Boraxovaya

Boraxovaya is a mineral-rich salt lake located in the Khovd Province of Mongolia. The lake is situated approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Ulaangom, the capital city of the province.

Geologically, Boraxovaya is a complex lake system consisting of several interconnected saline lakes. The waters of the lake are characterized by high salinity and pH levels, making it an ideal environment for the formation of various minerals. Borax, a naturally occurring mineral compound, is the lake's most notable feature and is harvested as a source of potash and boron.

The lake's mineral deposits are composed primarily of borates, including borax, which is extracted and processed for industrial use. Borax is used in various applications, such as in the production of glass, ceramics, and detergents. The extraction of borax from Boraxovaya has been ongoing for several decades, with the mineral being transported to markets worldwide for further processing.

Boraxovaya's ecosystem supports a variety of halophilic microorganisms, including certain types of bacteria and archaea that thrive in environments with high salt concentrations. These microorganisms play critical roles in the lake's nutrient cycling and the formation of these minerals.

Boraxovaya has significant economic importance due to its substantial mineral deposits, making it a vital location for the nation's industrial production. Environmental concerns related to the lake's mining activities have, however, been raised by local communities and organizations. Despite these issues, the lake remains a major contributor to the country's economy.