city council resolution, we launched measures to improve parking management citywide. Since 2023, NTB has been upgrading 50 sites with EV charging and automated payments so users can connect to a unified system and reserve in advance.” - J. Sandagsuren, CEO, Ulaanbaatar City Development Corporation (gogo.mn)
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TuuL Water Complex Planned to Secure Long-Term Supply for Ulaanbaatar and Satellite Cities
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar authorities plan the “TuuL Water Complex,” a multi-component project to diversify water sources and stabilize long-term supply for the capital and nearby towns. The complex will include a reservoir, transmission pipelines, and a treatment plant over 5,569 sq m. Feasibility plans envision a dam 685.15 m long and 35.8 m high, with sediment depth of 19.84 m. By storing surface water, the project aims to add 50–100 million cubic meters annually, protect against floods, and support river ecology. India’s KPIL (Kalpataru Projects International Limited) is preparing preliminary studies and technical designs. With Ulaanbaatar currently reliant on groundwater and daily demand projected to reach 772,450 cubic meters by 2040, the project is positioned as a long-term safeguard against declining aquifers and supply risk.
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Published: 2025-11-03
The government has created an expanded task force, led by Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing E. Bat-Amgalan, to assess and propose measures to improve housing access for teachers and medical workers. The move follows a cabinet briefing on residential construction slated for Ulaanbaatar through 2028. This year, 110-unit buildings in both Bayankhoshuu and Sharkhad will open under an Asian Development Bank–funded project. Over the next three years, 12,619 apartments are planned across Selbe, Bayangol Valley, and Khanin Material areas. For policymakers, the task force’s mandate signals a push to align large-scale supply coming online with targeted affordability for essential public-sector professionals, potentially shaping priority allocation, financing schemes, and eligibility criteria. No timeline or specific subsidy mechanisms were announced.
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Government to Fund Fuel Storage Expansion with MNT 50 Billion in Concessional Loans Next Year
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia will expand fuel storage capacity to cover three to six months of demand, addressing supply risks linked to global geopolitical volatility. The country currently has 440,000 tons of storage—about six weeks of consumption—while monthly demand is met by importing roughly 220,000 tons of petroleum products. Industry and Energy Minister G. Damdinnayam said the government will re-table the COVID-era law to enable public–private cooperation and cheap financing for building new tanks and filling existing ones. One month of reserve capacity is estimated to cost about MNT 500 billion, and a MNT 50 billion concessional loan facility is being prepared, with additional funding needed to fill tanks and expand transshipment capacity at Zamiin-Uud for imports from China.
“We will increase fuel storage next year by securing low-cost financing for reserve tanks and refilling existing capacity under a renewed legal framework.” - G. Damdinnayam, Minister of Industry and Energy (gogo.mn)
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Society
Teachers End Nationwide Strike as Ruling Party Backs Pay Deal; Base Salary to Reach ₮2.8m in 2026
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s weeks-long teachers’ strike will end within 24 hours after the Labor Ministry registered an addendum to the sector’s collective agreement. The ruling party caucus endorsed funding measures in the 2026 budget to lift teachers’ base pay to ₮2.226m from Jan 1, 2026 and to ₮2.8m by year‑end, while targeting ₮3.5m in 2027 subject to next year’s budget. The plan will be financed by cutting roughly ₮1.1 trillion in operating and capital outlays, sparing social funds and children’s benefits. Health workers are slated for a 15% raise from Jan 2026; pensions and social benefits will rise 8.6%. Teachers will receive full pay for strike days and drop all related claims. Union leaders said classes resume after a 24‑hour notice period.
“The addendum is registered; I expect the strike to stop as early as tomorrow” - Education Minister P. Naranbayar (ikon.mn)
“We will raise the base salary to ₮2.8 million in 2026—this is a major achievement of the talks” - Union chair Z. Tsogtgerel (news.mn)
“To fund pay and pension increases, we cut ₮1.1 trillion from other expenditures” - Budget Committee Chair H. Ganhuyag (gogo.mn)
Coverage:
- Teachers’ strike continues into the fourth week, with local schools and kindergartens increasing (itoim.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Reached an agreement to raise teachers’ salaries by 76 percent (news.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Because raising teachers’ and doctors’ salaries will place a huge burden on the 2026 and 2027 budgets, it will be decided by the parliamentary faction (itoim.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Negotiating to increase teachers’ salaries by 76 percent and pensions by 8.6 percent (eagle.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Teachers requested a 76 percent salary increase. If the government instructs to register the agreement, I will register it (ikon.mn)
- Discussing options to increase the salary scale (gogo.mn)
- S. Erdenebat: The majority of the MPP faction members support raising teachers’ salaries (news.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Will increase teachers’ and doctors’ salaries by 76 percent (unuudur.mn)
- MPP faction decided to raise teachers’ base salary to ₮2.8 million from the 1st of this month (ikon.mn)
- “Discussing the option of increasing the teacher’s base salary by ₮1.4 million to reach ₮2.8 million” (gogo.mn)
- MPRP (Mongolian People’s Party) Faction: The source for teachers’ and doctors’ salary increases will be included in the budget (itoim.mn)
- MPRP Faction: Discussing options to raise the salary scale (unuudur.mn)
- It was deemed appropriate to raise teachers’ salaries to 2.8 million togrog from November 1 (montsame.mn)
- J. Batjargal: Teachers’ salaries will be raised to 2.8 million in 2026 (eagle.mn)
- Decision made to raise teachers’ base salary to ₮2.8 million from the 1st of this month (gogo.mn)
- “Members of Parliament’s hospitality expenses and the like will be cut to increase teachers’ and doctors’ salaries” (gogo.mn)
- MPRP: Calculations made to raise teachers’ base salary to 2.8 million togrog (news.mn)
- To increase spending related to teachers, doctors, and pensions, they will reduce 1.1 trillion togrog in recurrent expenditures, they said (unuudur.mn)
- MPRP Faction: Supported raising teachers’ base salary to 2.8 million togrog (unuudur.mn)
- Cutting MPs’ hospitality expenses and the like to raise teachers’ and doctors’ salaries | Peak News (peak.mn)
- MAN: It is appropriate to raise teachers’ salaries to 2.8 million tugriks (urug.mn)
- T. Aubakir: Our ministry is unable to resolve the issue of increasing teachers’ salaries (urug.mn)
- Doctors and staff of more than 70 health institutions have announced they will strike (itoim.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: Teachers must stop their strike from tomorrow (eagle.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: Since the additional agreement has been registered and formalized, I hope teachers’ strike will stop tomorrow (ikon.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: The legal basis has been established for officially stopping the teachers’ strike (gogo.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: Since an agreement has been reached, the teachers’ strike will stop from tomorrow (itoim.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: The teachers’ strike should stop because an agreement was reached (unuudur.mn)
- P. Naranbayar: By registering the additional agreement, the strike has stopped (urug.mn)
- Z. Tsogtgerel: The strike will stop after 24 hours, and educational and upbringing activities will begin (ikon.mn)
- Agreed with the Ministry of Education to fully pay teachers’ wages and compensation for the period of the strike (ikon.mn)
- “After 24 hours, educational and upbringing work will officially begin” (news.mn)
- Z. Tsogtgerel: The strike will stop after 24 hours, schools and kindergartens will start (itoim.mn)
- Z. Tsogtgerel: After 24 hours, educational and upbringing work will officially begin (unuudur.mn)
- Z. Tsogtgerel: The strike will stop after 24 hours and classes will start (urug.mn)
- Teachers’ strike has stopped, instruction will continue as usual (montsame.mn)
Teachers’ Strike Nears Resolution as Wage Deal Is Registered and Government Urges Classes to Resume
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s 13-day nationwide teachers’ strike is set to end after the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection registered a supplemental wage agreement reached between the Education Ministry and the teachers’ union. The pact raises base salaries by 50% from January 1, 2026, and a further 26% from November 1, 2026—lifting base pay to MNT 2.226 million in 2026 and MNT 2.8 million by year-end—at an estimated fiscal cost of MNT 1.2 trillion. Officials stress the need to align salary reform with broader pay-structure changes and medium-term budget capacity. Some local schools had signaled fresh stoppages this week, but the government expects classes to restart promptly following formal registration of the deal.
“We have officially registered the supplemental agreement. The strike should conclude under the Labor Law once a settlement is reached, and we expect normal operations to resume tomorrow.” - Education Minister P. Naranbayar (news.mn)
“Our ministry cannot decide this alone; the caucus needed to review the budget impact for 2026–2027 before registration.” - Labor and Social Protection Minister T. Aubakir (ikon.mn)
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Officials Urge Shift to Gender-Responsible Policy and Legal Updates on Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Published: 2025-11-03
At a media forum in Ulaanbaatar on combating AI-enabled gender-based violence, Mongolia’s National Committee on Gender Equality called for updated laws and data to address emerging online harms, particularly targeting women journalists. A. Adilbish, Secretary of the National Committee and head of its working office, noted that no nationwide survey on violence has been conducted since 2017 and said current legal frameworks do not clearly define technology-facilitated gender-based violence, enabling impunity. He argued for moving from gender-sensitivity awareness to concrete, accountable policies and implementation, and urged joint research by the state, international partners, and civil society. The event was co-organized by the National Committee, the Press Institute, and the National Network for Freedom of Expression, aligned with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
“Forms of gender-based violence committed using technology are not clearly defined in the current legal environment, which is allowing such violence to spread and, in some cases, perpetrators to escape punishment. We need to shift to gender-responsible policy, planning, and tangible action.” - A. Adilbish, Secretary of the National Committee on Gender Equality (montsame.mn)
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Environment
Ulaanbaatar to Build Waste-to-Energy Plant Producing 35 MW, Cutting Landfill Use by One-Third by 2028
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar approved a public–private partnership to construct a waste-to-energy plant on a 10-hectare site in Khan-Uul District’s 12th khoroo, aiming to process 1,500 tons of municipal waste per day and generate 210 GWh annually (35 MW). The $206.5 million project, to be built over 30 months by Renshou Sichuan Energy Investment & Environmental Protection, targets commissioning in 2028. Once operational, the facility is expected to incinerate 31.8% of the city’s waste, reduce landfill volumes, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 106,000 tons of CO2 annually. The plant will employ 86 permanent staff and over 300 during construction, with training planned for Mongolian engineers and technicians. Emissions control will use an SNCR-based, eight-stage filtration system with semi-dry/dry processes, activated carbon injection, and bag filters. Capacity equates to power for roughly 2,333 households.
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Light Snow in Northeast Today; Heavy Snowstorms Forecast Nationwide Nov 6–8 With Sharp Cooling
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s meteorological agency forecasts light snow today across the Khentii highlands and the Onon–Ulz river valleys, with the rest of the country partly cloudy and generally mild for early November. Ulaanbaatar remains dry at +2 to +4°C with light southwesterly winds. Temperatures vary widely, from -3 to +2°C in northern highlands to +10 to +15°C in the southern Gobi. Looking ahead, a significant shift is expected: snow and snowstorms are projected to spread west-to-east from Nov 6–8, with winds strengthening to 15–17 m/s in exposed steppe and desert areas. From Nov 7 onward, conditions turn markedly colder, with daytime highs in many regions falling below freezing and northern basins reaching -7 to -12°C by day and -21 to -26°C at night. Seasonal guidance indicates colder-than-average winter conditions in the north and relatively warmer anomalies in parts of the southwest.
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Severe Dzud Risk Forecast for Western Aimags, With Uvs Largely on High Alert
Published: 2025-11-03
Meteorological assessments indicate elevated dzud risk across western Mongolia heading into winter. Uvs aimag projects high or very high risk across 91% of its territory in November, with the most acute exposure in specific baghs of Sagil, Türgen, Bökhmörön, Ulaangom, Tarialan, Naranbulag, Züüngovi, Khyrgas, and Züünkhangai. National modeling by the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment shows 2% of territory at very high risk, 16% high, and 36% moderate, concentrating in Bayan-Ölgii, Uvs, Khovd, and parts of Khövsgöl, Övörkhangai, Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, and Töv. Authorities will update the overall November risk assessment on November 12 and advise early preparedness measures as snowpack and cold intensify. The outlook signals heightened pressure on pasture carrying capacity and winter livestock survival, with localized disruptions to transport and rural services likely.
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ADB to Advise on 115 MW Solar and Battery Project Linking Western and Eastern Grids
Published: 2025-11-03
The Asian Development Bank will provide advisory support to the government for Mongolia’s first competitive tender combining solar power and battery storage. The initiative plans a 115 MW solar plant and a 65 MW/237 MWh battery energy storage system to connect to the Western and Eastern grid regions. The project aims to bolster grid reliability, displace coal generation, and cut electricity import dependence, while enabling more variable renewable energy integration and serving remote areas with cleaner, affordable power. A transparent, competitive tender is expected to mobilize private investment and lay groundwork for larger-scale solar and storage deployments aligned with national energy and climate strategies.
“ADB is pleased to support Mongolia’s clean energy transition with innovative renewable and storage solutions. This project will strengthen energy security and underpin future large investments in solar and battery storage.” - Shannon Cowlin, ADB Country Director for Mongolia (gogo.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar Allows Washed Coal Sales to Households Despite Higher Emissions, Temporary Rollout Set
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar has begun selling washed coal to ger-area households alongside middling briquettes and semi-coke, priced at MNT 3,750 per sack. According to Tavan Tolgoi Tülesh, washed coal—cleaned of dirt and debris—has higher sulfur and PM2.5/PM10 emissions than briquetted and semi-coke fuels, risking a pollution setback even as city leaders seek alternatives to raw coal use. The National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction authorized retail sales of washed coal on October 8. Distribution is targeted for 7–10 days to fringe districts such as Shuvuun Fabrik, Ölziit, Bio, and Botanik, with a plan to sell only semi-coke from December. As of today, 2,410 tons of fuel were supplied to 339 points: 1,670 tons washed coal and 740 tons briquettes. Energy Resource supplies washed coal at roughly MNT 110,000 per ton; retail is via sacks at MNT 3,750.
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PM10 Spikes 4.3 Times Over Standard Near Ulaanbaatar Power Plant, Daily Air Report Shows
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring reported notable air pollution spikes on November 2, with PM10 particulates peaking at 435 µg/m³ near a power plant—4.3 times above the national ambient air quality standard (AAQS). Sulfur dioxide reached up to 62 µg/m³ in the 1st Khoroolol area (1.2x AAQS), and nitrogen dioxide hit 67 µg/m³ near the “Five Stops” junction (1.3x AAQS). PM2.5 measured as high as 46 µg/m³ in the Zuuragt area (1.2x AAQS). Carbon monoxide ranged from 330–2,311 µg/m³ and remained within limits at all monitoring points. The readings underscore localized hotspots tied to traffic corridors and energy infrastructure as the heating season ramps up, signaling likely recurrent exceedances through winter unless mitigation measures curb emissions.
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New Reservoir and Drip Irrigation System Built on Khongoriin Gol to Tackle Water Scarcity
Published: 2025-11-03
Umnugovi Province has completed a new reservoir and drip irrigation system on the Khongoriin Gol in Sevrei soum to address chronic water shortages, support wildlife, and bolster climate resilience. Funded by the local budget and based on technical studies, the facility stores 13,200 cubic meters with a 100-ton water tank and irrigates 1.2 hectares; 2,000 tamarisk trees were planted around the site. A 57.6-cubic-meter pool and rest area aim to enhance tourism at the popular desert river. The project is the province’s ninth such build and revives a site first developed by engineer Dugarmaa but idle since 1989; the new pond measures 150×90 meters with a reported 13,300-cubic-meter capacity. Governor N. Enkhbat inspected the site and ordered strict protection and productive use for greening and horticulture.
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Innovation
Interim Population and Housing Census Uses Linked State Databases; Phone Verification Runs Through Dec. 15
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia’s National Statistics Office (NSO) is conducting the 2025 interim population and housing census using a registry-based approach, integrating datasets from 14 state bodies via 30 databases, including 11 from six agencies over 25 servers. Citizens must verify and, if needed, correct pre-filled records online through 2025.mn using the DAN eID; those without internet access can update details at local khoroo/bag offices. Students are counted at their residence of more than 183 days, and labor and marital status are collected from age 15 in line with ILO and UN guidance. NSO operators will call flagged numbers from 70151212 between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15 to reconcile data, with results planned for submission in Q1 2026. The NSO cites ISO/IEC 27001 for data security and a May 28, 2025 government resolution mandating biannual data transfers by state bodies.
“We are compiling the census using data held by government agencies, with institutions supplying their datasets to the NSO on a twice-yearly basis under Government Resolution No. 260.” - Sh. Ariunbold, Director, Census and Data Analytics Department, NSO (ikon.mn)
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Sükhbaatar Pilots Local Ordering of Passports in Two Soums, Countywide Rollout Planned
Published: 2025-11-03
Residents of Mönkhkhaan and Tümentsogt in Sükhbaatar aimag can now apply for and receive ordinary national passports directly in their soums, removing the need to travel to the provincial center. The service, launched on October 22, is intended to shorten processing times and cut travel costs for rural residents. The General Authority for State Registration’s local branch said the pilot will expand across all soums in the province once preparations are complete. The move reflects a broader push to decentralize public services in Mongolia, easing administrative burdens for citizens outside aimag capitals. If implemented provincewide, the change could significantly reduce time off work and transportation expenses for applicants while helping local administrations streamline demand and improve service delivery.
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National Program Launches to Scale Clean-Tech SMEs and Create Green Jobs
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia has launched a 2025–2029 national program to foster clean technology and innovation in startups and SMEs, backed by the Global Environment Facility and implemented via UNIDO. The initiative, led by the Climate Change Research and Cooperation Center under the environment ministry with NGO “Development Solutions,” targets policy alignment, financing access, and skills development to grow green businesses and jobs. It plans $1.7 million in investment over four years, aims to reach more than 2,600 SMEs, reserve 40% of participants for women and 30% for youth, and cut over 90,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Local banks and NBFIs, including Golomt Bank, Khan Bank, Transcapital, Invescore, the Credit Guarantee Fund, and the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association, signed cooperation MoUs to expand green finance.
“This is one of the major nationwide efforts to develop SMEs, which suffered after the 2016 crisis and the pandemic.” - Ch. Davaabayar, Presidential Advisor on Industry and Services Policy (montsame.mn)
“The project will localize clean technologies and provide training and some financing for startups operating environmentally friendly businesses.” - B. Khishigsuren, CEO, Development Solutions NGO (montsame.mn)
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TDB Securities Launches DataLAB to Centralize Five Years of Mongolia Stock Data
Published: 2025-11-03
TDB Securities has unveiled DataLAB, a digital platform aggregating five years of financial and trading data for more than 90 actively traded companies on the Mongolian Stock Exchange. Positioned as the largest domestic equities data hub, the tool consolidates key indicators to streamline comparative analysis and reduce research time. The initiative aims to improve market accessibility, transparency, and research quality while encouraging investor participation and liquidity in local equities. DataLAB targets a broad user base, including retail investors, professional asset managers, students, analysts, listed companies, and valuation firms. For market participants, the platform could standardize data sourcing, lower due-diligence costs, and support more evidence-based investment decisions, potentially bolstering market activity and price discovery over time.
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Health
EBRD Loan and Luxembourg Grant to Finance National Cardio Center in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia signed a financing agreement to build a Level V National Cardiovascular Center, backed by a $34.9 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a €22.5 million (about $26.2 million) grant from Luxembourg. Roughly 40% of the project cost will be covered by the grant. The eight‑story, 120‑bed facility will be constructed within the National Third Central Hospital compound in Ulaanbaatar. Officials say the center will reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, expand preventive care, introduce new technologies, and function as an integrated hub for training and research, doubling service accessibility. Cardiovascular disease has been Mongolia’s leading cause of death for over two decades, with 5,789 deaths in 2023; 36.3% were among people aged 45–65. Demand for cardiac services is projected to increase 2.6 times by 2030. The project is expected to address capacity gaps and centralize advanced care.
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Cadaveric Organ Transplants Halt After Public Backlash and Donor Shortage
Published: 2025-11-03
Cadaveric organ transplantation in Mongolia has been suspended since July 2023 due to a collapse in donor availability, leaving more than 1,200 registered patients waiting and at least 20 deaths reported over the past year. Health authorities link the decline to persistent public mistrust following widely publicized allegations—later overturned—against State Honored Doctor P. Batchuluun. Officials are now relaunching awareness efforts and pushing for a dedicated Organ, Tissue and Cell Transplant Law submitted to parliament in late 2024 to expand procedures beyond liver and kidney and strengthen the legal framework. Capacity constraints persist: Mongolia still lacks a standalone transplant center, budgets are tight, and staffing is thin, despite strong clinical outcomes and multiple hospitals performing transplants. 70% of past transplants have relied on living donors, a pattern experts say should shift toward deceased donation for safety and scale.
“Over the past year we haven’t performed a single cadaveric transplant, and 20 patients have died as a result.” - B. Altantulga, head of the National Organ Transplant Coordination Office (unuudur.mn)
“We spent 10 years educating the public to grow deceased donation; today, countries are moving away from living donors to avoid risking healthy people.” - Prof. Joo Won Hyun, president, Korean Society for Transplantation (unuudur.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar Introduces Three-Fuel “Choice” as Carbon Monoxide Deaths Persist
Published: 2025-11-03
Ulaanbaatar officials have begun selling three types of household fuel—semi‑coke, “improved” briquettes, and washed middlings—framed as consumer choice during the heating season. The move follows recurring carbon monoxide poisonings: authorities report eight deaths so far this season, while the National Human Rights Commission says 110 people have died from CO exposure since January. Critics warn middlings have higher ash content and incomplete combustion risks, undermining safety gains from prior bans on raw coal. The city’s deputy mayor for social sector and green development, A. Amartuvshin, announced the shift to choice-based sales, with middlings offered until November 15 before a planned switch to semi‑coke only. Lawmaker J. Zoljargal criticized middlings as a hazardous stopgap and blamed policy inconsistency for public harm.
“This middlings product isn’t washed coal; it’s an intermediate with 25–30% ash, leading to more incomplete combustion and CO.” - MP J. Zoljargal (unuudur.mn)
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HPV Vaccination Added to Mandatory Schedule for All 11-Year-Olds
Published: 2025-11-03
Mongolia has updated its National Immunization Schedule to include a single-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for all 11-year-old girls and boys, under Government Resolution No. 472 dated December 27, 2023. Health authorities note that administering the vaccine at age 11 generates higher antibody levels compared with older age groups, leading to stronger and more durable immunity. The policy aims to reduce future cervical and other HPV-related cancers by immunizing children before potential exposure, aligning with global public health practice that targets early adolescents. Implementation details such as school-based delivery, catch-up programs, or vaccine brand were not specified in the article. Media use of the source content is restricted by ikon.mn’s terms, but the public health message encourages early protection against HPV-related cancers.
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Measles Cases Reach 13,577 as Health Authorities Urge Vaccination and Tracking
Published: 2025-11-03
As of November 3, Mongolia has confirmed 13,577 measles cases, according to the National Center for Communicable Diseases. Recoveries stand at 13,520, with 11 deaths recorded. Twelve patients remain hospitalized. Health officials report 96,794 identified contacts under monitoring. Incidence is highest among children aged 10–14 (5,085 cases), followed by ages 0–4 (3,116), 5–9 (1,739), and 15–19 (1,705). Authorities emphasize that measles is highly contagious but preventable with vaccination, and they are urging residents to ensure their immunization records are updated via local family and soum health centers’ electronic systems. The age profile indicates immunity gaps among school-aged children, underscoring the importance of catch-up vaccination campaigns and verification of records for mobile or recently arrived families.
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Gobi Province Deploys Mobile Endoscopy Clinic to Expand Rural Diagnostics
Published: 2025-11-03
Umnugovi Province has launched a locally funded “mobile hospital” designed around endoscopic diagnostics, delivered to the provincial Health Department on November 1 under the “Growing Umnugovi” program. The unit provides internal medicine consultations, abdominal and thyroid ultrasound, ECG, lung capacity testing, gynecological exams and cancer screening, prenatal check-ups, and both sedated and non-sedated gastroscopy with biopsy capability, plus ophthalmology services. Equipped with a lift for people with special needs and Starlink connectivity, clinicians can access specialist telemedicine support and conduct early detection and preventive screenings from soum and bag centers to remote herder sites, including during emergencies. The initiative aligns with the province’s plan to allocate 30% of its 2025 budget to education and healthcare, aiming to reduce travel burdens, accelerate triage, and improve early diagnosis across sparsely populated areas.
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