Weir Minerals has been working with miners in Mongolia for more than two decades, beginning with the Oyu Tolgoi mine began during the engineering design phase of the project through to construction commissioning and running.

One of the largest gold and copper deposits in the world, Oyu Tolgoi – which means ‘Turquoise Hill’ – and has been a source of copper for the Mongolian people dating back to the times of Genghis Khan in the 13th century.

To assist with the plant’s construction and commissioning, Weir Minerals has opened a service centre in Ulaanbaatar. While this was initially staffed with experienced Weir Minerals engineers from around the world, it was designed to facilitate the training and upskilling of local workers.

In a press-release by the Weir Group:

“Historically, Mongolia has been an exporter of raw materials and an importer of goods and services. The investments Weir Minerals is making in the local people are an important step in promoting Mongolian manufacturing and gaining experience in new skills such as rubber lining.” said Ya.Azjargalbayar, Mongolia Country Manager of Weir Minerals.

The service centre is primarily staffed by local workers who’ve been trained in the manufacture and application of a variety of Linatex rubber products, including moulded products and rubber lining of key equipment.

Through this service centre, we’re a proud participant in Oyu Tolgoi’s “Made in Mongolia” initiative to develop sustainable local supply chains for the raw materials, products and services that underpin operations at Oyu Tolgoi Mine.

But it is probably E.Ankhbayar, Maintenance Manager for the Oyu Tolgoi Mine, who puts it best: “The more we do in Mongolia, the more money generated by our natural resources stays in Mongolia to help the people of Mongolia.”

The company’s participation in “Made in Mongolia” is just once example of Weir Minerals’ worldwide dedication to engaging with local supply chains and building expertise through sustainable employment in the communities where we operate.

The Weir Group was the first company in Scotland to set up an apprentice school and our commitment to training is as strong in the 21st century as it was in the 19th. We’re proud that our businesses can provide experience and training to develop the next generation of engineers.”