Publications – Gobi Framework

Project Book – Available in English and Mongolian Languages

Sternberg, T., Toktomushev, K. and B. Ichinkhorloo. 2021. The Impact of Mining Lifecycles in Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan. Routledge.

The Mongolian version of the book is available from the National University of Mongolia Press.

Academic Publications

Please contact the Gobi Framework team directly if you would like access to any of the below publications.

2023

Sternberg, Troy, Almaz Tchoroev, and Kemel Toktomushev. The role of mining in Kyrgyzstan’s social acceptance of protest. Resources Policy 85 (2023): 103794.

2022

Sternberg, T.; Mayaud, J.R.; Ahearn, A. Herd It in the Gobi: Deserting Pastoralism? Land 2022, 11,
799. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11060799

Ahearn, A., Darambazar, D., Hobbs, J., Ichinkhorloo, B., Purevsuren, B. 2022. The Belt and Road Corridor in Mongolia: Infrastructure Development and Impact Assessment. In Hobbs, J. and Juffe-Bignoli, D. (eds) Impact Assessment Approaches: Towards Development Corridors. For more on this publication see: Informational Flyer

2021

Grenfell-Shaw L and Toktomushev K. 2021. Social License to Operate: Gold Mining in Kyrgyzstan. In: Kent C, Lalani S, Petrochilos G and Ziegler A (eds) Social License and Dispute Resolution in the Extractive Industries. Boston: Brill.

Foggin J, Lechner A, Emslie‐Smith M, Hughes A, Sternberg, T, Dossani R., 2021. Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia: Anticipating socioecological challenges from large‐scale infrastructure in a global biodiversity hotspot. Conservation Letters, p.e12819.

2020

Sternberg, T., McCarthy, C., & Hoshino, B. (2020). ‘Does China’s Belt and Road Initiative Threaten Food Security in Central Asia?’ Water 12, 2690; doi:10.3390/w12102690 [open access]

Sternberg, T. 2020. ‘Conflict and contestation in Kyrgyz mining infrastructure’. Extractive Industries and Society (7) 4: 1392

Hughes A, Lechner A, Chitov A, Horstmann A, Hinsley A, Tritto A, Sternberg, T, Yu D. 2020. Horizon Scan of the Belt and Road Initiative. Trends in ecology & evolution, 35 (7), pp. 583-593

2019

Sternberg, T., Ahearn, A. and McConnell, F., 2019. From conflict to a Community Development Agreement: a South Gobi Solution. Community Development Journal [open access]

Lezak S, Ahearn A, McConnell F, Sternberg T. 2019. Frameworks for conflict mediation in international infrastructure development: A comparative overview and critical appraisal, Journal of Cleaner Production, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118099

2017

Sternberg, T., Ahearn, A. and McConnell, F., 2017. Central Asian ‘Characteristics’ on China’s New Silk Road: The Role of Landscape and the Politics of Infrastructure. Land, 6(3)

University of Central Asia (UCA) Working Papers

Aksarieva, N. Regional Development Funds: Understanding the Extractives in Kyrgyzstan. UCA. Working Paper, forthcoming

Abdrazakova, A. and Abdrazakova, N. The impact of COVID-19 on SMEs in Kyrgyzstan working with China. UCA. Working Paper, forthcoming

Kulova, Nazgul. 2021. Addressing Local Conflicts in the Kyrgyz Republic’s Mining Industry: A Holistic Approach. UCA Working Paper [in Russian].

Furstenberg, S., Toktomushev, K. 2021. Understanding Gold Mining and Social Conflicts in Kyrgyzstan. UCA. Working Paper #63

Social Impact Assessment Methdology Reports and Translations

“Methodology for Conducting Strategic and Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment” Translation of the Mongolian file (available on Mongolia’s Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism website) to English. Download the English Translation.

Tegshbayar, D., Baigalmaa, P., Purevdulam, L., Sanchir, J., and Bayarsaikhan, N. 2020. Report for the Government Working Group (Established by Order No. 28 of 2020 of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia) on Social Impact Assessment Methodology and Legal Review and Recommendations for Social Impact Assessment. Монгол хэл | English Language Version

News and Op-Eds

Ahearn, Ariell. 2022. Mining Fractures Land and Community in Mongolia. East Asia Forum.

Toktomushev, Kemel. Jan. 22, 2021. Anti-Chinese Sentiments in the Extractive Industry: A Central Asian Example. Link: https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/anti-chinese-sentiments-in-the-extractive-industry-a-central-asian-example

Truck accident on the road leading to the Chinese border outside of Khanbogd, South Gobi.

Knowledge Exchange Report

A Report on Benefit Sharing, Conflict Resolution and Local Collaboration, 18 December 2018, Ulaanbaatar

On 18 December, 2018, the Gobi Framework research team1 gathered 15 experts from Mongolian Government, industry, NGOs, and universities to discuss challenges and opportunities to benefit sharing, conflict resolution and local collaboration in the extractive sector. Discussion focused on understanding to what extent mining companies and government adopted international frameworks such as the IFC’s performance standards, ICMM Community Development Toolkit or World Bank Mining Community Development Agreements, amongst others. After examining a case study from Peru, the group reflected on the types of conflicts occurring in the Mongolian mining sector as well as current information sharing practices between mines and local citizens. This dialogue revealed the varied perspectives and experiences of companies, NGOs and government actors in Mongolia and produced insights around best practices for advancing more inclusive infrastructure development in Mongolia and beyond.

Download the report: Knowledge Exchange Report_Dec_Final