Oyu Tolgoi’s Underground Development Supplier forum, a major event designed to bring together domestic and international suppliers, was successfully held on Wednesday. The event, which aimed to provide potential suppliers with information about the development of the underground mine, saw strong interest, with approximately 600 Mongolian and international businesses – translating to over 1,200 attendees – taking part.
Oyu Tolgoi President and CEO, Andrew Woodley, said: The Forum is an important milestone and major step forward towards the development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. We are on a journey to unlock 80 per cent of Oyu Tolgoi’s value, which will require strong partnerships and real commitment to build such a complex project. We are delighted with the marked enthusiasm from the 600 companies in attendance today, and this forum has created opportunities for greater collaboration between international and Mongolian companies, leveraging global expertise to build local excellence.”
Erdenes Mongol CEO, and non-executive Board Director of Oyu Tolgoi, Byambasaikhan Bayanjargal, said: “Oyu Tolgoi is on a journey to build a safe, sustainable and efficient world class business. Oyu Tolgoi has set a world-class standard in safety, environmental performance, tax payments, and investments in the social and education sectors.
“In order for Oyu Tolgoi to further succeed, we need support and participation from all suppliers. I appeal to them all to build efficient businesses and contribute to Oyu Tolgoi.”
The event highlighted 16 categories of supplies and services required for the project: Bulk materials; Electrical and Telecommunications; Freight and Logistics; Pipes and Pumps; Underground Refuge; Ventilation; Construction and Civil Works; Fire services; Fuel systems; Process and Materials infrastructure; Site services; Drilling; Underground mining fleet; Ground support; Professional services; and Steel.
Specialist suppliers from Mongolia and 28 countries around the world accessed information on the areas relevant to them, while also understanding the key principles behind working with Oyu Tolgoi, including safety, compliance, and efficiency.
In addition to representatives from approximately 600 Mongolian and international businesses, the event was attended by Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi senior management, Erdenes Mongol CEO Byambasaikhan Bayanjargal, and Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi CEO Da. Ganbold.
Government and local authority representatives included the Prime Minister’s office, Mining, Road and Transport, Industry, and Foreign Affairs ministries, Invest Mongolia, and representatives of Khanbogd soum.
Ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, India, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, the UK, and the US were also in attendance, along with international financial institutions including the International Financial Corporation, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, and the International Monetary Fund.
Notes to the Editor:
- Oyu Tolgoi is among the best safety performers in Rio Tinto
- Over 95 per cent of Oyu Tolgoi’s workforce is Mongolian
- In 2015, Oyu Tolgoi worked with approximately 885 suppliers, of which 576 were national businesses. Behind these companies stand over 35,000 workers, and their families, from all over Mongolia.
- Oyu Tolgoi’s in-country spend, since major construction began in 2010, has crossed US$5.13 billion – making a real impact here in Mongolia. This includes salaries, payments to Mongolian suppliers, taxes, and other payments to the Government of Mongolia.
- We have built strong relationships with our neighbour communities – including through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement with partner communities earlier this year. This agreement paves the way for an annual investment of US$5mn in social development and infrastructure projects.
- Oyu Tolgoi’s Scorecard can be accessed here.