Geoecological conditions for the construction of a technology park under the Nalaikh region renovation programme (Mongolia)

Abstract

Introduction. Mining is one of the mainstays of economic development in Mongolia today. Renovation of mining areas because of its specific features can be regarded as a separate direction of urban development. The aim of the study is to research the geoecological conditions in Nalaikh region to support the implementation of the government renovation programme. The programme will include the construction of 50 building material factories, 10 glass factories as well as sheep wool processing plants. Materials and methods. The work is based on the results of comprehensive studies carried out in 2019–2021. They included assessment of the nature, extent of anthropogenic transformation of the earth’s surface and determination of the level of contamination of the main components of the environment capable of accumulating significant amounts of toxic substances (soils and groundwater). Results. The level of anthropogenic transformation and degree of pollution of the earth’s surface with heavy metals has been estimated on the territory of more than 50 thousand hectares. The content of heavy metals in groundwater has been determined. Zoning of the territory was carried out in accordance with the character of transformation of its geoecological conditions. Anthropogenic geochemical anomalies resulting from pollutant migration from coal mine dumps have been identified. Conclusions. For the successful implementation of the renovation programme, it is necessary to implement a set of measures to improve geoecological conditions, including the elimination of private mine workings and anthropogenic geochemical anomalies formed as a result of the accumulation of pollutants in some parts of the studied region. The use of contaminated groundwater, including from wells already drilled, should be prohibited during the construction of the technology park facilities and during their subsequent operation.