Mongolia, Australia discuss increasing Oyu Tolgoi returns and localizing technology www.gogo.mn
On September 22, 2026, Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Uchral received Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, and held broad discussions on bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister N.Uchral described Australia as an important “third neighbor” and a close partner in the Pacific region, sharing common values with Mongolia including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and a market economy.
He noted that mining and mineral resources are among the key areas of economic cooperation between the two countries, with the Oyu Tolgoi project being a major example.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s negotiations with Rio Tinto Group, noting that progress had been made in reducing project costs and increasing the returns accruing to the Mongolian side. He said Mongolia would continue working to maximize the project’s long-term benefits, develop a national workforce, increase the participation of domestic companies in the project’s supply chain, and localize technology and know-how.
Prime Minister N.Uchral also expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and making its structure more balanced, diversified, and mutually beneficial, particularly by expanding the range and volume of Mongolian exports to Australia.
He said the Government is implementing comprehensive reforms to improve the investment and business environment and protect investors’ legitimate interests. In particular, he highlighted the “Let’s Free” initiative, which he originally proposed while serving as Speaker of Parliament and is now being advanced as a government policy, focusing on reducing bureaucracy, transferring certain government functions and services to the private sector, and promoting investment and innovation.
The Prime Minister also expressed interest in working with Australia, a global leader in renewable energy, to draw on its expertise in investment, technology, standards, accreditation, and professional training.
In particular, Mongolia proposed cooperation in specialist training and certification by studying Australia’s accreditation system for photovoltaic (PV) installers and designers, with the aim of improving safety and quality in the installation and operation of rooftop solar power systems.
Bilateral trade reached USD 66.8 million in 2025, while approximately 28,000 Mongolian citizens live in Australia.
The Prime Minister also requested Australia’s attention to improving visa conditions and post-graduation employment opportunities for Mongolian students studying in the country.
The two sides aim to advance Mongolia-Australia relations toward a Comprehensive Partnership and translate agreements reached during high-level reciprocal visits into concrete results.
Published Date:2026-09-24





