Economic, social, and political changes: 154267370_pb001oyutolgoi

KHANBOGD-SOUTH GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA - OCTOBER 11: Chinese construction workers march together as they leave on a lunch break at the Oyu Tolgoi mine October 11, 2012 located in the south Gobi desert, Khanbogd region, Mongolia. About 2,500 Chinese workers are contracted to help with construction onsite. The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine (translated means Turquiose Hill) is a combined open pit and underground mining project. While the construction continues open pit mining is currently underway with full production expected later in 2012. When the mine starts full operation the country will be set to become one of the world's top copper and gold producers with estimates of 450,000 tons of copper and 330,000 ounces of gold. Financing for the project has come in part from the Rio Tinto Group and an investment agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and the government of Mongolia. Mongolia’s largest foreign investment project to date is projected to increase the country’s GDP by 35%. Many estimate Mongolia to be the world's fastest growing economy with an estimated $1.3 trillion in untapped mineral resources. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
154267370_pb001oyutolgoi

KHANBOGD-SOUTH GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA - OCTOBER 11: Chinese construction workers march together as they leave on a lunch break at the Oyu Tolgoi mine October 11, 2012 located in the south Gobi desert, Khanbogd region, Mongolia. About 2,500 Chinese workers are contracted to help with construction onsite. The Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine (translated means Turquiose Hill) is a combined open pit and underground mining project. While the construction continues open pit mining is currently underway with full production expected later in 2012. When the mine starts full operation the country will be set to become one of the world's top copper and gold producers with estimates of 450,000 tons of copper and 330,000 ounces of gold. Financing for the project has come in part from the Rio Tinto Group and an investment agreement between Ivanhoe Mines and the government of Mongolia. Mongolia’s largest foreign investment project to date is projected to increase the country’s GDP by 35%. Many estimate Mongolia to be the world's fastest growing economy with an estimated $1.3 trillion in untapped mineral resources. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)