Mongolia

Geological mapping of selected areas of Mongolia at a scale 1:50,000

The project „Geological mapping of selected parts of Mongolia at a scale of 1:50,000“ was an integral part of the Program of the Development Assistance Project of the Czech Republic. The Czech Geological Survey has been assigned to undertake the project works while the Ministry of  Environment was in charge of the supervision. The Mongolian counterpart included the Geological Investigation Centre (GIC) and the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM) that was entrusted to supervise the work carried out within the project. The project has been registered in Mongolia under the title Zamtyn Nuruu-50.

The aim of the project

Objectives of the project were compilation of 1:50,000 scale geological maps complemented by geological reconnaissance study of mineral resources and hydrogeological mapping in the Mongolian Altay east of the Chandman somon (district). The mapping and prospecting work covered the area of approx. 4 000 km² on the map sheets L-47-89A, L-47-89B, L-47-89V, L-47-89G, L-47-90A, L-47-90B, L-47-90V, L-47-90G, L-47-101A, L-47-101B and L-47-101G.

The project objectives included:

1. geological mapping of the area and compilation of 1:50,000 scale geological maps derived from lithological and stratigraphic investigations, and structural maps at a scale of  1:100,000
2. geochemical mapping of the area at a scale of 1:50,000 and evaluation of mineral potential of the region
3. hydrogeological mapping and compilation of hydrogeological maps at a scale of 1:100,000
4. geological reconnaissance study of identified mineralizations and recommendation of follow-up exploration works to be undertaken in selected areas
5. compilation of data in geographical information system (GIS)
6. training of Mongolian specialists and students (list of lectures and workshops).

The set of compiled maps is customer-friendly and should be used by relevant institutions of
the Mongolian Administration for the follow-up projects and for the follow-up exploration of the region.

Methodology

Methodologically, the geological mapping of the Zamtyn Nuruu area was performed according to “Directives for the basic geological mapping at a scale of 1:25,000” issued by the Czech Geological Survey in 2003, and according to Instructions for organizations performing geological survey to compile National geological map of USSR of 1:50,000 scale from the year 1986. The techniques of geological work were adjusted to natural conditions of the mapped area and to the application of remote sensing methods.

Schedule of the project

The project was carried out from June 2003 to May 2007 in the following stages: 

2003 - selection of area to be mapped was based on consultations with the chief geologist of the Geological Survey of MRPAM and director of GIC, preliminary reconnaissance of the area, acquisition and preparation of topographical data, aerial photos and satellite imagery, study of the archival materials;

2004 - logistics of the expedition, regional geological mapping and geochemical sampling;

2005 - regional geological mapping and geochemical sampling, hydrogeological mapping, prospecting works in selected areas, geophysical measurements;

2006 - termination of regional works, detailed geological mapping and geochemical sampling, hydrogeological mapping, geophysical measurements;

2007 - compilation of the Final Report.

The final report including explanation text, 7 appendices, 79 printed maps and information system in ArcGis was successfully presented and transmitted to MRPAM in May 2007. Expert's statements of the final report.