Success stories

Oyu Tolgoi Project

Located in the South Gobi region, the Oyu Tolgoi project is recognized as one of the world’s largest copper-gold mines. The project is operated by Oyu Tolgoi LLC, which is 66% owned by Turquoise Hill Resources and 34% by Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi LLC, a state-owned enterprise representing the Government of Mongolia.

Rio Tinto holds a controlling 51% stake in Turquoise Hill Resources and actively manages operations. With an estimated total investment cost of £5–5.8 billion ($6.5–7.5 billion), the mine has an expected lifespan exceeding 50 years.

In 2019, the Oyu Tolgoi mine processed a total of 40.8 million tonnes of ore:

• 146,346 tonnes of copper
• 241,840 ounces of gold

Key Highlights

• Location: Tsogttsetsii Soum, Umnugobi Province, Mongolia
• Investment: $12 billion
• Investors: Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill Resources, Government of Mongolia (34%)
• Developer: Oyu Tolgoi LLC
• Objective: The Oyu Tolgoi project is being implemented in two phases, with Phase 1 comprising the Oyut open-pit mine, concentrator and associated infrastructure.

Background & Objectives

First concentrate from the open-pit mine was produced in December 2012, with the maiden export shipped in July 2013. As of July 2018, approximately 4 million tonnes of concentrate had been exported to China from the open-pit operation.

The underground mine development agreement for Phase II of Oyu Tolgoi was signed in May 2015, followed by project financing closure in December 2015. This phase encompasses the Hugo Dummett deposit, which includes the Hugo North, Hugo South, and Heruga deposits.

Phase II construction commenced in May 2016, with first production from the underground mine originally targeted for completion by the end of 2021. As of October 2019, construction of two of the five planned underground shafts—including the main production shaft (Shaft 2)—had been completed, while development work on Shafts 3 and 4 remained underway. Upon reaching full capacity (projected for approximately 2027), the underground operation is expected to produce more than 500,000 tonnes of copper per annum, alongside gold as a byproduct at an average grade of 0.35 g/t.

Development and Project Finance

In December 2015, Turquoise Hill Resources successfully secured a project financing package totaling £3.4 billion (approximately $4.4 billion) from a consortium of international lenders for the underground development project at Oyu Tolgoi.

This lender group comprised:

• 15 commercial banks
• International financial institutions
• Export credit agencies representing the governments of Canada, the United States and Australia

In addition, lenders provided supplemental debt financing of $1.6 billion for the project.

Strategic Significance

Within the infrastructure framework of the Oyu Tolgoi underground project, site accessibility is provided via unpaved roads connecting to Ulaanbaatar and nearby settlements near the Chinese border. Furthermore, the project is situated near the planned South Gobi railway alignment and is accessible by air through Khanbumbat Airport.

The project’s power requirements are currently supplied by Inner Mongolia Power International Cooperation Co., Ltd. via the Mongolian national electricity transmission grid.

Tavantolgoi Power Plant Project

The Tavantolgoi Power Plant Project is a major energy infrastructure initiative of Mongolia aimed at providing a reliable power supply for mining operations in the South Gobi region. This project was developed to reduce Mongolia’s dependence on imported electricity and to expand domestic power generation, specifically leveraging the vast coal deposits of Tavantolgoi.

Key Highlights

• Location: Tsogttsetsii Soum, Umnugovi Aimag, Mongolia
• Investment: Approximately $900 million
• Investors: Rio Tinto, Oyu Tolgoi LLC
• Capacity: 450 megawatts (planned)
• Fuel Type: Coal-fired (utilizing coal from the Tavantolgoi deposit)
• Developer: Energy Resources LLC (a subsidiary of MCS Group)
• Objective: To supply electricity to the Tavantolgoi deposit mines and the regional power grid.

Background & Objectives

This project was initially launched in the early 2010s as part of a strategic initiative to enhance Mongolia’s energy independence.

The Tavantolgoi coal deposit is considered one of the world’s largest undeveloped coking coal reserves, which created a strong need for a reliable, locally sourced power supply in the region.

The power plant aims to supply electricity to the mines of Erdenes Tavantolgoi and other major industrial consumers.

Development and Project Finance

Following several delays related to financing and environmental impact assessments, the Government of Mongolia reaffirmed its commitment to executing the project in the late 2010s.

The financing of the project is being executed through a combination of public and private investments. Furthermore, the project is planned for implementation under an integrated engineering, procurement, construction and operations contract.

Furthermore, transmission line infrastructure facilities connecting the national electricity grid with the Oyu Tolgoi region are planned for simultaneous development.

Strategic Significance

Upon commissioning, the power plant will be capable of replacing electricity imports from China for mines in the South Gobi region, thereby enhancing Mongolia’s energy security and industrial competitiveness.

Furthermore, this project reflects Mongolia’s broader ambition to expand its domestic power generation capacity; however, it also faces ongoing criticism and scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and long-term sustainability in light of global carbon reduction trends.