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Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine

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Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)

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The Shivee Ovoo coal mine is located in Govisumber Province in central Mongolia, roughly 260 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar. Operations at the mine commenced in 1990, and it has since become a critical component of the country's central energy system. The mine primarily produces lignite coal, which is transported by rail to Ulaanbaatar's Thermal Power Plant No. 4, the largest source of electricity and heat for the capital. With an annual production capacity exceeding 2 million tons, Shivee Ovoo is one of Mongolia's largest open-pit mining operations. Total coal reserves at the site are estimated at over 2.7 billion tons, ensuring long-term energy security for the nation. Despite its strategic importance, the state-owned mine faces financial challenges due to fixed domestic energy prices and the need for equipment upgrades to improve extraction efficiency.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-17-14-4512192219122-7-16
Rain mm13351226403315532

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This vast open-pit mining operation is a monumental driver of the Mongolian economy, extracting immense volumes of fossil fuels. It plays an essential role in the domestic energy sector by consistently supplying coal to major national thermal power plants.
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Visiting
Entry directly into the active excavation zones and heavy machinery operational areas is strictly prohibited for public safety and security reasons. Casual tourists cannot arrange spontaneous tours and must view the site entirely from outside the official mining boundaries.
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Where to view it
The sheer scale of the open pit is typically visible from elevated terrain along nearby regional dirt roads traversing the steppe. Distant observers can often see the massive dust clouds and specialized mining dump trucks moving along the terraced earthworks.
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Local products
As a heavy industrial zone, the mine does not cater to tourist shopping or local artisanal markets. Travelers seeking nomadic products, traditional Mongolian crafts, or local dairy should visit nearby sum centers or provincial towns instead.
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Active season
Mining extraction normally proceeds continually regardless of the season, maintaining steady fuel supplies for the country's electricity generation. Activity levels, including heavy truck traffic, remain high throughout the harsh winter months when coal demand peaks.
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Nearby
This dramatic industrial site provides a stark contrast for those exploring the sprawling natural landscapes of the Mongolian steppe. A detour past the mining region often connects with deeper cultural journeys to nomadic camps or regional rail transit hubs.

Geography

Coordinates
46.10000, 108.33330

Facts

  • The Shivee Ovoo mine officially began operations in the year 1990.
  • It is located in Govisumber Province, about 260 km south of Ulaanbaatar.
  • The mine's annual production capacity is approximately 2 million tons.
  • Estimated total coal reserves at the deposit are about 2.7 billion tons.
  • It supplies the majority of its coal to Ulaanbaatar's largest power plant.
  • The facility is directly connected to the Trans-Mongolian Railway network.

Explore nearby

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Gun-GaluutGun-Galuut50 km · WExplore →
Tsagaan Suvarga MineTsagaan Suvarga Mine53 km · EExplore →
Baganuur Coal MineBaganuur Coal Mine59 km · WExplore →
Gun-Galuut Nature ReserveGun-Galuut Nature Reserve66 km · WExplore →
ChoirChoir72 km · NExplore →
Khentii MountainsKhentii Mountains86 km · WExplore →
Bor-ÖndörBor-Öndör104 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (3)

Hooloi🌿 nature

A viewpoint offering an expansive look over the valley and the nearby Shivee Ovoo coal mine.

Uurchlult🌿 nature

From this hill, one overlooks the vast steppe landscapes surrounding the mining area.

Ergel hiih🌿 nature

An elevated viewpoint often used for ritual circumambulations in the local landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Shivee Ovoo?
A large coal mine for power generation.
Can it be visited?
No, no tourism.
Why is the mine important?
Supplies power plants with energy.
How is the region?
Typical Mongolian vastness.
Is there work tourism?
Only for business people.
Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine: where is it located?
Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine is located in Mongolia.
Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hooloi, Uurchlult, Ergel hiih.
Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Shivee Ovoo coal mine is located in Govisumber Province in central Mongolia, roughly 260 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Choir — Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)
Choir
Choir emerged as a significant Soviet military base along the Trans-Mongolian Railway.
Gun-Galuut — Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)
Gun-Galuut
A scenic nature reserve combining high mountains, steppes, and wetlands along the Kherlen River.

More places

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve — Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)
Ikh Nart Nature Reserve
A protected area known for its rocky outcrops and as a vital habitat for endangered Argali wild sheep and Siberian ibex.
Tsagaan Suvarga Mine — Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)
Tsagaan Suvarga Mine
A massive copper and molybdenum mining project in the Gobi Desert, still under development.
🗺️
Baganuur Coal Mine
Located east of Ulaanbaatar, this mine is the main supplier for the capital's heating and power plants.
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve — Shivee Ovoo Coal Mine (Mongolia)
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
A diverse ecosystem of high mountains, steppes, and lakes, offering a refuge for cranes, Argali sheep, and countless waterbirds.