Mining magnate Robert Friedland, the esteemed founder of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN) and Ivanhoe Electric (TSX: IE), has received official recognition from the government of Mongolia for his invaluable contributions to the nation's mining industry
On October 9, 2023, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh bestowed upon Friedland the prestigious Order of the Polar Star, the highest civilian honor awarded to a foreign national, in recognition of his leadership in the exploration and development of Oyu Tolgoi This remarkable site is renowned as one of the largest copper and gold deposits ever discovered
The Order of the Polar Star, established in 1936, has been previously bestowed upon illustrious figures such as former US President Barack Obama, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former US Senator John McCain
Expressing his gratitude, Friedland remarked in a press release on Monday, "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of Mongolia for this exceptional accolade Our experiences in the country, including the discovery and development of the extraordinary Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold deposit, will forever hold a special place in our hearts "
Between 1996 and 2012, Friedland's original Ivanhoe Mines group conducted mining operations across Mongolia, Australia, China, Myanmar, South Korea, and Fiji Initially established in 1994 as Indochina Goldfields with a focus on mining endeavors in the Asia Pacific region, the company later adopted the more encompassing name Ivanhoe Mines in 1999
Friedland served as the founding president and CEO of the original Ivanhoe Mines from June 1996 to May 2006 and again from October 2010 to April 2012 He also held the esteemed positions of executive chairman and chairman for a remarkable 17 years until May 2011
