High-Precision Mineral Analysis Now Available in Mongolia: The Mineral Analysis Laboratory was officially inaugurated on May 8, 2026

Author Admin

The German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT) has received a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for high-precision mineral analysis through a MNT 276 million investment by Oyu Tolgoi LLC. The new equipment enables advanced mineral characterization to be conducted domestically, significantly strengthening Mongolia's research capacity and supporting the sustainable development of the mining industry.The official opening ceremony was held on May 8, 2026.

Accurate identification and quantification of minerals within ore are essential for optimizing the grinding process in concentrator ball mills, thereby improving metal recovery and overall operational efficiency. The SEM system will play a strategic role in enhancing the quality and productivity of copper concentrate production through high-precision mineralogical analysis.

During the handover ceremony, H.E. Helmut Kulitz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia, highlighted the long-standing efforts to strengthen GMIT's research capacity through the close cooperation between Germany and Mongolia, supported by Mongolia's Ministry of Education. He also expressed his appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by the private sector in supporting higher education and research.

GMIT President Prof. B. Battsengel expressed his sincere gratitude to Oyu Tolgoi LLC for its continued commitment to the university and for making a long-term investment in the education of Mongolia's future engineers and young professionals.

Previously, Oyu Tolgoi regularly conducted this type of mineral analysis by sending samples to the Bundoora Research and Development Centre in Australia, where the results were typically received after four to five months due to the absence of the necessary technology and local expertise in Mongolia. With the introduction of this advanced technology at GMIT, the same analyses can now be completed within 14 days, significantly reducing turnaround time while lowering transportation and customs-related costs.

The SEM equipment was previously operated at the Bundoora Research and Development Centre in Australia and was brought to Mongolia by Oyu Tolgoi LLC in 2025.

In addition, specialists from Rio Tinto provided training to GMIT's Mineral Analysis Laboratory staff on the operation of the equipment and advanced analytical methodologies, contributing to the successful transfer of technology and the development of local expertise.

Since financing the construction of GMIT's academic and student dormitory buildings in 2013 with an investment of MNT 11.7 billion (USD 9.5 million), Oyu Tolgoi has continuously expanded its partnership with the university. The collaboration has included support for teaching materials, student scholarships, internship programs, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening professional capacity and engineering education.

Today, approximately one-third of GMIT graduates are employed by Oyu Tolgoi and its contractor companies. Between 2021 and 2026, a total of 52 GMIT students participated in Oyu Tolgoi's educational programs. Since 2013, the company's total investment in GMIT has reached approximately MNT 15.7 billion, reflecting its long-term commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation in Mongolia.

The introduction of the SEM system marks a significant milestone for GMIT, enabling world-class mineralogical research and analysis to be carried out within Mongolia while strengthening the country's scientific capacity and supporting the future development of its mining industry.