The Oyu Tolgoi project initially is being developed as an open-pit operation, with the first phase of mining started at the near-surface Southern Oyu deposits, which include Southwest Oyu and Central Oyu. This copper concentrator plant shown, with related facilities and necessary infrastructure to support an initial throughput of 100,000 t/d, has been constructed on schedule. Commercial production is projected to begin early next year. In conjunction with the surface activities, an 85,000-t/d underground block-cave mine also is being developed at the Hugo North Deposit. The throughput capacity of the concentrator plant is expected to be 160,000 t/d of ore when the underground mine begins production.