KH.SANCHIGDORJ: AERIAL GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH UNDERWAY ACROSS MONGOLIA

P.Jargalsuren 

The government believes that by intensifying thematic geological research and conducting detailed prospecting, it can identify areas with potential for mineral deposits and uncovering themto attract foreign investment.

Kh.Sanchigdorj, Director of the Geological Policy Department at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, presented the government's policy for the geological sector, detailing various projects and programs, including the progress of aerial electromagnetic research.

What changes and reforms have been implemented in state policy and decisions regarding the geological sector?

The government's policy toward mineral resources is generally reflected in "Vision-2050", Mongolia's long-term development plan. This long-term policy document and the medium-term plan for mineral sector development through 2030 outline several objectives aimed at intensifying geological research and exploration efforts to expand the volume of identified mineral resources.

Continuously expanding the volume of mineral resources recorded in the Unified Mineral Resources Database is crucial for the growth of the country's economy. By planning long-term foundational geological research, mapping, evaluation, and exploration efforts, the geological sector must stay at least 10 to 20 years ahead of the mining industry by ensuring that Mongolia has discovered sufficient mineral resources for future use. The government will maintain its support for both foreign and domestic investment in the geological exploration sector.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the granting of special exploration licenses through a competitive selection process, alongside necessary amendments to relevant legal frameworks.

With the approval of the Law on Permits, Article 20 of the Minerals Law has been revised, making the issuance of special permits more transparent and streamlined. Under this law, sectoral ministries and agencies now manage the selection process for permit applicants electronically, facilitating the granting of exploration permits.

In a region where exploration has revealed potential mineral deposits, we proposed to the government the issuance of special exploration licenses for selected sites, to be allocated to companies through a competitive selection process.

In accordance with the Minerals Law, the Law on Water, and other relevant legislation, local administrations and state agencies responsible for water issues must provide feedback to ensure that the areas granted to individuals and legal entities do not overlap with those prohibited or restricted by law. This feedback is gathered before the government convenes to discuss the selection of these specific areas.

The process of granting exploration permits for government-approved sites is conducted electronically through the government procurement website tender.gov.mn. This is a public and transparent activity.

What changes have occurred in the methodology of basic research that will lead to significant progress?

Geology involves exploring the land. It is a natural science that examines various aspects such as the types of rocks present in Mongolia, their age, composition, and origin. As mentioned earlier, issuing special exploration licenses through a selection process has generated a certain amount of revenue for the state budget.

This represents a positive change at the policy level. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Ts. Tuvaan announced during the general session of Parliament that we will intensify basic geological research and exploration, with an emphasis on discovering mineral resources.

The sectoral ministry is discussing the necessity of reaching a common understanding regarding the assessment of the economic impact of funds spent on geological research and is working to find a solution. One of the key tasks being undertaken in this context is aerial geophysical research, which will utilize modern techniques, equipment, and advanced technology.

In the future, basic geological research and exploration will not only focus on identifying mineral resources but also on collecting, processing and utilizing essential data for various other sectors.

We are collaborating with the National Geological Service, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, the Institute of Geology and Paleontology of the Academy of Sciences, and various universities to provide comprehensive information about this activity to other government institutions, the private sector, and the public. The information gathered from geological research can be applied in various fields. including tourism, farming, agriculture, environmental management, health, and infrastructure development.

Under the "Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia through the UNESCO Cultural and Geo Heritage" project, we are working to establish a national geopark that encompasses the Shar Tsav region in Khanbogd and Manlai soums of Umnugobi aimag featuring dinosaur tracks, the Khanbogd massif with its unique geological formations, and the cultural heritage of Demchog Monastery. As a result, this project will enhance tourism development in the region and promote Mongolia to both domestic and international audiences.

Could you please clarify the progress of aerial geophysical research?

We conducted aerial geophysical work in 2023 across a large area of 950 square kilometers in Khanbogd soum, Umnugobi aimag using advanced technology, equipment, and methodology.

The project proposal titled "Khanbogd-2023," which focuses on aerial electromagnetic research, was submitted by a collaborative group comprising the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the National Geological Service, the Geological Research Center, and the Australian company XCalibur Airborne Geophysics. It was selected through a competitive process in accordance with Mongolian laws and began its activities in November last year.

Building on findings from the aerial geophysical research, we conducted joint geological and geochemical studies in the area, expanding our focus beyond merely identifying its potential. The comprehensive results and report from these efforts will be released in December this year.

The airborne geophysical research methodology introduced int by XCalibur involves conducting electromagnetic field measurements from the air. The company also develops and owns software for processing the digital data obtained from these measurements. Additionally, the company aims to train local personnel in this methodology. This methodology is being used to conduct research over an area of 202,000 square kilometers, representing 12.9% of the Mongolia's territory, starting in 2024.

In this way, it should be possible to attract investors by quickly evaluating the mineral prospects in the area. Of course, exploration activities will not be conducted in areas prohibited or restricted by law.

Geological research typically takes 2 to 6 years from planning to the delivery of the final report. However, within the framework of aerial geophysical research, measurements, data processing, and submission of the results to the government are planned to be completed within a two-year timeframe. The research began in 2024, and is expected to releas its findings in the third quarter of 2025.

What is the importance of this research?

We are collaborating with partner companies to interpret the numerical data obtained from these research results. Our goal is to analyze these data in a way that can benefit not only the geology and mining industries but also other sectors.

In other words, we will work to collect and process information applicable to various fields within the framework of regional development in Mongolia. By implementing the project at the national level, we should be able to provide relevant information of use to various sectors and industries, as well as to identify underground cracks and fissures. This could help mitigate risks such as desertification, the spread of groundwater basins, and land-related challenges for infrastructure development.