Mongolians protest alleged theft of coal sold to China
Associated PressULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — Protesters angered by allegations of corruption linked to Mongolia’s coal trade with China tried to force their way into the State Palace in the capital, demanding dismissals of officials involved in the scandal. They were demanding that the government hold officials accountable for the alleged theft of 385,000 tons of coal from stockpiles on Mongolia’s border with China. Local media reports said ETT, which is listed on Mongolia’s stock exchange, has been placed under state supervision as the government’s Independent Authority Against Corruption investigates. Foreign sales of Mongolia’s vast mineral wealth, coal and other resources are a perennial source of conflict for the country, where nearly one in three people live in poverty. In Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson who was asked about allegations that coal was stolen for sale inside China said she was unaware of that “specific situation.” “China is a friendly neighbor of Mongolia, and we believe the Mongolian government will properly handle and investigate the matter.
History of this topic
Mongolia’s Precarious Energy Security
The Diplomat
Mongolia vows to clean up coal trade after fury over China deals
Al Jazeera
Squeezed between China and Russia, Mongolia’s herders feel pinch
Al Jazeera
Protesters in Mongolia try to storm state palace
Al Jazeera
Mongolia's Long Road To Mining Wealth
NPRDiscover Related
)
)
)
