Rio Tinto Gradually Resumes Underground Operations at Oyu Tolgoi After Earthquake
Rio Tinto has initiated the gradual resumption of underground operations at the strategic Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia after an earthquake and the precise implementation of safety assessments; an event that was managed without structural damage or loss of life thanks to high safety standards.
The recent earthquake, which occurred on October 29, caused a limited collapse in a temporary storage area adjacent to the production section. Although the event generated ground tremors, technical assessments showed that no structural damage was caused to the underground cavities or critical operational infrastructure. Rio Tinto confirmed that three employees sustained injuries during the incident, two of whom remain under observation for treatment of minor injuries, and fortunately no fatalities were reported.
The Oyu Tolgoi mine, as one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits, plays a key and driving role in Rio Tinto’s copper growth outlook. The ownership structure of this massive project includes a 66% stake held by Rio Tinto and 33% by the Mongolian government.
Meanwhile, logistical challenges at the China-Mongolia border have also cast a shadow over the mine’s supply chain. Rio Tinto has reported delays in vehicle traffic at the Gashuun Sukhait border crossing, which has constrained the capacity of the truck fleet transporting copper concentrate from the Oyu Tolgoi mine. Nevertheless, with the resumption of underground operations, the outlook for a return to normal production at this mining complex has been strengthened.