– Oyu Tolgoi introduces new technology and plans to recycle 80 per cent of total used water –
Khanbogd, Umnugobi – Last Wednesday Oyu Tolgoi management met with representatives from the local community of Khanbogd soum. These regular meetings are further proof that Oyu Tolgoi is sensitive to local resident concerns and constantly strives for a high level of cooperation with stakeholders.
In the last meeting, Oyu Tolgoi staff presented information on water policies, water consumption and water reserves at the Gunii Hooloi aquifer. Discussions also included information about the improvement of pastureland water supplies and a question and answer session for residents.
Environmental and water specialists from Oyu Tolgoi introduced the latest information on Gunii Hooloi water reserves and explained that use of this deep water aquifer will not affect the local water supply for animals or herders. The mine will use only 20 per cent of the total water reserve of this aquifer over the course of a 40-50 year period. Local residents learned that Oyu Tolgoi, which strictly follows Mongolian water laws and regulations, has implemented the latest water-saving technology and plans to re-use 80 per cent of used water.
Local residents from Khanbogd appreciated receiving updated information about the regional water supply. All of the information given was based on sound scientific research and was presented in an easy-to-understand format.
Bayarsaihan.T, Vice President for Regional Development and Social Performance at Oyu Tolgoi, said “This meeting touched on the issue of water in a broad scope and was very productive. We listened to the opinions of local residents about water and learned what kind of information they need on this issue. This monthly meeting provides us with the opportunity to listen to concerns and opinions of the local community and address these concerns in an effort to improve cooperation with the mine”.
The next meeting with local residents of Khanbogd will be held in April and will focus on the local workforce, employment and supply.
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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