Rio Tinto launches South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute at Oyu Tolgoi mine
Rio Tinto, in collaboration with the University of Queensland, has marked the official launch of the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute (SGUMMI) with a visit by the President of Mongolia to the Oyu Tolgoi mine.
This institute offers a comprehensive, world-class training program designed for both local and international mining professionals using the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine as practical training hub, Rio Tinto says.
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of students studying in mining engineering, leading to a shortage of highly skilled mining professionals. The establishment of this underground mine training program aims to address the skills gap in the industry and elevate Mongolia’s mining industry on the global stage.
The President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa (pictured above in the centre), said: “I am grateful for the launch of the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute dedicated to training globally competitive Mongolian and foreign mining professionals.”
Rio Tinto Chief Executive Officer, Jakob Stausholm, said: “Oyu Tolgoi is a world-class Mongolian mine, built by over 20,000 Mongolians. It’s an amazing feat of engineering, technological advancement and safety standards – skills and knowledge that we’ll continue to develop locally with the establishment of the South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute.”
The Oyu Tolgoi mine will serve as the primary training site for the inaugural cohort, which this year welcomed a diverse group of 28 participants from various organisations. The University of Queensland will be responsible for the management of the institute, as well as developing and delivering the curriculum. SGUMMI’s curriculum focuses on core engineering subjects, such as underground mining, geotechnics and mining engineering, with specific topics selected to address industry demands and skill deficiencies. Leading mining academics and experts are collaborating on the development and delivery of the training.
Starting in 2026, the institute will be open to both local and international mining companies for training. By the third year, the institute aims to have accreditation from a globally recognised mining university.
In addition to enhancing skills development, the institute will establish itself as a strategic hub for mining education in Asia, benefiting the local Mongolian mining community and contributing to the global mining workforce, the company claims.
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