Public Statement: AmCham Mongolia urges peaceful actions and procedural due diligence on economic flagship projects across Mongolia

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia – The American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (AmCham Mongolia) is issuing the following public statement addressing repeated countermeasures against private enterprises, urging the relevant authorities to conduct inspections and procedural activities within the state’s legal boundaries. Furthermore, AmCham Mongolia calls on the general public to uphold lawfulness while practicing the right to protest to protect protecting property and people’s lives.

AmCham Mongolia strongly condemns the unlawful intrusion into private property and the subsequent assault of individuals working at the Mongolian National Rare Earth Corporation (MNREC) Khalzan Buregtei Project site, located in Myangad soum, Khovd Province, on November 6 and 7, 2024.

AmCham Mongolia reiterates the facts previously stated in a press release from MNREC:

"During the unrest, 66 workers were subjected to physical and emotional assault. This includes 34 employees of Aurum Metals LLC, seven employees of Trigteq LLC, two employees of MonKarotaj LLC, nine employees of Puujee Gobi Star LLC, 10 employees of Gan Erdene Khishigten LLC, and four employees of MNREC LLC. We extend our deepest sympathies to the workers and their families for the harm they have endured."

AmCham Mongolia acknowledges that several of its member organizations, particularly those in the mining industry, have been victims of unlawful action perpetrated by state authorities and, in this instance, by certain civil society groups. While AmCham fully respects the right to protest and express differing opinions, we unequivocally denounce any action that undermines the safety, health, and well-being of individuals working in this industry. Such behavior must be condemned and addressed by law enforcement agencies.

The Khalzan Buregtei Rare Earth Project is in full compliance with all relevant Mongolian laws, regulations, and guidelines. The preliminary feasibility study (NI43-101 compliant) for the project was completed in September 2024, and work on a detailed feasibility study and a detailed environmental and social impact assessment is already underway.

Environmental and social impact assessment studies are being conducted by a multidisciplinary team of companies from Australia, South Africa, Canada, and Mongolia, with an expected completion date in the first quarter of 2026.

About AmCham Mongolia

The American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (AmCham Mongolia) is an independent membership- driven organization that seeks to build, strengthen, and protect business between the United States and Mongolia, and actively promote Mongolia as a destination for American investment. AmCham Mongolia is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as its official affiliate in Mongolia. Based in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the largest federation in the world, with over three million members.