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Item Managing automotive end-of-life NiMH and Li-ion batteries in Mongolia: a Material Flow Analysis to assess challenges and opportunities for circular batteries in the Global South(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-12) Gantuya Ganbat; Daniel KartheIntroduction: Mongolia’s transition to electric mobility presents environmental opportunities to mitigate air pollution and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also generates complex waste streams such as end-of-life (EoL) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB). This study investigates the status of Mongolia’s waste management system and how it can be optimized to enhance the circularity of such waste streams. Methods: Original data was collected through field research at collection, repair, storage, and disposal sites, and complemented by stakeholder interviews and an analysis of the country’s waste management legislation. Official vehicle fleet statistics (2010–2023) were used to forecast the quantity of EoL NiMH and LIB until 2050 and conduct a Material Flow Analysis for 10 different scenarios. The dataset comprises both qualitative data, describing the current waste management scenario, and quantitative data on vehicle imports, fleet composition, and battery specifications, with assumptions for missing values based on market trends. Results: Results reveal that Mongolia lacks infrastructure and policy for safe and sustainable EoL battery management. EoL battery outflows were estimated using a two-parameter Weibull distribution model; forecast reliability was assessed via out-of-sample backcasting of the vehicle-fleet projection against historical fleet statistics (2019–2023 hold-out: MAPE = 4.71%). The results of the EoL battery quantities are scenario- and parameter-dependent projections for the lifetime and battery-specification assumptions. The results show that cumulatively (from 2023 to 2050), in the Current Scenario, 10,302 tons of EoL NiMH and 38,650 tons of EoL LIB are expected to be generated. In contrast, for the Climate Focus Scenario, 10,455 tons of EoL NiMH and 102,586 tons of EoL LIB are expected. Discussion: The lower values of NiMH in 2050 are due to the expected transition from NiMH to LIB in HEV. Recommendations to enhance EoL battery management’s circularity include focusing on improving EoL battery collection, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility, integrating the existing informal sector, enhancing regional and international cooperation, and improving data acquisition and management. In summary, a combined approach involving local and international cooperation and socio- and technological development is essential for improving the circularity of EoL battery management in Mongolia. 1 IntroductionItem Spatiotemporal Variability of Near-Surface Temperature Inversion over Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia(MDPI, 2026-08-14) Gantuya GanbatNear-surface temperature inversions are prevalent during the cold months in Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia, and significantly degrade urban air quality by trapping hazardous pollutants within a shallow atmospheric boundary layer. This study investigates spatiotemporal variability, physical mechanisms, and long-term evolution of near-surface temperature inversions over Ulaanbaatar by integrating 25 years (2000–2024) of ground-based meteorological and radiosonde observations, with high-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations for 2012–2023. Our results demonstrate the fourdimensional data assimilation (FDDA) grid nudging effectively captures localized topographic influences in the WRF simulations, showing a strong agreement with radiosonde observations (R2 = 0.783, p < 0.000). Near-surface temperature inversions are strongly controlled by the Siberian High, with the highest frequency occurring from December to February, when up to 67% of morning observations exhibit inversion conditions. A pronounced diurnal cycle was identified, with inversion intensity peaking at 5.6–6.8 ◦C during the early morning hours (02:00–08:00 LST) before reaching a minimum around 14:00 LST. Spatially, the strongest inversions occur along the low-lying Tuul River valley, where the planetary boundary layer is compressed to below 350 m and wind speeds decrease to less than 2.4 m·s−1, creating persistent atmospheric stagnation. Despite these favorable conditions for inversion formation, long-term observations indicate that regional warming (+2.0 ◦C) and the urban heat island effects have reduced inversion frequency by 31%, inversion thickness by 170 m, and inversion intensity by 0.9 ◦C over the past 25 years. These findings demonstrate the strong coupling between regional complex terrain, and boundary layer thermodynamics, highlighting the need to incorporate urban ventilation corridors and topography-informed planning into climate adaptation and winter air-quality management strategies.Item An Actor-Interest-Power (AIP) governance indicator framework for operationalising the Actor-Centred Power approach(Elsevier, 2026-08-03) Daniel KartheSystematic analysis of complex social relations in environmental governance requires clear identification of actors, their interests, power distribution, and interactions. While the Actor-Centred Power (ACP) approach provides a theoretical foundation for analysing governance processes, its application has remained predominantly qualitative, limiting transparency, comparability, and reproducibility across governance contexts. This study develops a structured Actor-Interest-Power (AIP) analytical framework that operationalises the ACP approach by integrating actor interests and power distribution within a transparent and comparable analytical procedure. The framework combines structured actor-interest scoring, power assessment, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to enable systematic exploration and comparison of governance configurations. Drawing on empirical data from mangrove forest management in Thailand, a subset of actors and interests is reanalysed to demonstrate the application of the framework. To further illustrate its analytical utility, six conceptually constructed AIP typologies representing contrasting governance configurations are developed, ranging from aligned high-power structures to fragmented and asymmetric arrangements. Together, the empirical application and conceptual typologies demonstrate how different Actor-Interest-Power (AIP) configurations can be systematically represented and compared within a consistent analytical framework. By operationalising Actor-Interest-Power relationships into a structured analytical framework, this study advances the practical application of the ACP approach and contributes to the development of transparent, reproducible, and configuration-based governance indicators for comparative sustainability assessment and planning.Item Inference of Subsidence Prediction Model Parameters Based on InSAR Data(GMIT, 2025-12-05) Suvd-Erdene Tsend-Ayush; First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Jörg Benndorf,; Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Altangerel LkhamsurenMining and storage operations can cause ground subsidence that threatens infrastructure. Satellite InSAR measures millimeter‑level motion but only along the radar line of sight, which mixes vertical and horizontal components. This thesis builds a controlled synthetic framework to test how well three subsidence parameters - the influence angle β, convergence rate μ, and horizontal-tilt factor λ can be recovered from synthetic InSAR line-of-sight (LOS) data. A Gaussian influence function generates vertical, tilt, and horizontal fields that are projected into ascending and descending viewing geometries and perturbed with 1–2 mm Gaussian noise. A series of numerical experiments was performed, including baseline inversion, ASC-only vs. DES-only geometry tests, noise-level sensitivity, and multi-scenario horizontal-factor cases (λ = 0.3, 0.5, 1.0). Parameters are estimated with weighted nonlinear least squares and assessed with residual diagnostics, Monte‑Carlo uncertainty, and sensitivity tests for noise and geometry. Limited Bayesian (MCMC) and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) trials demonstrate probabilistic and sequential extensions. Results show accurate recovery of (β, μ, λ) with residuals at the noise level (~1 mm). Histograms and Q–Q plots indicate near‑normal errors, and per‑orbit RMSE closely matches the standard deviation. Using both orbits (ASC+DES) reduces uncertainty relative to single‑track inversions and weakens parameter coupling, especially for λ. Monte‑Carlo spreads are narrow and scale with noise as expected. The Bayesian and EKF tests agree with the deterministic solution and provide credible intervals and time‑update capability. These findings support combined‑geometry InSAR as a practical basis for estimating subsidence parameters and suggest a clear path to applying the framework to real time‑series.Item 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 SukSmall 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.Item 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 ArabThe 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.Item Investigation of Non-Chemical Methods for Wool Scouring Industrial Wastewater Treatment(GMIT, 2025) Narangua Khongorzul; 1 st Supervisor: Dr. Ariuntuya. Ts; 2 nd Supervisor: Mr. Baasandorj. MThis study investigates non-chemical technologies for treating wastewater from Mongolia’s cashmere and wool scouring industry. The treatment process consisted of three stages: primary clarification using an Imhoff cone, electrocoagulation using different electrode materials, and filtration with natural zeolite. The Imhoff cone removed approximately 50% of total suspended solids (TSS), reducing concentrations from about 1500 mg/L to 370 mg/L, showing effective pre-treatment through simple sedimentation. Electrocoagulation was carried out using three electrode types: Al–Al, Cu–Al, and Fe–Al. Among them, the Cu–Al electrode achieved the highest organic matter removal, reducing COD from 1789.67 mg/L to 23.2 mg/L and BOD₅ from 614 mg/L to 5.0 mg/L, thus meeting the MNS 6561:2024 Mongolian wastewater discharge standard. The Al–Al electrodes were most efficient for solid removal, while Fe–Al electrodes offered a balanced performance in reducing both organics and solids. In the final stage, natural zeolite filtration was used with 2 mm and 10 mm particle sizes. The 2 mm zeolite provided better COD removal (24.99% after 24 hours), although overall filtration performance was limited and not sufficient as a standalone treatment. The findings indicate that the combined process, especially Cu–Al electrocoagulation followed by zeolite filtration, is a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and promising method for treating wool scouring wastewater. To confirm scalability and long-term effectiveness, pilot-scale testing in real factory conditions is recommended.Item MARKET ANALYSIS OF COKING COAL PLANT: ERDENES TAVANTOLGOI JSC CASE STUDY(GMIT, 2025) GANTSETSEG Zorigt; Supervisor 1: Mr.DORJSUNDUI Gombokhurts; Supervisor 2: Mr.NYAMDAVAA DashdelegThis thesis assesses the market feasibility and strategic competitiveness of the proposed coking coal plant by Erdenes TavanTolgoi JSC (ETT), a major state-owned coal producer in Mongolia. The study analyzes global and regional coking coal demand trends, with a particular focus on China—ETT’s primary target market—and on emerging prospects in Japan and South Korea. Utilizing a combination of market research, scenario forecasting, and strategic risk analysis, the thesis evaluates ETT’s product quality, logistical advantages, competitive positioning, and long-term sustainability. The findings indicate that while global demand for coking coal is expected to peak in the mid-2021s and gradually decline, Asian markets will continue to provide short- to medium-term export opportunities. ETT’s coke blend complies with China’s Class II specifications and benefits from low-cost overland transport to inland steel hubs. Strategic analysis shows that ETT can strengthen its market position by leveraging infrastructure advantages, enhancing risk management practices, and diversifying exports to maintain competitiveness. The study concludes that the planned coke plant is economically viable and can support Mongolia’s broader goals of industrial diversification and value-added export development.Item MINERALS CRITICAL FOR MONGOLIA’S DEVELOPMENT: A SUGGESTION FOR CRITERIA:(GMIT, 2025) Enkhjin Enkhtur; 1 st Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar; 2 nd Supervisor: Mr. Mendbayar MelschoMongolia is known as a resource-rich country and lacks a structured, proper methodology for identifying and prioritizing critical minerals essential for its long-term economic development and industrial development. With the global green energy transition, the demand for key minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements is increasing due to their essential role in clean energy technologies. Developed countries are already securing their access to critical minerals, increasing competition in global markets by developing structured methodologies for classifying critical minerals based on economic importance, supply chain risks, and technological relevance. Meanwhile, Mongolia still lacks a systematic approach and risks missing strategic opportunities without a clear national policy to define and manage these minerals. This absence of policy and strategy clarity not only limits economic benefits but also hinders Mongolia’s ability to integrate into international supply chains, attract investment, and maximize the value of its mineral resources. Furthermore, this thesis work’s methodology is literature-based and reviews the methodology, experiences of the countries & their further works related to critical minerals by research and literature. This research addresses this gap by analysing existing approaches and proposing criteria that specifically fit Mongolia’s unique economic conditions, which aligns with the strategy of Mongolia’s development. Key factors such as economic security, industrial diversification, and sustainability are incorporated into the proposed classification criteriaItem A LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE INFLUENCE OF ATTACHMENT STYLES ON ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION AND THE BALANCE OF CHALLENGES AND THREATS AMONG JUNIOR WORKERS:(GMIT, 2025) Iveeltbayar Ganbat; 1st Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Enkhzaya Chuluunbaatar; 2nd Supervisor: Prof. Ph.D. Sungchil Lee