Like many Mongolians, P.Badamsuren returned home after living and working abroad for a number of years. He hadn’t intended to live again in Ulaanbaatar, the city where he grew up, but rather was determined to start a new life in his wife’s home province of Umnugobi. He saw opportunities for the youth of the region to take part in the expanding development around the Oyu Tolgoi project and the opportunity to make a difference in the countryside.
At first, finding a job proved difficult and he often checked the local Oyu Tolgoi office for vacancy announcements, waiting patiently for the right position. He realized that the opportunity to be a part of the Oyu Tolgoi project was promising as the copper and gold deposits found there are the largest such untapped resources in the world. His patience paid off as a job placement was announced and he immediately applied and passed the enrollment exam.
Soon thereafter he was placed in a one year vocational training programme at the Erdenet Technological Institute beginning in June of 2010. He said “The training in Erdenet was excellent. It was a comprehensive session on how to use equipment and was provided at active mining areas by actual mine instructors. I was trained to be a heavy machine operator. After completion of the programme, I passed my certification exam.”
P.Badamsuren now operates a 290 tonne capacity Komatsu haul truck in the open pit at Oyu Tolgoi. He conducted his training with an outdated Russian truck, but is now working with the latest models equipped with modern technology and equipment. This opportunity has been a great pleasure and encouragement for him. He is proud to be a part of the world class mining project at Oyu Tolgoi and today he works cooperatively and effectively within a team, each working a roster schedule of 28 days on and 14 days off.
“Mining is generating hope for the future. I think this is where our youth should challenge themselves to reach their maximum potential and increase their highest strength, ethics and career development. Today, people are seeking long term and meaningful employment opportunities and Oyu Tolgoi plays a key role in this, especially for the development of Mongolia’s youth. In addition to my regular duties, I am also learning to drive other industrial equipment” says P.Badamsuren.
“If one wants to dream, the progress and opportunities found in mining can fulfill these dreams. The nation’s youth should take advantage of this” he encourages his peers. Recently, his family bought an apartment in Ulaanbaatar. Although it has been only one year since he began working at Oyu Tolgoi, P.Badamsuren received a loan programme for the apartment from a national bank, given his reliable job placement.
It is fully possible for the young people of Mongolian to fulfill their dreams and live productive lives. Oyu Tolgoi is where the youth can establish themselves and build towards a great future in their native land. P.Badamsuren’s life and success demonstrates this great possibility.
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