Mongolia’s Prime Minister, Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, held a virtual meeting on Monday to discuss potential expansion and investments in Mongolia. The focus of the discussion was the possibility of Tesla establishing an electric vehicle battery factory in Mongolia, taking advantage of the country’s abundant reserves of copper and rare earth elements, which are vital components for electric car batteries. The Mongolian government issued a statement expressing their interest in collaborating with international organizations to promote the development of new technologies and attract investments into the country.
Mongolia, located in East Asia, is known for its rich mineral resources, including substantial deposits of copper, gold, and coal. This makes it an attractive destination for companies involved in the electric vehicle industry, as the demand for these minerals continues to rise.
The statement released by the cabinet secretariat of Mongolia’s government highlighted Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene’s support for electric cars and his encouragement for Mongolian citizens to adopt this eco-friendly mode of transportation. This aligns with Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
During their conversation, Musk and Oyun-Erdene also discussed the possibility of bringing Starlink, a satellite communications terminals and services provider operated by Musk’s SpaceX, to Mongolia. Starlink, which was registered as a company in Mongolia in 2022, is expected to launch regionally this year. By introducing Starlink’s satellite internet services to Mongolia, the country could significantly improve its connectivity and bridge the digital divide, especially in remote areas with limited access to traditional internet infrastructure.
Musk’s meeting with the Mongolian leader follows his recent engagement with Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang and other high-ranking officials in China. This visit took place amid increasing tensions between China and the United States, with Beijing aiming to foster a welcoming business environment for foreign companies. Musk praised China’s technological advancements during his visit and visited the Tesla gigafactory in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of the Chinese market for Tesla’s growth.
By exploring potential investments in Mongolia, Tesla aims to tap into the country’s vast mineral resources, which are crucial for the production of electric vehicle batteries. Additionally, the discussions regarding Starlink’s introduction to Mongolia demonstrate Musk’s commitment to expanding internet access globally through innovative satellite technology.
Both Mongolia and Tesla stand to benefit from this potential collaboration. Mongolia’s economy could receive a significant boost from increased foreign investments and technological advancements, while Tesla could secure a reliable source of essential minerals and expand its market presence in the region. As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity worldwide, partnerships like this contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation and the development of cleaner energy alternatives.
