World Placer Journal - 2003 - Volume 3.
Impacts of placer gold mining 
on the Red Book species of Mongolia.
Robin Grayson¹
(1) General Director of Eco-Minex International Co. Ltd.

"Nationally, 37 of the 229 Red Book species appear to under increased risk from placer gold activity."

The impact upon biodiversity and ecosystems from the current boom in placer gold mining in Mongolia is poorly understood. One index for gauging the impact is to consider the 229 species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of Mongolia. These species are classed as ‘rare’ (possibly extinct and endangered) and ‘very rare’ (vulnerable and rare). This study suggests which of the Red Book species are at most risk from placer mining. Nationally, 37 of the 229 Red Book species appear to be under some risk from placer gold activity.

The larger animal species include: 3 mammals (Darian Hedgehog, Musk Deer, Elk); 9 birds (White Spoonbill, Whooper Swan, Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose, Osprey, White-tailed Sea Eagle, Japanese White-naped Crane, Asiatic Snipe, Eurasian Penduline Tit); 2 amphibians (Siberian Salamander and Japanese Tree Frog); and 2 fish (Siberian Sturgeon and Taimen). 

The invertebrates species include: 1 coleopteran (Musk Beetle Aromia moschata orientalis); 4 butterflies (Apollo, Small Apollo, Tenedius Apollo and Swallowtail); 1 bumble bee (Bombus muscorum) and 1 freshwater mollusc (Anodonta sedakovi). 

The higher plant species include: 11 higher plants (Siberian Fir; Forked Stitchwort; Naked Bishop’s Cap; Daurian Rhododendron, Bilberry, Manchurian Elderberry, Common Valerian, Dahurian Lily, Ghost Orchid, Cucullated Neottianthe and Mountain Mellick.

The lower plant species include 3 fungi: Leccinum aurantiacum, Lepista caespitosa, and the Giant Funnel Cap Leucopaxillus giganteus. 

Whilst the most intensive placering activity is in the Zaamar Goldfield, the largest impact on Red Data species is considered to be in the Eroo Goldfield in northern Mongolia. However, the situation at Zaamar is liable to become more critical with the current expansion of mining activity and the increasing risk of serious overload of the Tuul River by an in-rush of suspended sediment from neglected tailings ponds. This risk can be minimised by good mine management, better engineering of tailings ponds and a banning of water-cannons that consume too much water compared with more modern systems.

Overall, as the placer mining industry continues to spread rapidly nationwide, the risks to Red Book species is expected to intensify, especially those species in arid and mountainous regions that are as yet barely affected.

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ELK = MOOSE... 
The Elk sometimes benefits by placer mining opening up the forest canopy and mining creating a habitat mosaic for shelter and foraging. However the impact of hunting by miners is probably significant.