AMEC, the UK-based international engineering and project management company, has been commissioned by Oyutolgoi LLC to undertake the feasibility study for Lift 1 of the underground Hugo North block cave operation of its copper and gold mining project in Mongolia. Over the next 25 months, AMEC will work with Oyutolgoi’s engineering team to develop designs, specifications, cost estimates and a construction schedule for an 85,000 tons-per-day block cave operation.

Neil Bruce, Executive Director of AMEC, has said, “This contract is a great example of AMEC working for a key customer in the important underground mining sector, a core activity in our Vision 2015 business strategy.” Matt Gili, Chief Operating Officer for Oyutolgoi, has said, “The high grades of the underground mine make its design a crucial part of realizing the value from the project over the long term, for all stakeholders. We look forward to working with AMEC and its partners in delivering this value.”

Bob Stanlake, President of AMEC’s Mining & Metals business, added, “Being selected to perform the Oyutolgoi feasibility study is an important step in AMEC’s strategy to become a preferred global supplier of underground study and EPCM services in the mining sector. Oyutolgoi recognises the value of our skills and practical experience along with strong performance in previous study work for them.”

To support in the delivery of this complex project, AMEC has partnered with RSV of South Africa for shaft engineering, AC-Tek for dynamic simulation of underground conveyors and Analytical Laboratory Consultants for laboratory service design.