Mongolian Judge Elected President of the Appeals Chamber of the ICC www.montsame.mn

Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin was elected President of the Appeals Division of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In accordance with Article 14 of the Rome Statute and Rule 4 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the President of the Appeals Division is elected by a majority vote of the judges within that division. In this instance, the judges of the Appeals Division unanimously elected Judge D. Erdenebalsuren.
Judge Erdenebalsuren was elected to the ICC in the first round of voting, securing the highest number of votes. He began his term as a judge of the Appeals Division in 2024. He is now set to serve as the President of the Appeals Division from 2025 to 2026.
The ICC's Appeals Division comprises five judges and represents the highest judicial body within the court. It is responsible for reviewing decisions, judgments, and orders rendered within the ICC's jurisdiction, and is composed of the most experienced and distinguished judges.

High-Performance Supercomputing Center to be Established in Phases www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Economy and Development of Mongolia will cooperate with the United States on the "Establishing a High-Performance Supercomputing Center" Project.
A Mongolian delegation, consisting of Head of the Department of Integrated Science and Technology Policy of the Ministry of Economy and Development Dr. Battogtokh Dorjgotov, Advisor of the Department of Macroeconomic Policy D.Ulzii-Erdene, and Vice President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences Academician Avid Budeebazar, visited the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, U.S. The delegates held meetings with the managers and scientists in the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate and Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate, discussing cooperation in the fields of science and technology between the two countries and utilizing the "Frontier" supercomputer, its operating system, equipment, and management and also training human resources to operate it. 
The Ministry of Economy and Development and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Mongolian University of Science and Technology and the National University of Mongolia, are working to implement the "Establishing a High-Performance Supercomputing Center" Project based on the human and material resources created in Mongolia.
Project implementers are collaborating with Mongolian scientists and researchers working in the United States and the Republic of Korea to utilize their high knowledge and skills. The successful implementation of the project will create technological advances in Mongolia such as analyzing large sets of natural, social, and economic data related to national security, developing solutions to combat climate change and natural disasters caused by global warming, pasture degradation, and desertification, conducting detailed research on new materials, and minerals, and conducting research on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
In addition, the introduction of cutting-edge technology will bring Mongolia’s science, technology, and innovation development to a new level, and create conditions for a new generation of scientists and students to master powerful modern research technologies.

Legal inconsistencies disrupt coal trading on exchange www.ubpost.mn

On March 28, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Ts.Tuvaan and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O.Altangerel submitted a draft law proposing amendments to the Law on the Mining Products Exchange to Speaker of Parliament D.Amarbayasgalan. 
Under the current system, coal and iron ore are traded through the exchange via spot and forward contracts. As of March 14, a total of 43 million tons of mining products had been traded, generating 17 trillion MNT in revenue.
The mining products exchange was introduced in response to public demand, aiming to create a transparent and regulated marketplace. However, inconsistencies in legal regulations have led to disruptions in trading, raising concerns over potential income losses for participating enterprises and obstacles to enriching the National Wealth Fund. To address these challenges, lawmakers have drafted amendments to improve regulatory consistency and ensure the smooth operation of mining product trading.
The proposed amendments are also designed to facilitate the development of large-scale infrastructure projects outlined in the government’s action plan for 2024 through 2028. These include the construction of cross-border railways at Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod, Khangi-Mandal and Shiveekhuren-Sekhee, as well as the establishment of coal-chemical and coke-chemical complexes, and a steel production facility.
Moreover, the amendments aim to align Mongolia’s mineral resource sales with international standards while ensuring that revenue from mining contributes to the country’s economic independence. The draft law is expected to undergo parliamentary discussions in the coming weeks, with industry stakeholders closely monitoring its potential impact on the mining sector and the broader economy.

Legal Framework Concerning the Entry of Foreign Labor into Mongolia to Be Refined www.montsame.mn

The Immigration Agency of Mongolia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Protection of Mongolia and the General Agency for Labor Welfare Services, organized a joint meeting on March 28, 2025. The meeting focused on discussing challenges related to the entry of foreign labor into Mongolia, streamlining the process of issuing work permits, and enhancing coordination between relevant organizations. 
Chairman of the Immigration Agency of Mongolia N. Uuganbayar emphasized that under the Government’s 14 mega projects aimed at economic expansion, there is a growing need for foreign experts and specialists to work in Mongolia. Mr. Uuganbayar also noted that the peak season for labor recruitment in various sectors linked to construction activities has begun, necessitating close and flexible cooperation between the organizations. 
Furthermore, the Head of the Immigration Agency highlighted, “To attract foreign investment and promote tourism, Mongolia introduced an e-visa system in 2021. However, as the issuance of tourist e-visas has increased, more enterprises and organizations have been found employing foreign nationals without obtaining the necessary permits from the relevant authorities. Over the past year, such violations have risen as companies seek to avoid job-related fees. This situation is partly due to the complex and time-consuming process of obtaining work and residency permits, as well as the high costs involved, leading some to misuse tourist visas for employment purposes.” 
To address these issues, the joint meeting has decided to refine the legal framework concerning the entry of foreign labor, explore the possibility of implementing a tiered job fee system, and integrate the preliminary work permits issued by the General Agency for Labor Welfare Services into the “Unified Visa, Registration, and Information Database.”

Mongolia Frees Coal Pricing www.insidemongolia.mn

In the past week, 2 significant regulatory changes occur at the Mining Products Exchange (MPE). These changes shift how the exchange operates, and expectations rise for further development in the coming years. Here is an overview of the recent changes and what lies ahead.
Regulatory Amendments
The recent updates to the MPE regulations align prices with market movements and introduce more flexibility in payment terms. The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE), is working on submitting a revised Exchange Law that incorporates these principles. The goal is to ensure these changes become part of the legal framework governing the exchange.
Hot Off the Press
Additionally, the Minister of Finance states that the products currently traded on the Mining Products Exchange are preparing for international markets, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the works. This development could boost the MPE’s position in the global market if it materializes.
What Has Changed?
Previously, trading on the Mining Products Exchange occurs at fixed prices determined behind the scenes. However, the new framework allows trading at prices indexed to market movements. This change aligns the exchange with modern market practices, offering more flexibility for both buyers and sellers. Furthermore, buyers now have the option to trade the remaining coal within their contracts, adding further flexibility to the trading process.
How Is the Indexed Price Determined?
The indexed pricing mechanism involves a basket of price indices for products traded on the exchange. This includes the price of coal at Gantsmod Port, the coking coal price index for the domestic Chinese market, and the price of coking coal at Jintan Port. The use of multiple components ensures that the price is not solely dependent on one port but instead reflects the combined weight of various elements that affect the market.
For example, the price of Gantsmod coal holds a weight of 20% in the index for forward contracts. If the price of Gantsmod coal falls while prices at other ports remain high, the overall price does not decrease significantly, offering a buffer against price fluctuations.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MPE
In the next 2-3 years, the MSE plans to expand its offerings by introducing commodity trading on the S&P Platts platform, diversifying product offerings, and potentially allowing for dual trading on international exchanges. This move enhances the MPE's global integration and market accessibility. As coal prices, vital to Mongolia’s economy, fluctuate, there is a growing effort to stabilize and adjust the trading mechanisms accordingly. If brokers continue to engage with the MPE, the market finds its balance and return to stability.

Mongolia Growth Group Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid www.stocktitan.net

Don’t Risk Your Future: The United States Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration www.mn.usembassy.gov

Thousands of Mongolians travel every year to the United States for vacation, work, or study. The U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar would like to share some tips to ensure you travel responsibly and avoid violating U.S. immigration laws, which could have serious consequences.
The Choice is Clear – Follow the Law
To make America safe, strong, and prosperous, President Trump is ensuring that U.S. immigration laws are followed. The risks of trying to illegally immigrate to the United States far outweigh any potential benefits. You could lose your ability to obtain a U.S. visa in the future, prevent your family members from getting visas, and affect the prospects of other Mongolians as well.
Overstaying a U.S. visa or misusing that visa to work illegally not only breaks U.S. laws, it also puts your safety and well-being in jeopardy. The penalties are serious: jail time, separation from your family, deportation, and permanent bans from re-entering the United States.
If you know someone who is in the United States illegally, the best thing you can do for them is encourage them to leave now before they are caught.
For everyone, the message is simple: Make the right choice, follow the law, and do not risk your safety, your family, or your future.
U.S. Visa Fraud Has Serious Consequences
The U.S. visa process is the most secure in the world. Yet, some people unwisely still try to cheat the system by using fake documents, lying on applications, misrepresenting their purpose of travel, or staying after their visa expires. These are examples of visa fraud, and it is a serious crime. If you break the law in this way, you will be punished, and you may never be allowed to enter the United States again.  Lying about your situation, misrepresenting your intentions for traveling to the U.S., hiding the presence of family members in the U.S., or other efforts to circumvent the lawful visa process will prevent you from getting a visa.  This will affect any application for a visa you make in the future as well.  Individuals who have always been honest during the visa process stand a substantially better chance of obtaining a visa for lawful travel to the U.S.
Working on a Tourist Visa is Illegal
Most Mongolians apply for B1/B2 tourist visas to the U.S.  It is illegal to work in the U.S. while on this kind of visa, even if you do not overstay your period of admittance.  This includes any type of gainful employment, whether working for friends or for an established business.  Paid employment of any type is not allowed while in the U.S. on a tourist visa.  It is important to travel to the U.S. only for lawful purposes.  If there is no U.S. visa that exists for the activity you wish to pursue in the U.S., then that activity is against U.S. law and you should not pursue such travel.
Overstaying your Visa Can Lead to Deportation
Staying longer than the time granted to you by Customs and Border Protection when you enter the U.S. is illegal and can lead to arrest, deportation, and permanent bans from the U.S.  Staying illegally can also affect your friends and family members who may wish to travel after you, preventing them from obtaining visas.  Your actions can have consequences beyond yourself.
President Trump is Holding Everyone Accountable
The United States government is taking action against those who help others enter the country illegally. This includes smugglers, human traffickers and even foreign government officials who allow illegal immigration to continue.
Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy for foreign officials – including immigration, customs, and port authority staff – who fail to help stop illegal immigration. This builds on similar existing restrictions for those in the transportation and tourism industries. Those who threaten U.S. security by facilitating illegal immigration are not welcome in our country.
Travel Responsibly
Travel responsibly to the U.S. by knowing the rules before you go and following them throughout your travels.  Obeying U.S. immigration law, being honest in your applications, and returning promptly to Mongolia are the best ways to ensure good outcomes for yourself, your family, and your fellow Mongolians.

Mongolia in $500 Million Debt Offering and Concurrent Tender Offer www.clearygottlieb.com

Cleary Gottlieb represented the government of Mongolia in a Rule 144A/Reg S offering of $500 million 6.625% bonds due 2030 and its concurrent tender offer for its outstanding dollar-denominated 5.125% bonds due 2026 and 8.65% bonds due 2028.
Crédit Agricole CIB, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, and J.P. Morgan were joint bookrunners and dealer managers for the transactions. The transactions closed on February 25, 2025, and the new bonds were listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
The issuance allowed Mongolia to refinance a portion of its debt maturing in 2026 and 2028 and extend the maturity profile of a portion of its indebtedness.

Rio Tinto and University of Queensland Launch Oyu Tolgoi Training Programme www.discoveryalert.com.au

Emeelt Eco-Industrial Park to Enhance the Value of Livestock-Derived Raw Materials www.montsame.mn

The Emeelt Eco-Industrial Park, one of Ulaanbaatar City's 24 mega projects for urban development, will be built on a 539-hectare site in the Shar Khuviin Khooloi area, located 30 kilometers from the downtown Ulaanbaatar City within the 13th khoroo of Khan-Uul district.
The Project will include the construction of a 24 MW thermal power plant, a Wastewater Treatment Plant with a capacity of 6,700 cubic meters per day, 12.5 kilometers of paved roads, flood protection structures, two water reservoirs, and engineering infrastructure networks. The Park will be jointly funded by the State Budget of Mongolia, the Ulaanbaatar City Budget, and foreign aid. 
Currently, a four-story Business Incubator, Training and Production Center of the Park has been completed and commissioned. Preparations are underway to relocate leather and wool processing factories to the Park, with enterprises currently formalizing land-use agreements.  
The relocation and concentration of leather and wool processing factories within the Emeelt Eco-Industrial Park are expected to contribute to the ecological restoration of the Tuul River Basin, which has been contaminated over the years. Additionally, the Project is expected to generate approximately 5,600 permanent jobs. 
Another key benefit of the Project is its potential to increase the value of livestock-derived raw materials and integrate them more effectively into the national economy. Moreover, since the Park is envisioned to function as a core part of the Argalant-Emeelt satellite city’s special economic zone, it will create favorable conditions for people to live and work in the surrounding area.