Purpose

Oyu Tolgoi LLC, MUST, and Rio Tinto Mongolia signed a cooperation agreement in April 2021 for the following two goals:

• to develop mine geotechnical engineering degree programs;
• to establish an international research center at MUST.

Highlights

• The $2.75 million commitment is the largest private sector investment in education in Mongolia;
• The support from Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi will build the capability of geotechnical professionals, the lifeblood of underground mining;
• Oyu Tolgoi is planning to establish a rock analysis laboratory at MUST with $300,000;
• Rio Tinto Mongolia and Oyu Tolgoi will provide $2.42 million.

Outputs  and Outcomes

Three parties will jointly address a shortage of skills required for mining, especially underground mining, and the challenges facing production. During this project, these three parties have planned to achieve the following outputs and outcomes: 

• The project will result in the development and international accreditation at the bachelor's and master's programs in mine geotechnical engineering  in Mongolia and a research-oriented curriculum as follows:

  • Internationally recognized program;

  • Qualified graduates;

  • Increased research output for the mining industry;

  • State-of-the-art mining geotechnical laboratory;

  • Increased opportunities for joint international research;

  • Continuous professional development of lecturers and highly skilled faculty;

  • Model program for higher education reform and development, a pressing need in Mongolia.