Mongolian
Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar has instructed the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority to revoke the exploration license of Tugrug Nuur Energy LLC, the holder of the Tugrugnuur coal deposit in Bayan soum, Tuv aimag, citing violations under Article 56.1.8 of the Minerals Law.
Although the company completed a feasibility study and defined production capacity, it failed to submit the required applications and sign agreements within the legal timeframe. The Prime Minister also tasked Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G.Damdinnyam with preparing a proposal to designate Tugrugnuur as a strategically important deposit and submit it to the Cabinet by September 2025.
The Tugrugnuur deposit, spanning 20–30 square kilometers, is considered one of Mongolia’s largest coal reserves, with studies estimating up to 3 billion tons of lignite. The site was initially explored between 1951 and 1986 using state funds. The Independent Authority Against Corruption is investigating allegations that a former Member of Parliament abused his position to obtain the license before selling the company to a foreign-invested entity for profit, possibly involving money laundering.
Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar stressed the deposit’s national importance as a funding source for the Future Heritage Fund and National Sovereign Wealth Fund. He called for transferring revoked licenses to national enterprises, expediting development, and ensuring the deposit’s benefits are directed toward public wealth.
