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‟Assessment of Soil Erosion, Contamination, and Rehabilitation Potential in Mongolian Mining Regions: A Case Study in the Erdenet Copper and Molybdenum, and Baganuur Coal Mining Areas”
(Von der Fakultät für Georessourcen und Materialtechnik der Rheinisch-Westfälischen Technischen Hochschule Aachen, 2024-07-04) Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa, M.; Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Frank Lehmkuhl; Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Daniel Karthe
Mining plays a vital role in Mongolia’s economy, contributing significantly to export revenue. However, this economic benefit often comes at the cost of environmental degradation, particularly in regions surrounding major mining sites like the Baganuur lignite mine and the Erdenet copper-molybdenum mine. This study examines the long-term impacts of mining on soil erosion and contamination in Mongolia’s semi-arid steppe zones, aiming to provide insights into the extent of degradation and propose strategies for mitigation and rehabilitation. The study quantifies soil erosion rates in mining regions utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, remote sensing data, and ground truth observations spanning nearly three decades (1989-2018). Results show a clear correlation between rainfall erosivity and soil erosion, particularly noting peak erosion in July 2018 in both study areas, reaching 7.88 t ha-1month-1 in the Erdenet area and 9.46 t ha-1month-1 in the Baganuur area. Additionally, the spatial distribution of erosion underscores localized impacts near mining sites and adjacent industrial zones. In addition, erosion due to mining activities has led to soil contamination with Heavy Metals and Metalloids (HMM), posing ecological and health risks. Various indices, such as the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (PIN), and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), are used to assess soil contamination levels. Findings reveal elevated concentrations of elements such as Zn and As in the Baganuur mining area, and of Cu, Cr, and Zn in the Erdenet mining area. These concentrations exceed the Maximum Permissible Level (MPL) of Mongolian Soil quality standard (MNS 5850:2019), particularly in proximity to mining and industrial areas. This underscores the urgent need for soil rehabilitation initiatives to mitigate environmental and health hazards. Beyond soil degradation, mining activities have broader environmental and socioeconomic consequences. The study evaluates these impacts, emphasizing the importance of science-based rehabilitation plans and robust implementation of environmental regulations aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Continuous environmental assessments and rehabilitation initiatives are supported to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mongolia’s mining sector, safeguarding both natural ecosystems and local communities. Based on the study findings, several recommendations emerge for mitigating soil degradation and promoting sustainable mining practices in Mongolia. These include:- Implementation of erosion control measures, such as vegetative cover and terracing, to reduce soil erosion rates in mining regions.
- Adoption of soil remediation techniques, including phytoremediation and chemical stabilization, to address soil contamination and restore ecosystem health.
- Strengthening of environmental regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with national standards and promote responsible mining practices.
- Integration of environmental considerations into mine planning and operation processes, emphasizing the importance of continuous environmental impact assessments and monitoring. By comprehensively understanding the drivers and consequences of soil erosion and contamination, stakeholders such as mining companies, government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations can collaboratively devise and implement effective mitigation and rehabilitation strategies. This concerted effort aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mongolia’s mining sector and the well-being of its inhabitants and wildlife, all while promoting sustainable development.
NATURAL REHABILITATION POTENTIAL IN MINING AREAS
(GMIT, 2023) Oyun-erdene Tsogtsaikhan; 1st Supervisor: Dr. Martin Knippertz; 2nd Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Gantuya Ganbat
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID RENEWABLE MICROGRID SYSTEM FOR MINE SITES IN SOUTHWEST OF MONGOLIA
(GMIT, 2023) ERDENETSOGT Turbat; 1st Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Ariunbolor Purvee; 2nd Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Thomas Hollenberg
This thesis focuses on the design and analysis of a renewable microgrid system for mines in the southwest of Mongolia, with an emphasis on addressing the energy-intensive nature of mining, diesel use, and CO2 emissions. As a country abundant in renewable energy resources, Mongolia presents a unique opportunity to achieve sustainable solutions in the mining sector. However, despite proven renewable technology and a renewable-rich country, most mining companies have yet to adopt renewable solutions. The methodology employed in this study encompasses several key steps. Firstly, an overview of the legal frameworks and regulations about renewable energy
deployment in the mining sector in Mongolia is conducted. Next, a concept design phase is undertaken, integrating solar, wind, energy storage, and diesel generators to create an off-grid hybrid system tailored to the mine's energy requirements. Considerations such as load demand, resource availability, and system reliability are taken into account during the design phase. Modeling and simulation techniques are employed to assess performance and feasibility, evaluating various scenarios to meet energy needs while minimizing diesel fuel usage and CO2 emissions. Furthermore, a detailed business case is developed, considering the initial capital investment, operational costs, and potential financial benefits of the renewable microgrid system. The analysis includes factors such as the payback period, return on investment (ROI), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), providing insights into the economic viability of the system for mining operations in Mongolia. The analysis revealed that incorporating a wind turbine in the off-grid hybrid system increased the renewable energy fraction from 28.6% (PV + energy storage) to 88.1% (PV+ energy storage + wind turbine), resulting in a significant reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and operating costs over the life of the mine. However, PV energy systems with a peak capacity of 6 MW offered a more reliable and consistent energy source compared to wind turbines due to low wind speeds and higher installation costs associated with taller hub heights (>50m).
Design and Simulation of a Regenerative Braking System for Small Electric Vehicles
(GMIT, 2025) Sumiyadorj Rentsennorov; 1 st Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Sungchil Lee; 2 nd Supervisor: Ph.D. Kim Young Suk
Small electric vehicles (SEVs), such as e-scooters and e-bikes, are becoming increasingly important for sustainable urban transport. However, their limited battery capacity significantly constrains range and usability, particularly in cities like Ulaanbaatar, where cold weather and limited charging infrastructure further exacerbate these issues. This thesis investigates the design, simulation, and prototype testing of a regenerative braking system (RBS) specifically tailored for lightweight SEVs, to improve energy efficiency through kinetic energy recovery during deceleration. The research begins with an exploration of the historical development and theoretical principles behind regenerative braking, including electromagnetic induction, Lenz’s Law, and energy conservation. A simulation model was developed in MATLAB/Simulink to replicate a realistic SEV drivetrain using a 12V brushed DC motor, an H-bridge inverter, a lithium-ion battery, and a control logic system for modulating torque. Simulations were performed under both regenerative and non-regenerative scenarios. The results showed that when braking was applied, the system recovered approximately 4.48 joules of energy from 38.87 joules consumed, achieving an energy recovery efficiency of 11.52%. In contrast, the coasting scenario confirmed zero energy recovery, highlighting the effectiveness of controlled regenerative braking. To validate the simulation, a hardware prototype was built using an Arduino Uno, L298N motor driver, ACS712 (1) current sensor, and a 14.8V 2800mAh battery pack. The prototype ran a similar 10-second drive-brake cycle, with real-time current and power readings collected to calculate energy use and recovery. While the simulation demonstrated ideal regenerative behavior, the physical system was limited by the L298N’s unidirectional current flow, allowing only dynamic braking but not true regeneration. Nevertheless, the prototype showed measurable reverse current during braking and achieved a recovery efficiency of 8.76%, confirming the system’s potential with improved hardware. This work concludes that regenerative braking can offer tangible energy savings in SEVs and provides a foundational model for implementing RBS in low-cost, micro-mobility systems. Future improvements, such as upgrading the motor driver to a bidirectional regenerative controller and integrating supercapacitor storage, are recommended to maximize energy recovery and system performance.
INTEGRATING FLOOD MITIGATION AND GROUNDWATER RECHARGE IN WATER SCARCE MINING AREA OF SOUTHERN GOBI MONGOLIA
(GMIT, 2025) TUGULDUR Bat-itgelt; 1 st Supervisor: Dr. Ariuntuya Tserendorj; 2 nd Supervisor: Dr. Alireza Arab
The Gobi region of Mongolia, characterized by its arid climate and lack of natural groundwater recharge, is increasingly facing intense flash flood events due to climate change. Despite being a dryland, the area experiences short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events that generate destructive runoff. Compounding this challenge, the region’s mineral abundance is driving rapid growth in water demand, particularly for mining activities. Groundwater remains the sole water source, yet it is unsustainably extracted without natural replenishment. This thesis investigates a nature-based solution: harvesting flash floodwater to support groundwater sustainability through managed infiltration. A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach integrated with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied using nine thematic layers (slope, soil type, land use, lithology, drainage density, lineament density, rainfall, groundwater depth, and runoff potential) to identify suitable zones for floodwater infiltration across a 1,600 km² study area. The Rational Method was employed to estimate the volume of runoff generated during a 5-year return period rainfall event.
The analysis revealed that 35.04 km² (approximately 2%) of the total area is highly suitable for infiltration structures. Within this area, an estimated 1,013,256.86 m³ of floodwater can be harvested and redirected into aquifers per event. The findings support the strategic implementation of infiltration-based structures such as retention basins and recharge ponds to mitigate flood damage and enhance groundwater sustainability in climate-vulnerable, water-scarce mining regions.