Mongolia Online / Tamir / All

Teen wins award for Mongolian adventure

Tamir — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:34:55 -0400

When Angus Paradice was 11, he went to the Nadaam festival in Mongolia two years ago on a family holiday and watched the traditional horse racing for children, thinking: ''I could do that.''

Back at home in Scone, north-west of Newcastle, he trained for nine months, riding his horse 22 kilometres home from school if it was fine and jogging if it rained. He did 40 push-ups and sit-ups a day.

The following year he returned and became the first foreigner to compete in the cross-country races.

2 Vote(s)

Mongolia Formulate State Policy on Uranium Reserve

Tamir — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:12:02 -0400

Mongolia has formulated its state policy over exploration and exploitation of its uranium reserve, which is believed to shelter six percent of world’s total, S.Enkhbat, Chief of the Mongolian Nuclear Energy Authority, briefed at the 53rd IAEA General Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland on September 16.

3 Vote(s)

MONGOLIA: HERDERS MOVE WITH THE SEASONS

Tamir — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:05:24 -0400

At this time of year the summer pastures in the Altay Mountains in western Mongolia are strewn with belongings, and there’s a steady trickle of baggage-laden camels, yaks and horses down the slopes. Fall is fast approaching, and the Mongol and Kazakh herders who inhabit this land of craggy peaks, wide valleys and silver blue lakes are on the move, heading for lower pastures until winter sets in. Then they’ll be migrating again: these herders move four times a year, each season shifting to the places their nomadic forefathers have inhabited for generations.

2 Vote(s)

Mongolia stages 'world's longest horse race'

Tamir — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:17:50 -0400

The international group of riders pounded 860 kilometres (530 miles) across the Asian country's vast grasslands in the 10-day Mongol Derby, which organisers call the world's longest horse race.

The Adventurists, a Britain-based organisation that dreamed up the derby, designed the race as a way to promote Mongolian tradition and culture -- while raising money for charity.

3 Vote(s)

Zoo's quarters add up in helping Mongolia's snow leopards

Tamir — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:25:07 -0400

Funds raised one quarter at a time in Colorado Springs are helping to protect endangered snow leopards in distant Mongolia.

Under the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Quarters for Conservation program, which is in its second year, a quarter from each admission- or $2.50 from each family membership - goes to wildlife conservation. Visitors receive a token to vote for their favorite program among those represented in a display in the zoo's entry plaza, thus determining the percentage of funding each gets. The top vote-getter in the first year: the snow leopard, with more than $14,000 raised.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolian Dukha Reindeer Herders Face Threat to Existence - ABC News

Tamir — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:21:53 -0400

Deep in the Larch Forests of Northern Mongolia lives a tiny tribe of people known as the Dukha. For more than 3,000 years they have survived as nomads, moving camp 10 times a year across the mountains. Their existence is pinned on one animal: the reindeer. But their unique way of life now hangs in the balance.

4 Vote(s)

Russia and Mongolia sign uranium deal, settle debt

Tamir — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:26:47 -0400

Russia and Mongolia agreed on Tuesday to launch a uranium mining venture after settling a $150 million debt that will allow the Soviet-era allies to proceed with other projects in infrastructure and farming.

State-owned firms from both countries formed a joint venture to develop the Dornod uranium field in Mongolia's northeast.

The Russian-Mongolian joint venture comes during a visit by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

4 Vote(s)

Riding high on Mongolian tradition

Tamir — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:17:42 -0400

A story about the horse training and preparations for the annual Naadam festival that appeared in the Washington Times, gives a glimpse at centuries-old tradition of nomadic Mongolians.

2 Vote(s)

Mercy Corps' Mongolian horse race draws opposition from equestrian groups

Tamir — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:51:38 -0400

The article sheds light on the controversy that surrounds the much hyped event of the year, so called "longest horse race in the world" and Mercy Corp's involvement in it.

Check the comments, especially the one that is posted by a reader signed in as Genk on 06/30/09 at 7:09AM

Again, didn't realise, how controversial the whole event was till I read the article.

3 Vote(s)

Charity rider saddled up for Mongolia's vast land

Tamir — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:09:04 -0400

Eastbourne rider Jeannine Williamson has completed her fourth overseas charity ride to raise money for the Brooke Hospital for Animals.

She was one of 27 riders from around the UK who followed in the hoof prints of Genghis Khan on the charity's 200km trek and camping trip across the vast plains and remote valleys of the Khangai Mountains in Mongolia.

2 Vote(s)

China, Mongolia to hold joint peacekeeping exercise

Tamir — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:47:04 -0400

The military forces of China and Mongolia are to launch a joint peacekeeping exercise Friday in the Beijing area, the Information Office of China's Defense Ministry said in a press release.

Coded "Peacekeeping Mission-2009", the exercise will be the first joint peacekeeping exercise China has held with another country, as well as the first joint military training between China and Mongolia.

4 Vote(s)

IMF approves $39.4 mln disbursement to Mongolia

Tamir — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:33:28 -0400

The International Monetary Fund approved a $39.4 million disbursement to Mongolia and said implementation of the IMF-backed economic program had helped stabilize the economy.

4 Vote(s)

Ivanhoe Continues Talks With Mongolia on Mining Deal

Tamir — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:01:14 -0400

Representatives of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd.'s $3 billion Oyu Tolgoi project in Mongolia have held talks with the government there for the past two weeks to forge an investment agreement, but there is no clear timetable for progress.

Resources companies have been awaiting a solid investment framework for years to mine Mongolia's copper, gold, coal and uranium riches. Talks to forge an investment deal dragged particularly after Mongolia's government in 2006 announced it would seek a stake of up to 50% in strategic mining projects, as well as imposing a windfall tax on company profits from copper and gold production.

4 Vote(s)

Centerra Gold's Boroo Mine operating licence in Mongolia suspended for up to three months

Tamir — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:10:24 -0400

Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX:CG) says its operating licence for the Boroo Mine in Mongolia has been suspended for up to three months after a report from a government inspection agency that visited the Boroo minesite.

The suspension comes a few weeks after unionized workers at the mine stopped work and demanded more money. Centerra said Friday the three-month suspension is related to operating issues such as record keeping, incorrect land use, and improper operating procedures.

"The company is working closely with the authorities to understand the issues and to resolve these issues in a timely manner," the Toronto gold miner said in a release.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia offers to help U.S. with N. Korea

Tamir — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:59:12 -0400

Mongolia has offered to mediate between the United States and North Korea because of its good ties with both countries, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has expressed interest, Mongolian Foreign Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold said.

4 Vote(s)

MONGOLIA: RUSSIA NIXES US DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR ULAANBAATAR

Tamir — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:34:13 -0400

Mongolia is accepting Russian demands to refuse US government funding for a railroad project and will ask the United States to redirect the funding to another project, the country's foreign minister said during a visit to Washington.

Under the Millennium Challenge Corporation aid program, which rewards countries that liberalize their political and economic systems, Mongolia is set to receive $188 million in US funding to modernize its aging rail infrastructure. Russia, however, has objected to Mongolia taking the funding.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia, US talk on redirecting aid

Tamir — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:06 -0400

Mongolia's foreign minister met with top US officials Tuesday on redirecting nearly 200 million dollars in aid after Russia vetoed US help to improve the rail network.

Foreign Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold held talks with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who offered full support to the young democracy which shook off communism in a peaceful 1990 revolution.

3 Vote(s)

UN envoy to Liberia honours Mongolian peacekeepers in Sierra Leone

Tamir — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:49:51 -0400

8 June 2009 - The top United Nations envoy to Liberia today paid tribute to the Mongolian blue helmets, tasked with protecting the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL), for their efforts to promote peacebuilding in West Africa.

"Mongolian peacekeepers have acquired a reputation for bringing exceptional discipline to peacekeeping operations, an international outlook and an ever-ready approach to their tasks, regardless of the environment they find themselves in," said Ellen Margrethe Løj, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

3 Vote(s)

Kiwi will risk life and limb in world's toughest horse race to provide homes for Mongolian kids

Tamir — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 01:30:50 -0400

A New Zealander living in Perth who says he is not a good rider will hop on different horses to compete in the world's longest and toughest horse race, over 1000km across Mongolia later this year in the inaugural Mongol Derby.

Dave Murray, formerly of Tekapo, will be one of 25 riders from nine countries to race across the Mongolian plains from August 22, each of them changing horses every 40km.

Murray, 29, will raise funds to go toward the official charity Mercy Corps to support nomadic families and herders across Mongolia.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia fiscal target on track

Tamir — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:52:03 -0400

Mongolia is on track to meet its end of year fiscal target but the authorities will need to maintain expenditure controls, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday.

In a statement, the IMF said Mongolia had so far successfully implemented its $229.2 million IMF program since April and a staff mission would recommend disbursement of the next tranche of $40 million under the loan.

3 Vote(s)

Medvedev’s congratulation address to new Mongolian president

Tamir — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:37:30 -0400

MOSCOW, June 5 (Itar-Tass) - President Dmitry Medvedev hopes that his first meeting with the newly elected President of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, will be held in Yekaterinburg this June. He expressed this hope in his congratulation address to the new Mongolian head of state, the Kremlin press service reported on Friday.

The document says in part: "I am sure that Mongolia's policy to consolidate its strategic partnership and good-neighbour relations with Russia will be further promoted under your leadership.

"I am prepared to establish working business contacts with you. I invite you to take part in the meeting of the SCO heads of state and of observer nations, and also in the plenary meeting of the Organisation, which is to be held within the framework of the SCO Summit (at Yekaterinburg from June 15-16, 2009). I believe we shall have an opportunity to arrange our first personal meeting at Yekaterinburg.

"We are attaching great importance to the forthcoming 70th anniversary of our joint victory at Khalkin-Gol. I am sure that we shall befittingly mark this memorable date in the history of the relations between our two countries," the document says.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolian Foreign Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar to Speak at Hudson Institute on Eve of Meeting with Secretary Clinton

Tamir — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:48:25 -0400

WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Prior to Mongolian Foreign Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar's meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Hudson Institute will host a forum on June 8 for his presentation on Mongolia's evolving relations with China and Russia, and its "third neighbor" relations with the U.S. and Japan.

Once a nation as isolated as North Korea, today Mongolia has democracy, a market economy, and a rising international profile, in part thanks to an active third neighbor policy that seeks to broaden international ties to Western democracies.

In 2005, President George W. Bush became the first American president to visit Mongolia. Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin, just concluded a visit to Mongolia a country many Russians still view as a part of their sphere of influence to sign numerous trade, investment, and energy agreements.

When: Monday, June 8, 2009, 4:00 to 5:30 PM
Where: Betsy and Walter Stern Conference Center
Hudson Institute
1015 15th Street, NW, 6th Floor
Washington, DC 20005

2 Vote(s)

Russia boosts Mongolia ties

Tamir — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:45:05 -0400

The Kremlin has reiterated its pledges to implement sizable infrastructure development projects in Mongolia in an attempt to boost bilateral economic ties. Last month, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia, urging the country to create new major joint ventures and develop agricultural cooperation. He also stated that both countries will shortly conclude an agreement on joint uranium mining.

In response, Prime Minister Sanjaa Bayar said Mongolia also aimed to develop nuclear cooperation with Russia. He suggested that Russian agricultural loans to Mongolia might be extended on similar terms offered by international financial organizations. Bayar proposed speeding up the creation of a bilateral joint venture to mine uranium in Mongolia. He also said that Russian Chief of the General Staff Army-General Nikolai Makarov had recently traveled to the country to discuss military ties, including the modernization of the Mongolian army.

During Putin's visit, five agreements were signed on nuclear, transport and agricultural cooperation.

2 Vote(s)

Mongolian gold mine negotiations may set pace for mining labor contracts

Tamir — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:40:06 -0400

Work has ground to a halt at the Boroo gold mine in Mongolia as Centerra Gold and Mongolian labor unions battle over a labor issues which may prove a test case for labor negotiations for the Mongolian mining industry.

2 Vote(s)

Mongolian Mixtape Marathon

Tamir — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:35:31 -0400

On July 11th 2009 two drivers will depart on a 10,000 mile drive from London to Mongolia, crossing Europe, central Asia and culminating with a dash across the mighty Gobi Desert.

We are raising money for Save The Children, in association with the Mongolian Charity Rally. Our specially equipped off-road vehicle will be packed full of educational materials and clothing to donate to the Mongolian people. We will also be donating the vehicle on arrival.

We're asking DJs from all over the world, be they big names or bedroom DJs, to upload mixes for us to listen to all the way to Mongolia. We estimate we have 800+ hours driving time and we're intending to listen to dance music non-stop all the way there!

2 Vote(s)

Worthing mum and daughter preparing for Mongol Rally

Tamir — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:31:33 -0400

A mother and daughter from Worthing are appealing for help to make a charity challenge of a lifetime become a reality.
In July, the pair want to drive 10,000 miles to Mongolia through 15 different countries.

Davina Madden, 53, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, 2006, and is now in remission. She and 21-year-old daughter Savanna are preparing to take part in the Mongol Rally 2009 to raise money for a charity which helped Davina with cancer treatment and support.

2 Vote(s)

Student's passion for fossils takes her to Mongolia

Tamir — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:43:00 -0400

In July, the Mount Union College student will leave for the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia, where she will study its sedimentary history and collect paleontologic data.

2 Vote(s)

Xinjiang Opens China-Mongolia Cross-border Tourist Route

Tamir — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:54:41 -0400

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has opened its first China-Mongolia cross-border tourist route in Qinghe County.

The route is from Tarkshken border crossing in Qinghe County, Xinjiang to Bulgan, Mongolia. Tourists from both sides can travel to specific areas with a valid border pass.

Qinghe Kanas International Travel Service Ltd and Xinjiang Overseas International Travel Service Company are the only two travel agencies that are allowed to organize group tours to Bulgan.

Tourists will go to Bulgan by international shuttle bus. They will have to register with a travel agency for a border pass one day before traveling to Bulgan.

3 Vote(s)

Gulfside Clarifies Its Disclosure on Its Onjuul Coal Property

Tamir — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:54:41 -0400

Canadian mining company, Gulfside Minerals Ltd. issued a press release regarding its purchase of mining exploration licenses in Mongolia.

"The company has signed final Share Purchase Agreements with two private Mongolian companies to acquire a 100% interest in and operate three Mining Exploration Licenses encompassing portions of the Khar-khonkhor (Black Hole) Brown Coal Deposit and the Onjuul (Onjuul) Brown Coal Deposit located within the Choir-Nyalga Coal Basin of SW Mongolia. The licenses are situated about 170 km SW of the city of Ulaanbaatar and 50 km SE of the Buren Soum (sub-province) center in Tuv Aimag (Central Province)."

3 Vote(s)

Mining investors await Mongolian signal - will Oyu Tolgoi move forward quickly?

Tamir — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:22:11 -0400

Foreign investors in Mongolia are playing a waiting game after this week's presidential election, hoping the new head of state will soon approve a major mining project that is key to jump-starting the economy.

Opposition Democratic Party (DP) candidate Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj won the poll, promising to ensure that Mongolian citizens benefit more from the wealth lying underground.

The multi-billion-dollar question for investors now is whether the government will finally reach a deal on the massive Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project with its potential developers, Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto.

3 Vote(s)

US State Department on Mongolian Presidential Election

Tamir — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:14:18 -0400

Ian Kelly, Department Spokesman of the Office of the Spokesman of the Bureau of Public Affairs issued a press release on May 26, 2009.

"We wish to congratulate the people of Mongolia on their recent presidential election. In a free and peaceful democratic election on Sunday, May 24, Mongolian voters elected Democratic Party candidate Tshahiagiin Elbegdorj.

We applaud the people and government of Mongolia for conducting Sunday's election in a fair and transparent manner, in accordance with the Mongolian constitution. Preliminary evaluations of independent observers indicate election problems were minimal, and there have been no reports of election-related violence. This election is a clear demonstration of Mongolia's continued commitment to democratic reform and represents a real achievement for such a young democracy.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Mongolian government to enhance and deepen the warm relationship between our two countries."

3 Vote(s)

Canoel announces agreement to purchase oil exploration and development block in Mongolia

Tamir — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:04:36 -0400

Canoel International Energy Ltd. entered into an Agreement to become the operator of a large oil exploration block in Mongolia, which is located in the Mongolian part of the Gobi desert, immediately north of the boundary with China. It covers 13'575 square kilometres (about 3.37 million acres).

Hans Oesterle, Vice President for Exploration says: "Preliminary work identified several large structures in Block XXIII under major regional thrust faults. These leads need to be verified by modern seismic data; but the current size of the mapped structures is such that any discovery will be of significant size. Future production will satisfy local requirements, but surplus production can be transported by railway to the Chinese refinery at nearby Dong Wu".

4 Vote(s)

Workers strike at Centerra's Mongolia mine | Reuters

Tamir — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:22:38 -0400

Centerra Gold (CG.TO) said on Tuesday that unionized workers at its Boroo gold mine in Mongolia have walked off the job demanding higher wages, prompting the company to suspend operations at the mine.

Centerra, which is partly owned by Canadian uranium producer Cameco Corp (CCO.TO), said it believed the work stoppage is illegal.

4 Vote(s)

Ivanhoe Mines shares take hit on Mongolian leadership change

Tamir — Tue, 26 May 2009 06:39:24 -0400

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., developing the Oyu Tolgoi copper-and-gold deposit in Mongolia with Rio Tinto Group PLC, fell on speculation the country's new President may slow approval of a draft agreement to proceed with the project.

Ivanhoe has been trying for more than five years to complete an investment pact with Mongolia to develop Oyu Tolgoi. London-based Rio Tinto called the deposit "the world's largest undeveloped copper-gold resource" when it agreed to buy 10% of Ivanhoe in October, 2007.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolia eyes its own nuclear power plant | World | Reuters

Tamir — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:47:12 -0400

Mongolia is hoping to eventually build its own nuclear power plant and has already begun a feasibility study on the project, the head of the country's new Nuclear Energy Agency said on Tuesday.

4 Vote(s)

Statue embodies Mongolian culture - The Denver Post

Tamir — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:24:06 -0400

The unveiling of the sculpture at Ulaanbaatar Park is a moment of pride for immigrants living in Denver.

The heart of the Denver Mongolian community throbbed with traditional fervor Sunday as an emblematic sculpture was unveiled in Lowry.

Dancing, singing and a contortionist's show served as precursor to the ribbon-cutting and blessing of a 20-foot stainless steel tulga statue. The Mongolian tulga is a four-pronged fireplace positioned in the center of a nomadic household called a gher, or yurt.

The celebration continues a five-year relationship between Denver and the Mongolian city of Ulaanbaatar. The two became sister cities in 2004.

3 Vote(s)

Video - Mongolia votes in presidential elections | euronews

Tamir — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:44:20 -0400

Voting is underway in Mongolia for a tightly contested presidential poll a year after parliamentary elections triggered deadly riots.

The ballot is being closely watched from outside with foreign investors keen to tap into Mongolia's vast mineral wealth.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia presidential polls | Video | Reuters.com

Tamir — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:26:02 -0400

The country faces a tight race pitting the incumbent president against a political veteran challenger urging reform.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia election could hinder Rio mine clearance

Tamir — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:29:23 -0400

Mongolians head to the polls to elect a new president in a tight race that will help determine when and how the country will reach consensus on working with foreign investors to tap its vast mineral wealth.

Most immediately at stake is whether parliament can quickly ratify a long-awaited draft investment agreement on the $US3 billion ($A3.88 billion) Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold project, set to be developed by Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolia awards Korean Air for environmental efforts

Tamir — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:23:20 -0400

The government of Mongolia awarded Korean Air with an "Environmental Excellence Medal" for volunteering to plant thousands of trees in Mongolia.

Trees have been planted in Baganor Desert by Korean Air employees and South Korean students as a part of the airline's Global Planting Project started in 2004.

2 Vote(s)