DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Martin Knippertz"

Browsing by Author "Martin Knippertz"

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Analysis of Coal Combustion By-Products (CCBs) in Mongolia in Consideration of the Characteristics to be suitable for Backfilling and Securing of abandoned Small Scale Coal Mines
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2019-05-07) Khangai Gerelsukh; Baasandorj Myagmarsuren; Temuulen Purevdorj; Peter Vossen; Martin Knippertz
The research aimed to evaluate the possibility to use CCBs and industrial wastes for backfilling material for underground mines. Hundreds of thousand tons of CCBs in Mongolia is being landfilled despite its economical and beneficial properties. Following tests and analyses were made to evaluate CCBs and industrial wastes: sieve analysis, SEM analysis, radioactivity detection, moisture content analysis, XRF chemical content analysis, uniaxial compression test, elution test and FTIR analysis. Total of 9 CCBs and 1 electric-arc furnace slag from 7 different location/plant have been evaluated to represent Mongolian CCBs. Backfill mix designs were designed to compare the materials and to choose the best suited material for backfilling purpose. During the research, fly ash from the thermal plant #4 and ger district bottom ash had been proven as a suitable material for backfilling while other material can be utilized but, other binder additives such as portland cement must be used. Any of the evaluated materials in this research are investigated not being harmful to environment and to human health. Fly ash and ger district ash are the most common CCBs in Mongolia. More than 200 thousand tons of fly ash and another 200-230 thousand tons of ger district bottom ash are being generated annually.
Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils near tanneries in Ulaanbaatar, mongolia, and options for remediation
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2024-05-10) Mandukhai Manaljav; Oyunbat Purevsuren; Martin Knippertz; Gantuya Ganbat
Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, longevity in the atmosphere, and ability to accumulate. Though heavy metals naturally occur in the environment and are vital in biochemical and physiological functions for living organisms, high concentrations cause environmental pollution and have negative effects on the environment and human health. The introduction of contaminants in the soil may result in damage to or loss of some or several functions of soils and possible cross contamination of water. The contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with toxic heavy metals is a major environmental concern that has direct and indirect consequences for public health.
Assessment of soil erosion and geomorphological mapping in and around Baganuur using satellite-based data
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2022-05-26) Bilguundalai Batkhuyag; Martin Knippertz; Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa
Satellite photography and remote sensing in general are becoming more important not only in the environmental sciences, but also in other fields such as economics, engineering, politics, archeology, and so on. As a result, this thesis will use satellite imagery and remote sensing to investigate erosion and geomorphology in the remote area of Baganuur, which houses one of Mongolia's largest open cast coal mines. The mine supplies a significant amount of coal to Ulaanbaatar's main thermal power plants, and while past examinations have revealed a link between the mine and pollution, most of the studies were conducted within the mine and not outside of it. In
Heavy metal contamination of soils in the territory of Erdenet Copper-Molybdenum mine
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2021-05-25) Nyambayar Ganpurev; Martin Knippertz; Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa
The most distinctive feature of Erdenet Mining Corporation is its ancient establishment. Correspondingly, its environmental impacts have been attracting researchers' interest for a long time. This study aims to examine heavy metal contamination in the vicinity of EMC based on the data obtained by using handheld XRF in the laboratory of GMIT. The research was carried out on 48 samples in the fall of 2020. Given that the number of samples and devoid of confirmatory analysis, the result of the present study is preferable to get a general picture of the contamination level.
Improvement on the solid waste management plan: a case study in nalaikh district
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2024-05-27) Khaliunzul Purevjargal; Martin Knippertz; Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa
Solid waste management is a major challenge for rapidly developing urban areas, and Mongolia's Nalaikh District is no different. This thesis examines the current state of solid waste management in Nalaikh District and suggests plans and actions for improvement. Key issues of waste generation, collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal were identified through research, case studies, and data analysis. The proposed plan includes raising public awareness, improving waste collection and transportation systems, reforming waste tax and tariff regulations, establishing recycling plants, upgrading equipment, improving control mechanisms, establishing new landfills, passing laws, and It is planned to launch an initiative in the direction of encouraging segregation at the source. , implement solutions based on case study results. By comprehensively addressing these challenges, Nalaikh district aims to create sustainable solid waste management and set an example for other regions facing similar problems.
Natural rehabilitation potential in two distinct mining areas in Mongolia
(2023) Oyun-erdene Tsogtsaikhan; Gantuya Ganbat; Martin Knippertz
Soil erosion in Mongolia has intensified, and the general level of soil fertility has decreased. The effects of global warming, and human activities such as grazing pastureland, mining operation, intensification of agriculture, urbanization, and road damage are the main causes of soil cover degradation. Due to the ecosystem characteristics of the geographical landlocked location within continental harsh, arid climatic conditions, there is clearly a different identification requirement in rehabilitation potential of mining areas. So, it is necessary to dig in to differentiate the possible rehabilitation characteristics on the most suitable ecosystems. And discrimination of the potentiality by the ecosystem and location makes how to achieve optimized mining rehabilitation results. In this work, the focus is to concentrate on the natural healing process and weigh into potentiality using pyramid concept [1]. Study area and soil characteristics are considered on 2 distinct mining areas located in 2 different ecozones of Mongolian, one is in sub northern area, Ecozone III, which covers both sandy Katsanoses soil and gravelly sandy kastanozem soil. The other comparison study area is Ecozone VI, which within the desert zone the soil specially forms in gravelly and sandy features, and the vegetation becomes scarce with its both species and biomass due to its hot, dry characteristics. Kastanozem soil has more fertile components and thicker humus layer than the desert gravelly and sandy features. Natural features consist of climatological features (precipitation, temperature, wind), soil types and vegetation index data were collected and analyzed using ArcGIS software. These mining areas followed up with verification areas weighted in Khuvsgul and Southgobi areas appointed 180 and 120 points respectively. However, the potential scores on rehabilitation expenses explain active regions that the chance of adjustable value on those planned rehabilitation budget, where sustaining the soil rehabilitation stick into long term natural healing process. These concludes that the pyramid concept should be applied to the other areas of Mongolian mining sites to enable natural rehabilitation potentiality into long term, sustainable mining rehabilitation plan.
Natural rehabilitation potential in two distinct mining areas in Mongolia
(2023) Oyun-Erdene Tsogtsaikhan; Gantuya Ganbat; Martin Knippertz
Soil erosion in Mongolia has intensified, and the general level of soil fertility has decreased. The effects of global warming, and human activities such as grazing pastureland, mining operation, intensification of agriculture, urbanization, and road damage are the main causes of soil cover degradation. Due to the ecosystem characteristics of the geographical landlocked location within continental harsh, arid climatic conditions, there is clearly a different identification requirement in rehabilitation potential of mining areas. So, it is necessary to dig in to differentiate the possible rehabilitation characteristics on the most suitable ecosystems. And discrimination of the potentiality by the ecosystem and location makes how to achieve optimized mining rehabilitation results. In this work, the focus is to concentrate on the natural healing process and weigh into potentiality using pyramid concept [1]. Study area and soil characteristics are considered on 2 distinct mining areas located in 2 different ecozones of Mongolian, one is in sub northern area, Ecozone III, which covers both sandy Katsanoses soil and gravelly sandy kastanozem soil. The other comparison study area is Ecozone VI, which within the desert zone the soil specially forms in gravelly and sandy features, and the vegetation becomes scarce with its both species and biomass due to its hot, dry characteristics. Kastanozem soil has more fertile components and thicker humus layer than the desert gravelly and sandy features. Natural features consist of climatological features (precipitation, temperature, wind), soil types and vegetation index data were collected and analyzed using ArcGIS software. These mining areas followed up with verification areas weighted in Khuvsgul and Southgobi areas appointed 180 and 120 points respectively. However, the potential scores on rehabilitation expenses explain active regions that the chance of adjustable value on those planned rehabilitation budget, where sustaining the soil rehabilitation stick into long term natural healing process. These concludes that the pyramid concept should be applied to the other areas of Mongolian mining sites to enable natural rehabilitation potentiality into long term, sustainable mining rehabilitation plan.
Rehabilitation concept for Nalaikh Mining Licence Area (N MLA): Monitoring of heavy metals in the soils in and around N-MLA.
(German Mongolian Institute for Resouce and Technology, 2019-05-07) Suvd-Erdene Tsend-Ayush; Martin Knippertz; Daniel Karthe
This thesis was focused on the investigation of environmental impacts of Nalaikh small scale coal mining to identification and improve the mitigation measures and geotechnical recommendations for the rehabilitation concepts and further development of environmental management in Nalaikh district.
Resource conundrum in Mongolia: Soil contamination from coal and copper–molybdenum mining
(2024) Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa; Martin Knippertz; Daniel Karthe; Alexey V. Alekseenko; Gantuya Ganbat; Wolfgang Römer; Frank Lehmkuhl
Soil contamination and the resulting ecological disturbances are a common phenomenon in mining areas, including the vicinities of the largest and oldest open-pit mining areas in Mongolia. In this work, the potential ecological risk index (RI), Nemerow integrated pollution index (PIN), and Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were used to estimate the level of soil contamination with Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cr, and Pb in the top layer of the soils around Baganuur coal mine and Erdenet copper–molybdenum mine. Three different analytical methods were used: portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) for the first assessment of samples, and stationary X-ray fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy for the confirmation of results in the laboratory. Even though general contamination levels in both study areas were relatively low, some potentially toxic elements were found at contents several times higher than the maximum permissible level (MPL) according to the national standard of Mongolia. In the Baganuur area, Zn was up to 2.8 and As was up to 3.00 times higher, while in the Erdenet area, As was up to 2.4, Cr was up to 1.7, Cu was up to 8.1, and Zn was up to 1.2 times higher than MPL of the national standard in the vicinity to the mining and industrial area. The estimation of the pXRF measurement had generally similar results to the other two laboratory methods based on spatial distributions of heavy metal content. Among the different geochemical indices, the PIN showed a more accurately distinguished spatial distribution of contamination. For example, highly contaminated areas were found in the vicinity of the open pit, the tailings pond and the industrial area based on PIN results: 3.6%–4.9% of the total area in Baganuur and 3.1%–4.9% of the total area in Erdenet. The identified pollution levels emphasize the essential need for soil rehabilitation in mining areas, a key factor for Mongolia's economic development and environmental stability. In addition, the lack of documented soil rehabilitation initiatives underscores the pressing need for enhanced environmental responsibility in the country's expanding mining sector.
Soil environmental issues of coal-mining in Baganuur and Nalaikh, Mongolia
(2023) Martin Knippertz; Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa
This study focuses on the environmental issues of mining (related) activities in Mongolia, with a focus on soils in the coal mining areas of Baganuur and Nalaikh. Besides the ecological components (including erosion), also the socio-economic conditions are of importance for the derivation of recommendations for a better understanding and management of Mongolia’s environment. The soil features in both research sites are generally good, heavy metal concentrations are within the guidelines, accept for Arsenic (As) showing increased values. The Geoaccumulation index and the Surface enrichment factor indicate no major influence of mining activities on the soil quality around the mining. However, soil erosion increases near mining sites, which can have a negative impact on soil quality. Studying the long-term effects of mining on the soil and environment in Mongolia is one of the country's most important concerns. In this context, the aspect of rehabilitation in mining areas is becoming more and more important in Mongolian society. Ecological and especially geotechnical recommendations for the management of Baganuur’s and Nalaikh’s environment are of importance for the stakeholders.
Tackling soil erosion and contamination within the SDGs framework: a case study of the Erdenet copper‑molybdenum mine
(2024) Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa; Frank Lehmkuh; Daniel Karthe; Alexey V. Alekseenko; Martin Knippertz
Mining operations in Mongolia have contributed significantly to national economic growth. However, the lack of adequate mine land rehabilitation practices has resulted in various forms of land degradation, including land cover change, soil erosion and contamination with heavy metals and metalloids. These issues have negatively affected ecosystems and posed potential risks to human health due to the interconnected relationships between land, water and human activities. This study focuses on the copper-molybdenum mining site of Erdenet, the oldest and one of the largest copper mines in Mongolia, to investigate the main drivers of soil degradation and evaluate effective rehabilitation strategies. By combining findings from our previous studies on soil erosion and contamination in the Erdenet area with a review of existing research, we assess key rehabilitation priorities. Taking a Nexus approach, this study explores the interconnections between environmental, economic and social sectors, emphasizing the importance of balancing mining activities with sustainable land management. The previous studies suggest that for the next 10–15 years, priorities should focus on tailings storage facility rehabilitation and soil contamination remediation, while longer-term goals include developing sustainable environmental management strategies that foster cooperation between mining corporations and local communities, enforce regulations and improve monitoring in the Erdenet mining area. The study aligns these priorities with the Sustainable Development Goals, offering science-based recommendations for managing soil erosion and reducing contamination.

Browsing by Author "Martin Knippertz"

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