– Social media users come out from behind their screens –
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have revolutionised society over the past ten years. With many people now shopping, reading and even meeting people online than in the real world, companies and organisations are increasingly looking to harness the power of social media to support their operations, find customers and build relationships.
The Mongolian population is one of the most active on social media amongst similar countries, particularly amongst the younger generation. Many Mongolian organisations now have their own social media sites, but increasingly there are other ways to use social media than just tweeting news or advertisements
One way to do this is to find ways of reaching out to social media followers face to face. Oyu Tolgoi, which has one of the most active social media communities in Mongolia, has found a new approach to this. Each month, the company organises 'face to face' events with its Facebook fans, allowing them to find out more about different aspects of the business.
Each month’s meeting has a different theme. In January, the meeting focused on explaining to people how the company’s procurement processes work, hopefully encouraging young people running businesses to consider becoming an Oyu Tolgoi supplier. Past topics have included how to apply for scholarships at Oyu Tolgoi and the company’s social investment activity.
Chinzorig Enkhsetseg, Oyu Tolgoi Superintendent for Social Media and Information Centres explains: “We have around 86,000 Facebook fans and 6,000 Twitter followers, and lots of people ask for information online. We thought there had to be a way to engage with these people face to face as well. We were not sure if it would work at first, and if people would be willing to come out from behind their computer screens to engage with us and each other. But actually the events have been a huge success. We normally get around 20 people attending and as well as finding out information, it’s a good chance for them to network and get to meet people that they normally chat with online.
“It’s useful for us too. At one event, we talked about managing our environmental impact and brought the experts from within our business along to talk and answer questions. Not only did people have loads of questions, but they also gave our experts ideas and things to think about for the future.
“The procurement event was also a great success, because hopefully some of those who came will go on to become Oyu Tolgoi suppliers. We’ll continue to use the events as an opportunity to engage with people and hear their views.”
The next 'Facebook, Face to Face' meeting will take place later in February at the Oyu Tolgoi Information Centre in Ulaanbaatar and will explain how Oyu Tolgoi turns its mined material into copper concentrate. For more details, visit facebook.com/oyutolgoi or twitter.com/otmongolia.
About Oyu Tolgoi LLC (http://ot.mn/en)
Oyu Tolgoi LLC, Mongolia's largest copper and gold mining company, is a strategic partnership between the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources and Rio Tinto. Located in the Umnugobi, Oyu Tolgoi has commissioned Concentrator plant in December, 2012 and commenced shipments of copper concentrate in July of 2013. As the biggest single investment in Mongolian history, Oyu Tolgoi already is a major driver of the country’s economy.
Oyu Tolgoi is managed by Rio Tinto, which is investing global expertise and cutting-edge technology to help develop Mongolia’s mining industry and ensure Oyu Tolgoi is one of the world’s most advanced mines. Oyu Tolgoi is developing a nationwide vocational training programme, regional infrastructure, and is committed to ensuring more than 90 per cent Mongolian national employment and a strong Mongolian supplier base. These programmes will help drive economic growth for generations to come.
Oyu Tolgoi’s core commitment is to a safe work place and setting a new standard in environmental care.
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