CPSI NewsWire brings you market updates on Mongolia, compiled by CPS International, a Mongolian marketing arm of CPS Securities, a Perth, Western Australia based stockbroking and corporate advisory firm, specialising in capital raising for mining and junior stocks.
Follow the news by following @CoverMongolia, liking Cover Mongolia, viewing our Website
Resending
Announcement: Shift to Fee Based Subscription for CPSI NewsWire and Questionnaire for Subscribers
August 14 (Mogi) I'm planning to change my newswire service to a fee based one.
Before I give you my reasons, let me start with a little history.
I started out this newswire thingie as just a way of being a good team player by sharing information with my colleagues, of things that I like to be informed of and thought would be useful in their work. It evolved to being distributed to clients and now basically anyone who has the courtesy of introducing him/herself to me (some people don't really).
Never did I think that I would have, as of now, well over a thousand subscribers in the list and never did I imagine at the time there would be so much Mongolia coverage and so many press releases that I would like to stay on top of.
I hope all of you have enjoyed and found my news useful in your profession and curiosity, but as the time it takes for me to filter and compile the news has gotten longer and longer, to justify my effort and time it takes away from my other responsibilities, I thought it would now make sense to put a monetary value to such efforts.
Hence my decision to add a fee. But don't worry, this won't affect you if you're already a client of CPS.
So, since I have no such experience, my questionnaire is following:
- First of all, do you find my newswires useful?
- If so, would you be willing to pay for it?
- Or would you rather just unsubscribe from the whole thing?
- Any other comments and suggestions?
I'm tinkering over ways I could structure this, i.e. the right price (trial period, annual, quarterly discounts, company, individual packaging), the right distribution and payment methods (paypal, credit card, bank transfer, …).
So, please give me any feedback, comment, advice you may have. Hope I'm not being too full of myself, thinking CPSI NewsWire was even worth something.
Any honest feedback would be very helpful.
Gratefully yours,
Mogi
---
Turquoise Hill Pays $19.4 Million To Cancel Ex-CEO Friedland's Flight Costs
August 16 (Bloomberg) Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (TRQ), building a Mongolian copper mine with Rio Tinto Group, paid $19.4 million to cancel cost-sharing deals with companies linked to former Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland.
"These arrangements were on a cost-recovery basis and included aircraft rental and administration and other office services" in London and Singapore, Turquoise, formerly Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. and 51 percent owned by London-based Rio, said in a statement dated yesterday. The deals were with companies 100 percent owned by Friedland, it said.
Turquoise also paid $17.8 million in severance payments to the former management team and booked a non-cash charge of $24 million related to the acceleration of vesting stock options held by former management, it said.
Friedland, who founded Ivanhoe, controls about 10 percent of Vancouver-based Turquoise, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. He resigned as CEO in April, three months after Rio raised its stake in Ivanhoe to 51 percent, allowing it to replace managers.
Turquoise and Rio expect production from Mongolia's $6.2 billion Oyu Tolgoi mine in the first half of next year. They plan to complete talks on a $3 billion to $4 billion finance package for the project by the end of the year, according to the statement.
Seven directors -- Marc Faber, Edward Flood, Friedland, David Korbin, Livia Mahler, Tracy Stevenson and Dan Westbrook -- resigned from the Turquoise board in April. Three others --Michael Gordon, David Huberman and Bob Holland -- resigned a month later. A spokesman for Rio Tinto declined to comment.
Prophecy Coal Appoints Rob Bruggeman as VP Corporate Development
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 16, 2012) - Prophecy Coal Corp. ("Prophecy" or the "Company") (TSX:PCY)(OTCQX:PRPCF)(FRANKFURT:1P2) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rob Bruggeman as Vice President, Corporate Development. Rob Bruggeman has worked in the brokerage industry in Toronto for over a decade. He was a small cap equity research analyst at a brokerage firm from 2000 to 2005, a desk analyst and proprietary trader in the Institutional Equities Division of a large Canadian financial institution from 2005 to 2010, and most recently, he led the Institutional Equity Sales & Trading Group at a boutique brokerage firm with a strong focus on small cap mining companies. Prior to joining the brokerage industry in 2000, Mr. Bruggeman worked for a Canadian telecom company where he held a variety of roles, including Corporate Development. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and Management degree from McMaster University, an MBA in Strategy & Finance from the Schulich School of Business and is a CFA charter holder.
John Lee, Chairman and CEO of Prophecy, states: "Rob has solid research, sales and trading experience in mining equities, and will anchor our presence in Toronto. Team building is a top priority at Prophecy and we will continue to bring on key marketing and technical management positions to advance Prophecy's strong suite of high quality assets worldwide."
Prophecy also announces that Mr. Patrick Langlois has resigned as Vice President, Corporate Development, effective immediately, to pursue other interests. The Company appreciates Patrick's dedication and service while he was with Prophecy.
Denison Mines Corp. Announces Appointment of Steve Blower as Vice President, Exploration
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 15, 2012) - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX:DML)(NYSE MKT:DNN)(NYSE Amex:DNN) is pleased to announce that Mr. Steve Blower, P. Geo., has been appointed Vice President, Exploration effective September 1, 2012.
Prior to joining Denison, Steve was the President and C.E.O. and a director of Pitchstone Exploration Ltd., until that company was sold last month. Pitchstone was a well-regarded uranium exploration company with numerous projects in Canada, including the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan and Nunavut, as well as projects in Namibia. Steve is a geologist with 24 years of experience in the minerals industry. Steve's background includes mine geology at two open pit copper porphyry deposits in British Columbia, resource estimation for Snowden Group and AMEC plc, and exploration for precious and base metals and uranium. He obtained a B.Sc. degree in Geological Sciences from the University of British Columbia in 1988, and followed that with a M.Sc. degree in Geological Sciences from Queen's University in 1993.
Ron Hochstein, President and C.E.O. of Denison commented that, "I'm excited about Steve joining Denison's team. With the Company's transition from production to exploration, Steve will play a key role in the expansion of our Canadian exploration activity in the Athabasca Basin region, as well as our exploration programs in Zambia and Mongolia."
Mogi: a little more updated version than I sent previously
UPDATE 2-Mongolia-focused miner expects China's Chalco to drop takeover bid
* Mongolian government has made Chalco bid impossible - CEO
* Chalco has until Sept 4 to decide on offer
* SouthGobi shares down nearly 4 percent in Hong Kong
* Mining licence suspension hurt Q2 profits
HONG KONG, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Mongolia-focused coal miner SouthGobi Resources Ltd (TSX:SGQ, HK:1878) said on Tuesday that it expects China's state-controlled Chalco to drop its $926 million takeover bid in the face of opposition from the Mongolian government.
The proposed deal has the backing of SouthGobi's majority shareholder, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (TSX:TRQ, NYSE:TRQ), formerly known as Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, but it faced opposition almost immediately within Mongolia, which is becoming wary about the growing Chinese presence in its mining sector.
"I personally believe Chalco is not continuing to work on the deal," SouthGobi Chief Executive Alex Molyneux told Reuters.
"The evidence I have before me seems highly unlikely that the bid is going to go forward," Molyneux said by telephone, citing Mongolia's recent efforts to block the deal. "It's 100 percent clear that Mongolia has made the deal impossible."
Aluminum Corp of China Ltd, or Chalco, this month said it had decided to extend its offer for up to 60 percent of the common shares of Toronto and Hong Kong-listed SouthGobi Resources for the second time as it needs more time to "engage with the Mongolian government and review the terms and conditions of the transaction".
The company in April had announced the C$8.48-per-share bid for a controlling interest in SouthGobi, which owns large coal projects in Mongolia close to China, which has a huge appetite for energy and minerals to feed its giant economy.
Chalco has until Sept. 4 to formalize its bid.
Mongolia, a former Soviet satellite landlocked between China and Russia, passed a controversial law in May aimed at capping foreign ownership in "strategic" industries like mining.
FRIENDLIER INVESTMENT CLIMATE?
The law stipulates that foreign investors are allowed to own a maximum of 49 percent of companies involved in the mining, finance, media and telecommunications sectors before being subject to scrutiny by a government panel. The rule only applies to deals valued at above $75 million, or ones involving state-owned companies like Chalco. (Mogi: it's government approval for 33% above, parliament approval for above 49% and $75m)
But recent changes in Mongolia politics have raised hopes for a friendlier investment climate. Norov Altanhuyag of the Democratic Party was confirmed as prime minister last week. The Democratic Party, broadly in favour of the free market, is expected to comprise 75 percent of the new cabinet.
SouthGobi's shares, which last traded at C$3.7 in Toronto, have wilted. Its Hong Kong-listed shares were down nearly 4 percent.
SouthGobi had had no formal contact from Chalco for more than a month, another sign that the deal will not happen, Molyneux said.
Chalco board secretary Liu Qiang, asked by Reuters whether Chalco was still pursuing a takeover, said she had no comment.
SouthGobi said late on Monday its second-quarter profit plunged on lower output after Mongolia suspended its mining licence following Chalco's bid.
Operations at its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi mine in the south of the country had been "fully curtailed" since June 30 and were not expected to resume in the third quarter, SouthGobi said.
The company's second quarter net income attributable to equity holders fell to $237,000 from $67.3 million a year earlier.
"They (Mongolian government) have done everything in their power to roadblock the deal by the Chinese state company," Molyneux said, adding that profits were also hurt by weakening demand for coking coal in China.
Chalco is the largest aluminium producer in China. It has been investing in coal, iron ore and electricity projects as the profit margin for its core aluminium business shrinks.
It said on Monday that it would buy a 35.3 percent stake in China's Ningxia Electric Power Group Co for 2.02 billion yuan ($319 million).
Related:
China's Chalco retreats to first-half net loss – Reuters, August 16
CORRECTED-UPDATE 2-China lowers 2012 coal output target as economy slows
(Corrects figure for total coal consumption to 3.6 billion tonnes in paragraph 14)
* National planning body cuts coal output targets for 2012 by as much as 7 pct
* Slowing growth in economy, manufacturing reduces need for power-generating fuel
* Coal demand unlikely to rebound as stockpiles are plentiful
* Cut may bolster prices, which are down 20 percent since April
SHANGHAI, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Top coal producer and consumer China cut coal output targets at the top three producing regions by as much as 7 percent from a year ago to ease a supply glut caused by a slowdown in economic growth, which has also weakened global prices.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), a top government economic planning agency, set China's total coal output for 2012 at 3.65 billion tonnes, an increase of just 3.7 percent from year ago and a deceleration from the 8.6 percent growth of last year and 9 percent the year before, according to a statement seen by Reuters on Wednesday.
Softening demand from China, where the economy is growing at its slowest pace in more than three years, has dragged prices of coal, iron ore and other commodities to multi-year lows, hurting the profits of global miners such as BHP Billiton and Vale SA.
Coal accounts for about 80 percent of the fuel China uses to generate electricity, but the waning growth has reduced demand for power from manufacturers and cut the increase in total electricity generation to around 2 percent so far this year, compared to 12 percent for the whole of 2011.
BULGING STOCKPILES
The NDRC said production targets for the regions of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi were reduced by around seven percent compared to last year's output and Shaanxi region's output was lowered by around one percent.
All targets are also below earlier forecasts by the local governments: Inner Mongolia, China's top coal producing province, was lowered to 920 million tonnes from an estimate of more than one billion tonnes and Shanxi's targeted output was cut to 810 million tonnes from a previous forecast of around 900 million tonnes.
Shaanxi's production target was also lowered to 400 million tonnes, against an earlier forecast of 460 million tonnes.
"NDRC's conservative production guidance for Inner Mongolia and Shanxi implies that the two provinces have to cut back their production significantly," said Helen Lau, a senior commodities analyst at investment firm UOB-Kay Hian.
Chinese miners will now follow counterparts in top coal producers Australia, Indonesia, Russia and the United States in cutting production as they grapple with global prices which have fallen about 20 percent so far this year.
The cut in output targets follows double-digit growth in coal production from Inner Mongolia and Shanxi from year ago, which had driven national output 9 percent higher and created record high stockpiles at the key Qinhuangdao port of 9.5 million tonnes by mid-June, customs data showed.
Stocks at the port were slightly lower at 7.3 million tonnes last week, but traders said they did not expect demand to increase until the end of the year at best as many power utilities overestimated their need for coal and are now left with huge stockpiles.
China does not publish national stockpile figures.
"Power plants have an average of 27 days worth of stocks, compared to historical norms of around 18. Even when they finish the first batch, shipments from previous orders are still rolling in," said a Singapore-based trader. "The destocking will take two to three months."
BOOST TO PRICES?
China consumes, on average, 3.6 billion tonnes of domestic and imported coal a year. For the past few months, several traders have scrapped import deals for millions of tonnes of coal, while others have deferred the delivery of shipments.
China imported 118 million tonnes of coal in the first seven months of this year, mainly from Indonesia and Australia, compared to 180 million tonnes in the whole of 2011.
It was not immediately clear whether the cut in domestic output would affect imports.
Some traders said the output cut may help bolster domestic coal prices, provided demand also increases. Chinese steam coal prices have fallen by about 20 percent since April to hover around 626 yuan ($98.45) a tonne last week.
"If Chinese miners can stick to the target, then coal prices should stabilise and perhaps see a rebound in the fourth quarter," said a Beijing-based coal trader.
"For exporters like us, a return to price stability will also help to put an end to the large scale defaults that we saw over the past two months. It will make our lives a lot better."
UMC Group Launches "Equity Partners" Private Equity Fund
August 9 (UMC) Mandal Asset Management LLC is proud to announce the launch of the Equity Partners private equity fund, a new investment vehicle which invests in opportunities arising in the Mongolian environment.
16 top business executives coming from different backgrounds such as mining, banking, insurance, capital markets, manufacturing, agriculture, civil aviation, telecommunication and real estate joined forces to kick start the first ever home gown private equity fund.
The fund will operate as a hybrid of private equity fund and investment club. One of the founders. Mr. O. Munkhjargal told that "the Fund is a unique opportunity as it brings intrinsic sector expertise, ability for turnaround management, money, and business intelligence to one place. This ensures that all key success factors are set in place. All founding members are truly dedicated to the cause, and we expect that the fund will grow fast in the years to come".
Mandal Asset Management LLC is the sponsor of the fund and acts as the fund manager and administrator.
Invest Mongolia 2012, Frontier's 6th Annual Conference - Ulaan Baatar, September 3-5
Ulaanbaatar, Aug 16, 2012 (ABN Newswire) - Invest Mongolia is Ulaan Baatar's premier capital raising conference, with over fifty experts speaking on the latest developments on the Mongolian investment scene. With our 550 attendees last year, and the same expected this year, the forum is the place to be for anyone interested in Mongolia, the mining industry and emerging markets.
The main topics for this year are:
- The election and its implications for foreign investors;
- How and where can Mongolian companies raise funds in this harsh environment?
- The latest situation of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, Oyu Tolgoi and other mining and non-mining projects.
The conference will take place at Blue Sky Tower, the iconic building located in the heart of the city facing Sukhbaatar Square and Government House. Attendance is completely free.
To register please visit: http://www.frontier-conference.com
PM Altankhuyag presents his nominees for Cabinet to Speaker. Former DP Finance Minister S. Bayartsogt nominated for Deputy Speaker. English version awaiting
УИХ-ын даргад сайд нарын нэрсийг өргөн барьлаа
8-р сарын 17 9(GoGo News) Ерөнхий сайд Н.Алтанхуяг УИХ-ын дарга З.Энхболдод Засгийн газрын бүтэц бүрэлдэхүүн болон сайд нарын нэрсийг өргөн барьлаа. Засгийн газрын танхим дараах бүрэлдэхүүнтэй байж магадгүй байна. Үүнд:
-Ерөнхий сайд: Н.Алтанхуяг (Prime Minister: N. Altankhuyag)
-Засгийн газрын шадар сайд: Д.Тэрбишдагва (Deputy PM: D. Terbishdagva (MPRP))
-Засгийн газрын Хэрэг эрхлэх газрын дарга, Төрийн сайд: Ч.Сайханбилэг (Cabinet Minister: Ch. Saikhanbileg (DP))
-Гадаад харилцааны сайд: Л.Болд (Foreign Minister: L. Bold (DP))
-Хууль зүйн сайд: Х.Тэмүүжин (Justice Minister: Kh. Temuujin (DP))
-Батлан хамгаалахын сайд: Д.Бат-Эрдэнэ (Defence Minister: D. Bat-Erdene (DP))
-Барилга, хот байгуулалтын сайд: Ц.Баярсайхан (Construction, Urban Development Minister: Ts. Bayarsaikhan (DP))
-Зам тээврийн сайд: А.Гансүх (Road, Transporation Minister: A. Gansukh (DP))
-Соёл, спорт, аялал жуулчлалын сайд: Ц.Оюунгэрэл (Culture, Sports, Tourism Minister: Ts. Oyungerel (DP))
-Уул уурхайн сайд: Д.Ганхуяг (Mining Minister: D. Gankhuyag (DP))
-Үйлдвэр, хөдөө аж ахуйн сайд: Х.Баттулга (Industry, Agriculture Minister: Kh. Battulga (DP))
-Хөдөлмөрийн сайд: Я.Санжмятав (Labor Minister: Ya. Sanjmyatav (DP))
-Хүн амын хөгжил, нийгмийн хамгааллын сайд: С.Эрдэнэ (Human Development, Social Security Minister: S. Erdene (DP))
-Эдийн засгийн хөгжлийн сайд: Н.Батбаяр (Economic Development Minister: N. Batbayar (DP))
-Боловсрол, шинжлэх ухааны сайд: Л.Гантөмөр (Education, Science Minister: L. Gantumur (DP))
-Эрүүл мэндийн сайд: Н.Удвал (Health Minister: N. Udval (MPRP))
-Эрчим хүчний сайд: М.Сономпил (Energy Minister: M. Sonompil (MPRP))
-Сангийн сайд: М.Энхсайхан (Finance Minister: M. Enkhsaikhan (MNDP))
-Байгаль орчин, ногоон хөгжлийн сайд: С.Дэмбэрэл (Environment, Green Development Minister: S. Demberel (CWGP))
Түүнчлэн УИХ-ын дэд даргад С.Баярцогтын нэрийг, Өргөдөл гомдлын байнгын хорооны даргад Р.Бурмаа, АН-ын бүлгийн дэд даргад С.Одонтуяа нарыг тус тус нэр дэвшүүлсэн байна. Одоо УИХ чуулганаараа энэ асуудлыг хэлэлцэнэ.
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE OF MONGOLIA HAS BEEN APPROVED
August 17 (InfoMongolia) The afternoon session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) meeting started at 05:50 pm yesterday, August 16, 2012. The Member of the Parliament Ch.Saikhanbileg introduced the proposals and decisions of the first discussion on the Government Structure made by the State Structure's Standing Committee.
At the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) group meeting it was stated, "We will not support the draft legislation on Government Structure and its Composition", there were presumptions that the scheduled session would be abrupt. However, circumstances have taken a different turn. The Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) group at the Parliament N.Enkhbold and D.Lundeejantsan, Ya.Sodbaatar have attended the session. Maybe they have assumed that no matter the objections, the draft legislation would be ratified by the majority votes.
At the discussion stage, the Member of the Parliament N.Enkhbold questioned, "Although there are proposals about the reducing the number of Government Agencies down to 28, this in fact is increasing the number of Ministries. Since 1990s, we have pursued for the ministries to determine policies and the agencies to implement legislations and regulations. Within the works of the agencies, there are also includes common domestic operations. However, this will be transferred into ministerial works, having politics and business to be mixed. A total of 5 Ministries are to be newly established. Thus, we need to regard this matter with caution." Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag replied, "Politics and business will not be mixed, agencies only have privileges on special grants and licenses. It is necessary to clarify and toughen up responsibilities' matters. For instance, the former Head of the Mineral Resources Authority of Mongolia had sold the lands and is now in prison. However, the respondent Minister of the sector is walking free of any accountabilities. This cannot be, if you are respondent to a certain obligation, you must carry out the responsibilities. DP is pursuing for this issue to be realized. This way the state will gain transparency. It is time to stop how heads of agencies are under the influence of another."
Consequently, as the proposal of the Standing Committee to ratify the draft legislations on Government Structure and Government Composition with the first discussion was supported by the Parliament members, the draft legislation on the Government Structure has been ratified by a 90.9% vote and the draft legislation on Government Composition has been ratified by a 94.5% vote respectively with the Parliament session of August 16, 2012.
Thus, it is now certain that the new Cabinet of Ministers to have 16 Ministries, 19 Ministers and 28 Government Agencies. Now there is left the work of discussing the Government Structure and appointing its Ministers accordingly.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROPOSED CABINET MINISTERS
August 15 (InfoMongolia) The Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag has submitted the draft bill on the Government structure and its components to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj and to the Speaker Z.Enkhbold accordingly.
As cited in the draft, the new Cabinet of Ministers is to have 16 Ministries and a total of 19 Ministers including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of the Cabinet Office of the Government of Mongolia.
The Ministries have been divided in two categories under General and Specific Orientation Ministries, moreover the frame of the Ministers' responsibilities have been determined respectively.
Prime Minister of Mongolia is in charge of the followings:
- State Development Policy
- State Economic and Social Development Policy
- Information Technology, Post and Communication Issues
- Intelligence, Counter Intelligence and Terrorism Prevention
- Nuclear Energy Issues
- Land Arrangement Policy
- State and Local Government Procurement of Goods and Services
Deputy Prime Minister
- Disaster Prevention
- Exigent Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Works
- Specialized Inspection Issues
- Auditing Fair Competition
- Free Zone Development Issues
Minister of the Cabinet Office of the Government of Mongolia
- Innovation Policy
- Consolidated Policy on Rural Area Development
- Implementation of the Government Decisions
- Government's Communication Issues with the Parliament
- Local Government Administration Issues
I. GENERAL ORIENTATION MINISTRIES:
1. Minister for Nature, Environment and Green Development
- Nature and Environment Conservation, Appropriate Usage, Rehabilitation and Ecology Policies, Combating Desertification and
- Forestation Issues
- Increasing Water Resource
- Protecting Plant and Animal Resources
- Bio Security Policy Issues
2. Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Political and Economic Cooperation with Foreign States and International Organizations
- Protecting Rights of Mongolian Citizens Residing in Foreign Countries
- Diplomatic and Official Visas, Consulate Issues
3. Minister for Finance
- Master Budget Planning
- Control on State and Local Budget Expenditure
- Customs, Taxation and Insurance Policy
4. Minister for Justice
- Legal Innovation Policy
- State Policy on Archive
- Implementation on Court Decisions
- Issues on Entry/Exit of Foreign Nationals to/out Mongolia
- Citizenship and Immigration Issues
- State Border Defense Issues
- Registration of Press and Media Organization
- State Policy on Communications with Temples and Monasteries
- Police, Maintaining Public Order, Combating Crimes and its Prevention
- Intellectual Property, Patents and Copyrights
- State Registration on Properties
II. SPECIFIC ORIENTATION MINISTRIES:
1. Minister for Construction and Urban Development
- Construction and Building Materials
- Urban Planning and Architecture
- Housing Policy
2. Minister for Defense
- State Defense and Military Policy
- Mobilizing armed forces
- Participating in Peacekeeping Missions
3. Minister for Education and Science
- Education System Development
- Books, Printing and Electronic Writing
- Consolidated Policy on Science and Technology
4. Minister for Road and Transportation
- Transportation System Development and Regulation
- Railway Transportation
- Civil Aviation
- Auto Road
- Water Transportation via Pacific
5. Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism
- Issues on Culture and Arts Development
- Protecting and Restoring Historical and Cultural Heritages
- Physical Culture and Sports Development
- Tourism Policy
6. Minister for Mining
- Policy on Geology and Mineral Resources
- Oil Issues
- Fuel Supply and Reservoir
- Transparent and Responsibly Mining Development
7. Minister for Industry and Agriculture
- Heavy and Light Industry Policy
- Industrial Park
- Population Food Supply
- Policy on Animal Husbandry and Agriculture
- Livestock, Wild Animal and Plant Quarantine
- Export/Import Issues on Livestock and Plant Products' Raw Materials
8. Minister for Labor
- Labor Engagement and Poverty Reduction
- Working Conditions, Salary and Living Cost Issues
- Issues on Foreign Nationals Employment within Mongolian Territory
- Labor Force Export
9. Minister for Population Development and Social Welfare
- Population Development and Planning Issues
- Issues on Children, Youth, Women and Elders' Development
- Gender Issues
- Social Welfare
- Social Insurance
10. Minister for Economic Development
- Consolidated Policy on Investment
- Consolidated Policy on State Economy and Social Development
- Consolidated Policy on Loan and Grant Aid
- Trade Policy
- Advanced Technology and National Innovation System
11. Minister for Energy
- Consolidated Policy on Energy
- Renewable Energy Development
12. Minister for Health
- Consolidated Policy on Population Health
SEVERAL IDEAS PROPOSED TO REDUCE THE TRAFFIC LOAD IN ULAANBAATAR
August 15 (InfoMongolia) On August 14, an open discussion under the topic "Capital city - road repair works, renovation and some measures on reducing traffic flow" was held at the Ulaanbaatar City Citizen's Hall.
The discussion started off with the report on "Progress on Ulaanbaatar city road construction and restorations works" by the Head of Ulaanbaatar City Road Agency D.Od, after which the General Manager of Ulaanbaatar City Ch.Bat introduced the "Provision proposals on reducing Ulaanbaatar city traffic load". Also, it was decided that to involve 60 Ulaanbaatar citizens participating regularly in future discussions.
The Head of the Ulaanbaatar City Road Agency D.Od reported that in 2012, with the funding of Ulaanbaatar City Budget, Development Bank and State Road Fund, around 70 billion MNT is being allocated into the Ulaanbaatar city road construction and restoration works. As of 2008, a total of 108 thousand cars were registered in Ulaanbaatar city, whereas this number has increased up to 210 thousand this year. Also, this year's plentiful rainfalls have interrupted road construction and restoration works and have caused much damage to the roads. However, the General Manager of Ulaanbaatar City Ch.Bat had advanced several proposals on reducing traffic load of the city.
- Civil servants to reject their private vehicles
There are 155 thousand civil servants in Mongolia. The majority of them work in public administrations of Ulaanbaatar city, out which 15 thousand at minimum commutes with their parivate vehicles. Thus, if these workers are to reject their parivate vehicles and start using public transport, it would reduce traffic load at a certain percentage.
- To increase the number of paid parking lots
Currently, there are only 3 paid parking lots in Ulaanbaatar city (in front of Ulaanbaatar City Governing Office, Central Sports Palace and the State Academic Drama Theatre). Thus, we are planning to increase the number of paid parking lots in 24 more locations. For instance, B.Enebish Street, Shastin's Central Hospital, the National Trauma and Orthopedic Research Center, and the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry. By doing so, around 4,500 parking lots will be available. Around 10 billion MNT will be required for this project.
- To transport students with school buses
In order for the children's safe participation in the city's traffic, we need to introduce transports with school buses. For instance, when most of the children in the outer bounds of the city, commute to their schools by walking, the children living close to the city center are delivered by personal vehicles, which are affecting the increase of traffic load. Thus, there is an imminent need for school buses.
- To extend the 1st lane for public transportation
To legitimately run public transportation service. We need to involve seniors and retired citizens in traffic regulations, by having them coordinate traffic safety. This will generate 150 job positions, where its employment will require over 400 million MNT annually.
Since 2010, a decision was released for public transportations to run only through the 1st lane on the route of Western Four Intersection to Eastern Four Intersection. However this decision has been carried out half-way. This decision will be carried out this year as well, where the route will be extended from the Escadrille Monument to the 25th Pharmacy. This extended route will be implemented starting August 25, 2012. Private owned vehicles will be reduced if over 700 public transportations will run without delay.
- To change the working hours of trade centers
To make changes in the working hours of large trade centers. The concurrence in working hours of trade centers with other work places is increasing traffic load. For instance, to set the working hours of "Narantuul" International Trade Center to be 07:00 am-04.00 pm. Also, to restrict vehicles with plate numbers ending with 1 and 6 from going on the route Narny Highway - Ikh Toiruu Roundabout between the hours of 07.00 am and 08.00 pm on Mondays and restrict vehicles with plate numbers ending with 2 and 7 from going on the same route and hours on Tuesdays and so on. This will reduce the traffic load by 20%. However, firefighter trucks, ambulance and public transportation will be excluded from this regulation. This will be implemented during the traffic load high season between August 25 and October 25, 2012.
TS.SANDUI ELECTED LEADER OF CAPITAL CITY MPP COMMITTEE
August 17 (InfoMongolia) The Capital City MPP Committee meeting was held on August 15, where they have appointed their new leader accordingly. The Head of the Capital City Land Authority Tsendsuren SANDUI, former Parliamentarian Ts.Batbayar, Deputy Foreign Minister G.Tenger and Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy D.Zorigt have been nominated for the leadership where G.Tenger and D.Zorigt draw their names out on their own will.
Ts.Sandui won in the polling only by one vote and been elected as the Leader of the Capital City MPP Committee.
Also, the new Deputy Leaders of the Capital City MPP Committee were appointed at the meeting too. Total of 4 people were approved to be the Deputy Leaders. In detail, former Deputy Leader of the Capital City MPP Committee B.Enkhtur, former Parliamentarian Sh.Saikhansambuu, Head of the MPP grouping in the Capital City Representative Khural D.Amarbayasgalan and member of the Capital City Citizen's Representative's Khural M.Ganbaatar were elected as the Deputy Leaders of the Capital City MPP Committee.
Jailed ex-president of Mongolia appeals verdict
ULAN BATOR, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former Mongolian president Nambar Enkhbayar lodged an appeal here Thursday with Mongolia's capital city court against his conviction on corruption charges.
Under Mongolian law, an appeal court will review the case and convene a trial within 30 days after receiving the appeal.
Enkhbayar's lawyer, S. Narangerel, said the original trial was "unjust" and rushed. He urged the capital city court to set the retrial date as soon as possible.
Enkhbayar was arrested in April and sentenced last month to four years jail on charges relating to the illegal privatization of a hotel and a publishing house, and using TV equipment donated to a Mongolian Buddhist organization to establish his own television station, TV9.
However, supporters said Enkhbayar, who served as president from 2005 to 2009, was framed by incumbent President Tsakhia Elbegdorj for political reasons.
Enkhbayar's family members said the ex-president's health was deteriorating in prison.
Mogi: this guy just won't give up will he
Enkhbayar's Trial Was Just For Show
By Doug Schoen
August 16 (Forbes) As I wrote earlier this week, there is substantial reason to question the health of Mongolia's democracy. Former President Enkhbayar's three-day trial demonstrated to the world the corruption of current President Elbegdorj's regime (Mogi: All hail Elbegdorj, our great father!) . The politically driven assault on Enkhbayar has exposed the lack of independence of the judiciary and collusion at the highest levels of government.
I am compelled to write again on this subject as there continues to be far too little attention paid to this gross injustice. Sources within Mongolia (Mogi: only one sided sources looks like) have provided me with new information that only confirms what I have been arguing for several months: Enkhbayar is the victim of an unethical government, which shows no signs of reform or improvement.
To be sure, there was a conflict between the dramatic way in which Enkhbayar was arrested by several hundred police and military personnel and the relative insignificance of the charges levied against him. Further, his treatment in prison was so poor that Amnesty International had to step in on his behalf. (Mogi: Amnesty condemned the way he was arrested not his treatment in jail)
S. Narangerel, Enkhbayar's lawyer, submitted a request to the court that all key witnesses and experts should be present during the entirety of the trial, which was subsequently refused. Many of those on his list did not attend or were in London attending the Olympics. And though Enkhbayar responded to each of the charges, he was sentenced as guilty in each despite evidence to the contrary and given no explanation as to what extent he had been involved in the charge.
On the ruling, Narangerel said, "The court handed down their verdict in spite of having not proven even the slightest indication of crime. It became obvious that the aim in sentencing N. Enkhbayar was to remove a political opponent. It proved the judiciary is subject to the State."
He was not the only one to express this sentiment. L. Erdenetuul, a political analyst, alleged that the court "sentenced an innocent person." And many comments on websites across Mongolia have expressed concern over the court's decision based on hearsay (Mogi: wow, he can read Mongolia fluently it seems) and the court's thinly veiled interest in sentencing Enkhbayar no matter the evidence.
Interestingly, President Elbegdorj was out of the country during Enkhbayar's trial, arriving in London for the Olympics the day before it began. He opened the London Stock Exchange and met the Royal Family, signaling in the press that he had the stamp of international approval all the while overseeing the abuse of human rights and the rule of law back home.
Though Enkhbayar has been sentenced, this is not over. He is in the process of making an appeal to the higher court and the international community must support him in this endeavor. It is our responsibility to protect democracy and the rule of law not only in the West, but all across the world. (Mogi: guess his suggesting the US first bomb Mongolia before Iran)
JUDGE'S ETHICS SEMINAR HAS BEEN CONDUCTED SUCCESSFULLY
August 16 (InfoMongolia) The General Council of Courts, Open Society Forum and Association of Mongolian Judges are jointly held a seminar under a name "Judge's Ethics" at the Open Society Forum building on August 13-16, 2012.
The seminar was attended by representatives of Mongolian judges, prosecutors and attorneys. Besides, where the Nagoya University professor Yasutomo Morigiwa delivered lectures "Philosophical roots of judge ethics" and "Comparative survey on judge ethics in Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany" at the seminar upon invitation and hosted open discussions.
Yasutomo Morigiwa teaches judge ethics basing on the ethical philosophy at juridical training centers in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Federal Republic of Germany and his thesis for Master of Laws was on judge ethics.
His book "Lawyer's Ethics" was translated into Mongolian in 2007 and since then it was recognized to be a must book Mongolian lawyer
Alaska Guardsman Leads the Way in Mongolian Medical Outreach Project
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, August 16 (Alaska Native News) – A humble and unassuming man, Staff Sgt. Joshua Clark, medical readiness non-commissioned officer, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Alaska Army National Guard, worked diligently Aug. 14 to keep the Medical Humanitarian Civic Action Outreach Project running smoothly and efficiently during Khaan Quest 12, while providing a firsthand view of the exercise to Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh.
Khaan Quest is a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise sponsored by the U.S. Army, Pacific and hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces. Khaan Quest 12 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This exercise marks the tenth anniversary of this regionally significant training event.
The medical clinic has been set up in an elementary school in a dusty neighborhood of Ulaanbaatar. Outside, a line of approximately 300 people stood waiting for their turn to be seen by the medical providers. Inside, the halls of the school building were bustling with children, the elderly and people of all ages in between. Their ailments varied, but one certain thing was common among them – they were grateful for the services being provided to them.
In the middle of all the commotion stood Clark at the controls of the flow, as the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the clinic. He directed a staff of Mongolian, U.S. and various multinational personnel who are working to keep everything flowing so the physicians working in the rooms can see patients at a steady pace.
Clark is no stranger to leadership roles. In 2003, he was a team leader in the 173rd Airborne Brigade out of Vicenza, Italy, when they made the last U.S. combat jump to date into northern Iraq.
"It was a peaceful landing, but it was still scary," Clark explained. "It was a 500 ft. jump."
When Clark left active duty service with the Army and joined the Alaska Army National Guard, he also changed jobs, becoming a medic. At the clinic in Ulaanbaatar, he was responsible for making sure all the contracts were done prior to the mission. These contracts included things like transportation, food, showers, laundry, getting the providers to the location, and ordering medications and supplies.
This role of responsibility even earned him the role of guide for the Secretary of the Army during his visit to Mongolia. When McHugh arrived, Clark showed him around the clinic, showing him the various services being offered to the community. These services included dental care, internal medicine, basic surgeries, pediatrics, optometry, basic labs and a pharmacy.
As they toured the clinic, McHugh asked Clark questions about how long this mission had been going on and if it would be beneficial to continue doing so.
"He saw the benefit," Clark said. "He was happy that we were doing this."
After the visit was over, Clark jumped right back into the job and kept the pieces moving, scheduling a meeting with the entire staff at the end of the day to discuss how things were going, what went well, and what could be improved on.
"It's a great feeling," he said. "Especially the pediatrics; the little kids come through, cute little smiles, very happy that they're getting some treatment that they need. It's a great feeling."
Clark has served in the Alaska National Guard for four years, previously serving eight years on active duty in the Army. He currently lives in Chugiak, Alaska.
Related:
Hope in the form of healthcare during Khaan Quest 2012 – U.S. Army, August 15
Ceremony kicks off Khaan Quest '12 – U.S. Marine Corps, August 17
Toughest Place to be a Miner
Episode 1 of 3, Series 3. DURATION: 1 HOUR
August (BBC Two) Craig Notman, a mine worker from Staffordshire, is travelling to Mongolia to dig for gold in some of the toughest conditions on Earth. Mongolia is a country enjoying the world's biggest economic boom, entirely supported by mining. But while some people are getting rich, more than 40 percent of the population lives in poverty. Craig will be staying in a traditional Mongolian tent, or ger, and working with local miner Sukhbaatar.
Like tens of thousands of small-scale miners, Sukhbaatar digs tunnels into the Mongolian Steppe, searching for gold deep underground. It's a gruelling and dangerous way to earn just a few pounds a day. Thousands have died in the precarious networks of underground tunnels. Safety conscious Craig will brave the tunnels himself as he learns to dig and pan for gold. He'll have to endure extreme weather, back-breaking work and get to grips with unusual cuisine. Along the way he'll discover that a traditional nomadic people have been driven off their land by unprecedented extreme weather. With no other work in prospect, they must risk their lives every day in a desperate attempt to make money.
Misc
Mongolian Olympic medalists awarded monthly bonus for lifetime
ULAN BATOR, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian president Tsakhia Elbegdorj on Thursday afternoon held a welcome ceremony for the Mongolian Olympic delegation back from the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Elbegdorj congratulated Mongolian athletes' good performances during the Olympics and encouraged them to win more glory for Mongolia.
The president also promised the government will provide favorable training circumstances and material conditions of lives for them and released a presidential decree which stipulated that the Olympic medalists will be awarded a lifetime monthly bonus from the government in which every gold medalist will get 3 million tugriks( about 2,200 U.S. dollars) per month, silver and bronze medalists will receive 2 million and 1 million tugriks per month individually.
The Mongolian government had already granted the one-time cash awards for the five medalists at the London Games, and Nyambayar Tugstsogt, who grabbed the silver in Men's 52kg boxing, got 60 million tugriks (about 44,400 U.S. dollars) prize.
A total of 29 Mongolian athletes competed at the London Olympics including shooting, track and field, boxing, judo, wrestling, archery and swimming and they won 2 silvers and 3 bronzes in total, making Mongolia rank the 56th in the medal table.
MONGOLIAN ATHLETES HAVE HEADED FOR THE XV PARALYMPICS
August 15 (InfoMongolia) The XXX London Olympics has come to an end and the XV Paralympics are soon to start. The Paralympics will start on August 29 and will continue for 10 days, where athletes will compete in 21 sport categories.
Around 4,200 athletes of 165 countries will compete for 503 sets of medals.
Mongolia is sending its 6 athletes to the London Paralympics in 4 sport categories.
Their farewell ceremony was held at the Physical Education and Sports Authority today morning, August 15. During the farewell ceremony the lamas of the Gandantegchinlen Monastery praised the "Khiimooriin San" wishing good luck to the athletes and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia M.Enkhbold handed the State Flag of Mongolia, which will be raised in the skies of London.
The Mongolian Paralympics athletes have completed their trainings and are to head to London tomorrow. They are to train in Sarry State, England, for 14 days prior to the start of the Paralympics. The Mongolian judoka A.Munkhbat will raise the Mongolian flag in the opening ceremony.
Mongolian Paralympics athletes:
Men's Judo, 66kg - A.Munkhbat
Men's Judo, 90kg - International Master of Sports D.Ganbat
Women's Archery - International Master of Sports B.Javzmaa, B.Oyun-Erdene
Shooting, 10m pistol - Ts.Lkhamsuren
Track and Field Athletics - B.Munkh-Erdene
Mongolian Paralympics trainers:
Head trainer of para-judo national team Ch.Bazarsuren
Trainer of para-archery national team N.Dariimaa
Trainer of para-shooting national team L.Undralbat
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHINGGIS KHAAN IS ONGOING IN DORNOD AIMAG
August 15 (InfoMongolia) The "Dornod" Institute of Dornod aimag together with "Ulaanbaatar" Institute of UB and "Victory" museum of Dornod aimag are hosting an International Conference themed "Some aspects of research and investigation work on territories of Dornod aimag affiliated with Chinggis Khaan history" in Khalkhgol sum of Dornod aimag on August 13-16, 2012.
Intensifying research work on places of Dornod aimag with historical significance, make the Khalkhgol sum as the region of historical tourism, taking foreign and Mongolian Mongolists on an organized tour in order to have them acquainted with places of the aimag that are mentioned in the "The Secret History of Mongols" and introducing results and reports of the research works to public are the main objectives of the conference that is being organized on the occasion of the 850th anniversary of the birth of Chinggis Khaan and 772nd anniversary of the writing of the "The Secret History of Mongols". Over 60 scientist, researchers, historians and anthropologists from "Hulunbuir" Institute of Hulunbuir city of Inner Mongolia, Siberian Branch of the Buryatia Academy of Sciences, South Korea, Institute of Language and Literature and Institute or Archeology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Association of Mongolian Young Scientists, Academy of Buryat Studies, National University of Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar Institute are attending the conference and delivering presentations, and holding discussions.
"Odon" TV channel of Inner Mongolia and KBS TV channel of South Korea are to broadcast the stages of the conference and are to prepare special TV programs.
The conference is distinctive from many others as it is being conducted as a field survey. Experienced field researchers who have been working on the particular site are delivering lectures and holding discussion at the field. Before the finishing of the conference the participant would visit the birth place of Burte Ujin - Chinggis Khaan's wife and place of the death of the great warrior Khuildar Baatar and would erect memorials at site besides, creating a new tourist route, introducing and promoting it to public accordingly.
---
"Mogi" Munkhdul Badral
Senior Client Manager / Executive Director
CPS International LLC
Telephone/Fax: +976-11-321326
Mobile: +976-99996779
Email: mogi@cpsinternational.mn
Website: www.cpsinternational.mn 
P Please consider the environment before printing a copy of this email.
Suite 1213 · Level 12 · 2 Sukhbaatar Square
Sukhbaatar District 8 · Ulaanbaatar 14200 · Mongolia
CPS International is a marketing arm of CPS Securities in Mongolia. CPS Securities is a Perth, Western Australia based AFSLicense Holder. To trade ASX and international stocks, feel free to contact me at mogi@cpsinternational.mn or +976-99996779.
Disclosure/Disclaimer
CPS Securities, its directors and employees advise that they may hold securities, may have an interest in and/or earn brokerage and other benefits or advantages, either directly or indirectly from client transactions mentioned in correspondence from CPS International.
CPS International advises this email contains general information only and does not include advice. In preparing this communication, CPS International did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. As with any speculative mining company there are significant risks.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete