TMK turns jets on in Mongolia as it sets new gas production record www.thewest.com.au

TMK Energy has turned on the jets with a new record month of gas production, in which it boosted output by 10 per cent to more than 10,000 cubic metres of gas from its Pilot Well project in southern Mongolia.
The project, which is part of the company’s wider Gurvantes XXXV coal seam gas project, also smashed out a new record daily gas volume during the month.
Management says the first occurrence of gas slugs, which are large high-pressure bubbles of gas forming in its Lucky Fox wells LF-04 and LF-06, imply the pilot well program is heading towards critical desorption pressure.
It believes the reservoir pressure is continuing to decline towards the critical desorption level, providing an overall improvement in the depressurisation of the reservoir. The decline was confirmed last month by a pressure build-up test.
The company plans to conduct a further pressure build-up test on its LF-02 well for a comparison with readings taken about 12 months ago to check the progress made towards reaching critical desorption pressure.
The test should provide definitive readings of the reservoir pressure and point to where it sits relative to the targeted critical desorption pressure.
The project continues to show encouraging signs with many of the pilot production wells delivering record monthly gas rates together with the first evidence of gas slugging from the coal seams, indicating we are progressing towards critical desorption pressure.
TMK Energy’s chief executive officer Dougal Ferguson
One of its key objectives this year is to reduce the reservoir pressure below the critical desorption pressure, which is one reason why the company drilled the three additional production wells. Gas rates are anticipated to increase substantially when the objective is achieved.
Management has begun planning for at least one additional pilot production well in the immediate vicinity of the existing Lucky Fox wells.
An additional well will assist in meeting the company’s licence commitment for further pilot wells this year and boost the production capacity at the complex.
TMK believes it can start to drill the additional well before the end of June, which would help to lift its production volumes and potentially add to gas sales under its gas sales agreement with Jens Energie LLC.
Additional wells help provide the extra pumping capacity needed to quickly reach the critical desorption pressures for the project to deliver an immediate uplift in gas production.
TMK recently implemented advanced Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology in wells LF-05 and LF-06 to provide it with valuable information on reservoir productivity.
Final DTS analysis confirms most of the water is being produced from the coal seams, not from adjacent aquifers or non-coal bearing zones, providing strong indication of coal seam permeability.
The DTS technology is designed to identify zones of increased gas and water influx or permeability, for increased economic viability.
The company’s new production record was achieved despite one of its better production wells, LF-05, recording significant downtime for a pump clean-out and workover.
LF-05 is the sole well not producing while remedial actions are being taken to bring it back into production.
The company expects to shortly produce commercial rates of gas from the project across 60 square kilometres in the Nariin Sukhait area of Mongolia’s vast countryside.
The company’s contingent resource (2C) of 1214 billion cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas is Mongolia’s biggest. The project currently contains a 5300BCF prospective resource across its total 8400-square-kilometre ground.
Like many nations, Mongolia is keen to transition away from energy produced from burning coal. Coal seam gas is considered ideal as a “clean transition fuel” because it produces about half the carbon emissions produced by coal-generated electricity and burns cleaner than other fossil fuels.
TMK believes its Gurvantes XXXV project can become a regionally significant, reliable source of natural gas for both Mongolia’s domestic market and regional energy infrastructure.
The project’s proximity to northern China’s gas pipelines places TMK in a pre-eminent position.
With TMK’s production numbers ramping higher every month, the company is well-placed to become a leading energy contributor to the region.

Balancing Act Between the Two Koreas: Mongolia’s Handling of North Korean Refugees www.sites.duke.edu

Mongolia has become a popular destination for Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) – or North Korean – defectors seeking refuge since the mid-1990s. As a signatory to the UN Human Rights Convention, Mongolia is bound by international law to welcome these refugees regardless of their diplomatic relations with the DPRK. However, amidst the delicate geopolitical landscape and heightened tensions between the two Koreas, Mongolia must act cautiously to maintain diplomatic equilibrium. Taking these refugees and sending them to the Republic of Korea (ROK) – or South Korea – would trigger their diplomatic relationship with the state. Striking a balance between humanitarian obligations and diplomatic considerations remains a delicate challenge for Mongolia.
Mongolia’s relationship with Korea
Since Korea’s partition, Mongolia has maintained longer diplomatic ties with the DPRK than the ROK. When the DPRK was established in 1948, Mongolia became the second nation to recognize the DPRK’s sovereignty after the Soviet Union. Due to their shared socialist goals, both nations gained independence with the assistance of the Soviet Union. Although Mongolia did not directly participate in the Korean War, it provided humanitarian aid helping alleviate the hardships that the DPRK faced during the conflict. Mongolia then maintained a positive engagement with the DPRK until the late 1990s. 
With Mongolia’s transition to democracy, it established diplomatic relations with the ROK. Mongolia sought economic aid from the ROK following the sudden end of Soviet investment. Mongolia implemented a “third neighbour strategy” aimed at reducing the economic dominance of Russia and China, seeking relations with other countries. 
Despite their relatively new relationship, the ROK has become the fourth largest trade partner of Mongolia. The ROK sees Mongolia as having complementary value: the ROK is an energy-importing nation with advanced technologies, and Mongolia has abundant natural resources. Furthermore, notions of K-wave and Korean Wind had a mass cultural and social impact among Mongolians since their market transition.
North Korean refugees in Mongolia
Mongolia possesses the capacity to facilitate upcoming summits between the DPRK and the United States. Its involvement in key events like the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, the Asia-Europe Meeting in 2016, and the 2014 gathering concerning Japanese abductees underscores its diplomatic experience and potential. However, Mongolia faces a significant challenge in the ongoing conflict between the two Koreas. While Mongolia and the ROK share democratic values and human rights principles, the authoritarian regime in the DPRK presents challenges to sustaining long-lasting diplomatic ties.
One significant factor contributing to this instability is Mongolia’s handling of DPRK refugees. Usually, DPRK defectors in Mongolia are sent to the US or ROK. The ROK has received approximately 31,000 DPRK defectors since the 1950s. Many of these defectors crossed into China before reaching a third country (Mongolia) en route to the ROK. However, these immigrants also include diplomatic officials, so it is challenging to estimate how many of them are refugees. Mongolia’s inconsistent approach to handling DPRK refugees underscores its struggle to balance its commitment to democratic values with its diplomatic agenda involving all nations, including the DPRK.
To gain insight into the significance of these crossings, I discussed with three individuals who have firsthand experience with the DPRK refugee process in Mongolia. Interviewee 1 is a well-known YouTuber and author based in the US who escaped from the DPRK to the US. I asked how Mongolia assisted them in reaching the ROK, and about their experience in Mongolia. They recounted that Mongolian border soldiers would engage in games of psychological manipulation, threatening to repatriate them to China or the DPRK. The soldiers did not adhere to proper protocol as dictated by their laws and regulations. Nevertheless, they were ultimately sent to the ROK.
Interviewee 2, is currently a border customs inspector stationed at the pivotal border crossing between Mongolia and China, located in Zamiin Uud, in Dornogovi province. During our discussion, I asked about their experiences witnessing DPRK refugees crossing Mongolia’s border. They said that typically refugees would illegally cross during the night when inspection points are closed. They highlighted that it was the soldiers’ responsibility to manage these crossings. After inquiring about Interviewee 1’s negative experience with Mongolian soldiers, the inspector did not deny it. They said it was highly likely that soldiers could become bored in the desolate borderlands and may have mistreated the refugees as a result. 
The final subject was a Mongolian border soldier who provided crucial insights. They shared a specific incident from 2006 when they single-handedly assisted three refugees. They noted that diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the DPRK seemed strained during that time. Border soldiers were instructed to escort refugees to official stations, where they underwent questioning before being handed to the ROK embassy. From there, the ROK assumed responsibility for their onward journey from Mongolia. 
Interviewee 1’s escape to Mongolia in 2007 and subsequent transfer to the ROK serves as a notable example of successful refugee resettlement. Regarding the treatment of refugees, while crossing the border, the soldier acknowledged instances of both positive and negative encounters. While Interviewee 1 is known to be an unreliable source in the US due to their political activism and inconsistent stories, both Mongolian officials hinted at the possibility of negative incidents occurring occasionally in the past. Some Mongolians are in denial about such testimonies, asserting that Mongolian soldiers would not point a gun at innocent people. Others argue that it is expected for defectors to face negative treatment in any country if they illegally cross their border.
In conclusion, for a country like Mongolia with little strategic power, remaining neutral in global conflicts and issues is critical in maintaining diplomatic relations. Being one of the few countries that has maintained a friendly relationship with the DPRK, Mongolia has safeguarded its capacity to mitigate potential tensions on the Korean Peninsula. However, as democratisation and expanded trade elevate the ROK’s significance as a partner in economic and cultural domains, Mongolia faces the challenge of harmonising its economic aspirations. Mongolia can enhance its international reputation and create more peace opportunities by maintaining a neutral stance and skillfully balancing relations with both Koreas.
By Effy Bat-Erdene

Mongolia and China to build 19.5km cross-border railway by 2028 www.constructionbriefing.com

EU to invest €12 billion in Central Asia www.miningmagazine.com

Underground Mass Mining Institute Launches in Mongolia www.jktech.com.au

Training has started at the new South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute (SGUMMI), which was established by mining company Rio Tinto and is managed by JKTech Pty Ltd, the knowledge transfer vehicle of The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). 
Andre van As
SGUMMI project lead Professor Andre van As, from SMI’s WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC), said the aim is to help alleviate the global mining skills shortage by providing a regional practical training hub that combines academic and practical industry knowledge. 
“This initiative will address the critical skills gap in the underground mining sector, making a substantial global impact while developing essential expertise in underground, hard rock mass mining in Mongolia,” Professor van As said. 
The launch of the Institute is the culmination of years of program development and research in the  BRC’s Deep Mining Geoscience Group and training will be delivered by global industry subject matter experts, using Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine in southern Mongolia as a practical training hub.  
“Our aim is for the Institute to establish itself as a strategic hub for mining education in Asia, benefiting the local Mongolian mining community and contributing to the global mining workforce,” Professor van As said. 
“It’s an amazing feat of engineering, technological advancement and safety standards – skills and knowledge that we’ll continue to develop locally with the establishment of the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute,” Mr Stausholm said. 
JKTech Pty Ltd CEO Mark Noppé said that JKTech Pty Ltd has a long track record of providing professional development all over the world.   
“With background and expertise from subject matter experts in underground mining, geotechnics, and mining engineering, SGUMMI will be able to help address industry’s demand and help solve skill deficiencies,” Professor Noppé said. 
Related Work
SMI’s Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) also designed and delivered a training program to build the Mongolian mining industry’s capacity to deliver sustainable mining and support green energy transition program, via the Australia-Mongolia Partnership  
For more information on the CSRM program: https://global-partnerships.uq.edu.au/.../australia-and....

The Government of Mongolia to Issue Securities on the Domestic Market www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Finance of Mongolia will begin openly trading domestic government securities on April 16, 2025, to support the securities market and establish a benchmark interest rate for tugrug bonds in the financial market. This will mark the first time in eight years that such securities will be offered. 
The Government of Mongolia is offering investors reliable, low-risk, and highly liquid securities that provide stable returns with tax-free interest income. A key advantage for bondholders is the ability to use their bonds as collateral for payments and other guarantees.
Initiating the trading of these domestic securities is pivotal. It will help establish a benchmark base yield rate and ensure bond valuation aligns with international standards. Furthermore, it's expected to foster the development of the domestic bond market and increase participation from professional investors, including open-ended and closed-ended mutual investment funds.
The Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia views the launch of trading for these domestic securities as a major catalyst that will boost the engagement of individuals and businesses in the capital market.

Young Mongol Football Players to Attend Training Session with Fulham FC www.montsame.mn

Under the "Go Mongolia" National Brand, implemented by the Government of Mongolia and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, the Fulham Football Club is actively promoting Mongolia to the world.
Under this collaboration, 11 of Mongolia's top youth football players departed for London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, on April 4, 2025. According to the program, the young athletes will participate in professional training sessions at Fulham FC's training facility on April 2-7, 2025. Additionally, on April 6, they will attend the match between Fulham and Liverpool as invited guests.
This partnership holds high importance, aiming at nurturing future players for the Mongolian national football team, inspiring young football enthusiasts, and motivating youth to train in sports.
Notably, as part of the ongoing cooperation between the "Go Mongolia" National Brand and Fulham FC, the club's coaches visited Mongolia last year. They conducted training sessions and a selection process involving over 160 children, from which these top 11 players were chosen.

The Tuul Water Complex Planned for Construction Between 2025–2032 www.montsame.mn

As part of the 24 Mega Projects for Ulaanbaatar City Development, the Tuul Water Complex will be built between 2025–2032 on a 5,569 square meter area.
Currently, Ulaanbaatar City’s residents rely 100 percent on groundwater, using between 185,000 to 225,000 cubic meters of clean water per day. By 2040, daily water demand is projected to increase to 772,450 cubic meters. To meet this rising demand, flow-regulating dams will be constructed on the Tuul and Terelj rivers, enabling the use of surface water through the development of the Tuul Water Complex. Preliminary studies have identified 3–4 potential dam site options.
The Tuul Water Complex will have the capacity to store 50–100 million cubic meters of water. The planned dam will be 685.15 meters long, 35.8 meters high, and 19.84 meters deep at its deepest point. The Complex is intended to serve multiple purposes, including protecting the capital city from flood risks, ensuring a reliable source of drinking water, maintaining the ecological balance of the Tuul River, and generating electricity.

Human Rights: EU and Mongolia hold dialogue in Ulaanbaatar www.eeas.europa.eu

The European Union and Mongolia held the seventh Human Rights Dialogue on 2 April in Ulaanbaatar. 
The dialogue was conducted in an open and constructive atmosphere and provided the opportunity to discuss a broad range of human rights related issues. The EU and Mongolia reviewed recent developments and updated each other on respective human rights policies and priorities for action. They reaffirmed their commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights and to the full implementation of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, including to further strengthening cooperation on human rights and the rule of law.
The EU informed about the extension of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy until 2027, aligning it with the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2021-2027. Mongolia shared information on recent developments in the country, policy and legislative initiatives in the area of human rights.
Mongolia and the EU discussed cooperation in international human rights fora, including the UN General Assembly. They agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the framework of the Alliance for Torture-Free Trade. Mongolia informed about its forthcoming United Nations Universal Periodic Review.
The EU and Mongolia exchanged on the situation of media freedom, including the protection of journalists and media workers and the fight against disinformation and hate speech. The EU welcomed Mongolia’s plans to reform the Law on Media Freedom, including efforts to establish a legal framework that will protect the freedom of press organizations, and encouraged Mongolia to ensure that new legislative initiatives be aligned with relevant international human rights law and that the freedom, independence and plurality of Mongolia press and media be fully guaranteed. 
The EU and Mongolia discussed the situation of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of opinion and expression and freedom of assembly. The EU expressed concern for the extensive use of the Law on State Secret, which lacks a precise scope and clear definitions, calling on Mongolia to always ensure that due process guarantees be respected. The EU asked for clarification on the recent cases related to the recommendations of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention following its visit to Mongolia in October 2022.
The EU welcomed the work of the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia and of the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the State Great Hural (Parliament).
Mongolia briefed on the new draft law presented in December 2024 on the Freedom to Hold Peaceful Demonstrations and Gatherings. The EU encouraged Mongolia to ensure that all legislations, policies and practices fully align with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Gender equality, including political participation of women, as well as gender-based violence were also discussed during the dialogue. In this context, the EU and Mongolia also exchanged on the follow up of the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The EU and Mongolia also discussed means to improve the economic empowerment of women.
The EU highlighted in particular the need to adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination, including multiple, direct, and indirect discrimination on all grounds prohibited under international law. Violence against children and in armed forces was also discussed, along with fight against discrimination, with a focus on persons with disabilities and LGBTI persons. The EU called on Mongolia to take more decisive action concerning violence against children, including child rapes.
The EU welcomed the judicial reforms undertaken by Mongolia and encouraged Mongolia to pursue the work being undertaken in strengthening the judicial system and ensuring its independence. Recalling the relevant support provided by through TAIEX and Twinning, the EU called on Mongolia to ensure that sufficient funding be provided to the justice system.
The EU encouraged Mongolia to continue its efforts to combat child labour, including in rural areas and in hazardous work. In this respect, the EU expressed particular concern for the rights and protection of children employed as jockeys in horse races, regretting the recent government decision to transfer the rights to organize these races to local authorities. The EU urged the Government of Mongolia, as well as all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, parents, guardians, horse owners, trainers and the public, to uphold Mongolia’s commitment under international human rights law.
In the area of economic, social and cultural rights, Mongolia informed about measure to fight pollution and related health consequences. The EU recalled the adverse effects that climate change and environmental degradation, including air pollution, have on the full enjoyment of human rights, including the right to health and to life, and encouraged Mongolia to engage in dialogue with civil society and environmental activists on this important issue.
Mongolia updated on the implementation of the Human Rights and ILO conventions under the GSP+. The EU recalled the importance of fulfilling GSP+ related commitments and provided an update on its priorities for the 2024-2025 monitoring cycle.
The meeting was co-chaired by Nicoletta Pusterla, Deputy Head of Division for China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Mongolia at the European External Action Service and by Soyolmaa Jambaldorj, Director General of International Treaty and Law Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Second Phase of the Sustainable Textile Production and Eco-Labeling Project Launched www.montsame.mn

The second phase of the European Union-funded “Sustainable Textile Production and EcoLabeling" (STeP EcoLab) Project has been officially launched.
The project aims at supporting environmentally friendly and socially responsible production in the Mongolian wool and cashmere sector. The first phase of the project was implemented from 2018 to 2022, during which the amount of certified and traceable raw materials was increased 10 times by working with herders’ cooperatives and more than 20 domestic manufacturers.
As a result of the project, the MNS 6926-2021 “Sustainable Textile Production” standard, the first sustainability standard in Mongolia, was developed and approved. As the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association’s Certification Body certifies wool and cashmere processing plants in accordance with the standard, green loans started to be provided to the factories under the “White Gold” National Movement.
The goal of the “STeP EcoLab 2” Project is to enable Mongolian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to join international green supply chains.  The Project will focus on engaging micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the preparation of sustainable and certified raw materials, strengthening eco-labeling and certification systems, gaining international recognition, and creating a favorable environment for the transition to environmentally friendly and sustainable production in the textile processing sector. The project will also support more than 8,000 herding households and 180 cooperatives in Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai, and Arkhangai aimags.