Advanced mineral analysis now possible in Mongolia
Oyu Tolgoi has donated a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to the German-Mongolian Institute for Resource and Technology (GMIT) with funding of MNT276 million, enabling high-precision mineral analysis to be conducted in Mongolia.
High precision mineral analysis plays an important role in determining the mineral content of ore. It helps optimize the grinding process at the concentrator’s ball mills and supports economically efficient metal recovery. This makes the equipment strategically important for enhancing the efficiency and quality of copper concentrate production.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Helmut Kulitz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia, highlighted that the central aim of Germany’s cooperation in Mongolia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has been to strengthen GMIT’s research capacity. He also expressed appreciation for the private sector stepping forward to contribute to these efforts.
GMIT Rector B. Battsengel expressed gratitude to Oyu Tolgoi for its long-term and tangible contribution not only to the university’s operations but also to the education of Mongolia’s children and youth.
Oyu Tolgoi Chief Executive Officer Munkhsukh Sukhbaatar stated:
“Oyu Tolgoi has consistently supported GMIT, while many of the university’s skilled graduates have joined our team—making this a true example of a win-win collaboration and partnership. One of the mining sector’s most important responsibilities is to ensure that the economic value derived from the extraction of natural resources is maximized in an environmentally responsible way. This laboratory will be valuable not only for Oyu Tolgoi but also for other mining companies operating in Mongolia.”
* The equipment was previously used at the Bundoora Research and Technical Development Centre in Australia and was brought to Mongolia in 2025 by Oyu Tolgoi.
At Oyu Tolgoi, this type of analysis is required on a regular basis. Until now, due to limited technological and human resource capacity in Mongolia, samples had to be sent to Australia, with results typically taking four to five months. With this advanced technology now available locally, the analysis can be completed within 14 days, while also reducing transport and customs-related costs.
Rio Tinto specialists provided training to GMIT’s Mineral Analysis Laboratory staffs, equipping them with the skills to operate the equipment and apply advanced analytical methodologies, thereby supporting the successful localization of this technology in Mongolia.
Oyu Tolgoi’s partnership with GMIT dates back to 2013, when the company funded and handed over the university’s academic and dormitory buildings with an investment of MNT 11.7 billion, or USD 9.5 million. Since then, Oyu Tolgoi has continuously expanded its cooperation with GMIT through various investments aimed at strengthening professional capacity, including learning materials, student scholarships, and internship programmes. One-third of GMIT graduates are currently employed at Oyu Tolgoi and its contractor companies.
Between 2021 and 2026, a total of 52 students have participated in Oyu Tolgoi’s educational programmes. Since 2013, Oyu Tolgoi’s total investment in GMIT has reached approximately MNT 15.7 billion. Key areas of support include:
- Construction of the university’s academic and dormitory buildings (1 of the 2 dorms)
- Donation of learning materials
- Sponsorship of the RESAT international academic conference
- Jointly implemented STEM program for high-school students in Umnugovi province.
Oyu Tolgoi continues to implement a wide range of projects and programs that support children’s and youth education and help prepare Mongolia’s future skilled workforce. Since 2010, the company has invested more than USD 152 million in the education sector.
