#6: Kharaa-Yeroo basin

Mining is a prime motor of the Mongolian economy. However, wastewater from mining operations is often discharged with little to no prior treatment. This leads to the contamination of rivers and sediments with heavy metals, which also bioaccumulate in fish. This is problematic since rivers are used for hygiene and recreation and in remote rural areas also for drinking. Several coordination instruments exist, such as i) river basin planning, ii) water use, wastewater discharge and mining licensing and fees, iii) environmental impact assessments, iv) multi-

"[A]ny person, group or organisation with an interest or ‘stake’ in an issue, either because they will be affected or because they may have some influence on its outcome. Stakeholders may include other government bodies.” (Ridder et al. 2005).

fora, and v) the prohibition of mining in or close to rivers, but their effectiveness remains limited.