Blog

By Rhiannon Hoyle

  A Rio Tinto-controlled company has asked law enforcement to help with an investigation into allegations of corruption and unethical conduct at the giant Oyu Tolgoi copper operation in Mongolia. 

  "We are aware of allegations involving procurement-related activities," Oyu Tolgoi LLC said in a statement. The company is "conducting a comprehensive internal investigation" and has "sought cooperation of law enforcement authorities." 

  It said it couldn't comment further given the probe is ongoing. 

  Oyu Tolgoi is 66% owned by Rio Tinto, while the government of Mongolia owns the rest. Rio Tinto manages the operation, which it expects to become the world's fourth-largest copper mine by 2030. 

  The operation is a core part of Rio Tinto's plans to grow and diversify its portfolio away from steel ingredient iron ore, which it currently relies on for the bulk of its earnings. Increasing copper output is a priority for many of the world's biggest miners given the metal is used heavily to build electric cars, renewable energy and data centers. 

  Rio Tinto has invested billions of dollars in an underground expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi mine, where it expects production will increase by more than 50% this year. 

  Write to Rhiannon Hoyle at rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com 

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires

  October 26, 2025 22:18 ET (02:18 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.