The Impact of Mining Lifecycles in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan: Political, Social, Environmental and Cultural Contexts

This volume explores the impacts of mining on societies and communities in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, as ex-Soviet states with rich mineral resources and significant resource extraction activities. It examines challenges communities face throughout the mining lifecycle, from licensing and initiation to social and environmental impacts, jobs, monitoring, dispute resolution, and reclamation. The book includes insights from local researchers and stakeholders, providing a grounded perspective on the tensions and benefits of mining in the region. It is of interest to students and scholars of mining, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the profound impact of mining on societies and communities in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, two ex-Soviet states with shared historical, cultural, and democratic transitions. As mineral-rich countries situated on China's frontier and epicenters of resource extraction, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan face unique challenges on their journey through resource exploration, extraction, and mine closure. This volume explores these challenges in detail, offering a comprehensive analysis of the various stages and aspects involved.

The book is organized into three interconnected sections, each covering a distinct phase of the mining process. The first section focuses on mine licensing and initiation, examining the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern resource extraction. It explores the processes involved in obtaining mining permits, the negotiations between governments, companies, and local communities, and the potential social and environmental impacts of mining.

The second section delves into the early anticipation of benefits through the realization of social and environmental impacts. It examines the efforts made by communities, governments, and companies to mitigate the negative effects of mining and promote sustainable development. This section highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with community engagement, environmental monitoring, dispute resolution, and reclamation.

The third section addresses finite issues such as jobs, monitoring, dispute resolution, and reclamation. It explores the economic, social, and environmental implications of mining and examines the strategies employed by communities, governments, and companies to address these challenges. Each chapter includes a final section titled "Notes from the Field," which presents the voices of in-country researchers and stakeholders. These sections provide local contextual knowledge on the chapters' themes by practitioners from Mongolia and Central Asia, offering a distinctively grounded perspective on the tensions and benefits of mining in this dynamic region.

By using Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan as case studies, this volume reflects on the evolving challenges communities and societies encounter with resource extraction worldwide. It serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of mining and natural resource extraction, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development. The book offers a comprehensive examination of the complex interplay between mining, communities, and the broader social and environmental landscape, providing insights into the potential for sustainable and inclusive development in resource-rich regions.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367563417