Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Oyu Tolgoi was yesterday (Wednesday) named as 'Best green mine' in the fourth annual Mongolian Mining Journal Awards. This year’s event was held during the 'Minerals 2025' conference organised by the Government to shape long term mining policy and promote investment in the sector.
Munkhbat.T, Deputy Director, Resource Strategy and Innovation at Oyu Tolgoi said: “Winning this prestigious award is a source of pride for Oyu Tolgoi’s workforce. This success is not only a result of Rio Tinto’s high standards in environmentally friendly mining, but also the result of close cooperation with international organisations, local communities, civil society and the Government.”.
In his opening speech, Mongolian Mining Journal editor L.Bolormaa said: “2013 was a difficult year of crisis for the mining industry. However, our industry rose to the challenge and worked hard to overcome it. Representatives of these hard working people are nominees of the Mining Journal Awards. Because the qualification criteria were toughened compared with previous years, in the crisis year, the number of participants was relatively few. However, in this year, the event which usually judges the industry’s successes and accomplishments, we have nominated many companies which worked hard to overcome challenges.”
Oyu Tolgoi won the Best green mine award by implementing international standard environmental monitoring programmes, the introduction of innovative technology and the development of detailed plans for biological rehabilitation in the Gobi desert. The mine is designed to be one of the most water efficient mines of its type worldwide. This is achieved through minimising water use for ore processing and enrichment operations and the reuse of 85-90 per cent of water.
Mining Journal Awards 2013 made awards in six categories, 'Best mine', 'Responsible mining', 'Best green mine', 'Best technology', 'Explorer of the year' and 'Best stable operations'.
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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