Issue - Mining
Mining for gold, copper and coal contributes significantly to Mongolia’s economy, but mining practises have many negative side-effects on the biodiversity of the country.
In a country of only 2.7 million people, it is estimated that more than 140,000 work in the mining sector, both commercial and artisanal. Because of the type of mining conducted in Mongolia, a large amount of water is used or polluted in the mining process.
In habitats such as the desert steppe and Gobi desert, where water is a scarce and valuable resource, this can have devastating effects on the local wildlife and nature.
Additionally, destruction of habitat and disturbance that humans and their activities cause can have a negative effect on wildlife in the vicinity.
