Oyu Tolgoi’s ‘Graduate programme’, enables Mongolian graduates to gain experience at Rio Tinto’s large mining projects around the world. We interviewed S.Tamir who had the opportunity to gain experience at Northparkes, a Rio Tinto mine in Australia. Tamir is now working at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine, technical service department.
What is your impression after working at one of the most advanced mines in the world? How long were you there?
I worked at Northparkes from May 2012 until May 2013. I gained a lot of knowledge and skills. Actually, I saw what we’ll be doing at Oyu Tolgoi in three or four years from now. We have no experience with the block caving method of mining in our country, so the opportunity to learn about this technology, on the ground, and seeing it first hand was a really good experience. Mongolians say: “It is better to see something once rather than hearing it a thousand times.” Actually seeing something is very different to just reading about it in a textbook.
How many Oyu Tolgoi staff went to Northparkes? What were their professions?
Six Oyu Tolgoi staff worked at the Northparkes mine. I went with two mechanical engineers, an electrical engineer, a geotechnical engineer and a concentration engineer.;
How did you enroll in the ‘Graduate Programme’? What school did you graduate from and what was your major?
I graduated as a mining engineer. After graduation, was working in both the public and private sectors and then went on to study for a masters degree in the Czech Republic. After I graduated from there, I returned to Mongolia and began working at Oyu Tolgoi. When I was just a new hire, I sat for an exam to become eligible to participate in the ‘Graduate Programme’.
What was special about the mine at Northparkes, in comparison to Oyu Tolgoi?
Oyu Tolgoi implements Rio Tinto standards, so there is not much difference in terms of safety and other areas. Oyu Tolgoi is larger than Northparkes and the both use the newest and latest equipment and technology. Even though Northparkes was established 20 years ago, still today they are adding new equipment and upgrading existing equipment. Basically, it is a model mine. In addition to the introduction of the newest and latest equipment and technology to the mine, the Rio Tinto group conducts a lot of research there.
What do you mean by ‘model mine’? Is there a research and training center?
Northparkes is a model mine because they always tests and use the latest equipment. While we were there, they were testing a large underground excavator for the first time. This equipment excavates and cuts the earth with six front blades, without having to use a blast, and then secures the walls using cement and bolts. It works successfully. In addition to this, for the first time, they were experimenting with a robot to replace the lower drums of the conveyer belt that transports the ore, while it is still working. The Rio Tinto training center, based on the Northparkes mine, is there. There, one can feel, see and hear what it is like to work in an underground mine, using the latest technology. Newcomers are introduced to the mine before they actually go down into the mine. Since Northparkes mine is a knowledge center for the block-cave method of underground mining, engineering and technical personnel from Rio Tinto and other mining companies, regularly go there for training. This year, there was one person from Oyu Tolgoi and two people from the USA and Australia, studying and researching at the center. To train an engineer, to specialise in the block-cave method, takes approximately two and a half to three years. The center aims to successfully train engineers in under a year.
What are the key specifics of the underground mine?
Northparkes mine uses the block-cave method. This method will also be used at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. If we use this technology correctly, it will be the least costly operation. However, careful calculations and studies need to be made in order to protect personnel working in the underground mine and ensure their safety. The main specifics of underground mining are that it requires constant calculation before, during and after operations. Safety is the most crucial factor.
Did our graduates study well? Were there any challenges?
I think we studied well. We had no challenges although I think I could have improved my English language more. Although, we have some knowledge of the English language, professional English language is different. If you have a good knowledge of the English language you can learn much more and much faster.
Where do the mine workers live? Is there a town close by the mine?
There is a small town called Parkes with a population of 12 thousand, 30 km from the mine. All the workers live there and go to work from their homes. It is a very peaceful city. There are many places to spend your free time. Miners can use the facilities free of charge. Also there are branches of all Australian supermarkets, grocery stores and banks. We drove to the mine in our own car. The cost of housing in Australia is high. We stayed in the mine accommodation, free of charge. Although it was mine accommodation, it had 2 bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom and a garage. It is like a house in Mongolia. Workers at some of the nearby mines are also residents of the town. However, not all residents of the town are employed by the mine. There are local small and medium size businesses that have developed independently and are very solid.
What is the salary and benefits for the miners?
The salaries of mine workers are more than twice the salary scale of ordinary citizens. Even though Australia is high cost country, miners have good life.
What are attitudes of Australians towards mining? Did you observe any negative attitude among Australians?
It is Mongolians who have a negative understanding and are sensitive about mining issues. In Australia, mining is very normal. The state gets taxes and people benefit from it and environment is rehabilitated. Everything is done according to the law.
As a young man, how do you see the future of the mine you are working at, and your career? How does Oyu Tolgoi support employees?
I’m very thankful to our company for offering me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and skills. I have a goal to apply what I have learned to my real life. Oyu Tolgoi pays a lot of attention to the social issues of its employees through scholarships, salary bonuses, health, soft housing loans etc. Our family is enrolled in the soft housing loan scheme and we will soon get an apartment. I see the future of Oyu Tolgoi, and my future, as very bright and optimistic.
Ch.Batpurev
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