Minister of Minerals and Energy D.Zorigt has revealed
that altogether USD758 million is likely to be invested in the Oyu Tolgoi
project this year. This does not include the USD400 million worth of work for
which domestic companies will be bidding. Testifying before the Standing
Committee on the Economy on behalf of the group of Ministers, comprising
himself, Minister of Finance S.Bayartsogt, and Minister of Nature, Environment,
and Tourism L.Gansukh that is charged by Parliament with monitoring
implementation of the project, Zorigt conceded that delay in “our preparatory
work” had resulted in failure to invest USD47 million at the time planned.

The number of Mongolian employees at Oyu Tolgoi was 300
in August, 2009 and has now reached 2,250. This is 70% of the workforce, even
more than the 60% pledged in the agreement, he said. A number of “indirect”
employment positions have also been created.