Oyu Tolgoi to rehabilitate all degraded and abandoned areas due to irresponsible mining in Selenge province by 2027

Oyu Tolgoi has completed land rehabilitation work equivalent to planting 12 million trees on 600 hectares of land near the Tsagaan Zur River in Khuder soum, Selenge province, an area that had been degraded and left abandoned for many years as a result of irresponsible mining activities. The rehabilitated area has been officially handed over to the Department of Environment, Selenge province.

This land rehabilitation was financed by Oyu Tolgoi under the policy framework of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, and implemented by local companies based in Selenge province. Local companies “Jinjii Mining” LLC restored 400 hectares and “Bugant Nandin” LLC rehabilitated 200 hectares of land respectively. The companies restored the natural soil structure and landscape of the damaged land, creating conditions for biological rehabilitation and laying the foundation for the recovery of the Tsagaan Zur River basin’s natural state.

J.Bayarzaya, Oyu Tolgoi Environmental Specialist noted:

“The Tsagaan Zur River lies within forest and water reserves and has a unique natural landscape. Restoring the degraded land has improved the river’s flow, soil structure, and vegetation cover, thereby creating vital conditions for enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance in the area.”

• Tuvshintugs, Head of the Department of Environment in Selenge province emphasized: “This area had damaged from years of gold mining that altered the river’s course and disrupted the ecosystem. Now the river channel has returned to its original form, pits have been filled, and the terrain has been leveled. Small ponds and wetlands have formed, providing a new habitat for microfauna and vegetation to recover.”

The Tsagaan Zur River has since been designated as a locally protected area, with strong potential to develop into eco-tourism and seasonal hunting. Locals will also have opportunities to improve their livelihoods through tree planting and fruit farming initiatives in the area.

Oyu Tolgoi has previously rehabilitated 400 hectares in the Yalbag Valley of Yeruu soum, Selenge province, and 215 hectares in Sharyn Gol soum, Darkhan-Uul province — both areas impacted by irresponsible mining. Through our “100 Million Trees for the Future” programme, we aim to rehabilitate all degraded and abandoned areas due to irresponsible mining in Selenge province by 2027. Over the past three years between 2022 and 2025, we have planted and nurtured a total of 35.1 million trees, both directly and through offset initiatives under this programme.