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Wednesday, September 2, 2015
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Headlines in Italic are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original
KCC closed -0.5c Tuesday to C$0.02
Kincora Copper keen on adding to portfolio
Kincora repeated it is also looking outside of Mongolia for near construction and production assets.
September 1 (Proactive Investors) Kincora Copper (CVE:KCC) is looking at new properties around its existing Bronze Fox property in Mongolia after the application process for the east of Mongolia re-opened last week.
The area includes territory within the hugely prolific Oyu Tolgoi copper belt where Rio Tinto recently opened one of the world's largest copper mines.
Kincora has focused on reducing costs further while it looks at ways to advance its existing Bronze Fox and Tourmaline Hills copper properties in Mongolia.
The explorer ended the half year to June with cash of C$1.42mln, enough for a year and surface exploration, including infill mapping and geochemistry, around both projects.
"The key objective for the 2015 field season will be refining discrete magnetic anomaly highs around the BFIC, including a series of large targets that cross or are adjacent to the eastern and western licence boundary, and undertaking magnetic modelling to refine potential drilling targets."
Kincora repeated it is also looking outside of Mongolia for near construction and production assets that would not otherwise be available at more favourable points in the commodity cycle.
Discussions with major shareholder Origo Partners regarding the settlement and/or extension of the US$2.5mln convertible note that is now due are continuing, it added.
The company posted a loss of C$194,000 (C$755,000) in the three months to June.
Announcement made after HK close. 1878 closed -3.96% Tuesday to HK$3.15, SGQ last traded 25 August
SouthGobi Resources Announces Appointments to Its Management Team and Board Committees
HONG KONG, CHINA--(Marketwired - Sept. 1, 2015) - SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (TSX: SGQ)(HKSE:1878) ("SouthGobi" or the "Company") today announces appointments to its management team and committees of the board of directors (the "Board") of the Company.
On September 1, 2015, the Board has made following appointments:
Mr. Aminbuhe (Mogi: Inner-Mongolian), a non-executive director of the Company, has been appointed as an executive director and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company effective immediately.
Mr. Yulan Guo, a director of Novel Sunrise Investments Limited and an executive director and Interim CEO of the Company, has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Company effective immediately.
Upon his appointment, Mr. Aminbuhe has said, "I'm honored to be appointed to lead SouthGobi. I would like to thank Mr. Yulan Guo for his leadership of the Company during this transition period and I'm confident that with him as CFO and our experienced directors, we will be a strong team to strengthen the Company's business performance and realize its operational potential."
Furthermore, the Board has made following appointments to its committees effective immediately. Ms. Jin Lan Quan, independent non-executive director of the Company, has joined the Audit Committee. Mr. Zhu Liu, independent non-executive director of the Company, has joined the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation and Benefits Committee and the Health, Environment, Safety and Social Responsibility Committee. Messrs. Aminbuhe and Yulan Guo have joined the Health, Environment, Safety and Social Responsibility Committee.
Related:
List of Directors and their Role and Function - SouthGobi Resources Ltd., September 1
PCY closed flat Tuesday at C$0.05
Prophecy Announces $2,000,000 Private Placement
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 1, 2015) - Prophecy Development Corp. ("Prophecy" or the "Company") (TSX:PCY)(OTCQX:PRPCF)(FRANKFURT:1P2) announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") involving the issuance of up to 40,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at a price of $0.05 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one Common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional Share at a price of $0.07 per Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance.
Company management and directors will subscribe for a minimum of $450,000, being the equivalent of 9,000,000 Units of the Placement. Subject to shareholder approval, the Company's creditor Linx Partners Ltd. has agreed to settle a portion of the debt owed to it by the Company under an existing Credit Facility Agreement as previously announced by the Company on March 27, 2015, and as amended on May 5, 2015, in the amount of $750,000 in exchange for 15,000,000 Units being issued to John Lee, the beneficial owner of Linx, and a director and officer of the Company.
Total cash proceeds of $1,250,000 is expected to be raised and used to develop Prophecy's mineral projects and for general working capital purposes.
The Warrants will be subject to the following acceleration conditions:
i. in the event that the closing price of the Shares trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") exceeds $0.15 per Common Share; or
ii. the closing spot price of silver as quoted by KITCO Metals Inc. exceeds USD$25.00 per ounce,
In either instance, for a period of over 30 consecutive calendar days, at Prophecy's election, the exercise period may be reduced in which case, Warrant holders will only be entitled to exercise their Warrants for a period of 30 days from the date the Company either disseminates a press release or sends written notice to the Warrant holders advising them of the reduced and accelerated exercise period after which, the Warrants will expire.
The Shares will be subject to a minimum hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issue. Finder's fees may be paid in either cash or Units, in certain instances in connection with the non-debt settlement portion of the Placement.
The Placement and payment of any finder's fees are subject to the approval of the TSX and other customary closing conditions.
EGI closed -5.53% Tuesday to US$0.27, TRQ closed -3.02% to US$2.89
Candente Copper Announces Execution of Definitive Royalty Agreements on Canariaco Project With Entree Gold Affiliate
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Sept. 1, 2015) - Candente Copper Corp. (TSX:DNT)(LMA:DNT) ("Candente Copper", or "Company") is pleased to announce the execution of definitive Royalty Agreements between two of the Company's subsidiaries and Exploraciones Apolo Resources S.A.C. ("Apolo"), an affiliate of Entrée Gold Inc. (TSX:ETG) ("Entrée"). Pursuant to these agreements, the Company has granted a royalty for a 0.5% net smelter return ("NSR") on its wholly-owned Cañariaco Copper Project in Peru, in exchange for the aggregate sum of US$500,000.
A total of US$150,000 has been received from Entrée to date, and the remainder is to be paid as registration of the Royalty Agreements in Peru progresses. Funds will be used for general corporate purposes and activities at the Cañariaco Project including community related activities.
The Cañariaco Copper Project is located in one of the world's most favorable mining jurisdictions. It is a high quality copper deposit that is projected to be a long life - low cost mining operation. "Candente is very pleased to be able to raise funds in a manner that minimizes dilution to our shareholders and appreciates Entrée's endorsement of the Cañariaco project," commented Joanne Freeze, CEO of Candente.
The Cañariaco Property includes the Cañariaco Norte deposit, Cañariaco Sur deposit, and Quebrada Verde porphyry prospect. In April 2011, the Company initiated a definitive Feasibility Study ("FS") of the Cañariaco Norte Project. In mid-2013, although well advanced and approximately 50% complete, the FS was put on hold due to the deterioration in investment climate for junior mining exploration companies. Since then, the Company has focused on maintaining a strong local community presence and facilitating development and job creation in the Lambayeque region of Northern Peru.
About Candente Copper
…
MSE News for Sep 1: Top 20 -0.18%, MSE ALL +0.03%, ₮7.4 Million Stocks, ₮ 10.8 Billion T-Bills
Ulaanbaatar, September 1 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Tuesday, a total of 120 thousand and 619 units of 25 JSCs were traded costing MNT 10 billion 846 million 009 thousand and 825.00.
"Remikon" /4,966 units/, "APU" /1,789 units/, "Merex" /780 units/, "Khokh gan" /250 units/ and "Genco tour bureau" /210 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "APU" (MNT five million and 904 thousand), "Gobi" (MNT 567 thousand and 020), "Remikon" (MNT 323 thousand and 790), "Aduunchuluun" (MNT 138 thousand and 220), and "Makh impex" (MNT 70 thousand and 400).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 265 billion 760 million 184 thousand and 732. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 12,866.31, decreasing 0.18% and the all index of MSE was 951.25, increasing 0.03% against the previous day.
MSE Approves Name Change of Mongolian Development Resources to Frontier Land Group
September 1 (MSE) According to the Resolution No.:206 of Financial Regulatory Commission of 2015, the Order No.: 256 of CEO of MSE, the legal name of "Mongolian development resources" JSC changed to the "Frontier land group" JSC on MSE's listing.
189 Out of 235 Stocks Have Filed Half-Year Financial Results So Far
September 1 (MSE) As of September 1, 2015 total of 235 joint stock companies listed at Mongolian Stock Exchange and Currently 189 Joint Stock Companies have submitted their 2015 half year financial reports.
Please click here to view financial statement of JSC.
₮10 Billion 12-Week 14% Discounted T-Bills Issued with ₮19.2 Billion Bids
September 1 (MSE) On 1 September 2015, the bond orders of 12 weeks Government bonds with 14.000% annual interest, placed on order book, and Ministry of Finance supplied 100,000 or MNT10.0 billion out of total order 192,022 pieces or MNT19.2 billion.
Bellow member brokerage companies participated in the bond trading as follows:
№ | Companies' name | Volume |
1 | Tenger Capital | 45,366 |
2 | Standard Investment | 20,279 |
3 | Golomt Securities | 19,845 |
4 | BDSec | 7,638 |
5 | Daewoo Securities Mongolia | 4,615 |
6 | Ard Capital Group | 1,021 |
7 | Altan Khoromsog | 909 |
8 | Darkhan Broker | 100 |
9 | Zerged | 100 |
10 | АСЕ and Т | 85 |
11 | Gauli Securities | 42 |
| Total | 100,00 |
BoM MNT Rates: Tuesday, September 1 Close
| | 9/1 | 8/31 | 8/28 | 8/27 | 8/26 | 8/25 | 8/24 | 8/21 | 8/20 | 8/19 | 8/18 | 8/17 | 8/14 | 8/13 |
| USD | 1,992.17 | 1,991.49 | 1,991.88 | 1,992.18 | 1,992.65 | 1,990.56 | 1,989.59 | 1,992.69 | 1,991.89 | 1,993.22 | 1,991.57 | 1,992.93 | 1,992.16 | 1,991.18 |
| EUR | 2,248.06 | 2,235.75 | 2,243.75 | 2,256.74 | 2,290.55 | 2,302.28 | 2,281.36 | 2,248.05 | 2,218.27 | 2,205.60 | 2,205.76 | 2,211.75 | 2,223.45 | 2,213.59 |
| CNY | 312.72 | 312.18 | 311.57 | 311.03 | 310.70 | 310.32 | 311.11 | 311.63 | 311.44 | 311.48 | 311.16 | 311.65 | 311.28 | 310.30 |
| GBP | 3,067.94 | 3,071.67 | 3,069.89 | 3,085.79 | 3,126.97 | 3,139.31 | 3,110.72 | 3,131.01 | 3,123.48 | 3,124.27 | 3,101.07 | 3,122.62 | 3,109.46 | 3,109.82 |
| RUB | 30.65 | 30.11 | 30.33 | 29.31 | 29.08 | 28.05 | 28.44 | 29.26 | 29.74 | 30.19 | 30.27 | 30.49 | 30.67 | 31.18 |
Bank rates at time of sending: TDB (Buy ₮1,987 Sell ₮1,997), Khan (Buy ₮1,984 Sell ₮1,994), Golomt (Buy ₮1,984 Sell ₮1,994), XacBank (Buy ₮1,984 Sell ₮1,994), State Bank (Buy ₮1,985 Sell ₮1,994)
MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:
Mogi: no English version was published on the day
BoM sells US$4m at ₮1,985.5, CNY90m at ₮309, accepts $64.6m MNT, $5m USD swap offers
September 1 (Cover Mongolia) Bank of Mongolia received bids for US$10.2 million at ₮1987.20-₮1990.10, CNY 114.5 million at ₮308.20-310.50.
Link to release (in Mongolian)
Cabinet approves rules on implementing tax amnesty, deadline 31 December
September 1 (gogo.mn) Cabinet session was held yesterday on August 31st and made introductions of the regulations related with implementation of the Law to Support Economic Transparency.
On August 7th State Great Khural approved the Law to Support Economic Transparency which states one time pardoning of the citizens and entities from the taxes evaded and legal responsibilities to those who voluntarily will report:
- hidden revenues or assets registered under another name both movable and immovable at the taxation,
- customs declaration and
- other registration authorities.
The Law to Support Economic Trasparency is to be implemented for four months and to be effective until 12AM of December 31st, which implies the timely implementation of the law.
Legal assistance will be provided to the citizens and entities which will be available at the state financial, taxation, customs, state registration and social welfare entities.
The assistance will be given by officers with special training and who will provide non-disclosure guarantees as the information and data to be collected as stated above are categorized as sensitive and not be disclosed.
Online registration of the property and assets previously hidden or registered under different name is to be conducted 24/7 until 12AM of December 31st. Physical applications also to be received at designated spots to be announced later.
WHAT IS FORBIDDEN BY THE REGULATION?
It is forbidden to open criminal or administrative case based on the revealed information and it the data collected should not be disclosed and forbids to:
- initiate investigation
- use the data as evidence
- probe once the data collected was received and registered call as witness.
Also it is forbidden to request for more data and information other than that was submitted and registered.
The period of non-disclosure of the collected data is unknown yet and the same goes with the measures and actions to be taken for officials in case of disclosure of the sensitive data.
Monitoring on the implementation of the law is to be supervised by Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Population Development and Social Welfare, Taxation Authority, Customs Autority, State Registration Office and Social Welfare Authority. Regulations take effect after 7-14 days of approval and should be made public afterwards.
The law was initiated by the cabinet under the leadership of former Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag and is to be implemented within the year 2015, implying the results to be visible by early 2016.
The issue of the deputy ministers was not discussed during the cabinet meeting held yesterday.
Cabinet Appoints Inspector-General for State Procurement
Ulaanbaatar, September 1 (MONTSAME) …
The directives will be approved by the Premier.
- The State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Kh.Gantsogt was appointed as the general inspector of the Procurement Office.
…
Mogi: one contractor for 72 schools?
Concession Approved to Built 72 Kindergartens and Schools
Ulaanbaatar, September 1 (MONTSAME) By a cabinet decision made on Monday, the Investment Authority was authorized to establish a new concession contract with the "Top International Engineering Mongolia" LLC for erecting kindergartens and primary schools.
The concession contract will be implemented in a type of build-and-transfer, and an obligation was given to D.Erdenebat, the Minister of Industry to manage the contract establishment process in accordance with the related laws.
Relevant governors have been ordered to resolve land issues for constructing the kindergartens and primary schools, while the Minister of Labor was obliged to import high-skilled professionals and labor force for building the 72 kindergartens and schools, and to give to them the employment permission.
On February 18 of this year, the government established a concession contract the "Rich Golden Bulls Education" LLC on the construction of kindergartens, but the contract was terminated because the concessionaire did not realize clauses of the document. So, the "Top International Engineering Mongolia" LLC has been selected to perform the construction works.
Minister Burmaa works in harvest regions as crops fall short
September 1 (infomongolia.com) This year, Mongolia has planted grain, wheat, potatoes and other vegetables in 512.3 thousand hectares of land. Mongolia should harvest 265.0 thousand tons of grain, 252.3 thousand tons of wheat, 117.3 thousand tons of potatoes, 75.3 thousand tons of vegetables, 28.7 thousand tons of oilseeds and 53.9 thousand tons of fodder according to preliminary crop balance.
In summer, weather in agricultural regions of Mongolia was cool with less rainfall on May but later day and night temperature fluctuation increased on June leading to drought. In particular, during the time when crops are extremely vulnerable to humidity, June 10 and July 08, the air temperature was 34-33°C and land surface temperature 60-64 Celsius. Therefore, 18-27 days overheating has adversely affected the growth of crops.
Due unforeseen weather conditions, Mongolia has lost wheat crop in 49.9 thousand hectares and as 32.5 thousand hectares field was passed to fodder plantation, only 77.1% of total cultivated field of wheat can be harvested. It is 53.7% of total planned wheat crop which can supply 58.2% of annual flour usage of Mongolia.
In response to current situation, Minister of Food and Agriculture R.Burmaa and other officials worked in central agricultural regions of Selenge and Orkhon aimags to get familiarized with the situation and intensify harvesting work.
Construction to connect Narny Road with south of Peace Bridge at final stages
September 1 (gogo.mn) Capital City officials are getting acquainted with the road construction every year at the end of August just before the start of the new school year.
1.5 km long new roads to connect Narnii Road with 19th micro district are being constructed with the aim to decrease the traffic load of the city. On August 31st Capital City Governor E.Bat-Uul with other city officials have acquainted with the road construction progress.
From the photos it is evident that the road construction is almost at the final stages and it took three weeks to do so much progress. Construction works are to be finished by October 1st, the date when the road will be transferred to the municipality for use.
Two way road is being constructed at tunnel located under the railway in front of National Amusement Park and which will be connected with back road of Apartment KH town under the Peace Bridge from the South and will be connected with National Amusement Park`s intersection from the North.
Moreover, the road will pass under the Peace Bridge and to be connected with Narnii Bridge.
According to the O.Naranbaatar, CEO of Och Naran LLC the contractor of the construction, the bridge is 50 m long with 22 m road going underneath with the width of 7 m and the construction is at 55 percent.
As the tunnel height is only 2.3 m the road is accessible only for sedans and suvs. Moreover, the project provides with pedestrian and lighting as well.
The total budget is MNT 4.3 billion, which is being funded by the Capital City.
Previous report on the construction of this road can be accessed here.
Foreign Minister to visit Norway, Sweden on September 14-16
Ulaanbaatar, September 1 (MONTSAME) At its meeting on Monday, the cabinet discussed draft directives for the Mongolian side to be implemented during an upcoming official visit of the Foreign Minister to be paid to Norway on September 14 and a participation in the 20th anniversary's events for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) to be held on September 15-16 in Stockholm, Sweden.
The directives will be approved by the Premier.
…
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren gave a report to the cabinet on results of the meeting of the Mongolia-Belarus intergovernmental commission for the trade, economy, science and technical cooperation, held in June 2015. In conjunction with this, an order was given to G.Baigalmaa, the Vice Minister of Construction and Urban Development and chair of the intergovernmental commission for the Mongolian side, to approve a list of works to be done in line of the meeting.
Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel Travels to Burma, China, and Mongolia
August 31 (State Department) From September 3-5, Assistant Secretary Russel will travel to Naypyidaw and Rangoon, Burma to meet with senior Burmese government officials, Aung San Suu Kyi, and civil society. While there, he will discuss preparations for the general elections that will be held on November 8, express U.S. support for the ongoing peace process, and encourage further progress on human rights issues.
Assistant Secretary Russel will be in Beijing from September 6-8. In Beijing, the Assistant Secretary will meet senior Chinese officials to discuss a range of issues of importance to the bilateral relationship.
From September 8-9 Assistant Secretary Russel will travel to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for annual bilateral consultations. During his trip, the Assistant Secretary will meet with senior officials in order to strengthen our close partnership, and to congratulate Mongolia on its 25th anniversary of democracy.
For updates, follow the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs (EAP) on Twitter, at @USAsiaPacific.
For more information about EAP, please visit our website: http://www.state.gov/p/eap/.
Speaker Z.Enkhbold Attending IV World Conference of Speakers of Parliament
September 1 (parliament.mn) On August 31, 2015, Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) Z.Enkhbold has attended in the opening ceremony of the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, U.S.A.
…
During the IV World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliament of Mongolia Z.Enkhbold held a meeting with Speaker of the Bundestag, Germany, N.Lammert by exchanging views on current ongoing events as well as inter-parliamentary issues of the two countries.
Speaker of the Parliament, Mongolia, Z.Enkhbold will be delivering a speech at the Plenary sitting Two themed "Challenges facing parliaments today" to take place at General Assembly Hall on September 1, 2015, (GMT -4).
Speaker Z.Enkhbold is accompanied with two members of parliament and during the IV World Conference, MP Su.Batbold will be attending the Panel discussion themed "Parliamentary oversight: Challenges and opportunities", where MP Ts.Oyungerel at the Panel discussion themed "Translating the SDGs into action".
Turkish Embassy hosts reception to mark 93rd anniversary of independence
September 1 (infomongolia.com) To commemorate the occasion of the 93rd Anniversary of the Greatest Victory of the War of Liberation (Turkish War of Independence) that was won by Turkish armies under the command of Ghazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha, Ambassador Murat Karagoz hosted last night a Reception, at the Residence.
The Victory Day reception, which is organized first time in Ulaanbaatar was attended by Mr. Ts.Tsolmon, Minister of Defense of Mongolia, who is also chairing the Turkish-Mongolian Joint Economic Commission, along with representatives from Embassies and Mongolian army.
At his speech, Minister Ts.Tsolmon underlined the importance of "enhanced partnership" between Mongolia and Turkey. He also mentioned that it is a great source of satisfaction for the people and government of Mongolia that political, military, economic, cultural and social ties are growing between both countries.
Ambassador Murat Karagoz stressed the importance of the Victory Day for Turkish people and informed the audience that Office of Military Attache assumed its functions as of August within the Embassy. Defense Minister Ts.Tsolmon decorated Turkish Ambassador Karagoz with the 70th Anniversary Victory Medal for his valuable contribution to the Turkish-Mongolian defense relations.
During the Reception a video film about the Turkish armed forces was shown to the guests.
With the War of Liberation Turks were able to preserve a significant part of the territories within the boundaries of the new state, the Republic of Turkey. Thus, August 30, is commemorated as the Victory Day in Turkey.
Related:
Military Attaché Office Opens at Embassy of Turkey – Montsame, September 1
Prosecutor General Attends 13th Meeting of General Prosecutors of SCO Members
August 31 (infomongolia.com) 13th Meeting of General Prosecutors of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States took place in Astana, Kazakhstan on August 27, 2015. Mongolian delegation headed by Prosecutor General of Mongolia and Chief State Law Advisor, Mr. M.Enkh-Amgalan has attended the meeting.
Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Askhat Daulbayev; Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Cao Jianming; Prosecutor General of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Indira Dzholdubaeva; Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, Mr. Yury Chaika; Prosecutor General of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Yusuf Rahmon; Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ihtiyor Abdullayev, and SCO Secretary-General, Mr. Dmitry Mezentsev have delivered a speech at the meeting.
In addition, Prosecutor General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mr. Noor Habib Jalal; Prosecutor General of the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Alexander Konyuk; Attorney General of the Republic of India, Mr. Mukul Rohatgi; Deputy Prosecutor General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Naseer Ahmed Bhutta were present at the meeting as observers of the SCO.
At the meeting, General Prosecutor Offices of Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan have signed the cooperation agreement. The meeting aimed to share and discuss experience in fighting against drug trafficking and other types of cross-border crimes among the SCO member states.
Mongolia to Host Int'l Seminar on Its Nuclear Weapon-Free Status
Ulaanbaatar, September 1 (MONTSAME) The government of Mongolia will co-organize a seminar themed "Propagandizing the Mongolia's nuclear weapon-free status" on September 3-4 together with its counterpart of the Philippines.
To be held at a level of experts for exchanging experiences, the forthcoming seminar will bring together officials from countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in charge of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, disarmament and regional security affairs.
Mongolia in for double whammy: drought now, 'dzud' next
ULAANBAATAR | BY TERRENCE EDWARDS
September 1 (Reuters) Balchig Baljinnyam, a small-time farmer in central Mongolia, is busy building a shelter for his dairy cows ahead of what is expected to be the most brutal winter in years. A summer drought has already cut traditional sources of fodder for his herd.
It will be a double whammy for Mongolia this year. Its mining sector, which accounts for 17 percent of the economy, is in shambles due to weak commodity prices. Now the farm sector is in trouble. The drought has wiped out up to 80 percent of its wheat crop and up next could be the worst winter in six years.
Mass animal deaths due to a freezing winter, locally known as a "dzud", in a predominantly pastoral country would only make a bad situation worse. In 2009-2010, Mongolia lost 20 percent of its livestock to the dzud, the World Bank estimates.
"It's not a drought, it's a catastrophe," said Davjigbold Ariunbold, the owner of a farm around 110 kilometers (68 miles) southwest of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, near Baljinnyam's setup.
At least 40 percent of the wheat crop on the farm has died, but the extent of the damage will be clear during the September harvest, added Ariunbold, pointing to his fields where the crop was limping at about ankle high. His next worry is the dzud.
Usually, a dzud is likely to occur when a harsh winter follows a very dry summer.
Erdene-Ochir Badarch, an operations officer at the World Bank in Ulaanbaatar, said there was a high chance of a dzud after the severe drought this year. "In the north and east there is a high possibility," he said.
The Mongolian government has promised to ban wheat and meat exports from September before winter sets in to ensure domestic supplies. It has also said it will import wheat from Russia for flour and animal fodder.
These efforts, however, may not be enough to offset the damage to grazing pastures, forcing some herders to cull their livestock or risk not having enough fodder to feed the animals.
"They're ready to face a harsh winter. Some of them will choose to slaughter," Badarch said.
AT THE MERCY OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Mongolia blames the severe disruption in its weather on climate change caused by high global greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite being a low emitter, the landlocked country has seen temperatures rise 2.14 degrees Celsius over the last seven decades, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme, three times faster than the global average.
Home to tens of thousands of semi-nomadic people, Mongolia said in a submission to the United Nations in 2010 that climate change would have "a direct and dramatic effect on almost all sectors of the national economy and all spheres of social life".
This year, locals, already reeling from crop damage and a drop in mining profits given lower copper and coal prices, are worried that an oversupply of meat due to dzud would drive down prices and further cripple their incomes.
"Financially, it's getting really hard for the farmers," said the farmer Baljinnyam. "They have to build a shelter for their cattle but can't do so themselves."
Many farmers are counting on the government to prevent disruptions in wheat supply and to buy meat for the reserves it keeps for when prices get too high on tight supply.
"A dzud is not just only a natural hazard; it's a natural and socio-economic hazard," said Sodov Khudulmur, interim director at the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment.
Report: Mining and traditional livelihoods in a changing climate in Mongolia
August 31 (Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining) In 2014, CSRM implemented a project, funded by the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research, to identify risks from climatic changes for Mongolia's two primary economic sectors – mining and herding and build in-situ capacity in these sectors to adapt to changing conditions with a view to reducing the resulting loss and damage (L+D) through both incremental and transformative changes. By bringing together these key economic enterprises, the project aimed to highlight that despite being in conflict in the past over access to environmental resources such as land and water, there is much scope for drawing out synergies between the two sectors in relation to exchanging resources, knowledge and skills.
The project undertook workshops to bring together multiple stakeholders to not only take stock of current knowledge, resources and instruments available to deal with climatic disasters but also address their concerns including current and potential risks from climate change, stakeholder priorities and knowledge gaps in relation to building resilience to natural disasters and strategies for developing practical implementation and partnership-building plans, going forward into the future.
The report for the project is downloadable from the following link http://www.apn-gcr.org/resources/items/show/1938
More information on the project outcomes in Mongolian is available on our collaborator's website www.civicsolutions.mn
Mongolia adopts national strategy to reduce salt consumption
September 1 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian government has adopted national strategy for reducing salt intake throughout country. Minister of Health and Sports G.Shiilegdamba and Minister of Food and Agriculture R.Burmaa were assigned to provide citizens with required information regarding the strategy, the program will be implemented through collaboration with government and non-government organizations.
In 2010, World Health Organization (WHO) has discovered that reducing daily salt intake by 5 grams helps to reduce chance of blood strike by 24%, cardiovascular diseases by 18% and possible to reduce mortality caused by non-communicable diseases. Within its goal to reduce salt intake in all countries by 30% by 2025, WHO recommends its member countries to reduce amount of daily salt intake.
Mongolians use 11.1 grams salt daily, in western parts of Mongolia it is 15.6 grams. This is twice higher than 5 grams per day salt intake recommended by WHO. 81.6% of common food products used in Mongolia and 83.6% of foods consumed daily is considered as salty according to international standards.
Therefore the Government of Mongolia will implement the recommendation of WHO to reduce salt intake by 30% by 2025. The national strategy to reduce salt intake will help to reduce disease related with salt overdose also it may positively affect Mongolian economy.
Related:
Nat'l Strategy to Be Implemented for Reducing Salt Consumption – Montsame, September 1
Mongolia introducing military training programs in all universities
September 1 (news.mn) The Ministry of Defense project "Establishing the Military Departments in Universities" is part of the 2012-2016 Government Program. The first higher-education institution to implement this project has been the "Mongolian National University" which concluded a co-operation memorandum with the Ministry of Defense on 28th August 2015. Major General Z.Boldbaatar, representing the Ministry of Defense, and the head of the "Mongolian National University" board, L.Munkhbat signed the memorandum. Within the framework of memorandum, "Elementary Military Training" will be taught to all students. Another project, entitled "Training Officer" will be available for specific students.
Mongolia conducting census of tangible monuments, 119 counted so far
September 1 (news.mn) The Minister of Education Culture and Science has authorized a "Census of the Tangible Monuments", in which connection a working team was established. The team, consisting of 17 experts has worked in the following Khentii Province soums, namely: Argalant, Ugtaaltsaidam, Bornuur, Jargalant, and Sumber for 6 days from 19th August. The census registered 246 ancient objects and 12 monuments. To date, the working team has registered a total of 119 monuments from the territory of 21 the following soums: Altanbulag, Baynchandmani, Mungunmorit, Bayandelger, Erdene, Arhust, Bayanjargalan, Bayan, Bayantsagaan, Bayan-Onjuul, Sergelen, Buren, Delgerkhaan, Erdenesant, Undur-Shireet, and Lun.
Elbegdorj lecture on first day of school: Be kind to achieve success
September 1 (gogo.mn) President of Mongolian Elbegdorj Tsakhia delivered first lecture on a first day of new school year 2015-2016 under the theme Right mind, Right fate. Since the inauguration for the post of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj has been delivering the first lecture on a first day of school year and this year the seventh event was broadcasted through MNB, UBS, Mongol HD and MNC channels nationwide.
The class was attended by L.Gantumur, Minister of Education, Culture and Science and students of Mongene Complex School, 33th school with major in chemistry and 45th school together with their teachers.
The lecture started with inviting of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to the classroom and singing the national anthem. The seventh lecture of a President can be viewed below:
Related:
Today is September 1st! – GoGo Mongolia, September 1
Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg attends New School Year at 33rd school – GoGo Mongolia, September 1
G.Iderkhuu awarded Asian wrestling bronze after silver medalist fails doping test
September 1 (news.mn) The "Asian Wrestling Championship-2015" took place on 6th-9th May 2015 in Doha, Qatar. The silver medal winner of the male 70kg rank, Zelimkhan Yusupov of Tajikistan had his medal confiscated because of the detection of banned drug use. Because this changes the results, "United World Wrestling" (UWW) decided to reimburse bronze medal winner Elaman Dogdurbek Uulu with a silver medal, and Mongolian wrestler G.Iderkhuu with a bronze. Also, UWW decided to ban Zelimkhan Yusupov for four years, until 14th July 2019.
Mongolia hosts Irkutsk, North Korea basketball teams for Chinggis Khaan Cup 2015
September 1 (news.mn) The Mongolian Basketball Federation organized "Chinggis Khaan Cup-2015" international basketball competition for the first time – this has proved to be a great success. The competition took a place from 26th-30th August in Ulaanbaatar. Four Mongolian leading teams as well as top teams from the Russian town of Irkutsk and North Korea participated in the event. The Mongolian National Top team distinguished itself as the champion, North Korea took second place and the Mongolian Second Team took third.
World Youth Chess Olympiad Held in Mongolia with Iran Claiming Gold
September 1 (infomongolia.com) The 2015 World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad was held on August 19-29, 2015 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It is first time Mongolia hosts World Youth Chess Olympiad.
In 2015's Olympiad, Iranian team won first place, third place winner of 2014 Youth Olympiad, and teams of India, Russia, Hungary and China took following places. As Mongolia is a hosting country, 11 teams participated in the Olympiad and only two teams could take 9th and 10th places. It is a record for Mongolia.
FIDE (World Chess Federation) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and Asian Chess Federation (ACF) President, Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nehyan paid visit to Mongolia during the Olympiad.
Within World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad, FIDE Senior Trainer and Chess International Master Vladimir Grabinsky and Chess Grand Master and former Women's World Chess Champion Antoaneta Stefanova have given seminar to members of Mongolian Chess Federation on August 22-24 at Chinggis Khaan Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia hosts East Asian Special Olympics executive council meeting
September 1 (gogo.mn) Executive Council meeting of the East Asian Special Olympics is taking place in Mongolia during September 1-3rd.
The International Executive Council meeting is attended by Janet Froetscher, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics, Marc Edenzon, Chief of Global Programming, Mary Gu, Regional President & Managing Director, East Asia and representatives of the organization from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea and Mongolia.
Mongolian Special Olympics committee has been established in April of 2013 and serves more Mongolian athletes with intellectual disabilities working with volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing and with assistance of the East Asian Special Olympics Committee training programs both domestically and internationally are being attended by Mongolian athletes.
During the last Special Olympics held in Los Angeles, USA during the last summer Mongolian athletes won 4 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 4 bronze medals and 3 prizes.
Serial Wedders to Hit Mongolia Next for 13th Wedding
September 1 (gogo.mn) Karl Fix likes to joke that his wife can't divorce him because no lawyer in the country could dissolve all of their marriages.
Since 2004, Fix and his wife, Sandy Beug, have tied the knot 12 times in 11 countries.
From Las Vegas to Timbuktu, each time the couple tries to embrace new cultural or religious rituals. Their most recent ceremony took place just over a week ago on a ship off the coast of Greenland.
It has been confirmed that their next wedding destination is Mongolia and the couple is to hit Wedding Palace in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on September 7th. The couple is to be assisted by Goyo Travel Agency during their stay in Mongolia and wedding ceremony.
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