Perspectives of Development of the Selenga River Basin in the Territory of Mongolia

The Selenga river basin in the territory of Mongolia is an important region for the economic development of the country. In this basin, which occupies over 20% of the whole Mongolian territory, about 50% of the population and 70% of the agriculture is located. Here are also the main industrial sites. I think that in the very near future exploitation of the Hubsugul phosphorite deposit will begin. Plans for construction of an electric power station on the Eghiingol River have been announced. It is believed that the Darkhan Integrated Iron-and-Steel Works, which recently began operations, will be enlarged in the very near future. The expected intensification of land utilization, of exploitation of water, mineral and other resources in the Selenga River basin in the territory of Mongolia will undoubtedly be connected with the problem of sustainable development of the Lake Baikal Region and will require the coördinated activity of both countries. On the initiative of the Mongolian and Russian Governments, agreements on the regulation of questions concerning water resources in the frontier area between Mongolia and Russia have been concluded.