Tavan Tolgoi (Mongolian: Таван толгой, also Tavantolgoi, Tavantolgoy, "Five Hill") is an open pit coal mine in the Tsogttsetsii sum (district) of Ömnögovi Province in southern Mongolia. Tavan Tolgoi urban type settlement (Mongolian: тосгон) population is 313 (12.31.2009[1]).
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Tavan Tolgoi is situated at South Gobi desert. Tavan Tolgoi is 15 km SW from Tsogttsetsii sum center, 98 km E from Ömnögovi Province center Dalandzadgad.
Tavan Tolgoi has been in operation since 1967. In 2011, in order to maximize the mine's production, the Mongolian government put the mine up for international companies and consortiums. Six companies were shortlisted and the winners would be likely announced in June or July 2011.[2] The bidders are Kores, ArcelorMittal, Peabody Energy, Vale S.A., Xstrata among others. In early July three companies were preliminary selected that are Peabody Energy, Chinese and Russian consortiums. Later the Mongolian national security committee rejected the proposal.
Сoal production was: 2003 - 38,500 mton, 2004–64,200 mton, 2005 - 404,600 mton, 2006 - 787,100 mton.[3] The coal reserves in Tavan Tolgoi are estimated to contain five billion tons. Coal is exported by rail.[4]
