Mining Insight, together with its Policy Council, successfully organized an expanded policy discussion titled “Economic Benefits of Mining Deposits” on May 25, 2026.
“The discussion focused on the potential economic, investment, and competitiveness impacts of the draft one-time legislation currently being developed by the Government of Mongolia concerning state ownership shares in strategically important mineral deposits and secondary deposits, as well as special regulations related to the National Wealth Fund.”
A key feature of the discussion was its broader approach to defining economic benefits from mining. Rather than limiting the debate to tax revenues alone, participants examined the overall structure of mining benefits, the investment environment, and the appropriate role of state participation in the sector.
The discussion covered several major themes, including:
• The concept of economic benefits from strategic and mining deposits
• Investor expectations and the competitiveness of Mongolia’s mining projects
• The current impact and future options regarding state ownership, royalties, and surtax royalties
Participants also exchanged views on whether state ownership issues related to the 16 strategic deposits approved under Parliament Resolution No. 27 of 2007, as well as 39 additional deposits under consideration for strategic status, could be replaced with a special royalty framework depending on the mineral type. Related risks and potential impacts were also discussed.
Around 20 participants attended the discussion, including investment and capital market specialists, economists, researchers, professional associations, and representatives of companies holding licenses for strategic deposits. Participants shared perspectives on how potential policy changes could affect Mongolia’s economic environment and investment attractiveness.
Organizers emphasized that the purpose of the discussion was to create an open, multi-stakeholder platform for constructive dialogue on mining policy issues and to deliver balanced, professional perspectives and recommendations to both decision-makers and the public.
