The Oyu Tolgoi Discovery

In the early 2000s, Robert Friedland descends from his helicopter, clad in a vibrant red jumper and running shoes. As he embraces the land, he proceeds directly to the Oyu Tolgoi discovery

In the early 2000s, Robert Friedland descends from his helicopter, clad in a vibrant red jumper and running shoes. As he embraces the land, he proceeds directly to the Oyu Tolgoi discovery site, where the intricate details of drill holes and their corresponding numbers mark the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Mongolia's geological exploration traces back to the late 19th century when Russian geologists ventured into the region. Post the 1917 revolution, Soviet geologists, driven by industrial and military priorities, meticulously charted Mongolia's geological landscape in the 1940s. The names of Mongolian hills and mountains, such as 'precious' and 'rich,' echo the deep-rooted connection between local histories and mineral occurrences

The saga unfolds in the spring of 1983, as Mongolian geologist Garamjav Dondog undertakes initial geological and geochemical mapping east of Oyu Tolgoi. Green stained rocks reported by local herdsmen lead to the discovery of copper mineralization at what is now known as South Oyu. Dondog, a pivotal member of the discovery team with Ivanhoe two decades later, leaves an indelible mark on Oyu Tolgoi's exploration history.

In the early 1990s, a joint venture between the state-owned Erdenet Mining and U.S.-based Magma Copper kickstarts exploration in Mongolia. Despite identifying the top four mineral occurrences, Oyu Tolgoi doesn't make the cut. The landscape changes in 1996 when BHP acquires Magma Copper, prompting a visit to Oyu Tolgoi and an immediate application for an exploration concession.

The subsequent years witness a flurry of activity, with international and Mongolian geologists unearthing the leached porphyry outcrop at Central Oyu. A tenement application is swiftly lodged, and fieldwork commences in April 1997, culminating in the definition of numerous drill targets by September.

BHP Billiton's drilling efforts in 1997-1998 reveal initial promise at Oyu Tolgoi, but subsequent phases fall short of finding significant ore-grade minerals. In 1999, restructuring and budget cuts prompt BHP to offer tenements for sale, including Oyu Tolgoi. Doug Kerwin of Ivanhoe Mines seizes the opportunity, securing a 100% stake in Oyu Tolgoi after committing to a substantial work program and cash payment.

Ivanhoe's exploration philosophy centers on secondary chalcocite and hypogene copper and gold mineralization. Despite industry-wide challenges in 2001, Ivanhoe perseveres, conducting 109 Reverse Circulation holes totaling 8,800 meters during the Mongolian summer. Near BHP's hole 10, Ivanhoe strikes gold – or rather, high-grade copper – with hole OTR 105, boasting a total intercept of 508m @ 0.81% Cu, 1.17 g/t Au.

Further successes follow, including the discovery of the Hugo Dummett deposit, one of the world's largest and highest-grade gold/copper deposits. Robert Friedland's global promotion of the discovery attracts interest from mining companies worldwide.

The strategic partnership between Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto in 2006 marks a pivotal moment. In December 2022, Rio Tinto achieves full ownership of Turquoise Hill, formerly Ivanhoe Mines, with a $3.1 billion acquisition.