Rare Earth Supply Push: China’s Bayan Obo rare earth mine in Inner Mongolia is expanding by 50% with a reported $74m investment to boost ore processing capacity, as Beijing tightens its grip on critical minerals for high-tech industries. COP17 Land & Pasture Focus: Mongolia kicked off the Global Pastoralist Gathering in Ulaanbaatar, with President Khurelsukh linking rangeland protection to food security and pitching the “Steppe Action” agenda ahead of UNCCD COP17 (Aug 17–28). Mongolia Fuel Logistics: Mongolia’s fuel distribution is set to normalize starting Monday after a rapid response push to unload Russian AI-92 gasoline and move supplies to capital and regions; aviation fuel from China is also due at Zamiin-Uud. Monetary Policy: Mongolia’s central bank raised its benchmark interest rate to 12.5%, tightening conditions for borrowers. Energy Trade Watch: Russia’s Inter RAO increased electricity exports overall in H1, while supplies to Mongolia fell 6% to 450m kWh. Business & Markets: Mongolia’s current account recorded a USD 207.2m surplus in H1, driven by a much larger goods trade surplus despite a wider services deficit. Green Regulation in China: China’s Ecological and Environmental Code took effect, strengthening legal backing for pollution control and green development.