Mining executive Robert Friedland has received Mongolia’s Order of the Polar Star for his leadership in the discovery and development of the Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold complex – one of the largest-known deposits in the world, as well as for his many valuable contributions to Mongolia’s mining industry.

The Order of the Polar Star, awarded by Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, was created in 1936 and is the highest civilian award Mongolia can present to a foreign citizen.  

Friedland, who accepted the award at an official ceremony in Ulaanbaatar last week, thanked the government and people of Mongolia for the special award.

“Our experiences in the country, including the discovery and development of the exceptional Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold deposit, will forever have a special place in our hearts,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to revisit Oyu Tolgoi during our trip to Mongolia. I would like to commend Rio Tinto and the Mongolian government for their impressive efforts in advancing this tier-one discovery into one of the world's leading copper/gold mining complexes. Mongolia remains a fertile ground for mineral discovery and it will continue to play a key role in supplying many critical metals to international markets.

Jakob Stausholm, CEO of Rio Tinto, the operator of the Oyu Tolgoi complex, said: “On behalf of everyone at Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi, I would like to extend my congratulations on your receipt of the Mongolian Polar Star in Ulaanbaatar this week. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a foreign citizen and is testament to the regard in which you continue to be held by the Mongolian people, many years after the discovery of Oyu Tolgoi.

“Oyu Tolgoi is now coming of age and beginning to deliver on its true promise for Mongolia and all its stakeholders. Your central contribution to this story will forever be remembered and celebrated and we hope to welcome you back to Oyu Tolgoi regularly in the decades ahead.”

Previous recipients of the Order of the Polar Star include former US President Barack Obama, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former US Senator John McCain.