Can Redirecting Mongolia’s Mining Billions to Local Hands Avoid the Resource Curse—or Ignite It?

Can Redirecting Mongolia’s Mining Billions to Local Hands Avoid the Resource Curse—or Ignite It?

Royalty Overhaul Forces Choice: Immediate Cash for Mining Towns vs. a Sovereign Wealth Safety Net Mineral royalties, the fees levied on extracted resources, are a cornerstone of Mongolia’s economy. As these revenues grow, so does the debate: Should Mongolia spend these funds immediately to boost local development, especially in mining towns, or save them for future generations through a sovereign wealth fund? The central question remains: Who sh…