Tackling soil erosion and contamination within the SDGs framework: a case study of the Erdenet copper-molybdenum mine

Sustainability Nexus Forum, vol. 32

Abstract

Abstract 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.

Authors 5

1. Enkhjargal Sodnomdarjaa corresponding Aachen Department of Geography Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Geography, Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

   Faculty of Raw Materials and Environmental Engineering, German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT), Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

2. Frank Lehmkuhl Aachen Department of Geography Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Geography, Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

3. Daniel Karthe

   Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources · United Nations University · Technische Universität Dresden

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

   Faculty of Raw Materials and Environmental Engineering, German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT), Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

   Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources, United Nations University, Dresden, Germany

4. Alexey V. Alekseenko

   Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources · United Nations University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources, United Nations University, Dresden, Germany

5. Martin Knippertz corresponding Aachen Department of Geography Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Geography, Chair of Physical Geography and Geoecology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany