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We supply the metals and minerals used to help the world grow and decarbonise
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Sustainability – the expectation, not the exception
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Our most intelligent mine yet is pioneering new mining technologies
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The world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit
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Sustainability Reporting 2023
As temporary custodians of the land where we operate, we are entrusted with accessing the world’s essential materials and making them available for society’s use
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2023 figures
Oyu Tolgoi, in the Umnugovi province of Mongolia, is one of the largest known copper and gold deposits in the world. It is also one of the most modern, safe and sustainable operations in the world.
The Oyu Tolgoi underground development consolidates our position as a leading global producer of copper, a material essential for decarbonisation and electrification.
Open pit mining began at Oyu Tolgoi in 2011 and the copper concentrator, the largest industrial complex ever built in Mongolia, began processing mined ore into copper concentrate in 2013. Current infrastructure at Oyu Tolgoi will allow the mine to operate for decades to come.
In March 2023, underground production began at Oyu Tolgoi, making it a high-performing surface and underground integrated copper business and one of the most important copper producers in the world. With the integration of the underground project, a refreshed long-term strategy for Oyu Tolgoi has been released. The strategy named “Creating Prosperity Together”, which was developed in consultation with the Oyu Tolgoi Board of Directors, unites our stakeholders under a shared purpose, ensuring we are prepared to achieve our full potential and deliver on our commitments. Oyu Tolgoi is jointly owned by the government of Mongolia, which has 34% ownership, and Rio Tinto, which owns 66%. Rio Tinto manages the operation on behalf of the owners.
At peak production, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 500,000 tonnes1 per annum of copper – equivalent to what’s needed to build:
Wind turbines per day
Electric battery vehicles per day
1 The 500ktpa target (stated as recovered metal) for the Oyu Tolgoi underground and open pit mines is underpinned 17 per cent by Proved Ore Reserves and 83 per cent by Probable Ore Reserves for the years 2028-2036. These production targets have been scheduled from current mine designs by Competent Persons in accordance with the requirements of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Minerals Resources and Ore Reserves, 2012 Edition (the JORC code).
Most of the value lies deep underground and to reach the ore body we are building a world-class underground mine. It includes a state-of-the-art control room to oversee the operation that will have approximately 200 kilometres of tunnels.
We will use leading underground mining technology known as block caving to mine the ore body. Block caving is technically complex, but it is also one of the safest and most cost-effective methods of mining ore from deep below the ground as it uses the force of gravity.
Put simply, a void is created under the ore body, which then collapses gradually under its own weight. The ore passes through ‘funnels’ in the rock, known as draw points. A series of lateral tunnels over several levels are used to extract the ore and to haul it for crushing before it is transported to the surface via shaft or conveyor belt.
At Oyu Tolgoi, we are using technology to build a connected mine and keep our people safe. We are installing a wireless network to connect our people and equipment underground with the teams on the surface. All team members have a Personal Location Indicator, which allows us to track their whereabouts, providing critical information during an emergency. Similar sensors allow us to track the location and performance of all equipment and we have real time monitoring of atmospheric conditions. The team in Mongolia are supported by the Rio Tinto Underground Mining Centre, which connects our caving experts in the Brisbane hub with our operations team at Oyu Tolgoi. These groups work together to improve safety and productivity performance by using the vast amount of data being collected.
Deepest reaching 1.3KM
Average tunnel height & width
Global demand for copper is set to grow, driven by urbanisation, industrialisation and increasing requirements for renewable energy: copper plays a key role in electrification and power production. For example, a wind turbine capable of generating a megawatt of power – enough to supply several hundred homes – needs more than 3 tonnes of copper.
Given its significance to the global copper industry and the likely multi-generational nature of the business, Oyu Tolgoi is being developed with a distinctly long-term view. Guided by Oyu Tolgoi's vision, 'From natural wealth to enduring value, knowledge and skill', together with the partners and stakeholders Oyu Tolgoi is focused on delivering a word-class, safe and sustainable copper business with the overarching purpose of creating prosperity for the nation.
Together with government and local organisations, Oyu Tolgoi is committed to strengthening relationships with local communities based on mutual respect and partnership.
Everything is possible through a strong partnership. For Oyu Tolgoi, it is not about being the biggest mine. It is about making the biggest positive difference by forging partnerships which create value. We recognise that Oyu Tolgoi itself is a partnership between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto and since our inception the business and its people have tackled societal and environmental issues with our communities and stakeholders. We recognise that trust is built and maintained over time, and we strongly believe that being transparent and developing outcomes that benefit everyone are key to building the future we all want. Only through partnerships we can effectively deliver on our promises.
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia -– Global mining company Rio Tinto and UNESCO have today agreed to establish a comprehensive long-term partnership that is specifically designed to foster sustainable development initiatives in Mongolia.During the signing ceremony held in Ulaanbaatar, the parties announced their first joint project, focused on promoting sustainable tourism through cultural and geo-heritage in
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, today joined Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm 1.3 kilometres underground to celebrate the commencement of underground production from the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in the Gobi Desert. This was followed by a ceremony with Oyu Tolgoi employees and leaders, Government of Mongolia representa
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has completed its acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd (TSX: TRQ) (NYSE: TRQ) (“Turquoise Hill”) for a consideration of approximately $3.1 billion1, simplifying its ownership of the world-class Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, significantly strengthening Rio Tinto’s copper portfolio, and demonstrating its long-term commitment to the project and Mongolia.
E: OT Enquiries T: +976 11 331880 www.ot.mn
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