By B.NANDIN
The fifth Mining Week & MinePro international exhibition and conference opened in Ulaanbaatar on September 17 under the theme “For Sustainable Development: Green Future, Global Partnership.”
The three-day event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, and the Mongolian National Mining Association.
Prime Minister N.Uchral, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam and other officials attended the opening.
Prime Minister Uchral outlined recent legal and regulatory reforms and called for closer coordination between the mining and environmental sectors. He stressed that mineral development must deliver tangible benefits to local communities and citizens.
Minister G.Damdinnyam addressed the challenges facing the industry and the Government’s policy priorities. He said greater access to transparent information was needed, as limited public understanding of the sector has contributed to opposition and declining exploration activity.
Amendments to the Minerals Law have reached the parliamentary approval stage and are expected to improve conditions for exploration and investment, he said.
Mongolia has also established its first list of critical minerals. The Government intends to promote domestic processing and value-added industries rather than focusing solely on extracting and exporting raw materials.
G.Damdinnyam said policy changes were being considered to reduce the mineral resource royalty on copper, which has reached double-digit levels, to improve the sector’s competitiveness. Protecting investors’ legitimate interests and maintaining a predictable investment environment would also remain priorities.
More than 3,500 delegates attend the event
Z.Gan-Ochir, Chairman of the Council of the Mongolian National Mining Association, said Mongolia had considerable geological resources but continued to face challenges related to policy, governance, infrastructure and relations with local communities.
During the event, the Professional Unified Association of Geology, Mining and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and the Authority for Standardization and Metrology.
Mining made an important contribution to Mongolia’s 6.8 percent economic growth in 2025. The sector accounted for around 80 percent of industrial production and more than 70 percent of foreign direct investment.
The programme includes 16 sectoral sessions, discussions and roundtables covering Mongolia’s role in the global green transition, mineral investment, mining and energy coordination, the future of coal, responsible mining, human resources, technology and international cooperation.
More than 3,500 representatives from 20 countries are attending, including delegates from China, Russia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and the United States.
More than 135 organisations are presenting products, services and technological solutions at over 350 indoor and outdoor stands across 17,200 square metres.
Participants include mining and processing companies, licence holders, equipment suppliers, subcontractors, technology providers, investors and financial and professional organisations.
MinePro extends beyond displaying products and heavy machinery. It provides a venue for participants to explore new technologies, establish business relationships and discuss investment and cooperation opportunities in Mongolia’s mining sector.
Source: Zuuniimedee № 176 (7918) September 18, 2026
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