The Development Bank of Mongolia successfully paid off USD 500 million of Eurobonds and JPY 30 billion of 'Samurai' bonds on time, using its own resources. This serves as the foundation for maintaining the bank's credit rating assessed by an international credit rating agency.

Specifically, the international credit rating agency “Moody's” reported its decision to maintain the long-term credit rating of the Development Bank of Mongolia at the B3 (stable) level and elevate the bank's Baseline Credit Assessment from CAA2 to CAA1. This information was reported by the Development Bank of Mongolia.

"Moody's" agency had monitored the possible downgrade of the credit rating since October 2023, assessing potential performance risks associated with the repayment of two bonds that matured in the fourth quarter of 2023.

"Moody's" agency emphasized that the Development Bank of Mongolia, as a bank that implements the policies of the Government of Mongolia within the framework of its obligations under the law, has maintained a stable credit rating.

The International Agency's assessment has an important effect on attracting long-term and low-cost funds from the international market in the future as it ascertains that the Development Bank successfully implemented its obligations to international investors.

The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) will take place under the theme “Rebuilding Trust” in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on January 15-19, 2024. Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai will participate in the Forum.

The World Economic Forum, founded in 1971 by Swiss economist and business professor Klaus Schwab, convenes leaders from diverse fields, such as politics, business, environment, and technology, to address pressing global challenges and determine future development trends and policies.

Dignitaries who took part in the WEF from Mongolia are:

Foreign Minister of Mongolia B. Battsetseg – 2023

President of Mongolia Kh. Battulga – 2020

Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry D. Sumiyabazar – 2019

Foreign Minister of Mongolia D. Tsogtbaatar – 2018

President of Mongolia Ts. Elbegdorj – 2017

The Law on Public-Private Partnership, previously regulated by the Law on Concession, came into force on January 1, 2024.

According to Minister of Finance Javkhlan Bold, the main goal of the Law on Public-Private Partnership is that the government will not compete with the private sector, but will provide long-term support to the implementation of infrastructure projects.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Development Tuvdendorj Gantumur highlighted multiple gains as a result of the implementation of the Law on Public-Private Partnership. These include:

· Promotion of competition in the public services sector by attracting the private sector,

· Introduction of financial instruments to meet growing needs,

· Reduction of the budget burden in the long term

"To improve Mongolia's economic competitiveness in the world, many projects aimed at improving and accelerating the development of infrastructure such as power plants, roads, railways, and public transport are included in Mongolia's medium-term development policy document "New Revival Policy." It requires improving the business environment and state potential through approving new laws and revising or amending laws. In this context the Law on Public-Private Partnership was approved, ” stated Deputy Minister G. Tuvdendorj.

As Deputy Minister G. Tuvdendorj stressed by eliminating violations of financial discipline, not properly regulated in the Law on Concession, the Law on Public-Private Partnership brings the legislative framework into line with international standards.

Under the Law on Public-Private Partnership, government organizations will not compete with private sector organizations.

Under the Public-Private Partnership Law, the private sector will be supported in 7 areas and the government's actions must be clear, transparent, and concise. Deputy Minister G. Tuvdendorj emphasized that by signing a long-term contract the government guarantees the fulfillment of all obligations under the contract.

Under the Law on Public-Private Partnership, the government will support the projects that have completed the feasibility study and meet the high requirements of the government.

The Public-Private Partnership Law regulates:

- providing land for private construction and investment

-special permit issuance

- solving price issues, especially price liberalization in the energy and civil aviation sectors

- development based on economic and business principles

- providing opportunities to attract private sector investment

MBD (Mongolian Business Database NGO) successfully hosted its regular Mongolian business group mission to the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Reception at the House of Commons on Dec 18 and business program between 16-23 Dec 2023 in London, UK.

Mr. B. Enkhsukh, Mongolian Ambassador to the UK welcomed the business delegation at the Embassy and the business representative met with British investors and business people during the program.

This time 20 business delegates joined the group including Mr.Munkhjargal Director of Cashmere Holding (Eermel/Evseg brand) one of the 2 leading cashmere manufacturers of Mongolia who is sponsoring the event in London, Mrs.Baigalmaa Co-Founder of Gazar Shim JSV, one of the leading food processing manufacturer of Mongolia, Mr.Gan-Erdene, Founder and Director of Geocad, one of the most potential geodesy company which implemented the potential projects such as OT and new airport-related work, Mr.Chinzorig Chairman of Board of Tandem Investment, one of the leading Japanese invested firms in Mongolia on Fintech and Mongolian drillers in Japan projects and Mrs. Badamgerel Founder of Andra Academy (Miss and top model of Mongolia who is well known social influencer).

Mongolia exported a total of 4.34 million barrels of crude oil in the first 11 months of 2023, said the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry on Tuesday.

The figure is a two-fold increase compared with the same period last year, the ministry said in a statement.

Mining is the most important sector of Mongolia's economy. The Asian country is rich in natural resources such as gold, iron, coal and copper.

However, the country does not have a refinery yet. The first oil refinery is under construction in the southeastern province of Dornogovi, and expected to be put into production in 2027.

Mongolia’s economy can lead the charge to net-zero and help other countries move from fossil fuels to clean energy if swift action is taken to tap its rare earth deposits.

Ambitious global climate policies and a shift towards renewable energies are driving an escalating demand for resources like rare earth elements and other metals, crucial for renewable energy technologies. However, the steady supply of these critical minerals remains uncertain.

This creates a significant opportunity for Mongolia, which has an economy highly dependent on natural resource extraction. Mining currently accounts for about one-quarter of gross domestic product, predominantly from exports of coal, copper, and iron ore. Its mineral wealth is valued at $1 trillion–$3 trillion, including copper, fluorspar, gold, iron, tungsten, uranium, and zinc (as well as coal and oil).

How can Mongolia develop a competitive, environmentally sustainable export-oriented mining industry that can provide sustainable livelihoods to locals and fuel for the global race to net-zero?

First, we need to know where those rare earth elements are located in Mongolia’s vast geography. Most of the geological surveys undertaken so far are electromagnetic at a scale of 1:200 kilometers, which is insufficient to attract investors to spend millions of dollars on drilling holes in the earth’s crust in the hope of hitting mineral veins. Geological surveys need to be undertaken with much finer granularity, and for that, we need investments.

Which leads us to the next issue: Suitable investment frameworks. License fees for exploration were previously too high and deterred potential international investors. Even the transfer of a license from one company to another was taxed extensively. However, a new investment law addresses such issues from the past and puts Mongolia on the path to becoming more attractive to investors. This is an important step forward and shows Mongolia’s commitment to attracting investment.

Mongolia shows that there is an opportunity for countries to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development if they develop industries that provide services, technologies, and resources that help advance the global transition to low emission technologies.

The third ingredient for success is processing capacity, as rare earth minerals in many instances require a first stage processing prior to export. Such capacity is rare just like the elements, and currently concentrated in just a handful of countries globally. Strengthening local knowledge and technical capacity is therefore critical.

A new research partnership with the Republic of Korea can start to lead the way together with the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industries, while the Ministry of Economy and Development is creating a new policy research institution to be launched in 2024, which can help look at relevant policy and enabling environments that are conducive to catalyzing investments into the sector. A commodity exchange can also help steer the market towards climate-smart mining.

Fourth, the rare earth minerals have to be exported. One possible option is to follow the case of uranium, where France has an off-take agreement with the People’s Republic of China. Under this agreement, the People’s Republic of China purchases uranium from Mongolia, transports it through its own country and sells it to France. Another option would be to look at airborne transport, which can be economically viable for some of the more costly rare earth minerals.

Most importantly, however, there has to be a good relationship with local communities, accompanied by comprehensive environmental and social frameworks that avoid unsustainable water use and pollution by mining activities, ensure that local communities benefit from mining income, including for education, health programs, and sustainable livelihoods, and that revenues are processed in a transparent manner. Involving multilateral and non-government organizations can be helpful in this regard, to ensure the application of internationally accepted safeguards.

Mongolia shows that there is an opportunity for countries to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development if they develop industries that provide services, technologies, and resources that help advance the global transition to low emission technologies. While intensifying climate change wreaks havoc on economies and livelihoods that are battered by extreme weather events, change can also have economic ‘upsides’ for those who plan ahead.

This blog post was based on research conducted for the technical assistance project, Mongolia: Climate-Smart Mining for a New Climate Economy.

BY Dustin S. Schinn

Climate Change Specialist, ADB Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department

Mongolia ranked 47th out of 81 countries in the PISA 2022 assessment. Among the six countries participating for the first time, Mongolia secured first place. In mathematics, the average score of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was 472, while the Asian average stood at 451. Mongolia’s average mathematics score was 425, 2.3 years behind the international average and 1.2 years behind the Asian standard.

The PISA assessment reveals an international average score of 476 in reading, with an Asian average of 427. Mongolia, ranking 65th, scored 378 points, falling 5 years behind the global average and 2.5 years behind the Asian average.

In natural sciences, the international average score is 485, the Asian average score is 449, and Mongolia’s average score is 412, ranking 53rd. Science test results showed Mongolia is three years behind the international average and 1.8 years behind the Asian average.

Mongolia has participated in the PISA for the first time. A sample of 7,300 students from 196 schools across the country took part in a computer-based assessment of math, reading, and science skills.

PISA is the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment. PISA assesses the extent to which 15-year-old students near the end of their compulsory education have acquired the knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies.

The executive committee members of the Mongolian Sports Press Union have recreated the iconic boxing ring photo that represents the birth of the International Sports Press Association in 1924.

To achieve this, they had a memorable photoshoot in the ring during the recent Mongolian Boxing National Championships to kick off the 100 years anniversary of AIPS in the country. It was a similar scenario as the famous photo of the first executive committee of AIPS at the founding Congress in Paris in 1924.

Former MSPU presidents, Jugder Otgontsagaan aka Oto and Chultem Otgonbaatar aka Sato, attended the photo shoot alongside the current president Byambaa Tsagaanbaatar, secretary general Dorjsuren Batjargal, vice president Chuluunbaatar Ganbat and the director of MNB Sport channel Badamdorj Lkhagvasuren.

The Mongolian Boxing National Championships in Ulaanbaatar was an event to select boxers that will represent the country at the 1st World Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event which will be held in Busto Arsizio, Italy from February 29, 2024.

"PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2023" is being held in Istanbul, Turkey.

The "Grand Final" stage, where 16 of the world's best teams played, lasted three days and ended yesterday. Three Mongolian teams played in the final, and the "IHC Esports" team won.

The teams played a total of 18 maps over the course of three days, and "IHC Esports" won the championship with 142 points, while "Stalwart Esports" of Mongolia took second place with 138 points, and "4Merical Vibes" took 4th place with 127 points. Zyol or B.Zolboot of the "IHC Esports" team was selected as the MVP of the final.

The tournament boasted a huge prize pool of USD 3,000,000. As for the Mongolian teams, the 31st place NB Esports team received USD 28,000, the 4th place "4Merical Vibes" received USD 144,000, the 2nd place "Stalwart Esports" received USD 263,000, and the champion "IHC Esports" received USD 453,000.

A forecast surplus of copper going into 2024 has suddenly all but disappeared.

The next couple of years were supposed to be a time of plenty for copper, thanks to a series of big new projects starting up around the world. The expectation across most of the industry was for a comfortable surplus before the market tightens again later this decade, when surging demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure is expected to collide with a lack of new mines.

Instead the mining industry has highlighted how vulnerable supply can be — whether due to political and social opposition, the difficulty of developing new operations, or simply the day-to-day challenge of pulling rocks up from deep beneath the earth.

In the past two weeks, one of the world’s biggest copper mines was ordered to close in the face of fierce public protests, while a slew of operational setbacks has forced one of the leading miners to slash its production forecasts.

The sudden removal of around 600,000 tons of expected supply would move the market from a large expected surplus into balance, or even a deficit, analysts say. And it’s also a major warning for the future: copper is an essential metal needed to decarbonize the global economy, which means mining companies will play a key role in facilitating the shift to green energy.

While the price reaction to the supply disruptions has so far been muted — amidst ongoing worries about China’s property sector — any sign of demand recovery would hit a tight market.

Last week, Panama’s government formally ordered First Quantum Minerals Ltd. to end all operations at its $10 billion copper mine in the country. The order followed weeks of protests and political wrangling that came to a head when the country’s Supreme Court invalidated the law that underpinned its mining license. The giant Cobre Panama can produce about 400,000 tons of copper a year.

As the market was digesting the news that one of the biggest mines was closing (at least for now), Anglo American Plc delivered its own production bombshell on Friday with the announcement that it will slash production from its flagship copper business in South America.

While problems at its platinum and iron ore mines in South Africa were well publicized, the copper cuts caught investors off guard, sending the company’s shares plunging by 19%. Anglo has reduced its copper production target for next year by about 200,000 tons, essentially removing the equivalent of a large copper mine from global supply. Production will fall even further in 2025.

BMO Capital Markets, which was forecasting a large surplus of refined copper next year, now sees a small deficit instead. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. — which has been much more bullish on copper and already forecast a deficit of refined metal for 2024, now sees that shortfall ballooning to more than half a million tons. Jefferies also now expects a major deficit next year.

“The supply cuts reinforce our view that the copper market is entering a period of much clearer tightening,” Goldman analysts including Nicholas Snowdon said.

The expectation for a looser market in the near term has weighed on prices for much of this year, leaving copper drifting sideways. In early October, the International Copper Study Group said it expects a surplus of 467,000 tons next year — its largest forecast for a glut since 2014.

Live copper inventories on the London Metal Exchange had surged since mid-year to a two-year high, but have now retreated for three straight weeks.

“Disruptions have significantly increased, and a market deficit is now increasingly likely,” said Jefferies. “We could be at the foothills of the next copper cycle.”

(By Thomas Biesheuvel)