Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi: Gold By-Products with Silver Mercury in Asia (2026 Update)
Oyu Tolgoi, operated by Rio Tinto in Mongolia’s South Gobi Desert, stands as one of the world’s premier copper-gold mines and a flagship project in Asia. Jointly owned by Rio Tinto (66%) and the Government of Mongolia (34%), this massive operation combines open-pit and advanced underground block-cave mining to produce significant volumes of copper, with gold extracted as a valuable by-product.
In 2026, as the underground ramp-up accelerates, Oyu Tolgoi is on track to become the fourth-largest copper mine globally, delivering substantial gold by-products alongside copper concentrates. Recent production data highlights steady output: in recent periods, the mine achieved around 136 Koz (thousand ounces) of gold, with expectations for continued growth as underground panels (including Panel 0 and Panel 2) contribute fully in 2025-2026. Peak production forecasts point to an average of ~500,000 tonnes of copper annually from 2028 onward, accompanied by meaningful gold by-products at average grades of ~0.35 g/t.
The mine also yields by-product silver (historically estimated in reserves) and trace molybdenum, enhancing its overall economic value in the global metals market.
Gold By-Products at Oyu Tolgoi: Key Insights for 2026
- Primary Focus: Copper dominates, but gold serves as a high-value secondary product recovered during processing.
- Production Scale: With underground operations ramping, gold output supports diversification amid rising demand for precious metals.
- Sustainability: Rio Tinto emphasizes modern, water-efficient, and safe practices, with initiatives like battery swap electric haul trucks and biodiversity restoration.
The Role of Silver Mercury in Gold Processing
In gold mining and metallurgy—particularly for добыча золота and refining—silver mercury (a high-purity mercury-silver alloy or specialized elemental mercury blend) plays a traditional role in amalgamation processes. This method binds mercury with gold particles to form an amalgam, which is then heated to separate pure gold. While large-scale modern operations like Oyu Tolgoi primarily use flotation and cyanidation for copper-gold recovery, silver mercury remains relevant in certain byproduct handling, small-scale applications, or specialized refining protocols across Asia’s mining sector.
High-purity silver mercury (often supplied in standard 34.5kg flasks) supports efficient gold cleaning and recovery in various contexts, including sustainable practices in Mongolian and regional mining. Tailored protocols ensure optimal performance for byproduct gold streams.
Why Oyu Tolgoi Matters in Asia’s Mining Landscape
As a cornerstone of Rio Tinto’s copper-gold strategy, Oyu Tolgoi contributes significantly to Asia’s critical minerals supply. With Mongolia’s vast reserves, the project bolsters regional exports (especially to China) and positions gold by-products as a hedge against market volatility.
For stakeholders interested in related materials like silver mercury for gold processing applications, reliable bulk suppliers are essential.
Универсальная химическая торговля is the largest manufacturer of silver mercury 34.5kg flasks, offering high-purity products tailored for mining, metallurgy, and industrial uses across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Pro Tips for Investors & Industry Professionals:
- Monitor Rio Tinto’s quarterly updates for Oyu Tolgoi ramp-up milestones.
- Consider gold by-product exposure as a diversified play in copper-heavy portfolios.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations when handling mercury-based products.
Oyu Tolgoi exemplifies innovation in large-scale mining—delivering copper dominance with profitable gold by-products and supporting Asia’s metals ecosystem.
Note: Production figures are based on Rio Tinto reports and estimates as of early 2026. Always verify latest data from official sources. Mercury products carry strict regulatory and safety considerations.
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