The UN General Assembly declared 22 March every year as “World Water Day” in 1993 and established the practice of annually addressing various themes to combat water scarcity and safeguard freshwater resources. Since 2005, Mongolia has been observing the World Water Day and conducting various activities aimed at exploring underground water resources, enhance public awareness of its value, advocating responsible water usage, and improve water management practices in response to climate change. These efforts have expanded every year.
Over the past three years, we have spearheaded an extensive educational initiative focused on raising awareness about groundwater - the “Care Deeply” campaign in collaboration with our partner organizations - the Water Agency, a Government Implementing Agency, the Mongolian Association of Hydrogeologists, Galba-Oosh Dolood Gobi River Basin Administration,and the Geology and Hydrogeology Department of Mongolian University of Technology and Science.
As part of the “Care Deeply” campaign, Oyu Tolgoi initiates the “Care Deeply” Water Stewardship Award to share its responsible water usage practices not only in the South Gobi region where it operates but also throughout Mongolia, encouraging other businesses to use water efficiently. The award aims to highlight and promote the importance of hydrogeological studies and encourage innovative solutions provided by individuals. This year, the Water Agency co-organized the ceremony to establish it as an annual tradition, engaging more businesses, researchers, and citizens to promote efficient water usage.
Numerous individuals and businesses from all parts of Mongolia have actively submitted their proposals for nomination, demonstrating their commitments to preserving water resources and achieving solid outcomes. The judging panel comprises esteemed scholars from the hydrogeology sector as well as representatives from independent NGOs.
On March 22, 2024, World Water Day, the winners of the award were announced among individuals, researchers, and businesses who participated in the competition. In the selection process, scores from all judges were aggregated and averaged to determine the winners in the categories of Best Entity, Best Citizen, and Best Researcher or Research Team, respectively.
To witness this prominent event on March 22, 2024, industry pioneers gathered at the 'Soyombo' Hall in Tuushin Hotel, commemorating World Water Day. Mr. Z. Batbayar, the Head of the Water Agency, and Ms. Deirdre Lingenfelder, Chief Executive Officer of Oyu Tolgoi, delivered opening speeches.
The thrilling moment has arrived to announce the winner of the 'Best Citizen' category: D. Basandorj, who has made a valuable contribution to water resource conservation, mitigating pollution, and efficient usage. The award includes a trophy, a certificate of honor, and a monetary prize.
L. Barkhas was honored with the 'Best Researcher and Research Team' award for his achievements in introducing innovative and up-to-date methodologies and technologies in groundwater research for the past three years, resulting in significant outcomes.
The "Best Organization" award is presented to "New Ulaanbaatar International Airport" LLC for its innovative technologies aimed at protecting, collecting, preventing pollution, mitigating pollution, improving water quality, and recycling water resources.
At the end of the award ceremony, Ms. Katie Smith, the Ambassador of Australia to Mongolia, presented certificates of scholarship for the "Reflecting Climate Change Endurance in River Management" program, sponsored by the Government of Australia, to 15 graduates. The event concluded with the announcement of the appreciation award named after the co-organizer, the Water Agency.
The attendees emphasized the event's significance in reminding everyone of the value of water and the importance of preserving and conserving it efficiently. It’s worth mentioning that the creation of the unique and innovative decoration at the venue, depicting groundwater, was another highlight of the event, adding a positive atmosphere.
Hence, the very first water stewardship awards were held successfully coming at just the right time, and hope this event will only grow bigger in the years to come, becoming an important part of the hydrogeological field. Thank you, “Care Deeply” campaign.
“We collaborate with researchers and consultants from professional institutions to disseminate accurate information on groundwater, water resources of Mongolia, and water usage as part of the “Care Deeply” campaign to educate the public for the last three years. Water utilized at Oyu Tolgoi mine production, sourced from depths of 150-400m, exhibits mineralization levels three times higher than the drinking water standard (1,000 Mg/L) and is unsuitable for direct consumption, Moreover, the company employs the latest water purifying and recycling technology at the mine site.
The Water Resources Council under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia verified the groundwater reserves of the Gunii Khooloi aquifer for the Oyu Tolgoi mine at 918L/s. Through advanced technologies, we currently use half the permitted standard and consume three times less water than other similar mines globally. We recycle 98% of domestic-purpose water, utilizing it for mine dust suppression, equipment washing, and as part of the technological water consumption for the concentrator. Additionally, our average recycling rate for production water is at 86%. ”
Organizer of the “Care Deeply” Water Stewardship Award event
“Mind Plus” LLC – 70111358; 80058013
Water Agency, a Government Implementing Agency – 51265528.
Website: www.water.gov.mn/????????-???????.
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About Oyu Tolgoi LLC (www.ot.mn) |
