SOUTHGOBI ENERGY RESOURCES NAMED LOCAL JOB CREATOR OF YEAR

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ SouthGobi Energy Resources Ltd.has announced that the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry selected Southgobi sands LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SouthGobi Energy Resources, as the "Local Job Creator of the Year" for 2009. The purpose of this commemorative prize is to encourage and support the hiring of local residents in remote areas of Mongolia.
"We are very proud to have received this distinguished award, which recognizes our commitment to transforming natural resources into jobs, prosperity and sustainable development," said Dave Bartel, Executive Director and Vice-President of Southgobi sands LLC.
SouthGobi currently employs 337 people in Mongolia with over 97% being Mongolian nationals. In addition, 105 employees are from the Gurvantes soum (town) near the company's flagship coal mine, Ovoot Tolgoi - double the number of local employees from last year and represents 31% of total employees. Added Mr. Bartel, "We not only hire local citizens but we also provide professional and special training and opportunities to advance professional skills."
In addition to providing employment to local citizens, Southgobi sands also sponsors scholarships for local citizens to attend University in mining-related fields of study. Upon graduation, students are offered a one-year internship with the company.
SouthGobi Energy Resources is focused on exploration and development of its Permian-age metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in Mongolia's South Gobi Region. The Company's flagship coal mine, Ovoot Tolgoi, is producing and selling coal to customers in China. The Company plans to supply a wide range of coal products to markets in Asia.
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