When you think of the world’s mining nations, you probably don’t think of Mongolia. But whether you think about large-scale open-pit mining or small-scale artisanal gold mining, Mongolia is now a mining power.

Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi open pit mine sits on one of the world’s largest-known copper and gold deposits, and is the world’s fourth largest copper mine. It is the largest industrial complex ever built in Mongolia, could run for 50 to 100 years, and will account for 30% of Mongolia’s gross domestic product. Open pit mining began there in 2011 and processing ore into copper concentrate began in 2013.