Mobicom wildfire destroys 80% of Mongolia's Numrug National Park

A massive wildfire ignited by a corporate convoy has scorched approximately 80% of the Numrug Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia's Dornod Province. The blaze, which began on October 8, destroyed nearly 500,000 hectares of the 5,870-square-kilometer wildlife sanctuary, affecting a critical ecological zone near the Mongolia-China border.

Investigations indicate the fire was sparked by a vehicle convoy belonging to Mobicom Corporation, Mongolia’s largest mobile carrier and a subsidiary of Japan’s KDDI Corporation. The convoy, which included senior executives such as Mobicom CEO Yasuhiro Ochi, was reportedly in the restricted zone to conduct 4G network testing. However, some local media reports suggest the group may have also intended to engage in hunting or fishing for endangered species.

While Mobicom stated they had obtained formal permission from border guards to enter the area, KDDI has acknowledged the incident and expressed that they are treating the matter “extremely seriously.” The Mongolian government has launched a full ecological damage assessment and is seeking financial compensation and accountability for the destruction of the habitat, which serves as a vital refuge for species including brown bears, moose, and Mongolian gazelles.