Energy

Despite abundant reserves of fossil fuels and potential renewable energy resources, Mongolia has lagged in developing new power supply to match surging demand. Domestic electricity demand has grown by 30% to 5.5m KWh between 2008 and early 2014, but supply has grown by only 6.8%, with the balance imported from Russia. A key explanation is the long gestation period for...

Eager to expand exploration in both traditional hydrocarbons and unconventional fossil fuels like oil shale and coal bed methane (CBM), Mongolia’s parliament overhauled the existing 1991 framework with a new Petroleum Law in July 2014. Significantly easing terms for exploration, the new rules have created much-needed clarity in applying for production-sharing contracts (...

A fledgling producer of iron ore, molybdenum, fluorspar and zinc alongside its big three minerals – copper, gold and coal – Mongolia’s extensive deposits hold significant promise for further diversifying output. However, moving from exploration to mining for new minerals such as uranium and rare earths will depend on high-level government support. While output of...

A perfect storm of falling commodity prices and policy changes since May 2012 has taken its toll on mining investment, heightening fiscal pressure on the state to rebuild investor confidence. Having repealed the restrictive Strategic Entities Foreign Investment Law (SEFIL) with the new Investment Law of October 2013, which grants equal treatment to local and foreign...

With a focus on curbing political risk to encourage new investment, Mongolian authorities are striving to build a competitive industry to develop the country’s abundant natural resources. Copper regained its place as Mongolia’s top export in 2014, and is the primary focus of new exploration alongside gold and niches like fluorspar and rare earths. With metallurgical...