One of Freddie Mercury’s early drafts, which is being auctioned by Sotheby’s, shows that he crossed out “Mongolian” and substituted the now-famous title.

It’s one of rock’s best-known and strangest songs: a six-minute radio hit that starts out as a piano ballad, becomes a high-pitched opera, then tumbles into a headbanger’s anthem. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” released in 1975, sold millions of copies, topped charts and helped redefine what pop music could be.

But the track’s history could have been very different — in one aspect, at least.

An early draft of the song by Freddie Mercury, Queen’s frontman, suggests that he once considered giving the anthem a different title: “Mongolian Rhapsody.”

The draft is among around thousands of Mercury’s belongings that are being auctioned in September by Sotheby’s on behalf of his friend and heir Mary Austin, who told the BBC that she had decided to sell the collection because she needed to put her “affairs in order.” The collection, which had been kept in Mercury’s London home since his death in 1991 of bronchopneumonia resulting from AIDS, includes stage costumes and furniture as well as the 15 pages of early drafts for “Bohemian Rhapsody.” On one page, Mercury wrote the words “Mongolian Rhapsody” near the top. He then crossed out that first word and added “Bohemian” above it.

The page will go on public view in an exhibition at Sotheby’s New York on Thursday through June 8.

Gabriel Heaton, a books and manuscripts specialist at Sotheby’s, said in a recent interview at the auction house’s London storage facility that the drafts made it clear that Mercury played around with lyrics when writing songs, swapping in and out words with similar sounds. “Of course, ‘Bohemian,’ ‘Mongolian,’ it’s the same rhythm,” he said of the song in question.

Almost all of the lyrics are written on stationery from a defunct British airline, British Midland, and some of the pages are festooned with Mercury’s abstract doodles. The word “Mongolian” appears nowhere else among the drafts, which are estimated to be worth up to £1.2 million, or about $1.5 million.

Rock history is filled with songs that could have been. When the Beatles wrote “Yesterday,” they famously gave it the working title “Scrambled Eggs.” But the potential alternative title for “Bohemian Rhapsody” has been unknown since the song premiered almost 50 years ago, and has gone unmentioned in prominent Queen biographies.

Mark Blake, the author of several books on Queen, said in a telephone interview that the alternative title was a “fun little fact” but didn’t surprise him. Queen, like most bands, often “had joke titles for things” that were later changed, he said. The group’s “Under Pressure” with David Bowie was originally titled “People on Streets,” he said.

Jim Jenkins, one of Queen’s official biographers, said he’d never heard of the “Mongolian Rhapsody” idea either, despite knowing Mercury for years. The singer “never liked to explain” his lyrics or titles, Jenkins added. “He left it to our interpretation.”

The Sotheby’s sale includes some of Mercury’s drafts for other Queen hits including “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions” and “Killer Queen.” All show Mercury searching for words to make his lyrics sing, sometimes trying out multiple lines.

His changes to “Bohemian Rhapsody” are among the most striking. In the final version of the song, a verse begins with the lines:

Mama

Just killed a man

Put a gun against his head

Pulled my trigger, now he’s dead.

But in an earlier draft, Mercury writes:

Mama

There’s a war began

I’ve got to leave tonight

I’ve got to stand and fight.

Another page looks like a word cloud, with Mercury scrawling dozens of words and phrases including “fandango,” “thunderbolts and lighting” and “belladonna.” Heaton said the page appeared to be Mercury trying out options for the operatic section of “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Mercury made it clear in interviews that “Bohemian Rhapsody” was tough to write. “It didn’t just come out of thin air,” Mercury once said according to “Freddie Mercury: A Life, in His Own Words,” a collection of interview excerpts. “Certain songs require that sort of pompous flair. I had to work like crazy.”

The band’s guitarist, Brian May, and drummer, Roger Taylor, declined to comment on the “Mongolian Rhapsody” draft. In a 2002 documentary, May recalled the moment Mercury suggested the title “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “You never knew quite whether Freddie was joking or what,” May said. “Some of his ideas turned out to be not serious, but that one stuck.”

Heaton said the final title carried a certain air of mystery to it, but it was hard to say how important it had been to the song’s success and enduring appeal.

There’s plenty of evidence of both in the forthcoming sale. The other items Sotheby’s is auctioning in September include a gold disc for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a plaque marking the band’s Grammy nominations for the song and an MTV award presented posthumously to Mercury after the track was featured in the movie “Wayne’s World.”

Jenkins, the Queen biographer, said he was sure “Bohemian Rhapsody” would have been a hit regardless of its title, but Mercury’s final choice was better.

“I remember when it came out, wondering what a bohemian was, and looking it up,” he said.

Rare earth element (REE) resources in Mongolia are viewed by some observers as potentially very much part of the solution when it comes to countering China's global monopoly on these critical minerals. However, the likelihood of Mongolia becoming a major REE producer any time soon seems rather low due to several obstacles.

The most significant is the lack of proper policy and legislation to accommodate REE mining.

In a survey conducted in 2009, Mongolia's REE deposits were estimated as equivalent to 16.8% of known REE reserves worldwide, but the data was based on a general survey of all minerals rather than REE specifically. “It was an estimate because it was based on a general survey of all minerals, rather than a specific rare earth survey, but no other survey has been made on REE in the country,” said Dagva Myagmarsuren, a mining consultant at Qualified Management Consultants.

Dagva added: “As a result, we only have very few known REE deposits, and all of those have only extended to exploration phases, they have not yielded much beyond that.”

It might be thought that all of the major REE deposit licence-owning companies present in Mongolia have sought to find ways to move on to REE mining, but for the past decade, none of the explorers have seen much progress in making REE production in the country a reality.

An industry insider, who requested anonymity, told bne IntelliNews that recent interest from countries including Germany and South Korea in Mongolia's REE deposits amounted to only gestures against China. They were hype without any real action, they said, adding: “For the past decade, Mongolia has been mentioned as a potential REE mining country, but without proper legislation and given the poor track record in protecting investors and awarding a share of the mining profits to the public, the mining of REEs will remain a pipe dream for Mongolia.”

The insider further noted that many legislators remained unfamiliar with mining and that Mongolia's track record in the sector was rather dismal.

The country has struggled to properly sell coal, with some operations running at a 90% loss, and it blundered in a major way with Anglo-Australian Rio Tinto’s giant Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mining project, with its cost blowouts, delays and other difficulties legion.

The insider spoken to was sceptical that the government would be able to mine and refine REEs properly given a lack of experience and potential environmental destruction. Moreover, the government was ill-prepared to deal with public backlashes that mining outcomes typically bring, they said.

Since 2012, the state has restricted mining licence issuance. The only four REE deposit ventures in Mongolia attempting to attract investors remain stagnant, with no active production on top of exploration.

Officials have accused foreign miners of using their licences as collateral for loans rather than cooperating with the government. The riposte from most of the companies is that they can do little else given the lack of wider mining sector progress.

Even if Mongolia finds its way out from this stagnation and attracts investors with proper policies and legislation, there are few countries that could help deliver the technological expertise needed to separate and refine REEs. Large sums of investment would be needed to make such progress a reality in Mongolia.

China, which controls 80% of global REE processing capacity, is actually the most likely candidate when it comes to establishing the proper refining and processing of REEs in Mongolia. But China has in no way been hyping up Mongolian REEs. In common with its lack of interest in sourcing more Russian gas via pipelines laid across Mongolia, Beijing has very little interest in Mongolia's REEs.

Not all hope, however, is lost in innovative Mongolian mining. Local experts believe that lithium brine deposits could be the next big thing for Mongolia after copper. Tremendous progress has been made in mining such lithium. Companies such as ION Energy have taken impressive strides in the past few years, lately sparking interest from Chinese entrepreneurs.

By Anand Tumurtogoo in Ulaanbaatar

Jet Sharing Mongolia LLC introduced a scooter rental service in the capital city. A total of 3,000 scooters were planned to be placed on the streets and squares of Ulaanbaatar, and 700 of them are released on a trial basis. The project implementers will deploy all the scooters after understanding the demand and organizational structure.

The “Ninebot” model scooter, which allows the citizens of Ulaanbaatar to change their ride, is connected to a smart system or a special application and it also has a locator. To operate the scooter, the user must install the “Jet Scooter” application on their phone and create an account. After that, it will be possible to start the journey by loading the wallet with at least 4,000 MNT and scanning the QR code on the steering wheel. The first minute of renting a scooter is 500 MNT, and the second minute is 200 MNT. Specifically, a user who recharges the wallet with 4,000 MNT can ride a scooter for 18 minutes. It means that it is convenient to deposit money in your account depending on the distance to your destination. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and Uzbekistan are successfully implementing this kind of scooter rental service with a control system based on a special application.

Not long after the introduction of the scooter rental service, the violations related to it started to appear, the implementers mentioned. For example, last Sunday night, two scooters were stolen and an attempt was made to remove the GPS. In addition, there have been many cases of scooters being dumped in places other than their intended purpose.

According to the rules, the user should leave the scooter only in the places where the location is marked in the application, and when doing so, they should take a picture and send it. Unfortunately, some users ignore this and cause inconvenience. If the “Ninebot” is stolen, controllers can easily locate the person. If a registered user commits such a violation, action will be taken such as blocking their email address.

Jet Sharing Mongolia LLC has issued rules for using scooters. It is for adults only. It is forbidden to ride a scooter with more than one person and to enter the areas marked in red on the map. In addition, implementers remind citizens to follow the traffic rules and ensure their safety when traveling with scooters.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Australia Awards Program in Mongolia, the Australian Embassy and the Australia Awards South Asia and Mongolia (AASAM) are hosting the 2023 Australia Awards Regional Alumni Workshop in Ulaanbaatar from 29-31 May 2023.

Over 40 Australia Awards alumni from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia are attending the Regional Alumni Workshop 2023. The theme of this workshop is ‘Building Back Better: Climate Resilience and Green Economic Recovery.’ During the three-day workshop, the alumni and participants will exchange knowledge and information and share the best experiences in fostering climate resilience and promoting sustainable green development at the national and regional levels.

“Australia Awards alumni in Mongolia and across the region are making a valuable contribution to the development of their countries across the private sector, government, and civil society. They play a vital role in our bilateral relationships and forge deep people-to-people linkages.” said Ms. Katie Smith, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia.

Australia has provided development assistance (including scholarships) to Mongolia for three decades. Australia Awards is a flagship bilateral development program between Mongolia and Australia. Australia Awards is a merit-based scholarship scheme offered primarily for master's level programs in Australia. Since 1993, more than 700 Mongolians have received equitable, prestigious, and transformational Australia Awards scholarships. The study and research opportunities provided by Australia Awards Scholarships develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to the national development outcomes.

The Australia Awards promote diversity and inclusiveness. Women account for around 70 per cent of awardees, while participation of people with disabilities and from rural areas is increasing.

“In recognition of the significant impact of the Australia Awards, I am delighted to announce that in 2024 we will increase our scholarships to 15 awardees.” said Ambassador Smith.

Australia Awards in Mongolia operates under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Australia and Mongolia. It is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

A new rail link connecting Mongolia and China is in the making. The line will connect the Mongolian border point Shivee Khuren and the Chinese border point Ceke. Construction started on 27 May and the works are expected to finish by October 2023. The new line will cover a distance of 7,1 kilometres, and once completed, it will become the second cross-border railway between China and Mongolia.

According to Chinese governmental sources, upon completion, the Shivee Khuren-Ceke cross-border line will stimulate the transportation of bulk goods like coal and copper mine in particular. Currently, this border crossing is already under operation but with a missing rail link since transport takes place by road. Chinese officials had confirmed since 2016 the opening of a railway border crossing in this location. However, the actual construction took seven years to begin.

Another two new China-Mongolia railways

Besides the ongoing construction of the Shivee Khuren-Ceke railway, another two new border crossing railways are already on the table.

The Gashuunsukhait (Mongolia)-Ganqimaodu (China) border crossing that opened in 2004 and relied on road transport is undergoing a rail transformation too. Telenged Baast, the Mongolian rail freight operator from Monlogistic, told RailFreight.com that “the construction of the Mongolian side of the railway was completed last year, but connection issues with the Chinese side have yet to be finalised.” Once completed, this rail border crossing could become a strategic point for the coal and mining trade between Mongolia and Russia.

Additionally, Mongolia opened a new railway line on the way to China last November, connecting Zongbayan to the border city of Khangi, both in Mongolia. This line is planned to connect with the Chinese border city of Mandula; however, the link has not yet been finalised and expects official approval to be recognised as a cross-border line. As a result, the last mile of this railway line is still in limbo. Once the two parties reach an agreement and complete their paperwork, a new route could be established, sharing the loads between Erenhot and Zamiin-Uud, the only rail border crossing between the two countries.

I had scheduled a meeting with Narantuya Sharkhuu on a bitterly cold and windy day in a small, cozy café. Ulaanbaatar, the city we call home, holds the distinction of being the coldest capital city in the world. True to its reputation, the temperature hovered near 0 degrees, despite it being late May. Narantuya, a tall and elegant lady in her late 40s, greeted me with the most enchanting smile when she spotted me. She was dressed in attire commonly seen on mountain hikers.

Narantuya is a woman of many talents and responsibilities. She is a seasoned accountant, a certified yoga instructor, a government agent of the micro-district, and the head of her local Homeowners' Association (HOA). She is also one of the leading voices advocating for proper waste sorting in Ulaanbaatar.

In 2019, her community faced the alarming prospect of losing the playground land adjacent to their apartment building, which had been their home for over two decades. Corruption deeply embedded within Mongolian politics allowed companies to illegally bribe authorities, resulting in the unauthorized fencing of public spaces and the construction of commercial estates against the wishes of the residents. Unfortunately, such practices are all too common in Ulaanbaatar. Given the prime location of her neighborhood, situated close to the city's central point, the imminent threat of losing this small yet precious green space became increasingly apparent.

Ulaanbaatar is home to over half of Mongolia's 3.3 million population, with seventy percent of its residents living in ger districts without central heating or a plumbing system. The remaining population predominantly resides in apartment complexes, resembling the aesthetic of most eastern European cities. One can easily distinguish between old and new buildings by examining the spaces between them. Over the past 30 years, rather than expanding the city outward, new structures have been erected within the gaps of existing buildings, resulting in a concrete jungle with minimal green space.

During this crucial moment, when the public space near her home faced the potential threat of being transformed into a shopping center or even a nightclub, Narantuya united with the residents of the affectionately nicknamed 'the tall three' apartments to resist the encroachers. The community fought against them for months, and their struggle even gained media attention, shining a spotlight on their battle for the small patch of land. Initially, 'the tall three' had a homeowners' association (HOA), but suspicions arose that it had been compromised or influenced by the opposing side. As a result, the residents decided to disband the existing HOA and establish a new one.

At that time, Narantuya was employed as an accountant in a private company and had no intention of getting involved with the HOA, let alone spearheading a waste sorting rally in her neighborhood. She and her husband had moved to one of the 'the tall three' apartments in 1998, shortly after their marriage, and together they raised four children. Naturally, she developed a deep affection for the area and its community.

After successfully defending their land and removing the corrupt HOA, Narantuya voluntarily stepped up to serve as the financial advisor for the newly formed 'Altayn Baraa' HOA. Recognising the importance of her expertise and driven by her love for the community, she took on the responsibility of managing the association's finances. However, Narantuya had not initially planned to stay in the HOA indefinitely. That changed when the newly elected head of the HOA neglected their responsibilities, failing to show up for work. As a result, all the burdens and tasks fell onto Narantuya's shoulders. She found herself unexpectedly thrust into a position of leadership within the HOA, which compelled her to reconsider her plans and commit herself to the community for the time being. She accepted the role of 'Altayn Baraa' HOA's head.

When Narantuya began her role, she encountered a disheartening situation—the 40-year-old apartment complex was in a state of disrepair. The hallways were dimly lit and neglected, and waste management was a significant concern. Narantuya had a strong desire to revitalize the neighborhood and bring about positive change. However, she felt overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead and struggled to determine the best place to begin the transformation process. Narantuya lacked basic knowledge about waste recycling processes and logistics. Unaware that recycling plants typically send their own trucks to collect the plastic collected by the HOA, she used to personally cover the costs of hiring trucks to transport the plastic bottles.

The year 2021 marked a turning point and brought the seed of change for Narantuya. 'Altayn Baraa' HOA was approached by the team from Sustainable Plastic Recycling in Mongolia (SPRIM), a project funded by the EU under its SWITCH-Asia programme. The HOA was in one of the target pilot areas of the project, which aimed to establish an efficient waste management system for plastic waste and promote the development of the plastic recycling industry.

Narantuya and her team actively participated in the awareness-raising activities and received training on proper waste sorting techniques from the SPRIM project. As part of the pilot programme, they were provided with several sorting bins to facilitate the process.

When questioned about the challenges of encouraging residents to adopt the habit of waste sorting, Narantuya responded, "There were absolutely none. While there were some minor obstacles, overall, it was a remarkably positive experience." The initial and most difficult step was introducing the concept of waste sorting to the community. Fortunately, Narantuya had participated in the 'Training of Trainers' programme organised by the SPRIM project. This training equipped her with the essential knowledge and skills to persuade and engage people, emphasising the importance of environmental consciousness and shedding light on the gravity of the current environmental situation and the dire consequences if we don’t start acting now.

After gaining awareness of the alarming state of waste management through Mongolian waste data and statistics, there was no turning back for the residents. The realisation of the severity of the situation ignited a strong sense of enthusiasm among the community to embrace waste sorting practices. Remarkably, children were the quickest to adapt to this new "regime." Their eagerness and willingness to participate influenced their friends and schoolmates throughout the area, rapidly spreading the habit of waste sorting.

Narantuya also understood the significance of repetition and reinforcement in ensuring that waste sorting practices were ingrained in the residents' minds. She took proactive measures by placing notices emphasising the importance of sorting waste throughout the apartment complex. Additionally, she actively shared educational posts in residents' Facebook groups and organised meetings to ensure that people had ample opportunities to fully comprehend and memorise waste sorting and recycling facts. By employing various communication channels and engaging the community through consistent messaging, Narantuya aimed to create a lasting impact and promote a deep understanding of the importance of waste sorting and recycling.

Nowadays, even the most resistant and stubborn individuals, including the elderly, actively participate in waste sorting. They bring their glass jars and plastic bottles in separate bags and diligently deposit them into the appropriate recycling bins. This positive behavior change is a testament to the collective efforts and the widespread adoption of responsible waste management practices in the community.

According to Narantuya, approximately 80% of the residents in 'the tall three' apartments now participate in waste sorting. As a result, people have become more conscious of their consumption habits and the amount of waste they generate. This heightened awareness has contributed to a significant improvement in the cleanliness of the apartment area and halls. The positive transformation in waste management practices has not only enhanced the overall living environment but has also had a positive impact on the property's value as well as the neighborhood relationship.

Narantuya and the community occasionally organise second-hand selling or swapping events for gently used clothes, toys, and other household items in their once almost-lost public space, which has become a massive hit.

Last summer, just before the new school term, we held one of those events, and parents were so happy to buy school uniforms for their children for a fraction of the original cost. Children swapped or sold toys they were no longer interested in. It's an effective way to teach ethical consumption practices to both children and adults, emphasising the importance of letting go of things that no longer serve them and handing them over to their next owner. The events foster a sense of community, sustainability, and responsible consumer behavior among the participants, Narantuya said.

Narantuya understood that the gatekeepers and cleaners of the HOA might not have been entirely enthusiastic about shouldering additional workload, as they were already burdened with numerous tasks. However, through the implementation of proper knowledge, training, planning, and the introduction of incentives, Narantuya successfully integrated waste sorting into their daily responsibilities.

At 'Altayn Baraa' HOA, none of the revenue generated from recycling is retained by the HOA itself. Instead, the funds are divided among the cleaners, gatekeepers, and other workers involved in waste management duties. Narantuya firmly believes that these individuals deserve to receive whatever bonus they can through this positive change. "It's not much, but they should be recognised and appreciated for their hard work and dedication. Some of these people have worked with us for over 20 years," she said.

Narantuya now teaches yoga in the mornings, serves as a senior agent of the 15th khoroo in the Bayanzurkh district of Ulaanbaatar, and continues to lead the 'Altayn Baraa' HOA. She happily shares her knowledge and expertise with anyone willing to learn about the environmental and pollution challenges faced by Mongolia. Furthermore, Narantuya actively encourages other HOAs to come and learn from their successful waste management practices.

Looking ahead, Narantuya envisions uniting HOAs across Ulaanbaatar and implementing mandatory waste-sorting practices. She believes that the efforts of only one or two organisations will not yield significant results. To effectively combat the plastic pollution issue, collaboration, teamwork, and unity among various groups are crucial. Her determination to make a lasting impact extends beyond her immediate community and encompasses a broader vision for a cleaner and more sustainable Ulaanbaatar.

Mongolia faces significant challenges in its labor market, including an aging population, low workforce participation, high unemployment rates, and low labor productivity. Recently, the Prime Minister met with private employers to discuss labor force issues and wage policies. As Mongolia seeks solutions, striking a balance between policy reforms and sustainable job creation becomes crucial.

Mongolia's heavy reliance on the public sector, where 22% of the employed population works, is unsustainable.

To address this, the government aims to outsource work to the private sector, reducing the burden on the government while creating job growth opportunities. However, concerns raised by private sector representatives regarding social insurance payment burdens and skill shortages must be considered.

Private sector representatives highlight the tax burden on employers and the scarcity of job-ready skilled workers. They fear that wage increases for public sector employees may disrupt the private sector's competitiveness.

The finance minister proposes performance-based salaries to increase productivity and incentivize employers following recent pockets of strikes by teachers and healthcare workers. Addressing these concerns is crucial for a balanced labor market.

Small businesses in the commerce sector offer promising job prospects, particularly in Ulaanbaatar. While the public sector's influence has diminished, it remains essential in areas with limited alternative job options. However, Mongolia's long, cold winters restrict outdoor operations, leading to a reliance on temporary contract labor. Policies should ensure year-round job opportunities across sectors.

Mongolia has made progress in promoting gender equality, with 53.4% of women participating in the labor force, but there is room for improvement.

Addressing gender inequality in the workplace and at home could boost annual per capita growth by 0.5 percentage points, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Concerns also exist regarding education quality and equity, especially for individuals with lower education levels. Disparities in educational outcomes for males, rural herders, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds need attention.

Outsourcing to the private sector holds potential for job creation, but caution is necessary. Quality jobs, worker protections, and the impact on displaced public sector employees must be considered. Rushing into outsourcing without safeguards may lead to a race to the bottom in terms of wages and working conditions, exacerbating inequalities.

Mongolia's labor landscape presents challenges and opportunities. Addressing low labor force participation, aging demographics, and low labor productivity is crucial for sustainable job creation. Policymakers must carefully navigate reforms to ensure worker protections and equitable outcomes. By balancing policy reforms and sustainable job creation, Mongolia can foster a thriving labor market that benefits all stakeholders while avoiding exacerbation of inequalities.

Amar Adiya is Editor-in-Chief of Mongolia Weekly newsletter.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, J. Kulubayev is currently paying an official visit to Mongolia, commencing on May 29 at the invitation by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (MFA) B. Battsetseg.

Minister Kulubayev arrived at the Chingis Khaan International Airport, where he received a warm welcome from the Acting State Secretary and Director General of the Department of Public Administration and Management of MFA, S. Zoljargal and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Kyrgyz Republic S. Ganhuyag, and other dignitaries.

The visit by Minister Kulubayev holds great significance as it marks a decade since the last visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia. During the visit, J. Kulubayev will pay a courtesy call to the President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, and the Foreign Ministers will hold official talks.

During the talks and meetings, the parties will exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation, invigorating the dialogue between Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, fortifying mutual trust and the legal foundation of relations, expanding the scope of traditional cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and regional issues of mutual interest.