Deirdre Lingenfelder, the Executive Director of Oyu Tolgoi, has received the Mongolia Friendship Medal for her significant contribution to the development of the mining industry.
Based on a decree from the President of Mongolia, Deirdre Lingenfelder, a citizen of South Africa and the General Director of Oyu Tolgoi, was awarded the "Friendship Medal" in recognition of her important role and dedication to the country's mining sector.
Deirdre Lingenfelder has made significant contributions to the development of underground mining operations, safe production increases, environmental protection, and improving community relations.
The "Friendship Medal" is awarded to foreign citizens for their substantial contributions to the development of political, economic, social, and cultural ties between Mongolia and other states. This award is the highest state honor conferred by the Mongolian government to foreigners.
Three years ago, Deirdre Lingenfelder was appointed as the Executive Director of Oyu Tolgoi by Rio Tinto and moved to Mongolia. Born and raised in Johannesburg, she was sent to Mongolia to lead one of the largest mining projects in the world, starting her journey from Khanbogd.
She recalls how the endless sands of the Gobi Desert immediately reminded her of her homeland and left a vivid impression. With experience in the mining industry from an early age, she has worked on all continents except Antarctica over her 25-year career, accumulating knowledge in strategy, project development, and business management.
"My main principle at all workplaces is efficiency and achieving results with a focus on environmental protection and human potential development. I am grateful to fate for the opportunity to work in such wonderful and challenging countries as Mongolia, where I can focus on efficiency, transformations, and the development of people," comments Deirdre Lingenfelder.
S.Maidar Tatar
Source: MiddleAsianNews
