ArdNews

🇲🇳 Mongolia Chooses China’s NFC to Develop the Country’s First Copper Smelter 🏭

June 10, 2026

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🏛️ The Government of Mongolia has announced the selection of NFC (Nonferrous Metal Industry’s Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.) of China as the strategic partner and investor for the copper smelter project to be developed based on the operations of the Erdenet Mining Corporation.

  • 🌏 The competitive selection process attracted 13 companies and consortiums from seven countries, with NFC emerging as the successful bidder due to its extensive global expertise in copper smelting infrastructure and project development.

  • 🏗️ NFC is recognized as one of the world’s leading engineering firms in the non-ferrous metals industry, having participated in the design and construction of approximately 35% of the world’s copper smelters and 70% of China’s copper smelting facilities.

💰 According to the preliminary feasibility study, the project is expected to require an investment of more than USD 700 million and be completed within two years. Once operational, the facility will process Erdenet’s copper concentrate domestically and produce up to 120,000 tonnes of refined copper annually.

⛏️ In 2025, Erdenet Mining Corporation produced 47.1 million tonnes of ore and exported approximately 574,000 tonnes of copper concentrate, providing a strong resource base to support the smelter’s long-term operations.

📈 Ard Insight

The development of a domestic copper smelter represents a significant milestone in Mongolia’s industrialization strategy. By moving beyond concentrate exports and into value-added copper production, Mongolia can enhance export revenues, strengthen its manufacturing sector, create skilled employment opportunities, and capture a greater share of the global copper value chain.

The project is expected to play a key role in diversifying the economy and maximizing the long-term benefits of the country’s mineral resources.

Mongolia’s economy, stock market, politics, and mining news delivered first on ArdNews Brief in 5 minutes.

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