УУЛ УУРХАЙН ОЛБОРЛОЛТ, ТЭЭВЭРЛЭЛТИЙГ ТОЙРСОН СОЦИАЛ АСУУДЛУУД

Abstract

Since the late 1990s containing mining deposits of worldwide interest, Mongolia’s fate became largely dependent on exploitation of these deposits. However, with no sufficient prior experience in handling large scale mining operations, the country is facing various bottleneck social issues.

This article attempts to identify what positive and negative social consequences and changes are occurring in relation to the expansion of mining sector and large mining and infrastructure projects taking place in Mongolia, in the case of coal exploitation and transportation in Umnugobi aimag of Mongolia.

In this respect, information obtained through desk review, participant observation and in- depth interviews with mining companies, contracted coal transportation companies, coal transporting truck drivers, local communities and entertainment places surrounding the coal road was widely used in this article.

The article attempts to describe and document the social issues such as rapid change in the social structure, increase in informal employment, lack of access and availability of health and education services for local communities and mobile workers, conflict relationships among various social groups and anti-social behavior and crime surrounding the mining and transportation in South Gobi.

Furthermore, the article highlights the need for more detailed research about each of these issues and to provide necessary information to decision makers and relevant stakeholders in establishing and shaping measures to resolve these issues.