Mongolia Presents Three Environmental Initiatives at Astana Summit www.montsame.mn

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa attended the opening of the Regional Ecological Summit being held in Astana as part of his State Visit to Kazakhstan.

Mongolia is participating in the summit with three initiatives focused on water, pastureland management, and nature-based solutions.

Participants are discussing eight priority themes, including support for climate transition, adaptation to climate and natural risks, economic resilience, regional ecosystems and food security, sustainable natural resource management, air pollution and waste management, mechanisms for implementing environmental goals, a just and inclusive transition, and the environment and digital transformation.

The summit is expected to define joint policies and strategies to respond to water shortages, glacier and ice melt, desertification, and air pollution, while also promoting cooperation among governments, the private sector, and international organizations in green finance, green technology, and sustainable investment.

Addressing the opening session, President Khurelsukh thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for hosting the summit and said the meeting would make an important contribution to overcoming global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and water scarcity through collective action. He noted that at a time when implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals remains insufficient globally, Mongolia is actively advancing its “Billions of Trees” national movement to reduce land degradation and restore forests.

The president also called for cooperation under Mongolia’s initiative of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to raise recognition of the sector and promote sustainable pasture management, restoration, investment, and food security.

He said Mongolia would work closely to implement proposals and recommendations emerging from the summit.

President Khurelsukh also invited countries to actively participate in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, to be held in Ulaanbaatar in August under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” He also invited countries to send delegations to the World Women Parliamentarians Conference, which will be held in October.

President Tokayev first announced Kazakhstan’s plan to host the Regional Ecological Summit in 2026 while addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.

About 1,500 representatives are attending the summit, including heads of state and government as well as senior officials from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, China, Italy, Germany, and Japan.

Representatives of the United Nations, international organizations, banks and financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as researchers, civil society, businesses, and media are also participating.

More than 50 cooperation documents, including joint statements, declarations, agreements, initiatives, investment projects, and programs, are expected to be signed at the summit, according to the Presidential Office.

Government Reviews Economic Risks Amid Rising Fuel Prices www.montsame.mn

During the regular Cabinet session, the Ministry of Economy and Development presented an update on the current economic situation and potential risks.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a strong impact on global oil market, causing fuel prices to rise in the short term. This increase directly affects production costs and may put pressure on key sectors such as transportation, mining, agriculture, and trade. In addition, there is also a risk of increased budget expenditures due to the sharp rise in fuel prices.

In response, the Prime Minister noted that the government is taking step-by-step measures and instructed all sectors to develop and implement short-term action plans. 

Asian Battery Metals Completes Mongolia Acquisition and Commences Drilling www.discoveryalert.com.au

The successful completion of the Asian Battery Metals Mongolia acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX: AZ9), as the company prepares to commence drilling operations at the newly acquired Maikhan Uul Copper-Gold Project next week. This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone for the company as it expands its portfolio of critical metal assets in one of Asia's most prospective mining regions.

The completion of this deal positions Asian Battery Metals to capitalise on growing global demand for copper and gold—two metals essential for energy transition technologies and economic development. With rig mobilisation already well advanced, the company is moving quickly to unlock the exploration potential of this promising asset.

Immediate Drilling Campaign to Test High-Priority Targets
The company has outlined an aggressive 1,500-metre drilling program set to begin within the week, targeting multiple geological features identified through previous exploration work. The program combines both reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling techniques to systematically test the project's potential.

Key Drilling Objectives
• RC drilling targeting the established gold mineralisation zone

• Diamond drilling to test unexplored DHEM (downhole electromagnetic) plates

• Investigation of the interpreted feeder zone identified in previous surveys

• Rock chip sampling to assess surface mineralisation

• Verification of historical trench copper grades

The drilling strategy builds on encouraging results from previous exploration, including significant drill intercepts that have validated the project's geological potential. Historical exploration has identified compelling geochemical and geophysical signatures across the project area.

Strategic Portfolio Synergies Emerging
One of the most compelling aspects of this acquisition is the 8-kilometre proximity to Asian Battery Metals' existing Yambat (Oval Cu-Ni-PGE) Project. Furthermore, this close geographic relationship opens up potential synergies for combined development scenarios, creating operational efficiencies and cost advantages that could significantly enhance project economics.

The Project is located just 8km from the Yambat (Oval Cu-Ni-PGE) Project, complements our existing asset base and provides an exciting opportunity to unlock value and synergy for potential future combined development.

— Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, Managing Director

Cabinet Suspends Tuul Expressway Project Amid Public Concerns www.montsame.mn

Relevant ministers and officials briefed the media on decisions made at the April 22, 2026, Cabinet session. First Deputy Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat Battsetseg B. said the government had suspended the Tuul Highway project following petitions submitted by citizens and civil society organizations, until public concerns and doubts surrounding the project are addressed.

She said more than 300 petitions and complaints had been submitted to the prime minister and the government. “The Tuul Highway project is being suspended until law enforcement and oversight bodies complete their review of issues involving officials whose names have been linked to the project,” Battsetseg said.

One of the key decisions at the meeting was the suspension of the Tuul Highway project. Citizens, political parties, and researchers had repeatedly submitted demands to the prime minister regarding the matter. Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor said the government should take seriously concerns raised over environmental impacts, traffic congestion, economic benefits, and the project’s financing.

PM said the project would remain suspended until confusion and conflicting information surrounding it are clarified, facts are verified, and investigations by relevant authorities are completed.

Kazakhstan to establish consulate in Bayan-Ulgii, launch direct flights to Oskemen www.gogo.mn

Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh’s state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan is continuing. The two heads of state held a private meeting followed by official talks.

President U.Khurelsukh expressed his commitment to further strengthening relations with Kazakhstan, Mongolia’s first strategic partner in Central Asia, and thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as the government and people of Kazakhstan, for their warm welcome.

President K.Tokayev said President U.Khurelsukh’s visit has given important momentum to the expansion and development of relations and cooperation between the two countries, noting that the visit is of special significance.

The two sides reviewed the achievements of bilateral relations over the past 30 years and discussed ways to deepen cooperation by giving it greater economic substance and expanding ties across all sectors.

The two heads of states noted that agreements reached at the highest level are gradually becoming a reality and said there is broad potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, and other fields.

They also agreed to implement major projects and programs that will serve as symbols of bilateral relations and cooperation.

As part of the goal to raise trade turnover to USD 500 million, the two sides agreed to expand Mongolia’s exports of wool, cashmere, leather, meat, and meat products, while increasing imports of fruit, vegetables, and wheat from Kazakhstan.

A joint roadmap will be developed under the implementation of the interim free trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

At present, Hunnu Air operates regular flights on the Ulaanbaatar–Almaty route, while Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines is set to begin direct flights on the Ulaanbaatar–Astana route in June.

It was also agreed to restore direct flights between Bayan-Ulgii and Oskemen, a long-awaited step for residents of Bayan-Ulgii province, and to establish a Consulate of Kazakhstan in Bayan-Ulgii.

A working group will be formed to further study ways to remove obstacles in the road and transport sectors and create shorter transport and logistics routes.

The Presidents emphasized that cultural ties are an important bridge between the peoples of the two countries and welcomed the development of a joint action plan for 2026–2027 in the fields of education, culture, sports, tourism, and youth.

President K.Tokayev said the doors of Kazakh universities are always open to Mongolian students.

The tradition of participating in the “Nomad” World Culture Festival in Mongolia and the “Nomad Culture Festival” in Kazakhstan will continue.

The two sides also agreed to jointly implement projects and programs in information technology, mining, health, physical education, and sports.

The participation of more than 200 business representatives in the forum held during the visit was seen as a clear sign of the desire of entrepreneurs and wealth creators in both countries to work together.

President U. Khurelsukh highly praised Kazakhstan’s organization of the Regional High-Level Meeting on Ecology under the auspices of the United Nations in Astana and expressed support for Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish an International Water Organization.

The “Billion Trees” national movement will be coordinated with Kazakhstan’s “Two Billion Trees” project, and cooperation will be strengthened under the “White Gold” program.

The two sides also reaffirmed their support for the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries, which operates in Ulaanbaatar.

They further confirmed their mutual support for proposals and initiatives at the international and regional levels and their active cooperation within international organizations.

15,000 pit latrines to be eliminated under “Selbe 20-Minute City” project www.gogo.mn

The Selbe sub-center will cover 158 hectares in the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District and the 14th and 18th khoroos of Chingeltei District in Ulaanbaatar city.

As part of the project, a total of 113 apartment blocks will be built for 8,575 households. Of these, 3,818 apartments in the first phase are scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2027.

As of today, 1,723 engineers and workers are working at the site with 129 pieces of equipment and machinery. Overall project progress is about 25%. The project is being implemented in four packages.

Preparatory work for the first package is more than 98% complete, construction is about 7% complete, and work on the first three floors is underway.

Preparatory work for the second package has been completed, construction is about 9% complete, and basement work is more than 90% complete. This package will include four 12-storey blocks with 117 units, 22 nine-storey blocks with 71 units, and a kindergarten for 240 children.

Preparatory work for the third package is more than 90% complete, foundation excavation is about 80% complete, and work on the foundation, basement, and first three floors is underway. Preparatory work for the fourth package is more than 70% complete, while construction is about 6% complete.

The “20-Minute City” project aims to reduce dependence on private cars by encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport.

As part of the project, 15,000 pit latrines will be removed and 12,000 chimneys will be eliminated, reducing air pollution in ger areas by 7.7% and soil pollution by 6%. Artificial lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and residential areas will also be developed to create a more favorable ecological environment.

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition www.china-briefing.com

Approved on April 9, 2026, China’s Inner Mongolia Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) brings the country’s total number of FTZs to 23, completing the national FTZ map and positioning Inner Mongolia as a strategic gateway to Russia and Mongolia. The zone integrates rare earth supply chains, AI computing infrastructure, and cross‑border rail logistics into a single policy platform.

On April 9, 2026, the State Council approved the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone in a circular issued to relevant local authorities, bringing China’s total number of pilot free trade zones (FTZs) to 23. The zone was officially inaugurated two days later, on April 11, at a ceremony in Hohhot.

In many respects, the new zone represents the final piece of an FTZ map that has been two decades in the making: a network that now stretches from Hainan in the south to the Russian and Mongolian border in the north, with every major province, autonomous region, and municipality now represented.

Unlike the FTZ additions of recent years, which have largely served to deepen financial services integration (Hainan), cross-strait economic links (Fujian), or Greater Bay Area (GBA) cooperation (Guangdong), the Inner Mongolia FTZ is built around a fundamentally different proposition. Its logic is geographic and strategic rather than sectoral: Inner Mongolia shares over 4,200 kilometers of border with Russia and Mongolia, hosts the world’s single largest rare earth deposit at Bayan Obo, and has quietly become one of China’s most significant data center and AI computing hubs. The FTZ designation is China’s signal that it intends to formalize and scale all three of these advantages within a single, integrated policy zone.

This article sets out the policy framework, the investment landscape, the sectors with the clearest entry routes for foreign investors.

Mongolia turning data silos into cost-efficient governance tools www.govinsider.asia

Mongolia's story is one of those featured in the GovMesh Digest special report. You can find the individual stories on the other participating governments at GovMesh 4.0 here.

Evidence-based policymaking was a priority for governments worldwide. But fragmented data across different agencies remained a persistent challenge in many countries. 

Rather than functioning as a shared asset, data often developed within institutional silos, limiting its strategic value and preventing optimal use. 

The cost of decision-making became high if individual agencies manage their own systems and data, said Director General of the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, Ariunbold Shagdar. 

One of Mongolia’s key efforts to address this challenge has been to pursue data integration through a series of pilot projects that have since evolved into a more systemic approach. 

The National Statistics Office played a central role in this effort, managing two core registration systems: population and housing, and business registration.  

The former is individual-based, while the latter is based on legal entities. 

By connecting these two systems, the government has begun to build a more comprehensive picture of the country’s conditions.  

“If we connect these systems, we can see a better picture of the country. Every policy and programme could be more productive and efficient,” he added. 

Shagdar was speaking at GovMesh 4.0, held by GovInsider and interweave.gov on March 2 in Singapore, where representatives from six countries gathered to discuss data-driven governance.  

From face-to-face to register-based census 

One of the most visible impacts of data integration pilots was how it has transformed census operations.

While census collection was previously conducted entirely through face-to-face, the approach has now shifted significantly. 

Mongolia's National Statistics Office Director General, Ariunbold Shagdar, presenting at GovMesh

He shared that by adopting a mixed-method approach for the 2020 Population and Housing Census, the National Statistics Office of Mongolia achieved significant cost efficiencies.  

“By utilising administrative registers for 90 per cent of the data and face-to-face interviews for only 10 per cent, the project budget was reduced from 15.2 billion MNT ($5.4 millon) to 4.7 billion MNT ($1.7 million) - a total saving of 10.5 billion MNT ($3.7 million).  

“Furthermore, by moving to a fully register-based system, the 2025 census cost less than one billion MNT ($282,064).”  

Supported by automation tools such as ETL (extract, transform, load), Mongolia is also exploring the possibility of conducting annual census updates to provide more timely data for policymakers. 

Addressing inter-agency resistance 

The journey towards integration has not been without challenges, particularly resistance from government agencies and lack of compliance with data standardisation.

This is why the Mongolian government has rolled out several policies to mandate data sharing, supported by legal frameworks on statistics, transparency and data protection. 

For Shagdar, success depended not only on regulation, but also on leadership and the presence of a trusted institution to drive the initiative. 

“There should be leadership. Some organisation should lead this initiative,” he noted. 

He also highlighted the importance of an incremental approach, rather than waiting for perfect conditions. 

Instead of waiting for everything to be ready, Mongolia has adopted a “learning by doing” approach by building systems while continuously refining them. 

Building the foundations of a data ecosystem  

The Mongolian government was also developing a broader data ecosystem, including a national database with multiple layers including aggregated data, customised datasets and data visualisation tools.

Metadata standardisation has become a priority to ensure interoperability across systems. 

“If we want to integrate all government databases, we should standardise metadata,” he explained. 

In addition, Mongolia is establishing data laboratories, expanding access to statistical data, and revising legal frameworks to support greater data openness. 

Shagdar emphasised that lasting change depends on demonstrating tangible results.  

“We should demonstrate some very good flagship work. Over time, it will work,” he said. 

Waste Animal Bones Processed into Organic Fertilizer, Feed, and Raw Material for Aviation Diesel Fuel www.montsame.mn

Mongolia imports 15,000 tonnes of fertilizer annually from Russia and China.

Meanwhile, a plant located in Emeelt, on the western outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, has the capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes of fertilizer per year. This means it could fully meet the fertilizer demand of Mongolia’s agriculture and crop farming sectors and export surplus production. The “Protein Mongolia” plant processes animal waste bones and by-products using modern technology to produce environmentally friendly organic fertilizer as well as animal feed.

The plant’s fertilizer is widely used in crop farming, potato and vegetable cultivation, and tree nurseries. Each day, it processes 30–50 tonnes of animal waste bones and meat, producing 30–35 tonnes of fertilizer and feed. The “Protein Mongolia” plant also extracts oil from animal bones and has been exporting it to the Republic of Korea since 2023. The oil is reportedly used in Korea for the production of aviation fuel. Director of the “Protein Mongolia” plant N. Oyunbat informed Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Iderbat Ts. that 3,000 tonnes of bone oil have so far been exported to the Republic of Korea. In addition to mineral-enriched organic fertilizer, the plant supplies animal feed to major poultry farms such as “Tumen Shuvuut” and “Bayan.”

During the meeting, Minister Iderbat stated, “National producers can develop only by becoming exporters. The government must support this through subsidies and preferential policies. Accordingly, four working groups have been established to ensure the implementation of measures aimed at increasing agricultural exports, including meat, crops, wool, cashmere, and the Eurasian trade agreement. The government will provide policy support to enterprises producing import-substituting goods and will work to expand exports of agricultural and livestock-origin products. For instance, we will study the possibility of including the bone-processing plant in the President’s ‘White Gold’ movement and providing specific support.”

Having introduced Italian technology to Mongolia, the “Protein Mongolia” bone-processing plant plans to produce its powdered organic fertilizer in pellet form and export it in the future. The company has also built a warehouse with a storage capacity of 2,500 tonnes to expand bone oil exports. Currently, the plant operates at only 30 percent of its total capacity, though it has the potential to reach full utilization. However, company management emphasized that limited market access for its products and insufficient state support remain major challenges.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia agree to build direct road connecting two countries www.qazinform.com

Kazakhstan and Mongolia agreed to build a road connecting the two countries. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced this during a joint statement following talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, at the Akorda Presidential Residence, Qazinform News Agency reports.

"We have long been considered the peoples closely linked by history and culture. However, our countries do not share a border. Therefore, our cooperation in transport and logistics largely depends on the neighboring states. We fully understand how relevant this issue is. Therefore, together with Mr. Khurelsukh, we reaffirmed our interest in creating a direct transport corridor between Kazakhstan and Mongolia. During the meeting, we reached a general agreement on building a road connecting our countries," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the Kazakh President, this is a complex project that requires comprehensive analysis and careful preparation.

"In this regard, together with the esteemed President, we decided to establish a joint intergovernmental working group. It will address all matters related to this project, conduct negotiations with neighboring countries, and oversee the project delivery timeline. In the future, the Kazakhstan-Mongolia road will give new momentum to trade development between our countries. The adjacent states will also benefit from the project," the Head of State noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also recalled that at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit held in China last year, he proposed creating a 'Trans-Altai Dialogue' platform.

"The countries surrounding the Altai region have every opportunity to develop joint solutions on trade, transport and logistics, tourism, and culture. In this context, we can combine the transport and logistics potential of the four countries and collaborate toward this goal. Such a step will open opportunities not only for expanding trade turnover but also for developing a unique tourism cluster in the Altai region," the President emphasized.

Earlier, Qazinform reported that Kazakhstan will open a consulate in Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii aimag.