Addressing the Essential Global Skills Shortage in Mongolia
Underground mining requires far more advanced knowledge and skills than traditional open-pit mining, including specialised engineering, geotechnics, and ventilation systems. However, the number of mining engineers worldwide has sharply declined, and universities worldwide are increasingly reducing programs in this discipline. Research shows that around 50 per cent of mining engineers in the United States, Australia, and Europe are expected to retire within the next decade, posing a serious risk of knowledge and skills shortages across the industry.
To address this challenge, the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute (SGUMMI) was established in Mongolia in 2025 with investment from Rio Tinto. The institute operates under the leadership of Professor Andre van As from the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland, Australia. In addition to providing practical training at its mine site, Oyu Tolgoi will offer expert guidance to participants.
The institute began developing its curriculum in 2024 and plans to train both domestic and international specialists in underground mining between 2025 and 2027. With its funding, Rio Tinto aims to ensure the program’s future sustainable operation and successful localization in Mongolia, while also expanding the initiative internationally.
The institute’s mission is to train experts in underground mass mining, block caving techniques, ventilation, and geotechnics, while addressing the global shortage of skilled professionals. As part of the training program, a comprehensive 10-module practical course is being delivered at the Oyu Tolgoi mine site, led by renowned scholars and professors from world-class universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The first cohort included 27 participants from Oyu Tolgoi, Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi, and the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. In 2025, four intensive training sessions were conducted, combining theory and practice on key topics such as cave mining, numerical modeling, ground support, ventilation, drilling, and blasting. On 5 December 2025, participants received their professional certificates.
Another key component of the program is a three-year initiative to train Mongolian lecturers under the guidance of international professors. This approach equips them to independently deliver the program in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of teaching capacity and expertise in Mongolia. By strengthening the country’s human resources in mining, it will enhance national competitiveness on the global stage.
In 2026, SGUMMI will open its programs to all mining professionals, providing global access to world-class training and technology.
For more information: South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute | SGUMMI
