1 BUILDING MONGOLIA'S NEW, OLD CAPITAL AT KHARKHORUM WWW.THEDIPLOMAT.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      2 BACKED BY INDONESIAN TYCOON, THIS LISTED FIRM RUSHES TO ACQUIRE A MONGOLIAN MINE WWW.CNBCINDONESIA.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      3 PREPARATORY WORK LAUNCHED TO BRING THE BORTEEG DEPOSIT INTO ECONOMIC CIRCULATION WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      4 TOURISM ORGANISATIONS TO RECEIVE “STAR” RATINGS WWW.GOGO.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      5 CITIZENS TO GET 6 SERVICES AFTER SWITCH TO UNIFIED EMERGENCY NUMBER “112” WWW.GOGO.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      6 MONGOLIA TO HOST GLOBAL WORLD HORSE DAY CELEBRATION WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      7 THIS SACRED SITE IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST NATURE RESERVES WWW.NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/08      8 MONGOLIA’S TOURISM SURGE: 1 MILLION VISITORS TARGETED & $1.6 BILLION REVENUE IN 2026 – WHAT AIRLINES LIKE AIR CHINA & MARRIOTT ARE DOING TO CASH IN! WWW.TRAVELANDTOURWORLD.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/07      9 NEW FLIGHTS FROM MONGOLIA TO SINGAPORE, VIETNAM, CHINA, AND EUROPE IN 2026: HOW THESE ROUTES ARE REVOLUTIONIZING TRAVEL! WWW.TRAVELANDTOURWORLD.COM PUBLISHED:2026/01/07      10 ‘ULAANBAATAR TRAM’ TO CONNECT ZUNJIN AND SUKHBAATAR SQUARE IN 29 MINUTES WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2026/01/07      НИЙСЛЭЛИЙН 19 БАЙРШИЛД 11.7 КМ АВТО ЗАМЫН БОРООНЫ УС ЗАЙЛУУЛАХ ШУГАМ УГСАРНА WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     "БНХАУ-ЫН НЭГ КОМПАНИТАЙ ШАТАХУУНЫ ГЭРЭЭ БАЙГУУЛСАН" WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     ЕРӨНХИЙ САЙД Г.ЗАНДАНШАТАР “РИО ТИНТО-Д ХАТУУ ШААРДЛАГА ХҮРГҮҮЛНЭ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН ГАДААД ВАЛЮТЫН НӨӨЦИЙН ХЭМЖЭЭ 27.1 ХУВИАР ӨСЛӨӨ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     БОРТЭЭГИЙН ОРДЫГ ЭДИЙН ЗАСГИЙН ЭРГЭЛТЭД ОРУУЛАХ БЭЛТГЭЛ АЖИЛ ЭХЭЛЛЭЭ WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     ЭНЭ ОНД НИЙСЛЭЛИЙН ХЭМЖЭЭНД ГАЗАР ЧӨЛӨӨЛӨХ БАЙРШЛУУД WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     ГААЛИЙН ЕРӨНХИЙ ГАЗРЫГ П.ДЭЛГЭРНАРАН УДИРДАНА WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/08     ЗЭС, ЭРХ МЭДЭЛ, ЭРСДЭЛ: ДЭЛХИЙН ГЕОПОЛИТИКИЙН ШАТРЫН ӨРӨГ ДЭЭРХ МОНГОЛ УЛС WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/07     КАНАДЫН AIR TRANSAT КОМПАНИ ТОРОНТО-УЛААНБААТАР ЧИГЛЭЛД ШУУД НИСЛЭГ ҮЙЛДЭНЭ WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/07     М БАНК СИНГАПУРЫН ХӨРӨНГИЙН БИРЖИД АНХНЫ БОНДОО ГАРГАЛАА WWW.GOGO.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2026/01/07    

Category

Events

Events

Name organizer Where
MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2025 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

NEWS

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Mongolia's industrial output rises 1.6 pct in first 11 months of 2025 www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia's industrial output rose by 1.6 percent in the first 11 months of 2025, compared to the same period a year earlier, the country's National Statistics Office said Wednesday.
The industrial output amounted to 47.1 trillion Mongolian tugriks (about 13.2 billion U.S. dollars) in the January-November period, according to the office.
The increase was mainly the result of a rise in the output of processing industry, it added.

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Parliament Examines Oyu Tolgoi Agreements, Benefits in Multi-Day Evidence Hearing www.montsame.mn

A hearing to examine evidence was held from December 8 to 12 at the State Palace by the Temporary Investigative Committee of the State Great Khural, tasked with overseeing documents and activities related to safeguarding Mongolia’s interests and increasing the benefits derived from the exploitation of the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits.
The committee was established by Resolution No. 62 of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of 2025. Member of Parliament Batnairamdal Otgonshar serves as Chair of the Temporary Investigative Committee, with MPs Badamsuren Myagmarsuren, Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, Bayarbaatar Bayarmagnai, Bolormaa Enkhbat, Zulpkhar Sarkhad, Byambasuren Shinebayar, Ganzorig Purevjav, Jargalan Batbayar, Purevdavaa Davaakhuu, and Shijir Ulziikhuu serving as members.
Closing the hearing, MP Batnairamdal, Chair of the Temporary Investigative Committee, stated, “This evidence examination hearing is the sixth of its kind in the history of the Mongolian Parliament, and it recorded the highest average attendance rate, at 70 percent. The Oyu Tolgoi project remains critically important to Mongolia’s economy, not only for today’s citizens but also for future generations. Therefore, this is precisely the right time to discuss the consequences of the project and the solutions we should pursue going forward.”
He emphasized that the three-day hearing was not intended to assign blame to any individual or group. Rather, individuals who had not met face-to-face for 16 years since the contract was concluded, and who had long held differing and conflicting views, came together to discuss investments totaling USD 22 billion, an amount comparable to the size of Mongolia’s economy, within a legal and regulatory framework.
The ad hoc committee chair also noted that from 2030 onward, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to become the world’s third-largest copper producer. He stated, “For more than 20 years, since 2006, one of the world’s leading mining companies, the Rio Tinto Group, has been implementing this major project in Mongolia, and we appreciate that. I am confident that our partnership will continue and that we will move forward together for many decades to come. Sixteen years more than half of the 30-year investment agreement have already passed.
There is no denying that the time has come to evaluate the agreement, its implementation, related processes, and their consequences, and to make decisions accordingly. Mongolia’s 3.5 million citizens have come to understand this. When we discuss issues together, comprehensively and at their root, solutions and pathways forward emerge. The key is to speak openly and transparently before the people. One major mistake in the past was the persistent concealment of information, which created an extreme imbalance of information among stakeholders. All parties have suffered as a result. Going forward, we must correct this and build greater mutual trust.”
The chair expressed his hope that, as a result of the evidence examination hearing and the work of the Temporary Investigative Committee, a new era would begin for the Oyu Tolgoi project, founded on trust and mutual benefit. He stressed that throughout the three days of open, multi-perspective discussions on developments over the past 20-plus years, Mongolia’s national interests were consistently placed at the forefront.
On the first day of the hearing, held on December 8, discussions focused on determining the State’s ownership share based on the established reserves and valuation of the “Javkhlant” (MV-15225) and “Shivee Tolgoi” (MV-15226) mining license areas, as well as related documentation. On the second and third days, on December 10 and 12, evidence was examined regarding the interest rates on financing under the amended and restated shareholders’ agreement of Oyu Tolgoi LLC, measures undertaken to reduce those rates in line with international market benchmarks, and the associated impacts.
During the hearing, 14 television channels and media outlets broadcast the proceedings live nationwide and to Mongolians abroad.
MP Batnairamdal noted that the Temporary Investigative Committee had worked for more than five months since July 2, 2025. During this period, committee members, investigators, and experts reviewed evidence, conducted analyses, and presented findings to the public in an accessible manner, guided by the principle that “this is the property of the people of Mongolia, the Constitution must be upheld, and the rightful owners of the nation’s wealth should receive their fair share.” He emphasized that the discussions focused on the management and use of public assets, adding that the most important outcome of the hearing must be concrete solutions that are actually implemented.
Highlighting that construction of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine is being completed this year, MP Batnairamdal underscored that the project is undergoing a major transition from 16 years of construction to becoming a stable producer and a major mining company. Accordingly, he stated that the originally agreed 53 percent share of benefits for Mongolia must be realized, warning that failure to do so could lead to serious risks and consequences.
The Temporary Investigative Committee reiterated that its objective is to ensure Mongolia’s national interests and to increase the benefits derived from the Oyu Tolgoi project to a fair and justified level. It emphasized that the current generation now bears the responsibility to learn from the successes and mistakes of the past 16 years and to preserve the country’s natural wealth for future generations. “Regardless of political affiliation, Mongolians must unite at this moment, jointly arrive at solutions, and move forward together,” the chair stated. In closing, he expressed gratitude to all witnesses, observers, and participants who took part in the three-day hearing; to media organizations that ensured openness, transparency, and the public’s right to know; to the staff of the Secretariat of the State Great Khural who organized the hearing; and to the investigators, experts, and members of the Temporary Investigative Committee.
Of the approximately 300 witnesses summoned to the hearing, notices were delivered to 266, and 207 witnesses participated, representing 70 percent of those called. In addition to committee members, investigators, and experts, the hearing was attended by 17 officials from five relevant government institutions, five employees from two state-owned enterprises, one observer, and 52 participants representing citizens and non-governmental organizations, according to the Parliament’s Press and Media Department.

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Government to Submit Draft Resolution on Privatization and Public Offering of State Assets www.montsame.mn

At its session on December 15, 2025, the Cabinet discussed and decided to submit to the State Great Khural (Parliament) a draft parliamentary resolution titled On Approving the Main Guidelines for the Privatization and Restructuring of State Property and the Public Offering of Shares of State-Owned Legal Entities through the Stock Exchange for 2025–2028.
Under the draft guidelines, the Government proposes to offer 10 to 66 percent of state-owned shares in 18 state-owned companies and enterprises operating in the aviation, energy, finance, mining, insurance, and selected trade sectors through the stock exchange, transforming them into publicly listed companies. The proposal also includes the full privatization of eight state-owned companies, as well as the merger, consolidation, and restructuring of seven state-owned companies and enterprises.
In addition, plans are outlined to offer portions of shares in a further six state-owned companies to the public and to fully divest the state’s ownership in five additional companies at a later stage.
If implemented, these measures would reduce the number of 100 percent state-owned companies and enterprises, increase the number of publicly listed companies, and decrease the total number of state-owned entities by 19, or 18.8 percent, bringing the total to 82.
The draft further specifies that additional ordinary shares of the following state-owned legal entities will be issued and offered to the public:
Telecom Mongolia JSC
Mongolian Commodity Exchange LLC
Mongolian National Reinsurance JSC
Mongolian Stock Exchange JSC
Agricultural Corporation LLC
Shivee-Ovoo JSC
Baganuur JSC
MIAT Mongolian Airlines SOE
State Bank JSC
Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC
Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE
Erdenes Critical Minerals SOE
Thermal Power Plant No. III JSC
Thermal Power Plant No. IV JSC
Erdenet Thermal Power Plant JSC
Eastern Regional Energy System SOE
Darkhan Thermal Power Plant SOE
Amgalan Thermal Power Plant SOE

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Exploring the 'Zuuvch-Ovoo' Uranium Project and Its Future Outlook www.montsame.mn

 We visited the “Badrakh Energy” LLC uranium project in Ulaanbadrakh soum, Dornogobi aimag, to observe its operations firsthand.
On one hand, the purpose was to see on the ground the preparations for one of the major projects licensed to be implemented in Mongolia at this time. On the other hand, it was to find answers to the information that constantly spreads on social media, claiming that people and livestock in Ulaanbadrakh soum, Dornogobi aimag (province), are being poisoned by uranium and that danger to humans and ecology is imminent. As the saying goes, "Better to see once than hear a thousand times," so we headed to the "Zuuvch-Ovoo" uranium project. Interestingly, although Ulaanbadrakh soum ranks second in the province in size and has a territory larger than that of over 30 countries in the world, this uranium project is the first mining project for the soum.
Preparations for the Uranium Project are Underway
The French "Orano" group owns 66 percent of the company, and the Government of Mongolia owns 34 percent. The Investment Agreement between the Government of Mongolia and "Orano Mining SAS," the investor in the joint Mongolian-French "Badrakh Energy" company, was signed on January 17, 2025. This investment agreement to implement the uranium project in the territory of Dornogobi aimag is Mongolia's second investment agreement implemented with a "third neighbor" country since the "Oyu Tolgoi" project. It is also the first major Mongolia-European Union project. This is because the uranium produced by the joint project is calculated not only to supply 80 percent of France's energy but also to provide energy to countries such as England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium for the next 60 years. In this context, analysts believe the project will have a positive impact on the investment climate of Mongolia. Furthermore, converting the 34 percent common shares into 10 percent preferred shares and substituting the remaining 24 percent with a special royalty for mineral resource exploitation (AMNAT) is significant as it eliminates the risk of waiting for dividends or incurring additional debt, allowing Mongolians to receive benefits immediately from the start of the project. The company, which began operations in 1997, discovered the Dulaan-Uul uranium deposit with 7,000 tonnes of reserves in 2006 and the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium deposit with 93,000 tonnes (total 100,345 tonnes) of reserves in 2010.
Currently, Mongolia's registered proven uranium reserves stand at around 200,000 tonnes. These reserves, it accounts for 3 percent of global uranium reserves, ranking 10th in the world in terms of reserve size.
The proven reserves of the "Badrakh Energy" company's uranium projects account for over 50 percent of Mongolia's total reserves. According to the Investment Agreement, the project's "Shareholders' Agreement" and "Deposit Mining Agreement" must be amended and approved by 2025. Subsequently, plant construction work is planned to begin in 2026, with the Zuuvch-Ovoo mine starting main extraction and producing its first product by October 2028. Once the plant operates at full capacity, it will produce 2,500 tonnes of yellowcake uranium per year (our country will produce only yellowcake, not the final product), and based on current proven reserves, it is calculated to operate for an initial period of 33 years. Although the Investment Agreement is concluded for 20 years, if new uranium reserves are discovered, the agreement implies the term will be extended until the plant's operational potential is exhausted. The company announced that, along with the plant construction, work will begin on a 110 km road and a 110 kV overhead power transmission line in the Zuunbayan-Ulaanbadrakh direction. These developments are planned to be commissioned within the first half of 2027. The project's plant is planned to be built following the standards of mines such as KATCO in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Overall, the uranium extraction and processing facilities, sulfuric acid plant, and associated technologies of Badrakh Energy LLC’s project in Ulaanbadrakh will be developed in accordance with the standards applied at uranium mines in Kazakhstan.
The initial investment of the project is planned at USD 500 million, with a total investment amount of  USD 1.7 billion, which is considered a high amount of foreign direct investment for Mongolia
The total benefit our country will receive from the project, calculated to operate for a total of 33 years, is USD 5.2 billion. During the project implementation, "Badrakh Energy" company will provide economic and social benefits to Mongolians and create new jobs; additionally, within the scope of the project, it will produce 68.9 thousand tonnes of uranium raw material – the main raw material for nuclear energy, which is green energy – and prevent the emission of 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide during the mine's operation. Preparations are underway for the implementation of such a project. "Badrakh Energy" company officials emphasized that all work is proceeding normally according to the schedule reflected in the Investment Agreement.
Many new tasks related to uranium production, such as amending the "Shareholders' Agreement" and "Deposit Mining Agreement," conducting a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, conducting water studies, performing the Project's Social and Economic Impact Assessment, and establishing the legal framework for transporting and exporting radioactive materials, need to be completed before 2028.
Additionally, the "Badrakh Energy" uranium project site is located entirely within the territory of Ulaanbadrakh soum, while Zuunbayan is a transit point and a reserve area where an airport can be built if necessary.

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North China port sees cargo volume for China-Europe freight trains exceed 5 mln tonnes www.xinhuanet.com

The freight volume of China-Europe freight trains passing through the Erenhot Port -- the largest land port between China and Mongolia -- has exceeded 5 million tonnes as of Monday this year, an increase of 22.7 percent year on year, hitting a new record, according to customs authorities.
The port has handled a total of 3,807 China-Europe freight trains this year, transporting 433,600 TEUs of goods, marking year-on-year growth of 17.1 percent and 16.2 percent, respectively, said the China Railway Hohhot Group Co., Ltd.
In 2025, the port added new routes, including routes connecting Wuhu in east China's Anhui Province with Moscow, Russia, and Datong in north China's Shanxi Province with Selyatino, Russia.
Customs authorities have also taken a series of measures to enhance efficiency. Currently, the border inspection time for each train has been reduced to about 20 minutes.
As the sole transit port for the "middle corridor" of the China-Europe freight train network, Erenhot currently operates 74 routes connecting over 70 stations across more than 10 countries, including Germany and Poland.

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Korea to open rare metals cooperation center in Mongolia this week www.msn.com

Korea will officially launch a rare metals cooperation center in Mongolia this week to help the East Asian nation strengthen the industrial value of its rare-earth metals reserves, Seoul's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said Thursday.
The center, located inside the University of Science and Technology in Mongolia's capital of Ulaanbaatar, will commence operations on Friday, according to the ministry.
 The center was established as part of Seoul's official development assistance project for Mongolia.
It will study rare-earth metals in the country, such as tungsten, molybdenum and lithium, and provide technical training in processing and refining, to help Mongolia add value to its rare-metal resources, according to the ministry.
The ministry said the center will help the two countries lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, which is expected to contribute to Korea's long-term supply chain stabilization.
Korea plans to build additional cooperation centers for rare metals with Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Indonesia.
Yonhap

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Family of Terril Atienza arrives in Mongolia to seek justice for 2011 death www.gogo.mn

On December 15, the family of Terril Atienza, a Filipino national who died under suspicious circumstances in Mongolia in 2011, arrived in Ulaanbaatar.
Their arrival follows a renewed public outcry sparked by the investigative documentary titled "Enslaver" produced by journalist S.Budragchaa. He recently traveled to the Philippines to meet with Atienza's surviving relatives, bringing their story back to the forefront of Mongolian media.
Following the broadcast, a nationwide fundraising campaign was launched to help the family travel to Mongolia to seek answers. Approximately MNT 60 million was raised through donations from the Mongolian public. Atienza’s husband and two daughters touched down in Ulaanbaatar. They are scheduled to hold a press conference shortly, where they will formally request a re-examination of the 2011 case.
The documentary "Enslaver" can be viewed here:

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Mongolia’s child jockeys are key to its nomadic heritage, but are they in danger? www.scmp.com

From auspicious horse-themed phrases and couplets to whether your luck is in, check out our Year of the Horse 2026 series to discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year.
In Mongolia, horses are not just animals – they embody the nation’s spirit.
Horse racing is an integral part of Mongol culture. The bond between man and equine is formed through trust and skill on the open steppe.
“The philosophy of Mongolian horse racing is distilled into a simple, sacred principle: a horse cannot win without its jockey,” says D’Artagnan Giercke, director of the Genghis Khan Retreat, which organises an annual international polo tournament on its grounds within the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a Unesco World Heritage site in central Mongolia.
For centuries, horsemanship has been a pillar of Mongolian culture.
“It is a huge honour to be chosen [to be a jockey],” Gierke says. “You have a lot of kudos if you are successful.”
However, it is not just adults who ride in Mongolia’s most celebrated festivals and races – children do too.
While child jockeys are revered as custodians of nomadic heritage, their participation in gruelling, high-stakes races raises questions over how to preserve an ancient tradition while ensuring child safety.
Dorjpalam Battumur, known as Palam, is a member of the Mongolian national polo team. He started racing at four. Now 27, he remembers the decision being very straightforward: “My father told me I was ready to race and told me to get on the horse.”
Today, at events such as the National Naadam Festival, where children’s horse racing is a premier event, these young riders are celebrated as national heroes, bringing glory to their families and communities.
Winners are bestowed with titles like tumny ekh, meaning “leader of 10,000”, and their families are given prizes ranging from medals to livestock – and most importantly, prestige.
The reason children are chosen to compete has to do with their relative lightness and agility, which is seen as an advantage when riding the small, sturdy Mongolian horses.
Battumur says that as a child, training was woven into his daily routine. He would herd sheep in the morning before practising on his racehorse in the afternoon. Though there were especially long days, the joy of riding overshadowed those “minor problems”.
“The most important thing for me was that I was happy. Only the strong kids become child jockeys,” he says.
“Racing gave me a lot more than it took from me.”
Dolgorsuren Batoyun, known as Doda, is the first and only woman on the Mongolian national polo team. She also started racing at the age of four and similarly has fond memories of horse racing as a child.
“I was never really afraid of being on a horse because of my love for the race,” she says.
“Seeing my father enjoy, ride and love his horses made me fall in love with them. These children are the inheritors of the cultures and customs.”
However, a booming semi-professional racing circuit has evolved beyond traditional festivals.
According to Natasha Fijn, director of the Mongolia Institute at the Australian National University, profits are corrupting the custom, making what is supposed to be “a family event and a celebration of horses” no longer safe.
“There [is a new kind of racing] with wealthy politicians and businesspeople owning racehorses and pushing for the racing to become more like the global industrial racehorse industry,” Fijn says.
“They have been importing fast breeds, such as the Thoroughbred or Arab, and have been interbreeding with the ancient Mongolian horse.
“It becomes more about winning and the competition, and the whole dynamic between human and horse changes.”
This commercialisation has intensified the pressure on young riders, turning a cultural practice into a high-stakes business where children’s welfare can be secondary to profit.
“Horse racing events have evolved from the traditional festive culture into a highly commercialised profit-oriented activity that takes place not only in summer but throughout the year,” says Amaraa Dorjsambuu, a child protection specialist who works with Unicef Mongolia. “Children face a high level of risk of various injuries and fatalities.”
In 2022, the minimum age for horse riders was raised from seven to eight, and protective gear is now required to be worn. Meanwhile, a growing number of educational non-governmental organisations are running campaigns to link children’s school attendance – or lack thereof – with their racing eligibility.
Batoyun and Battumur say that the most difficult part of being a child jockey was riding on slippery roads during the colder months. But this is no longer a problem, following the government’s ban on races from October to February.
But while Mongolia has enacted around 80 child-specific provisions across its legal code, this patchwork of regulations has failed to establish a robust, unified framework capable of fully protecting the rights of child jockeys, according to a 2015 Unicef study.
The dangers are multilayered. Beyond the sheer youth of the riders, risks stem from extreme weather, the innate unpredictability of the horses themselves, and the often chaotic organisation of spring races, factors that even the most skilled and experienced trainers cannot control.
Medical records and clinic research reveal that child jockeys face acute physical risks, including head trauma, fractures, frostbite and internal injuries, while psychologists note their mental well-being is also at stake, heavily influenced by their circumstances.
Additionally, intense training and racing schedules, especially during the summer months, frequently pull children away from their education. Many come from rural families where the immediate economic reward of racing outweighs the abstract value of schooling.
In recent years, Batoyun has observed changes in laws and regulations that are “better for both jockeys and the horses”.
“My family and also Mongolians in general have always had great respect for the rider kids. We always consider the children’s safety,” she says.
For herders from the Orkhon Valley like Batoyun and Battumur, their bond with the horses is lifelong, an intimate partnership that begins in childhood and defines their identity.
“The horses know these family members from birth until death,” Fijn says. “When a special racehorse dies, the skull is placed at a prominent place, at a rock cairn at the top of a mountain, for instance, recognising that horse and the families have joint ties with the land.
“[It is a symbol of how] they coexist together in a joint place that both humans and horses return to as home. Children from herding families grow up with a pride in the horses in the family.”
BY
Chloe Loung is a reporter at the Post. She previously worked as a staff writer for TimeOut Hong Kong, where she covered dining and food media as well as social trends in Hong Kong.

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D. Dalaijargal: Uranium mining project advances fast with French funding www.mongolianminingjournal.com

The Government of Mongolia has signed an investment agreement with France's state- owned company, Orano Mining. This is the second major foreign-invested project in Mongolia to move toward actual implementation, following Oyu Tolgoi.
The project is set to produce 68,900 tons of uranium, a key raw material for nuclear energy. Compared to coal-fired power plants, it is expected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 3.9 billion tons.
MMJ journalist A. Khaliun spoke with D. Dalaijargal, Executive Director of Mon-Atom LLC-the state-owned company responsible for implementing the project on behalf of the Mongolian government about progress on execution of the project.
What progress has been made in the ten months since the Government of Mongolia signed the Investment Agreement with France's Orano Mining?
According to the Investment Agreement signed on January 17, 2025, production at the processing plant is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first batch of products expected the same year. In preparation, several major construction and infrastructure projects are already underway.
First, construction will begin on approximately 120 kilometers of upgraded and paved roads connecting Ulaanbadrakh soum, Zuunbayan soum, and the Zuuvch-Ovoo deposit. Second, a 100-kilometer power transmission line will be built from the aimag center to the mining site. Third, since the plant's camp will be located in Zuunbayan soum, a residential complex with a capacity of 1,000 workers will be constructed. Workers will be transported 30-40 kilometers daily from Zuunbayan to the deposit. Fourth, the Zuunbayan railway will be expanded. Finally, the processing plant itself will be established.
Since February, Badrakh Energy has been conducting international tenders for road and energy-related contracts, and the selection of participating companies is now being finalized. While foreign companies participated, two Zamiin Bitum LLC for the Mongolian firms road works and Enkh Ugluu LLC for the power project were ultimately selected.
Representing government and state ownership, Mon-Atom strongly advocated for prioritizing domestic companies wherever possible. Mongolian firms now have the full capability to independently manage road construction, power line installation, and building projects.
Where will the funding for the infrastructure development come from?
It will be fully financed by the French. A key feature is that no funds will be required from Mongolia. The main objective within the project framework is to construct a major processing plant with an annual capacity of 2,500 tons of uranium, which will rank among the top five such plants globally.
We are committed to ensuring that Mongolians-especially local residents-are employed during the construction phase. Contractor selection will be completed this year, and once the warm season begins next year, earthworks and site preparation will commence. 
Another important task is ensuring that the Investment Agreement becomes fully effective. To achieve this, the Shareholders' Agreement and the Mining License Agreement need to be updated.
The Shareholders' Agreement was originally established in 2013 and is endorsed by Mon-Atom on behalf of the Government of Mongolia. This administrative agreement defines how the Board of Directors (BoD) will operate and outlines its scope of responsibilities and activities.
Previously, the ownership structure was 34% for the Mongolian government and 66% for the French side, but it has now changed to a 10%-90% ratio. Mongolia has decided to reduce its stake from 34% to 10%, and the Shareholders' Agreement is being amended accordingly.
Won't reducing Mongolia's ownership share to 10% have negative consequences for our country?
The main advantage of changing the ownership ratio to 10:90 is that Mongolia will not incur any debts, losses, or interest payments. In return, Mongolia will receive 50% plus 1% of the project's monetary revenue benefits.
By reducing its ownership from 34% to 10%, the government will still collect 15-16 different types of taxes from the investor company. For example, the royalty tax (Natural Resource Use Fee) is set at 19%. When all taxes are combined, the total exceeds 50%, ensuring that the agreement aligns with the principles of the Constitution of Mongolia.
As a result, it has become necessary to revise the Shareholders' Agreement to reflect these changes.
Additionally, the Mining License Agreement, signed in 2016, also needs updating. This agreement governs the technical and operational aspects of extraction and production. Drafts of both agreements have now been completed by both parties and are nearly ready. They will soon be submitted to the Government for review. Since the Investment Agreement was signed last January, all related activities have been actively progressing.
Has the current political situation and disagreements among Parliament and Government officials had any negative impact on the project's operations?
Since the Investment Agreement has already been signed, we are proceeding strictly according to the implementation schedule. As the financing is fully provided by the investor, there is no risk of delays or interruptions. The work is progressing exactly as planned.
How many people are currently working on the project?
Currently, around 150 people are involved in the project. Of these, about 60 are based in the office, while more than 80 are working at the Zuuvch-Ovoo and Dulaan-Uul deposits. Badrakh Energy has established a Human Resources Department and is actively recruiting qualified personnel. By the time production begins in 2028, the project is expected to employ approximately 900 workers directly, with an additional 900 positions created through subcontractors, bringing the total workforce to around 1,800. Open job listings are regularly posted on Badrakh Energy's official website.
Uranium mining is a new sector for Mongolia. There was a uranium mine operating in Dornod aimag during the socialist era, but it was run by Soviet specialists.
The investor began preparing human resources as early as 2006-2007. Over the past decade, specialists have been trained in in-situ leach mining, chemical technology, radiation management, and other advanced fields. Mongolian professionals are also being trained and employed at Orano Mining in France.
Under a Cooperation Agreement with the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), young Mongolians are receiving education and technical training. $7.8 million has been allocated for training and developing personnel under this project.
This project is introducing new technologies and professions to Mongolia, which is highly positive. For example, the role of hydrochemist is entirely new to the country. In total, 13-14 types of specialists including those in nuclear radiation safety are now being trained in connection with the project.
Civil society organizations have voiced criticism over radiation safety in uranium mining, prompting public concern. What is the current status of establishing a national laboratory to address these concerns?
During the recent Mongolia-France Intergovernmental Commission meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the establishment of a national laboratory to enhance transparency and public trust.
The Mongolian side is now responsible for defining the laboratory's capacity and areas of focus, and for developing a detailed project proposal. Specifically, the Mongolian side must determine the type of laboratory to be established operate in areas such as human and animal health, soil, water, air, and environmental monitoring. 
It was also agreed to include representatives from civil society organizations especially those who have voiced concerns or skepticism the committee responsible for establishing the laboratory, allowing them to directly observe and verify its findings.
We've heard that citizens are being given the opportunity to visit the project site in Ulaanbadrakh soum to learn about it firsthand. How many people have visited so far? 
Since the start of pilot production, local residents have been visiting the site to see the project firsthand.
To date, nearly all of the more than 1,500 residents of Ulaanbadrakh soum have visited the site. People tend to gain a clearer and more accurate understanding after seeing the operations for themselves. Fear often stems from the unknown but once individuals visit and learn about the process directly, they become better informed and view the project differently. Even now, those who still have doubts or concerns are being encouraged to join organized visits to the deposit area to see it with their own eyes.
The project is currently in its preparatory stage, with major infrastructure works about to begin. Although no extraction or industrial operations are yet underway, public information and awareness activities continue. The project is expected to run for 34 years. In the initial phase, annual production will be around 1,500-1,600 tons of uranium, eventually reaching 2,500 tons once full capacity is achieved. For comparison, Kazakhstan world's leading uranium producer about 15,000 tons per year, followed by Australia and Canada. Once operational, Mongolia's facility will rank among the world's top five or six uranium processing plants. 
How is the significance of Mongolia's uranium project increasing?
Uranium is a unique natural resource. First, only a small number of countries - just 13 worldwide have uranium reserves. Mongolia ranks 11th, holding about 2% of the world's total, or roughly 200,000 tons. Countries with the largest uranium resources include Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada, Russia, and China.
Second, uranium extraction requires highly advanced technology, which is currently mastered by only seven or eight developed nations. Third, uranium mining is a complex, technology-intensive process that differs greatly from the extraction of other minerals such as gold or copper.
The yellowcake produced in Mongolia will be transported to France for enrichment and used as nuclear fuel. France generates around 85% of its electricity from nuclear power and supplies energy to eight neighboring European countries.
The significance of this project extends beyond mining itself and Mongolia will play a crucial role in contributing to Europe's energy stability. This gives the project strategic importance for Mongolia's foreign policy and national security, in addition to its economic benefits. It will also enhance how European countries perceive Mongolia.
Previously, France sourced uranium from Niger and Kazakhstan. However, Niger experienced a coup two years ago, halting its uranium projects, while Kazakhstan's current deposits are expected to be depleted within about two years. Having fully mastered advanced uranium extraction technologies, Kazakhstan is now capable of independently implementing future projects.
In addition to domestic production, Kazakhstan has expressed interest in investing in and cooperating on uranium exploration and mining projects in Mongolia.
France is currently conducting uranium mining operations in both Uzbekistan and Mongolia. However, Uzbekistan's uranium reserves are less than 20% the size of Mongolia's Zuuvch- Ovoo and Dulaan-Uul deposits. This positions Mongolia as an emerging and important supplier of nuclear fuel for Europe.
During his state visit to Mongolia in 2024, Kazakhstan's President K. Tokayev proposed establishing cooperation in the uranium sector. Has this initiative been pursued?
Kazakhstan has been actively engaged in uranium mining since 1997 and has mastered advanced technologies, becoming one of the world's leading uranium producers. During President Tokayev's state visit, the two heads of state exchanged views and reached a mutual understanding, giving us a clear mandate to pursue cooperation. As part of the visit, Mon-Atom signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom to collaborate in uranium exploration and mining.
How do you assess the significance of this project, as Mongolia joins the ranks of the few uranium-producing countries in the world?
This project is the second major foreign- invested initiative in Mongolia after Oyu Tolgoi to move forward with concrete implementation. With 100% of the investment provided by the Orano Mining Group, the project is progressing according to plan, unaffected by domestic political fluctuations. Key provisions are clearly outlined in the investment agreement, allowing all preparatory work to continue as scheduled..

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Mongolia, India to Advance Strategic Partnership in Digital Development and Innovation www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications of Mongolia received Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve of the Republic of India to Mongolia on December 4, 2025.
According to the Ministry, the meeting discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in digital solutions, signed between the Governments of Mongolia and the Republic of India.
Ambassador Gotsurve noted that in India, cybersecurity oversight and regulation are carried out by the Central Bank, with professional organizations such as REBIT providing continuous 24/7 monitoring. He expressed readiness to share India’s experience in this area.
The sides also agreed to implement concrete initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, accelerating digital transformation, expanding public-private cooperation, and enhancing the exchange of expertise.

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