TRQ and Rio Tinto: the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and the obsolescing bargain in Mongolia

The Gobi Desert’s Oyu Tolgoi mine is one of the world’s largest copper and gold deposits, which has the potential to contribute one-third of Mongolia’s GDP. The Canadian company Turquoise Hill Resources and the Mongolian government have faced challenges since the 2009 Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement. Shareholders were initially optimistic because of rising copper demand, but mine development has been plagued by cost overruns, unclear agreement impacts and government-investor disputes. Senior management are focused on navigating these challenges, which may involve renegotiations or selling the mine. The main issue the case study examines is how to reach a long-term agreement that prevents disputes and ensures project success.