Oyu Tolgoi mine expansion, Mongolia

Most of Oyu Tolgoi’s resource lies deep underground and a project is underway to expand the mine to more than double its output. 

Client’s requirements 

Oyu Tolgoi is one of the world’s largest-known copper and gold deposits, located in the southern Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Jointly owned by the Government of Mongolia (34 percent) and Turquoise Hill Resources (66 percent, of which Rio Tinto owns 51 percent), it is expected to be a significant contributor to Mongolia’s development. 

To meet the challenges posed by the project’s scale, climate and location, and to support Oyu Tolgoi LLC to drive efficiencies and performance, Turner & Townsend has been providing a range of project management services.

Our contribution 

We were first commissioned to provide schedule assurance, schedule management and execution readiness planning from Brisbane to set the expansion project up for success. This included detailing of the engineering and procurement scope, as well as establishing monthly reporting standards. 

As the project progressed, we mobilised a site based team to Mongolia. Our procurement, cost and planning specialists supported the project to achieve the key governance and control required during the critical first months of execution. 

We continue to provide capability in procurement, cost engineering and planning to support the Oyu Tolgoi project team. 

Making the difference 

Oyu Tolgoi LLC appreciated the experience we have of setting up mining projects for success in diverse territories. Temperature extremes and limited access via road and rail have a significant impact on resourcing, logistics and productivity, which our scheduling services and execution readiness planning had to address. 

Our ability to mobilise experts in the region quickly and adapt our team to requirements has played an important part in keeping this fast-track project on schedule.