MONGOLIA’S GEOLOGICAL SECTOR REQUIRES A UNIFIED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Interview with the Director of the National Geological Survey, B. Munkhtur. 

B.Ariunaa

How are global trends in geology evolving? How does Monolia’s geological sector compare in development to other countries?

Geological science is advancing rapidly and at a high level, both globally and in Mongolia. To study the Earth's crust- including its composition, structure, chemical and physical properties, developmental history, and geological processes-and to meet the growing technological and industrial demands that accompany social development, comprehensive research and exploration are being conducted. This includes discovering essential mineral deposits, applying extracted minerals in industrial production, and ensuring the safety of the population and the environment by studying natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and pollution.

Overall, there have been significant advancements methodologies, Widespread in research and results technical theories, analyses. and technological progress is evident, contributing to the broad development of geological science across various fields.

Global activities in the geological and exploration industry have faced significant reductions due to various factors, including the pandemic, fluctuations in market demand and supply, and geopolitical issues. However, the exploration industry has begun to show signs of recovery in recent years. Increased funding and investment in this sector are evident in countries like Australia, the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan.

The exploration sector in Mongolia has distinct characteristics and has been developing actively in recent years. There has been a significant increase in global demand for high-tech raw materials.

In Mongolia, the development of the mining sector is driven not only by the private sector but also by the policies and long-term plans of major developed countries. Efforts are underway to enhance cooperation between governments and implement joint projects in the fields of high-tech raw materials research, geology, and exploration.

Agreements have been signed with several foreign countries to cooperate in the extraction and utilization of high-tech minerals. What results do you anticipate from this collaboration?

During the President of Mongolia's visit to France, a cooperation agreement was established between the Geological Service of France and the National Geological Survey of Mongolia. In this context, a joint working group is being formed to focus on high-tech raw materials including lithium research. Additionally, noteworthy projects include the establishment of a Mongolian-Korean Rare Metal Research Center in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, as well as joint rare metal research with the Polish Geological Survey. Numerous research activities are actively underway. 

Last month, we exchanged ideas with the UK's Research and Innovation Agency in the areas of geo-disasters, urban planning, infrastructure engineering, and geology. We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement technical cooperation projects, conduct joint research on rare earth elements, and further develop our collaboration. Additional MoUs will be established with other countries to enhance cooperation in geological research and exploration. It has been officially agreed to initiate dialogues aimed at expanding collaboration in specific fields in the future.

In Mongolia, it is estimated that fundamental geological research has covered more than 40% of the country's territory. What geological studies form the basis for the currently used deposits?

To advance its society and economy, Mongolia has prioritized the exploration of its own resources. Geological research on formations and associated mineral deposits has been conducted systematically and in alignment with state policy.

Complex geological surveys are the foundational step in identifying many of the deposits we currently utilize, reflecting the years of dedicated effort by geologists. 

Accelerating basic geological research activities in Mongolia is essential for evaluating mineral prospects and conducting effective exploration.

Today, basic research in Mongolia has been completed with geological maps at a scale of 1:1,000,000 and 1:500,000. The 1:200,000-scale geological mapping, which began in the mid-1940s, was completed only in 2023. Additionally, 47.74% of the geological mapping and general exploration at a scale of 1:50,000, initiated in the early 1990s, has been completed.

Regarding geophysical research, the gravity survey at a scale of 1:1,000,000 has been fully completed. The aeromagnetic field sun survey at a scale of 1:200,000 is 77.2% complete, and the aerial geophysical complex survey at the same scale is at 68.3%.

As for hydrogeological research, the work at a scale of 1:500,000 is fully completed. However, the hydrogeological research at a scale of 1:200,000 is only 9.23% complete, while the 1:100,000 scale research stands at 13%. Finally, hydrogeological studies at a scale of 1:50,000 have reached 2.02% completion.

The results mentioned above reflect research and analysis conducted over the past century.

Could you elaborate on geophysical and geochemical research in addition to geological mapping?

Starting this year, we are conducting aerial geophysical work at a scale of 1:200,000 in the area, utilizing specific methodologies. This approach will allow us to obtain digital data using innovative techniques. We anticipate completing this project within the next 4-5 years.

We plan to complete the geochemical research within the next 10 years. This will enable us to finish the basic research for all of Mongolia. Achieving this goal will not only save time and resources in mineral exploration but also enhance the quality of our findings. Additionally, the research will provide comprehensive information on the geology and mineral resources of the region.

What were the results of the research in the mineral sector?

The outcomes of these research activities have paved the way for thematic studies focused on geology and minerals, enhancing our chances of discovering new deposits. In summary, we anticipate that completing the regional geological survey of Mongolia will require at least the next 30 to 40 years.

For medium-scale research, mapping and general surveys have reached only 47%, which is not sufficient. Achieving 70 or 80% would provide a more realistic foundation for socio-economic and regional development planning. For instance, Mongolia's social and economic regional development policy documents have already been approved. If we can better understand the geological structure and specifics of our land, identify available minerals, and develop appropriate plans based on these findings, we can more accurately define our development policy.

Mining is increasingly focused on the Gobi region, but there is limited information available on groundwater studies and migration in this area.

At the regional level in Mongolia, hydrogeological research has been limited, partly due to the absence of a unified policy and planning framework. Previously, this work was conducted systematically. Medium- scale hydrogeological studies in Mongolia remain poorly completed. Water resources are insufficient, making it problematic to rely on groundwater for large projects due to the risk of depletion. To mitigate this, the mining industry should increase the use of gray water and prioritize water reuse.

We need to prioritize hydrogeological research in the coming years and generate results within a short period of time.

Is there any available information on basic geological exploration of rare earth elements, high-tech raw materials, and pre-determined mineral reserves? Additionally, what can you tell us about investments in the geological sector?

Our basic geological studies reveal many promising areas for exploration. We then proceed to the detailed search and exploration phases. Numerous occurrences of rare earth elements and rare metals have been identified, and prospective regions have been mapped. We are actively collaborating with foreign investors in these fields.

Based on the geological research conducted over the past century, our country has successfully integrated exploration-determined reserves into economic use. There remains significant potential for further exploration projects, which could greatly contribute to the economy.

Mongolia presents a strong opportunity to attract foreign investment in high-tech raw materials. The country boasts promising prospects for rare earth elements, rare metals, nickel, cobalt, lithium, copper, and molybdenum. With rising market demand- especially for electric vehicles and advanced technologies- the need for essential raw materials like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and copper is expected to increase significantly. 

To effectively attract foreign investment, it is essential to establish a responsible transparent, and stable policy framework.

The government organization responsible for geological Issues has struggled to develop this sector cohesively. It is believed that there is a need to consolidate Mongolia's subsoil information into a unified database. What are your views on that?

The geological sector requires a unified management system. By establishing an integrated approach for policy implementation, human resource development, production, and work planning, this sector can develop effectively and rapidly

While the National Geological Survey has been established, it has not yet been fully strengthened. The legal framework is weak, and there is poor management and coordination among branches. For instance, hydrogeological research has unexpectedly been assigned to environmental agencies, despite it being primarily the responsibility of geological organizations. The methods and results of hydrogeological studies should align closely with geological work. Additionally, this issue has been only narrowly addressed in the Law on Water.

There is currently no unified policy or organization for geological research related to disasters. Until the establishment of the National Geological Survey, there was no designated state organization responsible for geological work in this area.

The situation regarding engineering geology is also uncertain. Soil structure and mineral content are crucial for farmers, and we can provide valuable information in these areas. Overall, the geological sector needs to be re-organized quickly. There are several urgent issues to address, including enhancing the legal framework, developing long- and medium-term policies and plans, improving the quality and outcomes of research, and strengthening human resources.

How often does the data from research projects stored in the National Geodatabase change?

Research project data in our National Geodatabase is updated annually, reflecting ongoing geological research. Each year, the findings are discussed at meetings of the Mineral Resources Professional Council. Once approved, these results are made public and entered into the Central Archive of Geological Documents. This process ensures that the outcomes of the research are accessible to a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, geologists, and researchers. By reviewing these results, interested parties can initiate exploration and pursue investment opportunities.

This means that any state institution, ministry, or agency in our country can access this public information. However, government agencies are not always aware of the availability of this information.

In general, the National Geological Survey consolidates and supplies inter-organizational information. For instance, it prioritizes providing geo-disaster research information to organizations responsible for emergency management. Additionally, it focuses on sharing essential geological data for infrastructure and road projects.

The geological sector intersects with many different fields and operates in coordination with them. As mentioned earlier, the geological sector must advance 15-20 years ahead of the mining sector to prepare reserves and deposits for economic use; only then can the mining sector develop effectively. If this system fails to function properly, it could lead to unplanned outcomes.

Do you believe that the lack of planning has caused the geological sector to miss opportunities for progress?

I completely agree with you. There has been a prolonged lack of development and planning in the geological sector, and we urgently need to address this situation. The geological sector should have been prioritised, allowing its results to benefit other industries. Unfortunately, that system was never established.

Until recently, since the 1990s, we have lacked an integrated management system for the geological sector that effectively implements its policies.

It was a significant mistake to treat the geological sector too narrowly, viewing it solely as a subset of the minerals sector. Establishing a unit for geology within the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia and relegating it to a supplemental role for many years contributed to the sector's decline.

In many other countries, the geological sector develops independently, with clearly defined functions for geological departments. This approach allows the geological sector to operate more effectively and benefit their nations. However, our government only decided to establish the National Geological Survey in Mongolia four years ago.

In the future, as an organization that coordinates across multiple sectors and provides information, we need to progress ahead of our time and develop effective policies and plans.

We need to address several challenges, including improving our systems, refining our policies and plans, enhancing the legal framework, and strengthening cooperation and coordination with state institutions.