Water is the most precious natural resource in Umnugovi aimag. To ensure ongoing availability of surface water, we are committed to using water carefully, balancing our operational needs while ensuring water is fully available for local residents and future generations.
Water conservation
We operate some of the best water conservation standards worldwide, using less than half the global average of water per-tonne of ore processed for similar mines. This has been achieved through a number of measures:
- High efficiency tailings reclaim.
- 100 per cent cooling water reuse.
- 100 per cent mine water recovery and reuse.
- 100 per cent treated domestic waste water reuse.
- 100 per cent truck wash water reuse.
- Measures to prevent evaporation.
- Ongoing water conservation measures.
We also have a policy of zero direct discharge, meaning that no waste water will be directly released into the environment. This means that all of the water at Oyu Tolgoi is used and reused until it is lost through evaporation.
Discovering new water sources
Given the dry nature of the Umnugovi region, coupled with the requirements of an operational mine and growing population, we have been undertaking detailed hydrogeological investigations in the region since 2003. Through these programmes we have identified two large aquifers, geological formations containing underground water, which are at least 150 metres below the surface – far deeper than the surface water sources used by local people and animals.
Under our water permits, we can only use less than 20 per cent of the aquifer over 40 years, ensuring the majority of the water remains underground for future generations.
Other reserves have also been identified by hydrogeological surveys and water exploration efforts. With proper water management at Oyu Tolgoi, sufficient water resources are available to provide for the needs of the mine and local communities.
Community water
Oyu Tolgoi is committed to protecting the quantity and quality of water in local wells and to supporting the development of new water supplies for the local community. We have been performing extensive monitoring of wells, springs, and boreholes since 2003.
Ongoing monitoring and assessment continue to be undertaken and any identified issues are proactively addressed. In the event of any impact on community water as a result of our activities, we are committed to mitigating the impact in a manner agreeable to the people involved and which guarantees the provision of equivalent water quantity and quality.
Our Participatory Environmental Monitoring programme aims to create and maintain active community participation in our environmental monitoring. This two-way dialogue improves our monitoring and the transparency of our environmental performance.
In addition, we have spent MNT1.7 billion to help explore and investigate new water resources for Khanbogd soum centre. Further tests and modelling will take place to help develop a detailed plan for a sustainable new water source for the town.