– The mine will use the most water efficient technology –
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The Oyu Tolgoi mine, a key Mongolian development, will soon begin to process its first ore. To bring forth this benefit to the Mongolian people, it is necessary to use water to operate the mine.
Water is very precious in the Gobi Desert and Oyu Tolgoi prioritises efficient water use and a water protection policy through the introduction of water efficient technology.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine is equipped throughout with water saving technology. The most efficient tailings thickener is planned for use during operation of the Oyu Tolgoi mine. Industrial waste water will be completely drawn back to the concentrator for re-use. 100 per cent of cooling water, underground water from the mine, domestic waste water and vehicle wash water will be re-used after treatment.
We spoke with Mark Newby, the Oyu Tolgoi Principal Environmental Advisor about the water efficient technology used in the mine. Newby says “The water re-use model is part of the most conservative water use model in the world. Oyu Tolgoi is using the most water efficient technology and guarantees the drinking water sources of local residents”.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine ensures no impact will occur to the water wells and the spring-water sources of local herders, during mine water usage. To fulfill this commitment, Oyu Tolgoi has been conducting water quality and level monitoring in the hand-operated water wells of herders, control-wells and other wells used by the local community. Water level monitoring and analysis occurs on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, covering 356 water points in Khanbogd, Manlai, Bayan-Ovoo soums of South Gobi aimag. Further quarterly water quality monitoring and analysis covers 251 water points of drinking water sources, water treatment facilities and water distribution networks.
About Oyu Tolgoi LLC (http://en.ot.mn/)
Oyu Tolgoi LLC is Mongolia's largest copper and gold mining company and is a strategic partnership between the Government of Mongolia (34 per cent stake), Ivanhoe Mines (66 per cent) and Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto is the major shareholder in Ivanhoe Mines and the manager of the Oyu Tolgoi project. In addition to dividends from its 34 per cent stake in Oyu Tolgoi, the Government of Mongolia will receive taxes and royalties.
Oyu Tolgoi, located in the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia, will be one of the largest and highest-grade copper and gold mines in the world. It is the largest project ever developed in Mongolia, requiring a capital investment for phase 1 of more than US$6 billion.
Oyu Tolgoi is committed to contributing to a sustainable future for Mongolia. At least 9 out of 10 employees will be Mongolian once the mine is in production and Oyu Tolgoi is investing US$58 million dollars (78 billion MNT) in training and education and an additional US$27 million dollars (36 billion MNT) in the Workforce Employment Project designed to help address the general skills shortage in Mongolia
Oyu Tolgoi's key priorities are the health and safety of employees, best-practice environmental management, contributing to sustainable communities and always doing business with integrity, for the benefit of all the project's shareholders and the people of Mongolia.
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