The Mongolia First initiative includes training for culinary arts and beauty programmes
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (ot.mn) The South Gobi region is expected to see a large amount of economic growth as a result of the Oyu Tolgoi mining site, which is currently under construction.
In addition to the projects already underway to build the major infrastructure for the mining site, Oyu Tolgoi is conducting extensive training programmes throughout the nation. A special focus has been dedicated to South Gobi to support the local economy and provide skills training to Mongolians living in the Umnugovi province.
According to the terms of the Investment Agreement with the Government of Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project is committed to sourcing and buying goods and services as close to the mine as possible. It is a part of the 'Mongolia First' initiative designed to develop sustainable relationships with local businesses.
One example of training and skills development is the coffee shop at Oyu Tolgoi. It is one of the only places in South Gobi that sells fresh cakes. Local bakers were trained by Oyu Tolgoi and now have great skills they can use for Oyu Tolgoi and beyond.
Skills training also extend to those working in the beauty industry. The hairdressers in the barber shop on the mine site all received professional training sessions with the Mongolian Hairdressers Association. Formal training in health, safety, first aid and hygiene is also mandated for any local business that provides a service to the mine. “From what I see, the participants feel this helps them better understand and grow with the business” :said Trevor Siddall, a procurement specialist working with Oyu Tolgoi. “It’s a vital aspect of local supplier development.”
About Oyu Tolgoi (www.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 tugriks) in training and education and an additional US$27 million dollars (36 billion tugriks) 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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