Engineers to be trained for Ulaanbaatar Metro Project www.ubpost.mn

In preparation for the implementation of the long-awaited Ulaanbaatar Metro project, the Capital City Governor’s Office, the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), South Korea’s Halla University, and Dohwa Engineering Co. have officially announced a collaborative academic initiative designed to train local engineering and technical professionals.
Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, the partners will launch a “2+2” joint degree program, which will allow Mongolian students to study two years at MUST’s School of Mechanical and Transportation Engineering, followed by two years at Halla University in South Korea. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of engineers specialized in metro mechanics, rolling stock, civil infrastructure, electrical signaling, and control systems—all critical fields for metro system development.
Enrollment for the program is already nearing capacity, currently at 80 to 90 percent full, according to university officials. MUST has set a quota of 200 students for the first academic year, with a maximum of 50 students per specialization. Due to unexpectedly high demand, the admissions team has announced plans to implement a competitive selection process.
A key concern for prospective students has been access to funding. While the Government of Mongolia recently revised the regulations of its Education Loan Fund to include scholarships and loans for “2+2” programs at the undergraduate level, the new metro-focused program will follow a specific funding model. According to officials, students are required to cover their own tuition for the first two years at MUST, after which they may qualify for full scholarships from the Capital City Governor’s Office to complete their final two years in South Korea.
While the Education Loan Fund includes engineering disciplines such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering in its priority list for international scholarships, no specific category exists for metro-related training. Nevertheless, graduates of the “2+2” program are expected to gain versatile skills that can be applied not only in metro development but also in the broader fields of automotive transportation and railway infrastructure.
As Mongolia moves closer to making urban rail transport a reality, this program represents a significant step toward building a skilled domestic workforce capable of sustaining the country’s future infrastructure needs.

Stronger budget support called for people with developmental challenges www.ubpost.mn

Stronger budget support called for people with developmental challenges
Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar delivered a keynote address at the “Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Developmental Challenges and the State Budget” Forum. In his remarks, the prime minister urged a shift from outdated, one-size-fits-all standards to a more inclusive, capability-based approach that better reflects the needs and strengths of individuals with developmental challenges.
Highlighting the disconnect between policies on paper and realities on the ground, the prime minister called for a comprehensive response involving three key levers: budgetary allocations, legal reforms, and effective governance. He emphasized that the government’s policy efforts will focus on creating an inclusive living environment, boosting employment opportunities, and enhancing accessibility and participation in society.
As part of this commitment, the government plans to upgrade living environments to meet inclusive standards, provide financial support for employer training, workplace adaptation, and guidance services as bundled packages, and integrate inclusive procurement criteria, encouraging the purchase of goods produced by persons with developmental challenges.
Organizations that actively support inclusive employment and provide adapted workplaces will receive tangible government incentives. Furthermore, infrastructure accessibility will also be prioritized, with investments in roads, public spaces, transportation systems, and digital platforms aligned to meet the needs of persons with developmental challenges. Norms and standards for publicly funded buildings and services will be revised, and state procurement rules will include provisions for accessibility compliance. Additionally, tax policies will be adjusted to offer targeted support and address systemic barriers.
As Chair of the National Council for Children, G.Zandanshatar also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening early intervention. He announced that the Children’s Fund will be equipped with modern tools for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of developmental delays, including visual, auditory, and motor impairments.
The premier concluded his speech by advocating for a human-centered, minimally interventionist government approach that prioritizes individual rights in the national budget framework. “We must recognize and support the diverse abilities of every citizen,” he said, calling for policies that empower rather than limit. The forum brought together policymakers, advocacy groups, and civil society representatives committed to shaping a more inclusive Mongolia.
There has some notable progress been made over the past two decades in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. However, significant gaps remain between legislation, policy intentions, and on-the-ground implementation. Persons with disabilities face high unemployment rates and often lack access to meaningful work opportunities. While employers are encouraged through policy and now, under Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar’s recent announcements, through financial incentives to hire and accommodate workers with disabilities, stigma and practical barriers persist. As of 2024, Mongolia has approximately 115,000 individuals living with various degrees of disability, representing about 3.2 to 3.3 percent of the total population. Only 16  percent of working-age persons with disabilities are employed, compared with 56.7  percent of the general population, according to the United Nations Development Programme, calling for absolute need to promote employment. Households with at least one person with a disability face significantly greater poverty. As of 2019, poverty incidence in such households was more than double that of households without disabilities.

Business owners and investors submit proposals for tax reform bill www.gogo.mn

The Economic Development Council held a meeting on August 12 to discuss Mongolia’s upcoming tax reform bill. The Council, which works to coordinate economic policy and foster public-private cooperation, heard updates from Minister of Finance B.Javkhlan on the nationwide consultation process.
A total of 176,000 proposals were received from 13,000 participants, including citizens, businesses, the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Mongolian Business Council, tax consultants, and professional associations. More than half of these proposals have been incorporated into the draft bill, in line with the principle of maintaining economic stability.
The Council itself submitted 21 sets of proposals on tax cuts, improving law enforcement, and combating tax evasion, with an estimated budget impact of MNT 1.8 trillion. 60% of these were included in the draft. B.Telmuun, Head of Tax Policy at the Ministry of Finance, detailed which proposals were accepted and which were not. 
G.Zandanshatar, Prime Minister of Mongolia, instructed the Ministry of Finance to prioritize measures that support wealth creators, producers, and employers, including gradually increasing VAT refunds and eliminating systems that disadvantage compliant taxpayers. He stressed the need for predictable policy discussions to avoid surprises for investors and business owners, noting that the Council should serve as a genuine platform for public-private consultation.
The Prime Minister also suggested drafting “Law on freedom of business operation” to safeguard and encourage private enterprise.
The government plans for the 2026 budget to focus on human development and education. Public consultations are ongoing, with over 167,000 citizens participating so far. Officials believe a transparent budget process will reduce corruption, cut bureaucracy, and boost public trust. A legislative package is also being prepared to strengthen tax reform, promote exports, improve customs procedures, and support the private sector.

45,000 households to receive gas detectors under 2026 budget www.gogo.mn

Currently, gas detectors in 84,829 households in Ulaanbaatar are functioning normally. An additional 61,031 detectors are scheduled to be distributed before the upcoming fire season, according to B.Battulga, head of the “Fuel Consumer Service Center” of the Locally Owned Agency for Commercial and Industrial Services. 
With these distributions, 145,860 households will have gas detectors in 2025. However, the remaining 45,000 households are slated to receive detectors under the 2026 budget.
S.Davaasuren, Head of the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction, emphasized the urgency of the issue, “The firing season will start soon. One of the most important measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is ensuring households have this device. We should not wait for the next fiscal year to equip the remaining 45,000 households. And the capital city authorities should address the shortfall and ensure all households are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors before the firing season begins".

Tax Reform Proposal by Domestic Manufacturers to Be Reviewed www.montsame.mn

Mongolia and ADB discuss emergency response projects www.akipress.com

Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan held an official meeting with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Mongolia Shannon Cowling on August 13, Montsame reported.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the current state of bilateral cooperation, the progress and outcomes of ongoing projects and programs, as well as future cooperation priorities and planned activities.
The parties discussed improving the disaster protection system, including upgrading the National Emergency Management Agency's early warning system and addressing financing for essential machinery and equipment.
To reduce disaster risks and strengthen local capacity for rapid response, the government plans to align NEMA's structure and organization with the Regional Development Policy and to establish, in stages, units with air search-and-rescue and firefighting functions.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that more than 280 of Mongolia's 330 districts currently lack search-and-rescue units, increasing disaster risks. He emphasized the need to establish fully staffed and equipped units that meet national standards in every district.
As a result of the project, local emergency units will be equipped with specialized rescue units capable of water rescues, high-rise firefighting, and operations in hard-to-reach areas, supported by advanced technical equipment. This will contribute to creating a nationwide disaster-resilient system—a critical step toward strengthening Mongolia's capacity to withstand emergencies.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that building a disaster-resilient nation and implementing regional development in practice are priorities stated in the government's "Vision-2050" long-term development policy of Mongolia and its 2024–2028 Action Program. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the great strategic importance of the Asian Development Bank's support and cooperation in achieving these objectives.
Mongolia remains committed to consistently implementing projects and programs to reduce disaster risks, enhance the capacity of local organizations, establish standardized systems, and promote sustainable socio-economic development, the Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan added.

Asian Battery Metals secures strategic copper-gold project and expands exploration footprint in Mongolia www.proactiveinvestors.com.au

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9) has signed a binding agreement with Best Resources LLC for an exclusive option to acquire the Maikhan Uul copper-gold project, located just 8 kilometres from its flagship Oval copper-nickel-platinum group element (Cu-Ni-PGE) discovery in southwestern Mongolia. 
The project holds a mining licence valid until 2045 and contains near-surface volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) style copper-gold mineralisation. Not only does this agreement expand AZ9’s project area, it also gives the company the potential to extend the resource beyond the current 215-metre drilling depth.
Maikhan Uul, Yambat and Bayan Sair location.
In addition, Asian Battery Metals has been granted a new 3,327-hectare mineral exploration tenement south of its Yambat Project. The Bayan Sair tenement covers part of a regional magnetic high interpreted as a possible extension of the MS1 and Oval intrusive zones, with initial geophysics planned later in 2025.
“The Maikhan Uul Cu-Au Project is a natural extension of our regional copper-focused exploration strategy and is strongly synergistic with our existing Oval Cu-Ni discovery within the Yambat Project, both geographically and operationally. With shallow VMS-style mineralisation, a long-standing mining license, and close proximity to existing infrastructure, this project gives us exciting near-term optionality as we build a critical mass around our core asset in Mongolia,” AZ9 MD Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren said.
“We are also pleased to secure a new tenement covering the south side of the current tenement, an important step to increase our regional footprint. This award by the government is a credit to our team and our recent successes.”
Maikhan Uul project overview
The Maikhan Uul project lies 300 kilometres from the Chinese border in Govi-Altai aimag. Historical drilling has defined multiple mineralised zones up to 12 metres thick, open at depth, within altered rhyolite porphyry units. 
A 2015 foreign resource estimate under the Mongolian classification system outlined 5.03 million tonnes grading 0.58% copper and 0.16 g/t gold (non-JORC compliant). 
The project benefits from nearby infrastructure and high-voltage power access. Asian Battery Metals will undertake a staged six-month due diligence program, including electromagnetic surveys, 200–300 metres of confirmation drilling, and an independent review to assess JORC 2012 compliance.
Binding option agreement terms
Under the binding exclusive right agreement, Asian Battery Metals has paid US$50,000 for the six-month due diligence option. If successful, the company will acquire either the mining licence or 100% of Best Resources’ shares for US$890,000, payable within 10 business days of transfer. 
This transaction forms part of the company’s strategy to consolidate a critical minerals hub in Mongolia, complementing the Oval discovery and other regional assets.
Due diligence will include: 
Deployment of SAMSON EM to identify potential conductors prior to confirmation drilling.
Undertake approximately 200-300 metres of confirmation drilling in the higher-grade resource areas. Drilling is currently scheduled to commence in Q3 2025.
CP evaluation of the data supporting the Resource, estimation method and classification into the JORC system or otherwise, formulation of further work programs to allow future classification as a JORC Resource.
Independent legal review.
Bayan Sair exploration licence
The Bayan Sair tenement, secured through government tender, lies immediately south of the Yambat Project and is largely covered by Quaternary sediments. 
Bayan Sair and Yambat tenement on Reduction to the Pole (RTP) map and Bayan Sair and Yambat tenement on satellite map.
A strong magnetic high in the eastern section, located around 4 kilometres from the MS1 intrusion, highlights its potential. No known mineral occurrences have been recorded to date, but its proximity to mineralised mafic intrusions makes it a priority target. Planned work includes induced polarisation surveys to identify possible mineralised zones before follow-up drilling.
By Jonathan Jackson

Mongolia, Russia and China could soon hold talks on Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project www.interfax.com

Mongolia and China have discussed the possibility of organizing a trilateral meeting with Russia in the near future on the gas pipeline project from Russia to China through Mongolia, Mongolian media reported.
The discussion took place during a meeting between Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Shen Minjuan and Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan.
"Shen Minjuan agreed that it would be expedient for representatives of the three countries responsible for the gas pipeline project to meet in person to discuss it," one of the publications reported.
The 950-km pipeline would cross Mongolia from north to south through six provinces.
This is the Soyuz Vostok project, a continuation of the planned Power of Siberia 2 trunk pipeline that will connect hydrocarbon fields in West Siberia with the Xinjian Uighur Autonomous Region of northwest China, from where it will be sent to Shanghai. Planned supplies are up to 50 billion cubic meters per year.
The project's timing depends on a contract being signed by Gazprom and China's CNPC, with talks ongoing.

Minister of Digital Development of Mongolia and US Ambassador discuss cooperation in cybersecurity www.akipress.com

Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia Batshugar Enkhbayar met with U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan on August 13.
During the meeting, Minister Enkhbayar expressed his desire to introduce international payment tools like Google Pay and PayPal in Mongolia. He also proposed continued cooperation to strengthen trainin of cybersecurity personnel and learn from the U.S. best practices in supporting startups.
Ambassador Buangan affirmed the U.S. commitment to further cooperation in cybersecurity, remote sensing, space exploration, and information technology. He also committed to enhancing the skills of Mongolian cybersecurity specialists.
The two sides also discussed research and collaboration in new advanced technologies for communication, information technology, and cybersecurity, with a focus on involving universities and research institutions.

Average new house prices in Mongolia's capital up 13.4 pct in July www.xinhuanet.com

The average price per square meter of newly constructed apartments in Mongolia's capital amounted to 4.7 million Mongolian Tugriks (about 1,308 U.S. dollars) at the end of July, up 13.4 percent year on year, government data showed Thursday.
Meanwhile, the average price per square meter for second-hand apartments in Ulan Bator was 4.5 million Mongolian Tugriks (about 1,252 U.S. dollars) in July, reflecting a 15 percent rise from the same period last year, the country's National Statistics Office said.
According to experts, this significant increase is largely related to an increase in per capita real estate demand.
Mongolia is the world's most sparsely populated country. However, housing is one of the most pressing issues in Mongolia, especially in the capital city, home to over half of the country's population of 3.5 million. More than half of Ulan Bator's residents live in the city's ger districts, with no running water, central heating, or sewerage systems.