Seabuckthorn oil standard approved www.ubpost.mn

A proposal to develop an international Codex Alimentarius standard for seabuckthorn oil has been approved as a “new work,” to establish global quality and safety requirements for the product and expand its international market potential. The decision was made during the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) plenary meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where the proposal submitted by Mongolia was discussed and received support from member countries.

The approval officially launches the process of developing the first international Codex standard for seabuckthorn oil. The future standard will be developed through a science-based process, incorporating technical evidence and contributions from Codex member countries before moving through the organization’s review and approval stages.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry initiated the work in 2025 with the goal of strengthening the competitiveness of Mongolian seabuckthorn products, promoting exports, and reducing technical barriers that limit access to international markets. The country is one of the world’s recognized producers of seabuckthorn, a nutrient-rich fruit widely used in food, health and cosmetic industries. However, differences in quality requirements and safety regulations across countries have created challenges for producers seeking to expand into global markets. 

The development of a unified Codex standard is expected to provide internationally recognized benchmarks for the quality, safety, composition, and labeling of sea buckthorn oil, helping producers meet global trade requirements and increasing consumer confidence.

The ministry reported that the CAC’s decision represents international recognition of the country’s initiative and creates new opportunities to strengthen the agricultural exports and promote sea buckthorn oil as a competitive value-added product in global markets.

By Misheel

Ulaanbaatar Cable Car Construction Reaches 85 Percent Completion www.montsame.mn

Construction on the Ulaanbaatar Cable Car transport project, which will connect the capital city's Kharkhorin market area with Yarmag, commenced on March 10, 2025. As of today, the overall project execution stands at 85 percent, according to the Governor's Office of the Capital City.

Under the project being implemented along the Artsat-Unur Khoroolol route, 19 support pillars have been installed, and the construction of two stations is currently underway.

The project is being jointly implemented by specialists from France’s POMA Group, alongside teams from "Monnis Engineering" LLC and "Tsagaan Uran Khiits" LLC. The client's supervision is being carried out by the "Integrated Project Management Department," a local government-owned enterprise, and "Maximal" LLC.

Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Purevdagva Byaruuzana, accompanied by relevant officials, inspected the G1 cable car station. "The testing of the cable car system will begin on September 19, 2026. Following this, the State Commission will evaluate the project from October 20 to November 20, 2026. The overall project completion is at 85 percent, while the construction of the G1 and G2 stations is about 80 percent complete, proceeding according to schedule," stated Mayor Purevdagva. "A successful single-cabin test was conducted during the National Naadam festival. Each cabin can accommodate 10 passengers and has a carrying capacity of 800 kg. Passengers will be able to travel the 4.2 km route between Yarmag and Kharkhorin in just 11 minutes. A total of 98 such cabins will serve the public. With the commissioning of the cable car system, citizens will experience the most modern culture of public transportation."

The cable car system is equipped with a backup generator that activates automatically in the event of a power outage. Furthermore, it features an emergency mode designed to bring all cabins safely to the stations and evacuate passengers in high-risk situations.

Juan Munier, Site Manager of the Cable Car Transport Project, noted: "Throughout the project's implementation, all stakeholders, the Integrated Project Management Department, 'Monnis Engineering', 'Maximal', and POMA's engineering and technical staff have shared a unified vision. We are working together highly effectively, and it is a great pleasure to collaborate with Mongolian engineers. As stipulated in the contract, we will provide training and maintenance services for three years after the project is commissioned. Starting this week, French experts are conducting rescue operation training for professional organizations."

Chief of Staff of the Rescue Unit of the Ulaanbaatar City Emergency Management Department Tsogtbayar M. added, "As the cable car is a completely new mode of transportation being introduced in our country for the first time, we are organizing high-altitude training exercises to build the capacity of our rescue personnel. Although the risk of an accident on the cable car is low, we are ensuring full readiness and training our rescue teams to access the system and operate safely."

By Enkh-Od.G

Mongolian Mining Corporation reports Q2 2026 production data www.ng.investing.com

HONG KONG - Mongolian Mining Corporation (SEHK:975) released operational results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, according to a press release statement.

The company produced 2,814.1 thousand tonnes of washed coking coal during the second quarter, representing a 24% increase from the previous quarter and a 29% increase year-over-year. Washed coking coal sales reached 2,688.1 thousand tonnes, up 5% quarter-on-quarter and 55% compared to the same period in 2025.

Run-of-mine coal mined totaled 4,424.4 thousand tonnes, down 9% from the first quarter of 2026 but up 29% year-over-year. The company processed 4,509.8 thousand tonnes of ROM coking coal during the quarter.

The company operates the Ukhaa Khudag coking coal mine through its wholly-owned subsidiary Energy Resources LLC and the Baruun Naran coking coal mine through majority-owned Khangad Exploration LLC. Both mines are located in Umnugobi province, Mongolia.

In gold operations, Erdene Mongol LLC, in which the company holds a 50% equity stake, sold 11,709 ounces of gold from the Bayan Khundii mine during the quarter, up 37% from the previous quarter. The weighted average gold price was $4,493 per ounce, down 8% from the first quarter. Ore mined increased 60% quarter-on-quarter to 247.2 thousand tonnes.

The company also holds a 50.5% stake in Universal Copper LLC, which is developing the White Hill copper deposit and Urkhut silver deposit in Bayankhongor province.

The operational data are unaudited and derived from internal records. The company noted that various factors including force majeure events, market conditions, and regulatory changes may affect results.

1033rd ESC supports exercise Khaan Quest in Mongolia www.va.ng.mil

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Powhatan-based 1033rd Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group supported a multi-national exercise in Mongolia during the unit’s annual training. 

Khaan Quest 2026 concluded July 3, 2026, with a closing ceremony at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Asian nation has hosted the peacekeeping operations exercise annually since 2003, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command. 

“Participation in Khaan Quest represents Virginia’s commitment to national interests by supporting Mongolia as a beacon of democracy sandwiched between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China,” said Lt. Col. Ryan P. Miner, commander of the 276th Engineer Battalion. “The Soldiers of the 1033rd ESC represent the very best of our nation’s military, and the accolades from their Mongolian counterparts and USARPAC alike speak volumes of the loyalty and dedication of these Soldiers.”

During the exercise, the 1033rd’s Soldiers supported the exercise with vertical and horizontal construction, surveying, quarry operations and field maintenance operations. 

“The Soldiers of 1033rd greatly exceeded the standard,” said Capt. Garret A. Shultz, Commander of the 1033rd. “Our work will leave a lasting impact for the country of Mongolia and set the stage for future engineering projects."

The exercise brought together military organizations from 18 different nations, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The opportunity to work with so many allied partners and gain real-world experience will greatly benefit the 1033rd’s Soldiers, said 1st Sgt. Shaun Howard. 

“The Soldiers of the 1033rd Engineer Support Company received real world, operational experience, constructing a roadway that will enhance the operability of Five Hills Training Area,” said Howard. “Our platoon leaders and noncommissioned officers also gained valuable insight in partner nation collaboration by working with Mongolian Armed Forces counterparts, learning their standard operating procedures and how best to operate in a joint environment.”

By Maj. Johnny Partin | 329th Regional Support Group

UNDP and KOICA launch second phase of partnership to advance women’s and youth leadership in Mongolia www.undp.org

Ulaanbaatar, 22 July 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) today signed a Grant Arrangement to launch the second phase of their partnership to promote gender equality and inclusive governance in Mongolia. The four-year initiative, “Promotion of Gender Equality in Public Decision-Making and the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Mongolia – Phase II,” will run from 2026 to 2029 and will be implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Secretariat of the State Great Khural, government institutions, political parties, civil society, academia, and media stakeholders. 

While Mongolia has made progress in advancing gender equality and democratic governance, women and young people remain underrepresented in public decision-making and leadership. Building on the first phase, the project will help address the institutional, structural and social barriers that continue to limit their equal participation and representation.

“The achievements of the first phase were recognized at the highest level through the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Korea and Mongolia, signed during President Lee Jae Myung's recent state visit — a testament to how far this cooperation has come," said Jo Haeng-Lan, Country Director of KOICA Mongolia Office. "Building on this momentum, we hope the second phase will generate even greater impact by extending support to local governments and empowering more young people, while serving as a bridge that further strengthens the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia through the sharing of Korea's democratic governance experience." 

The project will strengthen leadership capacities, support legal and policy reforms, promote gender-responsive practices in political parties, and increase public awareness of equal participation and representation. Particularly, the project will focus on strengthening women’s and youth leadership through training, mentorship, fellowships, grants and networks; supporting institutional and legal reforms that promote equal participation and representation; and building public support for women’s and youth leadership through campaigns, media partnerships, research and engagement with universities and civil society.

“Inclusive governance is strongest when women and young people are not only represented, but able to influence the decisions that shape their lives and communities,” said Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. “Through this continued partnership with KOICA, UNDP will support Mongolia in removing barriers to equal participation and building public institutions and political processes that are more representative, responsive and accountable.” 

By 2029, the project is expected to contribute to Mongolia’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as Vision 2050.

About KOICA 

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the Republic of Korea's official development cooperation agency, supporting sustainable development and strengthening partnerships around the world through development assistance, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives. 

About UNDP 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, build resilience, and support sustainable development for people and the planet.

Mongolia PM N.Uchral orders advance notice by August 1 for COP17-related road closures www.asianews.network

"The foreigners who come to this conference should leave with a positive impression of our country and of Mongolians. They should leave seeing that it is a country with a hardworking, young population," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister N.Uchral has instructed city and national officials related to the upcoming UNCCD COP17 International Conference, which will be held on August 17-28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

He said, “Before August 1st, we must officially inform the public about all information related to their daily lives during the COP17 conference. This includes traffic regulations, temporary closures, changes in public transport routes, and updates regarding schools, kindergartens, markets, and shopping centers.

The Mayor should inform the citizens as early as possible. Let them know exactly which roads will be closed and for how long. We should not cause a lot of trouble for our people. Also, the Minister of Education must inform the public by August 1st which district schools will postpone classes for a week or switch to online learning. When Mobicom’s network is going to be disrupted, they send a text message and warn people in advance. We should work in the exact same way.

The Mayor must also clean the public areas of the 26th khoroo of the Bayanzurkh district very well before this meeting. We are not trying to build a completely new city, but rather to clean up the existing one and add color.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Ts.Sandag-Ochir is leading the National Committee very well. Congratulations. He will lead the entire team. Our ministers should not say different things just because they did a certain task, and there should not be many heads. Only one person will lead. Minister Ts.Sandag-Ochir will be responsible for all this work.

Give the work to those who can actually do it. Let’s just get it done. We have very little time left. The foreigners who come to this conference should leave with a positive impression of our country and of Mongolians. They should leave seeing that it is a country with a hardworking, young population”.

By E. Oyun-Erdene

China to support supply of AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel to Mongolia www.gogo.mn

On July 21, 2026, Prime Minister N.Uchral received Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, as the ambassador concluded her diplomatic mission and prepared to return to China.

Prime Minister N.Uchral congratulated Ambassador Shen on receiving Mongolia's Order of the Polar Star (Altan Gadas), one of the country's highest state honors, by decree of the President of Mongolia.

He noted that the Government of Mongolia highly values Ambassador Shen's active efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation during her tenure and praised her significant contribution to deepening the friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and China.

Ambassador Shen expressed her commitment to the continued development of bilateral cooperation and said that the Chinese side is paying close attention to ensuring the supply of AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel to Mongolia in response to the request of the Mongolian Government.

N,Uchral also expressed confidence that key bilateral projects would continue to move forward, including the railway connections at the Shiveekhuren–Sekhe, Bichigt–Zuun Khatavch, and Khangi–Mandal border ports, as well as efforts to strengthen the legal framework through amendments to relevant bilateral agreements.

Ambassador Shen Minjuan is concluding her two-year and 10-month diplomatic assignment in Mongolia.

Mongolia, Tajikistan Deepen Strategic Partnership with 11 New Agreements www.caspianpost.com

Mongolia and Tajikistan have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral ties, signing a Joint Statement on Expanding and Developing Friendly Relations and Cooperation along with 11 new agreements during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s state visit to Mongolia.

The documents were signed during President Rahmon’s visit to Ulaanbaatar at the invitation of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The newly signed agreements cover transport, agriculture, trade, education, mining, environmental protection, youth and sports, geology, and investment, creating a framework for closer political and economic collaboration.

One of the key outcomes of the visit is a visa-free travel agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, allowing stays of up to 30 days and making official exchanges between the two countries easier.

The two sides also signed an international road transport agreement, a memorandum on plant protection and quarantine, and a 2026-2028 agricultural cooperation roadmap aimed at boosting agricultural trade and strengthening food sector cooperation.

Additional agreements focus on climate action, environmental protection, vocational education, mining safety, geological research, and investment and export promotion. The initiatives are expected to support joint projects, technology sharing, and stronger business and investment ties.

President Emomali Rahmon is paying a state visit to Mongolia from July 20 to 22, 2026, at the invitation of President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, with the visit marking a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

Copper is central to Mongolia's growth but requires policy shifts www.mongolianminingjournal.com

Mongolia’s coal exports have reached historic highs in recent years and have become the main driver of GDP growth. However, this is highly dependent on China’s steel production and coking coal demand, making it inherently high-risk.

Within the framework of its “Dual Carbon Goals” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, China is pursuing one of the world’s most aggressive transitions towards green energy. As a result, it is only a matter of time before the country gradually reduces its longer-term coal imports and consumption.

It is getting clear that the main growth driver in coming years will not be coal, but copper and other strategically important minerals.

According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), in order for the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, annual global copper demand will need to double from current levels, reaching 50 million tonnes.

Electric vehicle production alone is expected to require around four times more copper than today, averaging approximately 83 kg per vehicle. Meanwhile, renewable energy power plants require 5–12 times more copper than conventional thermal power plants.

In addition, when factoring in the rapidly expanding energy infrastructure needs of data centers in recent years, a copper shortage is already emerging in global markets.

Commodity analysts predict that by 2030, the world could face an annual copper supply deficit of approximately 4.7 million tonnes. This is expected to act as a structural driver keeping copper prices in a long-term range of around $12,000–$15,000 per tonnes.

Therefore, the strategic pillar for sustaining Mongolia’s economy over the next 20–30 years and ensuring long-term stable growth will be large-scale copper projects.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: TSAGAAN SUVARGA DEPOSIT

One of the strategic large-scale projects being implemented by “Mongolyn Alt” (MAK) LLC is the Tsagaan Suvarga copper–molybdenum deposit, in Mandakh soum of Umnugobi aimag. This long-anticipated project has attracted significant expectations over many years, and, within its framework, construction of the mine, beneficiation plant, and associated infrastructure has been progressing in phases.

At present, several hundred workers are operating at the project site, carrying out the construction of the open pit mine and the foundational infrastructure for the ore beneficiation plant and mining complex.

According to the approved Feasibility Study (FS), the Tsagaan Suvarga project has an ore processing capacity of 14.6 million tonnes per year, producing approximately 310,000–320,000 tonnes of copper concentrate and 4,000–5,000 tonnes of molybdenum concentrate.

Looking back at its history, in 1999 MAK LLC obtained the exploration license for the Tsagaan Suvarga deposit and subsequently carried out detailed exploration work in accordance with the international JORC standard over the following years. Later, in 2009, the mineral reserves of the deposit were recorded in Mongolia’s national mineral resource database.

Tsagaan Suvarga was included in the list of strategically important mineral deposits in 2007 and, in 2014, following a decision by the Parliament of Mongolia, an Investment Agreement was signed with the Government, thereby establishing the legal framework for the project.

Once this is fully operational, it is expected to create around 1,300 direct permanent jobs, along with an additional 5,000–7,500 indirect jobs in the supply and service sectors. Furthermore, it is projected to generate an average of $150 million in annual tax and fee revenues for national and local budgets, while significantly boosting mining export revenues.

ONE OF THE LOWEST-COST PROJECTS: “KHARMAGTAI”

The Kharmagtai copper–gold deposit, located near Tsogttsetsii soum in Umnugobi aimag, is the next major project attracting strong interest from international investors. Exploration and evaluation work on the project is progressing successfully under a partnership between Australia-listed Xanadu Mines and China’s state-owned Zijin Mining Group.

In particular, Zijin Mining has already provided $35 million in funding dedicated to exploration, feasibility studies, and other early-stage development activities.

According to the results of the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS), the Kharmagtai deposit has been confirmed as a low-cost, long-life, world-class megaproject.

Based on the key project parameters, the mine life is expected to be at least 29 years, with planned average annual production of 60,000–80,000 tonnes of copper and 165,000–170,000 ounces of gold during the expansion phases.

Most importantly, excluding revenue from the gold by-product, the copper net cash cost is estimated at just 70 cents per pound during the first eight years, placing Kharmagtai among the world’s lowest-cost copper mines.

The initial capital expenditure required for project implementation is estimated at $890 million, while the current project valuation stands at approximately $930 million.

From a strategic perspective, Kharmagtai is not merely a single mine project, but rather a cornerstone for the future growth of Mongolia’s copper industry.

BREAKING THE BOTTLENECK: A PRACTICAL WAY FORWARD

Despite copper prices remaining at high levels in the global market, why have projects such as Tsagaan Suvarga, Kharmagtai, and around 20 other mid-sized copper deposits—many of which already have completed feasibility studies and partially developed infrastructure—still not entered production to this day?

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinnyam has directly linked the central bottleneck to distortions in the current legal framework governing mineral royalties.

While presenting the draft revised version of the Minerals Law, he strongly warned that Mongolia’s steeply progressive and inflexible royalty structure is a key factor reducing the economic viability of new megaprojects and delaying investment decisions at the early stage.

According to the Minister’s position, under the current law, as copper prices increase on international markets, an additional progressive (stepped) royalty is applied on top of the base

5% mineral royalty, causing the total payment burden to rise to 15–20% of gross sales revenue. The mineral royalty, which has become one of the biggest constraints on mining project financing, is levied directly on revenue rather than net profit. In other words, regardless of whether a mine is profitable or operating at a loss, when commodity prices are high, it may be required to pay up to one-fifth of its revenue as mineral royalty.

Therefore, the ministry is advancing a long-term policy aimed at aligning the base rate and progressive royalty structure with international standards and making it more flexible. This approach is intended to unlock more than 20 stalled projects simultaneously and to support the National Sovereign Wealth Fund not through one-off high taxation, but through stable, long-term export revenues.

WILL LOWERING THE MINERAL ROYALTY IMMEDIATELY UNLOCK PROJECTS?

Industry stakeholders and lawmakers hold sharply differing views on this question.

On the one hand, proponents argue that if the base mineral royalty rate is made more flexible in line with international standards and the burden of the progressive royalty structure is reduced, more than 20 copper projects could be released from financing bottlenecks and move directly into active construction.

They believe it is far more beneficial for the state to optimize the tax regime and enable mines to operate, rather than impose high taxes on paper while leaving projects idle. In this case, the indirect economic benefits generated through new jobs, domestic supply chains, corporate income tax, and value-added tax would deliver significantly greater overall returns and broader economic growth.

However, there are also a significant number of opposing views within Parliament and among economists. They argue that when copper prices in global markets reach historic highs and a super-cycle is underway, reducing taxes would effectively mean that Mongolia is voluntarily foregoing a portion of the mineral wealth it is entitled to and allowing its strategic resources to be utilized at an unduly low return for foreign entities.

In addition, the delays in these megaprojects are not solely related to the mineral royalty regime but also to Mongolia’s fundamental infrastructure constraints. For instance, energy shortages in the Southern Gobi region, limited industrial water resources, transportation and logistics bottlenecks, and policy instability represent risks that are no less significant than taxation.

If tax rates are reduced without addressing these critical infrastructure challenges in a comprehensive manner, the projects may remain in a prolonged state of delay and fail to move into implementation.

Mongolia’s mining sector is now standing at a crossroads in its development. The current historic surge in coal exports provides financial resources and a narrow window of opportunity to implement structural reforms and prepare for the next phase of transition.

If Mongolia fails to utilize this golden opportunity to advance its copper and strategic mineral projects, there is a real risk that over the next decade the country’s economy could be left behind in the global green transition.

In the mining sector, the choice between prioritizing short-term gains through the current high revenue-based taxation system, or attracting long-term investment through more flexible tax conditions, will soon be reflected in the fate of the revised Minerals Law, which is set to be discussed by Parliament.

By O. Dulguun

Eurasian Economic Union-Mongolia interim trade deal set to take effect www.aa.com.tr

Customs duties to be eliminated or reduced on 367 product categories for each side from July 22

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) said Tuesday that its interim trade agreement with Mongolia will enter into force on July 22, lowering or eliminating tariffs on hundreds of goods to boost bilateral trade.

Under the deal, customs duties will be eliminated or reduced on 367 product categories for each side, covering about 90% of bilateral trade, the union said.

The agreement will remain in effect for three years and will be automatically renewed for another three-year term unless either side objects, it said.

"Unique conditions have been created for suppliers from countries of the Eurasian Economic Union; Mongolia has no other such agreements in the region," said Andrey Slepnev, Eurasian Economic Commission trade minister.

He said exporters from EAEU member states would gain improved access to the Mongolian market for products including dairy goods, beverages, confectionery, chocolate, passenger and commercial vehicles, cosmetics and perfumes.

In return, Mongolian exports, including meat products, cashmere and other agricultural and industrial goods, will receive preferential access to the EAEU market.

Slepnev said businesses had already strengthened commercial ties ahead of the agreement's implementation, with bilateral trade rising by one-third in the first months of this year compared with the same period in 2025.

The interim trade agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting in Minsk on June 27, 2025.

By Kanyshai Butun