Civilizational and Environmental Effects of Mongolia's Transition from a Pastoral to a Market-Driven Economy

Mongolia benefits economically from the rapid acceleration of natural resource extractions. [...]the country's GDP grew by an unprecedented 17.3% in 2011 and by 12.3% in 2012.1 The majority of growth is due to extraction of coal and minerals, 80% of all its exports, sent primarily to China.2 Mongolian territory, at its height in the 13th century, comprised the largest continuous land empire in history. The mining boom is fueling economic growth in the country at a rapid and alarming pace. [...]mining practices are affecting the governance of rural areas. According to Upton and others, Mongolian government policy is also promoting intensified livestock production.