Mongolia mining: Licensed tenure or commons grabbing

Abstract

Key to pastoralism, communal land in Mongolia is buffeted by expanding resource extraction with limited government oversight. Herders continue seasonal movement according to environmental conditions, particularly pasture quality, drought and extreme cold. Recently mobility and pastoral commons have been affected by the increase in mineral licenses and subsequent mine exclusionary zones. The process is often framed by development discourses and claims of adhering to global standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using remote sensing and interviews our study examined mining impact on pastures and the role of global initiatives in addressing herder concerns. The study documented significant mining expansion at three mega-mines, a process that removes land from what was the community commons. Amongst herders there was limited awareness of the SDGs or relevance to their daily lives. The SDG agenda, embraced in the capital, was not considered beneficial to herders. The rural challenge is to maintain open pasture access with the development of mining. Social and political engagement is essential for herders’ continued viability in the country.