Groundwater and Flood Protection Project to Be Implemented in Six Central Districts www.montsame.mn

In order to improve living conditions in a safe and healthy environment and to reduce flood risks, the Groundwater and Flood Protection Project is planned to be implemented across six districts of the capital city.

Under the project, the most deteriorated and frequently damaged sections of Ulaanbaatar’s centralized wastewater network will be rehabilitated using modern trenchless technology. Specifically, a total of 39,469 meters of wastewater pipelines will be restored through trenchless methods. This technology enables the creation of a new internal lining within existing pipes without extensive excavation of streets and public spaces, thereby enhancing structural integrity and extending service life.

Within the framework of the project, pipeline lining and partial expansion works are planned as follows: 7,909 meters in Bayanzurkh district, 9,892 meters in Sukhbaatar District, 3,561 meters in Chingeltei district, 8,810 meters in Bayangol district, 6,607 meters in Songinokhairkhan district, and 2,690 meters in Khan-Uul district.

The Groundwater and Flood Protection Project will be implemented in compliance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and Environmental and Social Standards (ESS2–ESS10).

Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce incidents of wastewater overflow, mitigate flood risks, and decrease soil and environmental pollution. It will also improve public health conditions and enhance the sustainability of urban infrastructure. Furthermore, the initiative is anticipated to improve the quality of residents’ living environments, strengthen the city’s capacity to manage increasing wastewater loads, and align with the capital’s sustainable development strategy by delivering high investment efficiency and long-term benefits for urban livability.

Mongolia’s Forest Cover Confirmed at 8.71 Percent www.montsame.mn

At its meeting held on February 9, the Professional Council on Forest Resources reviewed updated data on Mongolia’s forest fund and confirmed that forests account for 8.71 percent of the country’s total territory.

In other words, of Mongolia’s 156.4 million hectares of land, 13.6 million hectares are covered by forest, according to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Previously, it had been estimated that approximately 8–9 percent of the total land area, or 14–15 million hectares, was forested.

A country’s level of forest coverage is assessed based on the total area of land covered by forests. Under an order issued by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the composition of the Professional Council on Forest Resources, responsible for reviewing and approving afforestation and forestry activities, forest management plans at the national, aimag, and capital levels, the condition of the forest fund, forest inventories and organizational data, as well as information and reports related to non-timber forest resources and their utilization, was renewed and approved last month.

'Tuul' Water Complex Designed to Store 50–100 Million Cubic Meters of Water www.montsame.mn

The Water Agency of Mongolia and Kalpataru Projects International Limited of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the implementation of major water projects in Mongolia.

Within the framework of this cooperation, preparatory work for the strategically significant “Tuul” Water Complex project is progressing in stages. An initial site selection study was conducted, including a comparative assessment based on key criteria such as geology, topography, and water storage potential. As a result, the third site, considered the most suitable, was selected, and it was decided that detailed studies and design work would be concentrated at that location.

At a meeting of relevant authorities held in January, officials emphasized the need to expedite the project’s feasibility study and to ensure that subsequent phase studies are developed in an integrated and comprehensive manner, issuing corresponding directives.

The “Tuul” Water Complex will create a new source for surface water storage. According to preliminary studies, the facility is planned to have a reservoir area of 5,569 hectares and a storage capacity of 50–100 million cubic meters of water. The main engineering specifications include a dam length of 685.15 meters, a height of 35.8 meters, and a maximum water depth of 19.84 meters. These parameters are expected to enable the project to meet the capital city’s growing long-term water demand.

Upon implementation, the project will allow for the regulated use of surface water and help reduce the overexploitation of groundwater resources. It also holds strategic importance in regulating flood flows, increasing water supply for industrial and energy sectors, and establishing a more sustainable, multi-source water resource management system for the capital.

N.Tavinbekh released on bail with border-exit restriction www.gogo.mn

Former state secretary and energy minister N.Tavinbekh has been released on bail and ordered not to leave Mongolia after a court revised earlier detention measures, officials said.

The Independent Authority Against Corruption detained N.Tavinbekh and his adviser, P.Tovuudorj, as part of an investigation into alleged abuse of office and unlawful enrichment in connection with an energy concessional-loan project. The Metropolitan Prosecutor's Office subsequently filed a criminal case against N.Tavinbekh under the charge of “abuse of power and position” and asked the court to extend preventive detention.

At a hearing on February 26, 2026, the defendant’s lawyer, Kh.B, appealed the detention order to the chief judge. After reviewing the evidence and taking the defendant’s reported health condition into account, the court, following a review by the Chief Justice, replaced pre-trial detention with bail and imposed a preventive measure restricting N.Tavinbekh from leaving the country.

Japan will assist Mongolian IT companies in their efforts to enter foreign markets www.open.kg

As part of the project "Development of the Information Technology Sector," a meeting was held organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Park of Information Technology (NPIT).

Key figures from NPIT attended the event, including Zolzayaa Jargalsaihan, the project leader, as well as representatives from the consulting firm "Deloitte Tomatsu": Yamamoto Shosei, the deputy project leader, and advisor Hagiharu Natsuki.

The main objective of the project is to promote the development of information technology in Mongolia, improve the legal framework, and ensure sustainable growth of this sector. The official launch of the project took place in 2026, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ICDC, JICA, and NPIT in June 2025, with project documentation approved in September.

A study conducted by JICA confirmed that comprehensive support for the ecosystem is necessary to achieve sustainable development of the IT sector in Mongolia. The implementation of this project is planned for three years and includes five key goals:

📌 Improvement of the implementation of legislation and policies supporting the IT sector.

📌 Expanding the capabilities of Mongolian IT companies to enter international markets.

📌 Strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors and improving coordination.

📌 Supporting startups through the implementation of acceleration programs at the national and regional levels.

📌 Promoting the development of businesses based on open data, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This project is strategically significant for enhancing the level of the ICT sector in Mongolia and achieving tangible results in international cooperation, as well as aiming to create an international benchmark park in the field of ICT.

Securities Trading Transactions Increased by MNT 61.5 Billion www.montsame.mn

A total of MNT 133.7 billion worth of transactions were conducted in the securities market in January of this year, with an increase of 85.2 percent (MNT 61.5 billion), compared to the same period last year.

Of the total securities transactions, 65.3 percent (MNT 87.4 billion) were primary market transactions, while 34.7 percent (MNT 46.4 billion) were conducted in the secondary market, according to the National Statistics Office.

Securities transactions consist of 55.3 percent asset-backed securities, 16 percent company shares, 15.9 percent Government bonds, 12.7 percent corporate bonds, and 0.1 percent investment fund units.

In January of this year, 48.3 million securities were traded, showing a decrease of 28.4 percent (19.2 million securities), compared to the same period last year. Of the traded securities, 1.8 percent (880 thousand) were traded in the primary market, while 98.2 percent (47.4 million) were traded in the secondary market.

The TOP-20 index reached 54,871.4 points in January of this year, increasing by 3,110.2 points compared to the same period last year and by 2,209 points compared to the previous month.

Mongolia’s geological potential and its role in the global minerals supply chain have long been recognised www.mininginsight.mn

Every year in early March, the PDAC Convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is held in Toronto, Canada. Mining Insight Magazine is pleased to announce that it is serving as an official media partner of the convention for the fourth time. Ahead of the event, we present to our readers an interview conducted by Mining Insight journalist E. Odjargal with Karen Rees, President of the PDAC. By way of brief introduction, Karen Rees is a professional geologist with 37 years of experience in Canada’s mineral exploration sector. In addition to serving as President of PDAC, she is also a board member of three junior exploration projects located in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba.

With more than 90 years of history, PDAC has played a significant role internationally. How would you describe its long-term impact?

We’re proud to bring the global mineral exploration and mining community together in Toronto each year for the PDAC Convention. Over time, its impact has come from creating a trusted place for people across the sector to have direct, practical conversations about the issues that shape projects, investment decisions and policy. Those conversations matter. The connections made at PDAC influence where capital flows, how projects move forward and how jurisdictions position themselves in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Under your leadership, what strategic directions and priorities will PDAC pursue in the coming years?

The focus is on keeping Canada competitive as a place to explore, invest and advance mineral projects responsibly. Maintaining investment momentum depends on policy certainty, particularly for mineral exploration, where stable and predictable frameworks are essential. A top priority is securing long-term investment certainty. That includes improving access to capital, reducing regulatory duplication and delays, streamlining permitting processes, and continuing to invest in public geoscience and enabling infrastructure. Responsible exploration is central to this work. Practical, industry-led tools such as Driving Responsible Exploration help companies manage risk, strengthen environmental, social, and governance frameworks, and build respectful, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities. Talent is another key part of the picture. Attracting the next generation of workers and ensuring students and early career professionals have clear pathways into the industry, opportunities to connect with employers and the skills needed to build lasting careers is essential to the sector’s future.

The 2026 Convention marks the 94th edition of PDAC. What will distinguish PDAC 2026?

PDAC 2026 will build on strong momentum following a year that welcomed more than 27,000 participants from around the world. It will feature the largest trade show in the event’s history. For the first time, Trade Show North will span the entire North Building, bringing the total to more than 1,300 exhibitors. PDAC 2026 will also feature a wide-ranging program, with senior industry leaders and policymakers focused on the challenges and opportunities that are top of mind right now, including investment, supply chains and policy certainty. And as always, the convention is really about the connections. The conversations that start here often carry well beyond the four days in Toronto.

How has PDAC integrated critical minerals and supply-chain resilience into its program?

Critical minerals and supply-chain resilience are woven throughout PDAC 2026 programming because of their growing importance to electrification, energy systems, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Rather than being confined to a single stream, these themes appear across multiple program areas, reflecting how central they are to exploration, investment and development decisions. To name just a few examples, the Technical Program includes sessions such as Hiding in Plain Sight: Critical Minerals Recovery from Base Metals, which looks at how existing deposits and processes can contribute to future supply. In the Capital Markets Program, Metal Supply Security: What Would It Take to Reduce Geopolitical Risk? examines the investment and policy considerations shaping global mineral supply chains. The Short Courses Program also addresses these issues through sessions like Geology of Deep and Shallow Porphyry Copper Deposits and Implications for Exploration, highlighting the geological fundamentals that underpin long-term supply. 

Have you observed growing engagement from national governments at PDAC?

Yes. Engagement from national and regional governments at PDAC has grown steadily in recent years, reflecting the strategic importance of minerals to economic growth, energy security and industrial policy. PDAC is the most important meeting place on the industry calendar, and governments recognize the value of engaging here as policies, supply chains and investment priorities are actively being shaped.

How do you assess Mongolia’s potential to attract mineral investment?

Mongolia has long been recognized for its geological potential and its position in global mineral supply chains. Its continued presence at PDAC, including initiatives such as Mongolia Day, reflects a clear commitment to engaging international investors and partners. PDAC provides a valuable opportunity to showcase those strengths, share policy priorities and meet directly with decision-makers. Over time, those conversations help build relationships and reinforce investor confidence, supporting Mongolia’s efforts to position itself as a competitive destination for exploration and development.

How would you characterize the current global investment climate for mineral exploration?

There is more momentum than a year ago, supported by stronger commodity prices and increased attention on minerals needed for electrification, infrastructure and economic growth. At the same time, investors remain focused on competitiveness, regulatory timelines and policy certainty. Exploration companies still face real challenges, including access to capital and permitting complexity. That’s why predictable regulatory frameworks and supportive investment environments matter so much. PDAC provides a place to have these conversations openly and to reinforce what is needed to support investment over the longer term.

What recent federal initiatives are aimed at accelerating critical minerals exploration and strengthening supply chains in Canada?

Federal Budget 2025 included several measures aimed at supporting critical minerals exploration and development. One of the most significant is the commitment to establish a C$2 billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund to make strategic investments in projects and companies, helping bridge financing gaps and advance priority supply-chain assets. The budget also expands the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC) by broadening the list of eligible minerals to include additional elements essential for defence, semiconductors, energy and clean technologies. Together, these measures are intended to mobilize private capital into early-stage exploration and reinforce Canada’s role in securing critical mineral supply chains.

How does Canada channel mining revenues into public and community benefits?

In Canada, mineral development contributes to public and community benefits through employment, taxation, infrastructure investment and long-term partnerships with Indigenous and local communities. Mining revenues support public services, while projects themselves often create lasting economic opportunities at the regional level. When projects are developed responsibly and in partnership with stakeholders, those benefits can extend well beyond production and support stronger, more resilient communities over time.

Mining Insight Magazine, 2026 №01 (050)

"From Strategy to Capital” Discussed in London www.mininginsight.mn

“MiningWeek & MinePro 2026” was successfully held in London on February 24, 2026, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The event aimed to enhance foreign investment in Mongolia’s mining sector and strengthen the linkage between strategy and capital. In his opening remarks, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinnyam highlighted Mongolia’s mining policy framework, legal and regulatory environment, ongoing investment climate reforms, and future strategic directions. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, transparency, international standards, and long-term investment in the mining sector.

The event brought together a distinguished group of participants, including Fiona Blyth, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Mongolia, Erdenetuya Ganbold, CEO of MNMA, representatives of enterprises, UK-based financial institutions, international financial organizations, institutional investors, capital market professionals, and mining sector stakeholders. In total, more than 80 participants attended and exchanged views.

A panel discussion under the theme “From Strategy to Capital” was held, accompanied by project presentations, market discussions, and B2B meetings with investors. 

Export Expansion Highlighted at Japan Investment Day www.montsame.mn

“Japan Investment Day” was organized at the Investor Protection Center under the Ministry of Economy and Development.

Vice Minister of Economy and Development Davaasuren Sodnomdarjaa highlighted, “The Japan Investment Day event is the beginning of future effective collaborations to come and will expand opportunities to enrich the Mongolia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership with economic content.

Participants emphasized the importance of introducing Japan’s advanced technology, quality standards, and management practices to accelerate renewable energy development and the energy transition, foster value-added production in the critical minerals and agricultural sectors, and ensure infrastructural sustainability. They also noted that the Government of Mongolia places special importance on concluding trade agreements to expand foreign trade opportunities and diversify export markets.

Within the framework of the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” Mongolia and Japan continue to broaden their cooperation, with economic relations and investment serving as key pillars of the partnership. The Government is focusing on creating a stable, transparent, and predictable environment for investors and is currently drafting amendments to the Law on Economic Freedom, proposed revisions to the Law on Investment, and a revised version of the Law on Permits.

In his remarks, Japanese Ambassador to Mongolia, Igawahara Masaru, expressed commitment to close cooperation to foster efficient collaboration and a sustainable legal environment as a bridge between Mongolian and Japanese entrepreneurs.

The Japanese side emphasized the need to ensure a stable and predictable tax environment, improve tax policies and broader regulatory frameworks applicable to foreign investors, and clarify investment incentive mechanisms. They also proposed deepening cooperation in the mining sector, holding regular B2B meetings in the wool and cashmere industry, and developing more coordinated mechanisms for equipment financing and export insurance. In addition, the Japanese side raised concerns regarding the lengthy preparatory phases, stringent requirements, and qualification criteria associated with participation in large-scale infrastructure projects, noting that greater alignment and coordination are needed to enhance cooperation.

Japan accounts for 4.1 percent of Mongolia’s total foreign trade turnover, including 0.1 percent of exports and 9.6 percent of imports. In the first half of last year, Japan invested USD 1.7 billion in direct investment, representing 3.5 percent of total foreign investment.

 “Japan Investment Day” aims to elevate bilateral economic cooperation to a new level, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, and provide momentum for advancing concrete projects.

Erdenes Tavantolgoi to Distribute MNT 786.6 Billion in Dividends www.montsame.mn

 Executives of Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC presented the company’s 2025 operational report, its 2026 business plan, and expected performance indicators to journalists.

Last year, the company mined 30.2 million tonnes of coal, of which 27.6 million tonnes were sold, generating revenue of USD 1.7 billion. It contributed MNT 1.6 trillion in taxes to the State Budget of Mongolia.

Despite a downturn in the coal market and falling prices in 2025, the company reported a net profit of MNT 1.1 trillion. It also contributed to increasing Mongolia’s foreign exchange reserves and decided to distribute MNT 786.6 billion in dividends to its shareholders.

In addition, value-added projects — including a coal beneficiation plant, the Tavantolgoi coal loading logistics center, the Zagiin Water Pipeline, and a coal transport conveyor system — have been commissioned. These projects are expected to enhance resource utilization and create conditions for long-term, efficient, and sustainable operations.

For this year, the company plans to mine 35 million tonnes of coal and sell 32.9 million tonnes, with projected revenue of MNT 7.9 trillion, officials noted.