The
discovery of water deep under the Gobi desert is likely to remain one of the
greatest achievements of the Oyutolgoi LLC environmental team. The Gunii Hooloi
aquifer, a geological formation containing ground water, is forecast to provide
water to the mine for the next 40 years whilst leaving plenty in the ground. It
is deeper and separate from the water in local bores, wells and springs so the
effect on these other water sources is anticipated to be minimal.

Mark
Newby, Principal Water Resource Advisor at Oyutolgoi, is part of the team that
is currently monitoring local wells, bores and other water supplies to check
levels and water quality. This will give them solid baseline data before they
start developing the aquifer next year. “Our goal is to develop these various
sources of water, not just to fulfill the needs of the mine, but also to
improve the conditions for the people in the area; particularly the nearby
towns,” said Newby.