Assessment of the technogenic impact of the mining industry on the environment of the economic corridors “China - Mongolia – Russia” of the territory of Mongolia and the Baikal region

Abstract

The paper considers ecological consequences of the technogenic impact of the development of mineral deposits located in the economic corridors “China - Mongolia -Russia” within Mongolia and the Baikal region including the Irkutsk region, the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal region. Administrative districts along the Transsiberian railway from Ulan-Ude to Ulaanbaatar to the border with China and Karymskoe-Zabaikalsk are being examined. A model that reveals an approach and main directions of the research has been developed. The structure of the model includes blocks containing information on objects and subjects of impact, environmental transformation and its assessment. A mapping method of the ecological situation was adopted as the main one. We created an original mapping language, consisting of a system of mapping signs that reflect the various environmental aspects of mining enterprises. We proposed criteria to assess technogenic impact within the fields and administrative regions. For the local assessment of the technogenic transformation of mining areas, we have taken the type of raw materials, its toxicity, the method of extraction, and the area of disturbed lands as environmental indicators. For spatial assessment, indicators of the environmental state in municipal areas have been adopted. The results of the studies are presented on six environmental maps that provide a visual representation of the mining impact on the environment, including its integrated assessment. A detailed description of the environmental consequences of mining enterprises activity, waste products that have the strongest impact on natural complexes, living conditions, economic activity and public health is given. The problems and prospects of further research are determined.