Strategic consultation between Foreign Ministries of Mongolia and China held www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The fourth strategic consultative meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and China was held successfully in Beijing, China on February 25.

Rio Tinto launches climate change report www.riotinto.com

Rio Tinto today published Our approach to climate change, which shows how the company plans to contribute to and leverage the transition to a low carbon future. The report uses recommendations from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) as a framework to assess the potential risks and opportunities of climate change and related policies.

Rio Tinto chief executive officer J-S Jacques said, “Given our decision to strengthen our business and exit coal, we are now the only major mining company with a fossil-fuel-free portfolio, which means we are well-positioned to contribute to a low-carbon future.

“The materials we produce, from infinitely recyclable aluminium to copper used in electrification to our higher grade iron ore product, all play a part in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“At Rio Tinto, we have reduced our emissions-intensity footprint by almost 30 per cent since 2008, putting us on track to beat our targets. Renewable energy is now used to produce nearly three-quarters of the electricity we use.

“We are aware that we have more to consider on climate change and will work with partners such as the members of the Energy Transitions Commission, Alcoa and Apple, the World Bank and others, to look at further sustainable solutions that enable us to continue to generate profits and contribute to people, the planet and prosperity”.

Rio Tinto has publicly acknowledged the reality of climate change since 2005, signed the Paris Pledge in support of the ambition and commitments set out in the Paris Agreement in 2015 and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Andrew Gray, Director ESG & Stewardship, AustralianSuper and Member, Climate Action 100+, said “Last year Rio Tinto supported the recommendations of the TCFD and we welcome their first report under this structure. 2018 saw the company undertake technological breakthroughs in materials that have a key role in the low carbon transition. We are also encouraged that Rio Tinto has joined the Energy Transitions Commission which takes a multi-sector approach to hard-to-abate sectors like steel”.

James Bevan, CIO at charity specialist CCLA, said “2018 saw the completion of Rio Tinto’s strategic exit from coal. Over time the company will face other complex portfolio and operational choices, so it is useful to see initial quantification of the impact of the low carbon transition on different commodities. We look forward to reviewing Rio Tinto’s new targets and metrics for the 2020s: a critical part of the TCFD recommendations and investors’ collective Climate Action 100+ request for Paris alignment”.

Climate risks and opportunities have formed part of Rio Tinto’s strategic thinking for over two decades. The company has outlined it will take action in four key areas:

1. Supply essential metals and minerals for the transition to a low-carbon economy
2. Reduce emissions from its own footprint
3. Identify and assess physical risk exposures
4. Partner to advance climate goals

Supplying essential materials
Policies and technologies that reduce emissions are expected to increase demand for many of Rio Tinto’s products. Electric vehicles use up to six times as much copper as those with internal combustion engines; aluminium’s lightweight properties can reduce fuel use in trucks, cars and planes; and borates are used in energy-efficient building materials. Higher quality iron ore is in demand from customers, such as those in China, to reduce their environmental footprint.

Reduce emissions from its own footprint
Rio Tinto has consistently beaten its climate change goals since the business first set short-term and medium-term targets in 2008. The company has already reduced emissions intensity by almost 30 per cent from 2008 levels, putting it on track to beat its latest target of reducing emissions intensity by 24 per cent from 2008 levels by 2020.

The company is working on targets for 2020 and beyond before current targets expire in 2020.

Rio Tinto’s Our approach to climate change report outlines a variety of scenarios and abatement options to help the company achieve its goals and this work will be further refined as targets are set.

Identify and address physical risk exposures
Rio Tinto continues to take steps to manage its risks and increase the resilience of the business to climate change, as well as position itself for new opportunities. The company has a strong governance process in place and regularly reviews and refreshes its approach to climate change within the corporate strategy framework.

Rio Tinto considers the exposure of each of its sites to physical risks related to climate change. The company also tests its portfolio against a range of scenarios mapping the policy and technology pathways necessary to limit global temperature rises. Rio Tinto’s analysis indicates that its business is relatively robust, including against a 2°C scenario, consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Partner to advance climate goals
In 2018, Rio Tinto announced a new technology partnership with Alcoa, with support from Apple and the governments of Canada and Quebec, to further develop carbon-free aluminium smelting technology – an industry first. The company also joined the Energy Transitions Commission, the peak body aimed at supporting the transition to a low carbon economy for hard to abate sectors.

Rio Tinto believes tackling climate change effectively will require a level playing field, not only across the mining industry, but across all industries and jurisdictions. The transition will be best managed through partnership between government, business and society.

The full report is available on our website.

Notes for editors
Our approach to climate change 2018 is Rio Tinto’s first report on the impacts of climate change, following the 2017 recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The TCFD was set up by the G20’s Financial Stability Board to develop a voluntary framework to disclose climate-related financial risks.

Under the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard, Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are direct emissions from owned, or controlled sources; Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy; and Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions outside of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, including those emitted in downstream production.

Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan pledges to combat air, soil pollution www.zgm.mn

After an extended and heated discussion, Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan, former head of the Citizen’s Representative Council of the Capital City (CRCC) was elected the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar and the Governor of the Capital City. 25 out of the 45 members of the CRCC voted in his favor during the VII irregular session of the Citizen’s Representative Council of the Capital City, on Tuesday. On the contrary, Munkhchuluun Samdannyam, who self-nominated himself for the second time, lost with 19 votes. This is the second time the vote is taking place since Batbold Sundui, former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar was removed three months ago.

Energy cooperation opportunities with Mongolia discussed www.azernews.az

Azerbaijan and Mongolia are keen to develop energy aspect of bilateral cooperation, as a delegation led by Energy Minister of Mongolia Tserenpil Davaasuren visited the Energy Ministry of Azerbaijan at the invitation of Minister Parviz Shahbazov.

Australian Chamber of Commerce Mongolia (AustCham Mongolia), in cooperation with the world’s largest director institute, AICD is bringing an internationally recognized executive level Program to Mongolia www.austchammongolia.com

Australian Chamber of Commerce Mongolia (AustCham Mongolia), in cooperation with the world’s largest director institute, the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is bringing an internationally recognized executive level Program to Mongolia

austchammongolia.com 2019 02 26

Australian Chamber of Commerce Mongolia is proud to announce an internationally recognized executive program – “International Foundations of Directorship” – to be held in Mongolia in cooperation with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Ulaanbaatar-Darkhan road extension to be funded by EBRD www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Minister of Road and Transport Development B.Enkh-Amgalan received Bruno Balvanera, Managing Director for Central Asia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

China approves 6 mln T coal mine project in Inner Mongolia region www.reuters.com

China’s state planner said on Tuesday it has approved an open-pit coal mine project in Inner Mongolia region worth 1.46 billion yuan ($218 million)

Minister: Mongolia is keen to benefit from Azerbaijan’s rich experience in oil and gas industry www.azertag.az

“Mongolia is keen to take advantage of Azerbaijan’s rich experience in the field of oil and gas,” said the country’s Energy Minister Tserenpil Davaasuren as he met with his Azerbaijani counterpart Parviz Shahbazov.

Liberty International headed to Mongolia in 2019 www.atlasnetwork.org

Liberty lovers and famous libertarian activists will be gathering in the beautiful city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from June 6–9, 2019 to discuss and celebrate freedom at the Liberty International World Conference. Hosted by Atlas Network partner Silk Road Foundation, the conference will feature a vibrant learning and networking environment in a breathtaking city. The Silk Road Foundation is an NGO established in 2013 that focuses on promoting free markets, individual liberty, and a limited government in Mongolia.

Liberty International is one of the premier conferences for libertarians around the world to connect and share ideas. With the stated goal of inspiring the creation and growth of regional networks, as well as grassroots organizations, the conference provides valuable training to classical liberals across the globe. The Liberty International conference has previously been hosted in 24 different countries. Some previous cities include Athens, Rome, Berlin, and San Francisco.

“The main goal of the conference is to introduce current libertarian points of interest to an already liberty-oriented audience with a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation,” said M. Khaliunbat, the founder and CEO of Silk Road Foundation.

With so many supporters of the global liberty movement congregating in one location, the event promises to be filled with the best and brightest minds engaging in provocative discussions. Theoretical discussion, real-time case studies, networking, lectures, and panelists will highlight the conference’s many events. These liberty-oriented programs are geared towards promoting the movement of freedom and liberty. In addition to these opportunities, the networking dinners will provide attendees with fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and discuss the developments of the liberty movement. With speakers hailing from all over the globe, the event will undoubtedly provide a diverse and unique take on the future of liberty throughout the world.

This year’s speakers will include Atlas Network’s Dr. Tom G. Palmer, Ken Schooland, and Christopher Lingle. In addition to these speakers, Atlas Network will also be facilitating a training session in conjunction with the Liberty International conference. More information will be released soon on the Atlas Leadership Academy page.

Not only will the event provide those in attendance with a unique experience to meet and discuss with like-minded liberty lovers, but it will also provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the the stunning natural and cultural aspects of Mongolia. The Liberty International World Conference will advocate for core universal principles in a country that is sure to take your breath away!

“By coming to Mongolia for Liberty International you’ll be able to explore the capital city, Ulaanbaatar, and meet other freedom lovers and famous libertarian activists from all over the world,” continued Khaliunbat. “It is going to be a networking event with many interesting lectures and insights on liberty.”

Asiana wins rights to fly to Mongolia; Jeju, Eastar win routes to Singapore www.m.koreaherald.com

Asiana Airline Inc. secured the right to fly additional routes on the highly sought after South Korea-Mongolia route, while Jeju Air Co. and Eastar Jet Co. were allocated flights to Singapore, the government said Monday.