The open-cut mine, easily seen to the southeast of the city centre, was one of the biggest infrastructure projects developed in Mongolia during the communist era. Copper and molybdenum concentrate are still central to Erdenet's economy, though production has been dwarfed by that of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in the southern Gobi.
Still, the mine is worth a visit if you’ve never seen one like this before and is popular with international visitors. You need an invitation to visit the mine, which is easily arranged through your hotel, and on arrival you’ll need to show your passport to the guard at the gate. While peering down into its subterranean vastness holds its own appeal, the mine is particularly entertaining during explosion days. A taxi to the mine and back from the town centre costs about T10,000, including waiting time.
