Mining companies are evaluated worldwide for their environmental rehabilitation and environmentally friendly operations. Oyu Tolgoi uses the latest environmental rehabilitation equipment and technology; and implement global best practices and policies.
Oyu Tolgoi rehabilitation work is carefully planned from the initial disturbance of land, through to when the environment is fully restored to its original condition. The first step to successful rehabilitation happens before any mining even occurs. The topsoil is removed from above the site and stored in accordance with a detailed rehabilitation plan. Once the earthwork is completed, the disturbed land is filled and covered with the original topsoil. This way, the disturbed land is more rapidly restored to its original condition. The refilled topsoil is then combed and ploughed, enabling better retention of rainwater and preventing the new seeds being blown away by the wind.
There’s a large area to rehabilitate so to save time and manpower, the mine uses modern technology and equipment. The Titan 400 Hydroseeder, manufactured in the USA, is an example of the latest technology and efficient equipment used on the project. The operating principle of the Hydroseeder is very simple – water, seeds, and fertiliser are mixed together and then sprayed from the 15 tonne tank using a pressurised pump. The powerful Titan 400 Hydroseeder can spray up to 70 metres from the tank.
For the first time in Mongolia, Oyu Tolgoi LLC have established a tree nursery and a fully automated greenhouse. Seeds from local vegetation and plants are collected and cultivated in the greenhouse. The young plants are then transferred outdoors and gradually to adapt to the natural conditions. The established plants from grown from local seeds are then used for the environmental rehabilitation.
This year the Oyu Tolgoi LLC is introducing the international environmental management standard ISO-14001 into its operations. The mine is working to obtain the certification that it has successfully introduced the standard from the International Organization for Standardization.
How do we evaluate the environmental rehabilitation? Of course, it is based on how well the natural environment has been restored to its original condition and the rehabilitation of soil, flora, fauna. The success of Oyu Tolgoi's rehabilitation is already visible at former construction sites. They have fully rehabilitated an area which was disturbed to constructed a water pipeline. Oyu Tolgoi LLC decided to lay the pipeline underground and even though extensive earth work had to be done to lay the pipeline, today the area is blooming with flowers and vegetation. This is a great example of successful environmental rehabilitation work. The success can be seen by everybody.
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