Tavan Tolgoi mine

From Mongol Studies Online Reference

The Tavan Tolgoi Mine is one of the largest coal mines in Mongolia, holding 4.536 trillion kilograms of bituminous coal. The open pit mine is located 540 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar and 110 kilometers north of the Chinese border in Tsogttsetsii sum of Omnogovi aimag. China currently purchases 907 million kilograms a year from the mine, which was first explored before 1956 and has been in partial operation since 1967. ^{[1] [2]} South Korea hopes to purchase rights to and fully develop the mine, an endeavor that the Mongolian government estimates will cost them USD 14.2 billion altogether ^[3], though studies from previous license shareholders put the figure at USD$1.5 billion. ^[4] Russia, too, is interested in acquiring some rights to the mine. ^[5] Tavan Tolgoi increased production by a factor of 20.4 from 2003 to 2006, and production has continued to increase since.

^[6]

The deposits in Tavan Tolgoi could sustain fully developed mining for 50 years at annual production of 90.718 billion kilograms of coal per year. This capacity alone could thrust the country into the top rank of world coal exporters. ^[7]

[edit] References

1. ↑ [http://www.mongolia-web.com/content/view/1021/2/ "South Korea seeks Mongolian coal, other deposits". Mongolia Web. 14 May 2007. Accessed July 2008.
2. ↑ "Tavan Tolgoi Continues to Attract Eager Investors". Distelhorst, Luke. MONINFO. 2 August 2006. Accessed July 2008.
3. ↑ [http://www.mongolia-web.com/content/view/1021/2/ "South Korea seeks Mongolian coal, other deposits". Mongolia Web. 14 May 2007. Accessed July 2008.
4. ↑ "Tavan Tolgoi Continues to Attract Eager Investors". Distelhorst, Luke. MONINFO. 2 August 2006. Accessed July 2008.
5. ↑ "Russians Vie for Tavan Tolgoi Coal Reserves". Luke. New Eurasia. Country Weblog Mongolia. June 1 2006.
6. ↑ Omnogobi Aimag Website. Accessed July 2008.
7. ↑ "Mongolian coal -- a Chinese captive". Coal Outlook. PLATTS.COM Product and Service Highlight. Accessed July 2008.