"Australian mining interests have a growing interest in sharing their expertise with Mongolia for the benefit of both countries,” Robb said of this milestone.

“This trend will continue with the expansion of bi‐lateral relations between our two countries.”

Guildford managing director Peter Kane was at the mine to celebrate the milestone loading of the first truckload destined for neighbouring China.

“The first shipment has occurred in just over three years since Guildford acquired the Mongolian project which is a remarkable achievement,” he said.

“Our approach of partnering with local suppliers and working closely and patiently with important local and government stakeholders to build support has been critical success factors. There are lessons here for other Australian resource companies.

“There is no lack of support for resource projects in Mongolia but there is a clear need for proponents to identify the benefits that flow back.”

The BNU mine is initially targeting 1 million tonnes per annum of low-ash, low-sulphur hard coking coal production for the Chinese steelmaking market