On Friday, President Ts.Elbegdorj visited the Oyutolgoi mining project to study the company’s activities.

The Government of Mongolia and Ivanhoe Mines Ltd concluded an investment agreement in 2009, and the agreement has reached 70 percent implementation, including construction of an enrichment factory.

Officials of Oyutolgoi LLC told the president that production will begin this year. They said 65 companies from 38 countries are working at Oyutolgoi, employing some 15,000 workers.

Ts.Elbegdorj asked the officials to pay attention to the employees’ salaries and training. The president noted that Oyutolgoi LLC should help workers’ families find jobs in the aimag, because they often work two weeks in Oyutolgoi then go home to Ulaanbaatar for two weeks.

The president said the mining sector is critically important to the country’s economic development, but that mining companies should work to protect the environment to avoid damaging pastureland.

The president also planned to meet with residents of Khanbogd soum.