Personnel receive rescue training for cable car system www.ubpost.mn

Rescue personnel in Ulaanbaatar City have completed initial and refresher training in high-angle rescue operations to strengthen their preparedness for emergencies involving the city’s cable car transportation system, which is currently undergoing trial operations between Artsat in Yarmag and Kharkhorin market.

The training aimed to ensure that emergency responders are prepared to carry out rescue operations in the event of accidents or service disruptions, while improving their technical knowledge and practical skills in working at heights. The sessions were held at the G1 section of the Yarmag-Artsat station, where Mohamed Elsayed Osman, a trainer from French cable transportation company POMA, delivered a combination of theoretical instruction and practical exercises.

21 personnel from the Rescue Unit of the Capital City Emergency Management Department participated in the training. They strengthened their ability to conduct high-angle rescue operations and respond to emergencies involving cable cars. The training forms part of efforts to improve emergency response readiness as Ulaanbaatar’s cable car system continues its trial operations as a public transportation service.

Will Rio Tinto also receive dividends if government receives them? www.ubpost.mn

Last week, a public opinion poll was launched to seek citizens’ views on how dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project should be used. Citizens can participate in the poll by visiting e-zasag.mn and answering the following three questions: (1) “Is it appropriate for the Government to receive dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project?”, with the option to select either “Yes” or “No”; (2) “If dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project are to be used to finance development projects and programmes, which sectors should be prioritised for investment?”, with multiple answers available, including energy; industry; transport and logistics; and social infrastructure such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, etc.; and (3) “How should dividend income received from the Oyu Tolgoi project be spent?”, for which citizens may select only one of the following answers: (i) to finance major projects and programmes; (ii) to be deposited into a savings fund; or (iii) to be allocated through a savings fund to support citizens’ healthcare, education and housing.

Many have criticised the poll, arguing that its questions are “leading questions”. They contend that, rather than constituting an open and impartial public consultation, the poll appears to have an underlying objective of steering public opinion towards a decision that the Government is already planning to make and obtaining responses that align with its intended position.

Of the three questions, the first has attracted the most attention: “Is it appropriate for the Government to receive dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project?”

The reason is that, in an announcement made in July this year, the government stated: “We have reached an in-principle agreement to begin receiving dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project starting this year.” Against this background, asking the public whether it is appropriate for the Government to receive dividends appears contradictory, both in principle and from a logical standpoint.

In fact, whether the Government is entitled to receive dividends, or whether Oyu Tolgoi LLC should distribute dividends, is a matter governed by Articles 46–48 of the Company Law of Mongolia and further regulated by the Shareholders’ Agreement.

Of course, given that the Oyu Tolgoi project involves a strategic mineral deposit, it is essential to take into account Section 6.2 of the Constitution of Mongolia.

The final paragraph of Section 6.2 of the Constitution, as amended on November 14, 2019, states: “...In exploiting mineral deposits of strategic importance, the legal basis shall be established by law to ensure that the majority of the benefits derived therefrom accrue to the people, in accordance with the principle that natural resources are under the authority of the people.”

However, it is important to note that this provision does not directly stipulate that the majority of the benefits must accrue to the people. Rather, it should be understood as imposing an obligation on the State Great Khural of Mongolia to establish, by law, the legal framework necessary to ensure that the majority of the benefits derived from strategic mineral deposits accrue to the people, in accordance with the principle that natural resources are under the authority of the people.

In other words, under this constitutional provision, citizens should not simply demand directly from Oyu Tolgoi LLC that they are entitled to receive the majority of the benefits. Instead, they should call upon Parliament to establish, through legislation, the legal framework necessary to ensure that the majority of such benefits accrue to the people and that the benefits are distributed accordingly.

Furthermore, as noted above, the distribution of dividends by a limited liability company (LLC) is regulated by Articles 46–48 of the Company Law. A company shall distribute dividends when the statutory conditions have been satisfied, including the following: (i) the company must remain solvent after payment of the dividends; (ii) following the payment of dividends, the company's equity must exceed the aggregate amount of its charter capital specified in Article 30.5 of the Company Law, any unpaid dividends on preferred shares, and the liquidation value of such shares; and (iii) the company must have fully repurchased any securities that it is obligated to repurchase.

In addition, Article 15.1 of the Shareholders’ Agreement provides that, in order to distribute dividends to its shareholders, the company (i.e., Oyu Tolgoi LLC) must have profits available for distribution in respect of the relevant Financial Year (e.g., the 2026 Financial Year).

Rather than objectively and reasonably addressing the relevant requirements under Section 6.2 of the Constitution and determining whether the statutory and corporate governance conditions for dividend distribution have been satisfied, the Government is asking citizens whether it is appropriate to receive dividends from the Oyu Tolgoi project. This approach appears to be a form of performative populism, intended more to create an impression of public participation than to facilitate a substantive and informed decision-making process.

Another important issue concerning the potential distribution of dividends by Oyu Tolgoi LLC is the dividend amount of 3 trillion MNT referred to in the Government's public statements.

On October 24, 2026, a press briefing of the decisions made at the Government's regular Cabinet meeting, Minister of Finance Z.Mendsaikhan stated: “The issue being discussed is whether the 3 trillion MNT has been confirmed or not. The Government is proceeding on the assumption that it will receive this amount. We will be the owners of our wealth.”

However, the Government has entirely omitted from its public communications is that, if the Government, as the holder of a 34 percent shareholding in the company, is to receive dividends, the other shareholder, which holds the remaining 66 percent, would likewise be entitled to receive dividends in proportion to its shareholding. In this regard, Section 46.4 of the Company Law of Mongolia provides: “The per share value of dividends with respect to shares of the same class shall be equal in amount.”

If the 34 percent shareholder receives 3 trillion MNT in dividends, the dividends attributable to the 66 percent shareholder, assuming proportional dividend distribution, would amount to approximately 5.82 trillion MNT. Accordingly, if the Government demands payment of 3 trillion MNT in dividends in 2026, it would have little choice but to accept that the 66 percent shareholder is also entitled to receive approximately 5.82 trillion MNT in dividends. It is important to point out that the Government has provided the public with no information whatsoever regarding this significant implication.

During and following the negotiations between the parties in the first half of this year, representatives of Rio Tinto reportedly maintained the above position. They explicitly confirmed this position during a meeting with journalists on September 17. It is also quite evident that the officials representing the Mongolian side are fully aware of this position.

In particular, during a press briefing held on September 17, B.Dulamsuren, Managing Director of Rio Tinto's operations in Mongolia; B.Telmuun, Chief Executive Officer of Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC; and S.Munkhsukh, Chief Executive Officer of Oyu Tolgoi LLC, provided journalists with information regarding the project and the negotiations between the parties. On that occasion, both B.Dulamsuren and S.Munkhsukh explicitly referred to the position maintained by the investor holding the 66 percent shareholding in Oyu Tolgoi LLC: if the Mongolian Government is to receive dividends, Rio Tinto must likewise receive dividends in respect of its shareholding.

On a related note, at the same meeting, representatives of both Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi LLC also made it clear that the amount of dividends to be distributed (e.g., the 3 trillion MNT claimed by the Mongolian Government) had not yet been finally determined, as the current Financial Year had not yet ended. Rather, the figure represented an amount that the Government expected or believed it would receive.

After all, under Section 15.1(a) of the Shareholders’ Agreement, the Board of Directors of Oyu Tolgoi LLC, the majority of whose members represent Rio Tinto, is the body responsible for deciding whether dividends should be distributed.

All in all, while the Government's decision to conduct a public opinion poll may appear commendable as an effort to facilitate public participation in decisions concerning natural resources and the benefits derived from strategic mineral deposits, its approach raises serious concerns.

Rather than addressing the matter within the framework of the Constitution and other applicable legislation, the Government appears to be approaching the issue in an insufficiently objective manner, without providing citizens with complete and material information. Such an approach risks turning what should be a substantive public consultation into an exercise in populism.

As a consequence, citizens may develop an incomplete or distorted understanding of the matter and, based on insufficient or inaccurate information, unjustifiably direct their criticism towards the investor, potentially escalating tensions between the parties. A public consultation of this significance should be based on transparency, accurate disclosure of material information and a proper understanding of the applicable legal framework, rather than on questions that may mislead the public or oversimplify a complex issue.

By B.MYAGMARDORJ

Indonesia Intercepts Mongolian-Flagged Tanker Carrying 1.16 Tonnes Of Ketamine www.marineinsight.com

Indonesian authorities have seized 1.16 tonnes of ketamine from a Mongolian-flagged tanker and another 1.2 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine from a suspected drug laboratory in two operations, police chief Suyudi Ario Seto said on Friday.

The tanker, MT Global 168, was intercepted in waters off North Sumatra earlier this week.

Police and customs officers found the ketamine in 58 sacks and valued the shipment at 3.48 trillion rupiah, or about $192 million, Seto said.

Eight crew members were arrested, while a separate raid on a laboratory in Aceh province led to the arrest of 11 people. Investigators are examining possible links to international drug trafficking networks operating across Southeast Asia.

Indonesian intelligence officers began tracking the tanker in August after receiving information that it might be involved in suspicious activity, Seto told reporters in Medan.

Authorities also detected irregularities in the vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS), which transmits a ship’s identity and movement information.

The tanker flew the Mongolian flag but was owned by a company based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Seto said.

Police and customs officers intercepted the vessel earlier this week and escorted it to Belawan Port in North Sumatra for inspection. Reports said the ship had been travelling through the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait.

According to one account, the tanker had departed from Pasir Gudang in Malaysia and was heading towards the Andaman Sea, where investigators suspect a ship-to-ship transfer took place. Another account said it had been sailing from Thailand through the Andaman Sea before it was intercepted.

Authorities arrested seven Indonesian nationals and one Taiwanese national. Those detained included the captain, engineers and an oiler.

Police have not provided further details about the suspected transfer or identified the people believed to have organised the shipment.

In a separate operation, police raided a clandestine laboratory in Pidie regency, Aceh province, on Wednesday.

Officers seized about 1.2 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and arrested 11 suspects, including nine Indonesians and two Chinese nationals, Seto said.

The laboratory was operating from two adjoining shophouses in Beureueh Dua village.

Investigators believe the facility was linked to an international drug trafficking network. They are examining possible connections to syndicates in China, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as criminal groups in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle, a region associated with large-scale drug production and trafficking.

Police are tracing the sources of the materials used in the laboratory, the routes used to move the drugs and the financial networks behind both cases. They are also working to identify those who organised the operations.

Seto said the amount of drugs seized showed the threat that international syndicates posed to Indonesia’s national security.

Just over two months ago, authorities intercepted a ship near the Riau Islands carrying 1.3 tonnes of ketamine from Thailand, according to one report.

In a separate case around the same period, Indonesian authorities seized about 2.6 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine from a ship intercepted off Batam island, near Singapore. Ten Myanmar nationals were detained on suspicion of involvement in an international trafficking network.

References: Reuters, abcnews

About Author
Aakriti is a journalist and news writer at Marine Insight, with over three years of experience covering the global shipping and maritime

Expert warns of complex ecological fallout from Mongolia grassland fire linked to Japanese company www.xinhuanet.com

A large grassland fire in Mongolia reportedly linked to activities by a Japanese company's subsidiary may have caused extensive ecological damage, with its broader environmental impact requiring comprehensive assessment, an expert said.

The fire broke out on Oct. 8 in the Numrug Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia's eastern province of Dornod. The flames were extinguished on Oct. 16, according to Mongolian media reports. Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI said on Oct. 20 that the fire was linked to activities by its Mongolian subsidiary Mobicom.

The fire may have affected not only grasslands but also riverbanks, wetlands and other ecosystems, said Wang Qinxue, a researcher at Japan's National Institute for Environmental Studies who has long studied the region's ecological environment.

A comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether soil conditions can recover alongside vegetation, whether wildlife can safely survive the winter and whether the fire has caused any transboundary environmental pollution, Wang said.

Preliminary data released by Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change showed that the fire had burned about 530,000 hectares of land, including approximately 470,000 hectares within the Numrug Strictly Protected Area, accounting for 79.8 percent of the reserve's total area.

Located in eastern Mongolia near the Chinese border, the reserve features a mix of grasslands, forests, rivers and wetlands. It provides habitats for a variety of wildlife and plays an important role in conserving local biodiversity, Wang said.

Even if vegetation regrows the following year, plant species composition and soil conditions may not recover at the same pace, he said.

Assessing damage to forest ecosystems is particularly complex, requiring an examination of tree survival rates, the availability of seed sources and the growth of new seedlings to determine the extent of damage and the potential for recovery, Wang added.

The fire's potential transboundary ecological effects also warrant further investigation. It remains necessary to determine whether ash and sediment could be carried into rivers and wetlands by surface runoff and whether smoke from the fire had crossed national borders through the atmosphere, Wang said.

Citing research on Mongolia's Dornod Province, Wang said fire occurrence from autumn through the following spring was associated with the number of dust storm days in spring.

Reduced vegetation cover after a fire leaves soil more vulnerable to wind erosion and makes surface materials easier to transport by wind, he said.

Wang called for systematic surveys of the burned areas, categorized by ecosystem type, to scientifically assess the actual damage and determine the scope for ecological recovery.

President Khurelsukh Arrives in Belarus for State Visit www.montsame.mn

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa has arrived in Minsk for a State Visit to the country.

Upon arrival at Minsk National Airport, the President was welcomed by Minister of Industry of Belarus Andrei Kuznetsov, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lukashevich, Ambassador of Belarus to Mongolia Mikhail Orda, Ambassador of Mongolia to Belarus Baigalmaa Gunaajav, and other officials.

This marks the first visit by a Mongolian Head of State to the Republic of Belarus.

During the visit, the two Heads of State will hold a one-on-one meeting and official talks, followed by a joint press statement.

The two sides will sign cooperation agreements aimed at expanding traditional friendly relations and bilateral cooperation in agriculture, light industry, customs, accreditation, education, healthcare, sports, and communications.

Diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Belarus were established on January 24, 1992, and the Belarusian Head of State paid his first visit to Mongolia in 2024.

Mongolia, Finland Sign 10 Documents to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Cooperation www.montsame.mn

During the State Visit of the President of Mongolia to Finland, the two sides signed 10 documents on October 23, 2026, aimed at expanding and strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Cooperation in Education and Sports

-A Joint Declaration between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Republic of Finland on Cooperation in Education and Sports was signed by Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren, Mongolia’s Minister of Education, and Anders Adlercreutz, Finland’s Minister of Education.

Under the declaration, the two sides will cooperate in developing education, physical education and sports, as well as formulating and implementing policies and programs to promote physical activity among the population. The declaration establishes key areas for bilateral cooperation in education and sports, supports stronger institutional ties and the exchange of experience, and provides a foundation for further mutually beneficial cooperation.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Mongolia and the University of Turku of Finland was signed by Minister Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren and Professor Marjo Kaartinen, Rector of the University of Turku.

-An Agreement on Cooperation in Higher Education between the Ministry of Education of Mongolia and the University of Eastern Finland was signed by Minister Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren and Professor Laura Hirsto, Vice Rector for Education at the University of Eastern Finland.

Under these agreements, students selected through the Mongolian President’s Scholarship Program will have the opportunity to study at the University of Turku and the University of Eastern Finland. The University of Eastern Finland will admit up to five Mongolian students annually to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, with opportunities facilitated through the Ministry of Education and the Education Loan Fund.

The parties will also conduct joint research in learning sciences, neuroscience, holistic child development, educational data analytics, and the evaluation of curriculum implementation.

In addition, the Mongolian National University of Education and the National Institute for Educational Research will cooperate with the Finnish universities to reform teacher education and strengthen institutional capacity.

Cooperation in Culture and Museums

-A Memorandum of Understanding between the Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia and the National Museum of Finland was signed by academician Sampildondov Chuluun, Director General of the National Museum of Chinggis Khaan, and Elina Anttila, Director General of the National Museum of Finland.

Under the memorandum, the two museums will cooperate in museum operations, collections, academic activities and research, and jointly organize international academic conferences, training sessions, seminars and forums.

The official partnership will create opportunities for jointly curated exhibitions in Ulaanbaatar and Helsinki, with potential to expand cooperation across the wider region.

Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, including equestrian culture, felt craftsmanship and the legacy of the Mongol Empire, is expected to attract considerable interest among audiences in Scandinavia and Europe. Meanwhile, exhibitions on Finland’s prehistoric peoples, Arctic lifestyles and Finno-Ugric cultures will offer Mongolian audiences a unique opportunity to explore the civilizations and cultural heritage of Northern Europe.

Digital Education and Anti-Bullying Initiatives

-A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education of Mongolia and Eduten Ltd. of Finland was signed by Enkhbayar Baatartsol, Director of the Department of Foreign Relations at Mongolia’s Ministry of Education, and Henri Muurimaa, Chief Executive Officer of Eduten Ltd.

The agreement will create opportunities to introduce and expand Eduten’s digital learning platform, developed by a University of Turku spin-off and powered by artificial intelligence and learning analytics, across primary, lower secondary and upper secondary classes in general education schools throughout Mongolia.

-A Memorandum of Understanding on the Introduction of the KiVa Anti-Bullying Program in Mongolia, between the Ministry of Education of Mongolia, NGO “Zurkh Setgeliin Bolovsrol” (Social Emotional Learning-SEL) and the University of Turku of Finland, was signed by Enkhbayar Baatartsol, Director of the Department of Foreign Relations at the Ministry of Education; Altansor Tsogtkhuu, Director of the Q Education Group; and Professor Marjo Kaartinen, Rector of the University of Turku.

The memorandum will pave the way for the introduction, piloting and wider implementation in Mongolian general education schools of the internationally recognized KiVa anti-bullying program, developed jointly by the University of Turku and Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture.

Regional Cooperation Between Khuvsgul Aimag and Lapland

-A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Mongolia’s Khuvsgul aimag and Finland’s Lapland Region was signed by Munkh-Ulzii Tserendorj, Mongolia’s Ambassador to Finland, and Hannu Takkula, Regional Governor of Lapland.

Under the memorandum, the parties will exchange knowledge and best practices to promote sustainable regional development in both countries. Priority areas will include reindeer husbandry, sustainable tourism, winter tourism and environmental conservation.

Strengthening Business and Trade Ties

-A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and the Finland Chamber of Commerce was signed by Lkhagvajav Baatarjav, President of the MNCCI, and Juho Romakkaniemi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Finland Chamber of Commerce.

Under the memorandum, the parties will exchange information on trade, investment and market opportunities, and jointly organize business delegations, trade missions, business forums, exhibitions and trade fairs.

They will also facilitate business matchmaking between companies from the two countries and support the development of commercial partnerships in sectors of mutual interest.

The memorandum is expected to strengthen direct ties and partnerships between private-sector organizations and businesses in Mongolia and Finland, while further expanding bilateral business cooperation.

Cooperation in Sustainable Construction

-A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Honka Log Home LLC and Honkarakenne was signed by Enkhbayar Badia, Director of Honka Log Home LLC, and Magnus Hindström, Chief Executive Officer of Honkarakenne.

Building on 20 years of cooperation in Mongolia, the parties will expand their partnership to develop Finnish log-building solutions that promote healthy and safe living environments and improve energy efficiency.

They will also work to increase the use of natural materials in residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, tourism facilities and public infrastructure projects. Cooperation will include the exchange of technical knowledge and experience in architectural design, construction, operation and maintenance.

Cooperation in Clean Energy and Thermal Energy Storage

-A Memorandum of Understanding between Bichura Energy LLC and Polar Night Energy was signed by Erdenedorj Batbayar, Chief Executive Officer of Bichura Energy LLC, and Markku Ylönen, Chief Technology Officer of Polar Night Energy.

Under the memorandum, the parties will explore opportunities to introduce thermal energy storage technology in Mongolia. Their cooperation will focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and security, increasing the use of renewable energy, and developing industrial and district heating solutions.

The memorandum is expected to support Mongolia’s energy transition, strengthen energy security and expand technological, innovative and commercial cooperation between the two countries in the clean energy sector.

President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa Welcomed by President of Finland Alexander Stubb www.montsame.mn

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is paying a State Visit to the Republic of Finland on October 22-24 at the invitation of Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

President Khurelsukh was officially welcomed by Finnish President Alexander Stubb on October 23. Following the welcoming greetings by Alexander Stubb, the national anthems of both countries were played, and the delegations of both sides were introduced to the heads of state.

President Khurelsukh signed the “Guest Book of Honor” at the Presidential Palace and posed for an official photograph.

Mongolia and the Republic of Finland established diplomatic relations on July 15, 1963, and have since maintained friendly relations and cooperation.

Munkh-Ulzii Tserendorj, non-resident Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Finland, presented his Letter of Credence on April 1, 2025. Mikko Kinnunen, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Mongolia, presented his Letter of Credence on April 21, 2026.

This is the first visit to Finland by a Mongolian head of state in 11 years. Alexander Stubb assumed office as the 13th President of the Republic of Finland on March 1, 2024, according to the Office of the President of Mongolia. 

Mongolia Launches Website to Combat Online Fraud www.montsame.mn

Mongolia's Cybersecurity Council, chaired by Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor, held a regular meeting to address the growing threat of online fraud and strengthen measures to combat cybercrime.

Cybercrime accounted for 32% of all recorded crimes in Mongolia in 2026, up from 19% in 2021. While Facebook was used in 78% of cybercrime cases last year, the figure had fallen to 60% this year following police efforts. More than 11,440 cybercrime cases were recorded in the first nine months of 2026.

Cybercrime caused losses of MNT 26.5 billion in 2025, of which MNT 15.9 billion was frozen and MNT 1.8 billion recovered. As of October this year, losses had reached MNT 28 billion, with assets worth MNT 15 billion frozen and MNT 1.5 billion recovered.

To help the public recognize and prevent online fraud, the website www.zalilan.113.mn has been established. It provides information on common scams, tools for checking suspicious links and emails, and guidance on what to do if victims fall prey to fraud. Common schemes include fake accounts, suspicious links, fraudulent lotteries, and requests for money made under another person's identity.

Prime Minister Uchral instructed relevant ministries and agencies to comprehensively reform and strengthen the system for combating online fraud. He also directed the police, the Communications Regulatory Commission, the Bank of Mongolia, and commercial banks, among other institutions, to develop proposals for adopting international best practices that would enable agencies to coordinate their efforts through a centralized system and respond more quickly. The proposals are to be presented to the Cabinet.

Mongolia Harvests Nearly 90% of Grain and Vegetables www.montsame.mn

 Mongolia has harvested nearly 90% of its grain and vegetables and completed its potato harvest, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry reported.

As of October 19, farmers had harvested 509,200 tonnes of grain from 303,200 hectares, 169,100 tonnes of potatoes from 12,800 hectares, and 177,600 tonnes of vegetables from 11,900 hectares. Additionally, 189,000 tonnes of animal feed crops from 67,700 hectares and 30,800 tonnes of oilseed crops from 47,500 hectares.

According to the preliminary harvest forecast, Mongolia expects to harvest 555,300 tonnes of grain, including 497,100 tonnes of wheat; 168,200 tonnes of potatoes; 218,400 tonnes of vegetables; 50,400 tonnes of oilseeds; and 201,800 tonnes of animal feed crops.

This year, the country planted a total of 580,400 hectares of crops, including 369,700 hectares of grain, of which 317,900 hectares were sown with wheat. The planted areas also included 12,800 hectares of potatoes, 13,400 hectares of vegetables, 94,100 hectares of animal feed crops, and 90,400 hectares of oilseeds.

Japanese company admits subsidiary activities caused grassland fire on China-Mongolia border www.english.dotdotnews.com

Japanese telecom operator KDDI acknowledged on Oct. 20 that a large-scale grassland fire in a Mongolian nature reserve earlier this month was connected to activities involving an executive of its subsidiary.

The fire broke out on Oct. 8 in the Numrug Nature Reserve in Dornod Province, Mongolia, according to reports. Mongolian media said that more than 10 people and five vehicles from MobiCom, a Japanese-controlled Mongolian telecom operator, entered the reserve, including several Japanese nationals. Dry grass was ignited as the vehicles were driving, sparking the fire. The open flames were extinguished on the 16th.

KDDI said its Japanese executive at the subsidiary was inside the reserve at the time of the incident, and that it takes "extremely seriously" the fact that activities related to MobiCom caused a fire and had a major impact on the natural environment. The company said the personnel entered the reserve to conduct 4G network communication tests and had obtained formal permission in advance from Mongolia's border guard authorities.

However, several Mongolian media outlets reported that the group entered the reserve for another purpose—possibly to hunt or fish for an endangered species of fish. Relevant Mongolian authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change released preliminary statistics on Oct. 20: the fire burned about 530,000 hectares, with about 470,000 hectares affected in the reserve, accounting for 79.8% of the reserve's total area. The ministry has launched a comprehensive assessment of ecological and environmental damage.