In the heart of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, one of the world’s most mineral-rich yet arid regions, large-scale mining operations face a unique set of challenges. The remoteness, harsh climate, and complete absence of surface water resources not only complicate logistics but also amplify environmental pressures, particularly dust control. As open-pit mining expands deeper into the desert, the conventional reliance on truck-and-shovel methods is being re-evaluated in favor of more sustainable, cost-effective technologies.
One such solution gaining global traction is In-Pit Crushing and Conveying (IPCC)—a hybrid transport technology designed to replace or reduce truck haulage by integrating crushing stations and conveyor belts inside the pit. For Mongolia’s desert operations, where long haul distances and dust generation are compounded by extreme conditions and lack of water for dust suppression, the potential impact of IPCC is transformational.
Environmental Advantages: Reducing Dust, Emissions, and Water Use
Dust suppression is a daily struggle in desert mining environments, where water trucks are deployed continuously to spray pit roads. In regions without rivers or surface water sources, every liter of water is trucked in at high cost. This makes conventional haulage both resource-intensive and environmentally unsustainable.
IPCC significantly reduces the number of haul trucks required, especially for long-distance material transport within the pit. With less heavy vehicle movement on unpaved surfaces, dust generation drops dramatically—lowering the demand for water and reducing airborne particulate emissions. Furthermore, the conveyor systems used in IPCC are electrically powered, offering a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to diesel trucks.
In addition, the quieter and cleaner operation of conveyors contributes to improved air quality and working conditions, which align with Mongolia’s commitments to sustainable development and responsible mining.
Operational Efficiency: Optimizing Open Pit Mining
Mining deeper in the Gobi Desert is no longer just a question of volume—it’s a question of viability. As pits grow deeper and haul roads extend farther, traditional truck fleets face declining productivity, rising fuel costs, and increased maintenance requirements.
IPCC provides a powerful alternative. By integrating steep-incline conveyors (up to 45°), mines can minimize the footprint of haul roads and reduce the volume of overburden excavation. The result is faster pit deepening with less disturbance, supporting more efficient access to deeper ore bodies or coal seams.
Moreover, conveyor systems offer continuous material flow, avoiding the downtime and queuing typical of truck operations. This hybrid model—combining cyclic (truck) and continuous (conveyor) processes—boosts mine throughput and reliability, even in Mongolia’s extreme conditions.
Economic Impact: Long-Term Cost Reductions
While the upfront capital investment for IPCC systems may appear higher than conventional setups, the long-term cost savings are significant. Studies and implementations worldwide have shown:
Energy savings of up to 16%
Labor productivity improvements of 1.5–2 times
Operating cost reductions of up to 30%
Decreased fuel and lubricant usage
Lower equipment procurement and maintenance costs
In remote locations like the Gobi, where every truck requires fuel, parts, and maintenance shipped from far afield, reducing the haul truck fleet has immediate and measurable economic benefits. IPCC not only lowers operating expenditures but also minimizes supply chain complexity, which is critical for mines located hundreds of kilometers from infrastructure hubs.
Proven Worldwide: Leading Mines Making the IPCC Difference
Globally, several high-profile mining operations have embraced IPCC systems, reaping operational, environmental, and economic rewards. These cases serve as benchmarks for mines in Mongolia considering a similar transition.
1. Chuquicamata Mine – Chile (Codelco)
One of the most prominent IPCC examples is Codelco’s Chuquicamata copper mine in northern Chile. Faced with the challenges of transitioning from open-pit to underground mining, Codelco invested in a fully mobile IPCC system. This allowed them to eliminate over 100 haul trucks, dramatically reducing diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The result is a more efficient, lower-cost operation with a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
2. Grasberg Mine – Indonesia (Freeport-McMoRan)
At the Grasberg copper-gold mine, one of the world’s largest, IPCC plays a vital role in managing deep open-pit operations. By using conveyor belts and semi-mobile crushers, the mine has cut truck haul distances and optimized material handling across steep pit slopes, improving safety and reducing fuel use in a remote, mountainous location.
3. Mae Moh Mine – Thailand (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand)
As one of the largest open-pit lignite mines in Southeast Asia, Mae Moh implemented an IPCC system decades ago, showing the long-term sustainability of this approach. With conveyors replacing trucks for overburden removal, the mine has achieved considerable cost savings and reduced air pollution—critical for operations located near populated areas.
4. Aitik Mine – Sweden (Boliden)
In Sweden’s Aitik copper mine, known for its high-efficiency practices in a cold and remote environment, IPCC has been crucial. The system supports year-round operation while reducing diesel dependency and enabling higher throughput with lower operating costs. Boliden’s approach demonstrates IPCC’s resilience in extreme climates—similar to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert.
IPCC for Sustainable Mining in Mongolia
As Mongolia’s mining industry faces water scarcity, long haul distances, and tightening environmental standards, these international examples show how IPCC can unlock both performance and sustainability. From the Andes to the Arctic, IPCC is already reshaping the mining world—and the Gobi Desert could be next.
The path forward for Mongolia’s remote open-pit mines is clear. Embracing In-Pit Crushing and Conveying systems is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a commitment to efficiency, environmental protection, and long-term economic sustainability.
As global attention increasingly focuses on mining’s environmental footprint, the Gobi Desert could lead by example—transforming its challenges into innovations that shape the next generation of mining.
As Mongolia advances its mining sector as a driver of national growth, adopting modern, environmentally conscious technologies is no longer optional—it is imperative. IPCC presents a compelling opportunity to balance operational performance with environmental stewardship.
For mining companies operating in the Gobi Desert and internationally, where every drop of water, every ton of fuel, and every decibel of noise matters, the transition to smart, efficient, and low-impact solutions like IPCC could define the future of responsible resource development.
BY Batbaatar Chimedtseren
Member of SME
Member of Engineering Federation

Published Date:2025-04-30