The 600 metres (2,000 ft) stratum is mainly composed of alternating layers of quartose sandstone, slates and subordinate limestones that include the coral Kueichowphyllum sp.

[9] Mozhugongka County is in the semi-arid plateau temperate monsoon climate zone, with cold, dry and thin air, and high winds in winter and spring.

Development efforts include increased farm animal husbandry, feedstock production, greenhouses for vegetables, and breeding programs.

[14] Traditional folk handicrafts include pottery, willow basketwork, wooden objects, mats and gold and silver items.

[13] Mozhugongka has been selected as a Cooperative Medical System experimental site, which has resulted in a very high percentage of people with health care coverage.

[13] The economy is driven by mineral extraction, which was expected to account for 73.85% of total tax revenue in 2007 while employing 419 people.

[14] Extensive mining in the mountainous regions between Gyama and Zibuk have turned areas of what was green pasturage into a grey wasteland.

[20] The Gyama mine, located at 29°43′58.9″N 91°41′29.5″E / 29.733028°N 91.691528°E / 29.733028; 91.691528 at an elevation of 4,034 meters in the Gyama Valley, is operated by a subsidiary, Tibet Huatailong Mining Development, of a subsidiary, Vancouver based China Gold International Resources Corporation, of China National Gold Group Corporation.

The mine, which is upstream of Lhasa, presents water pollution issues and has a history of rocky relations with local residents, many of whom have been displaced and relocated.

In March 2013 the 2013 Gyama Mine landslide which killed 83, mostly Han miners, resulted in international attention by the media.

[21][22] Scenic spots include the Bri-gung (Drigung) Monastery and the Dezhong Hot Spring, as well as the nature reserves.

[23] The Drikhung Thil Monastery of the Kagyu Sect was founded in 1179 by Lingchen Repa, a disciple of Phagmo Drupa.

[24] The Dezhong Hot Spring has abundant supplies of water, and was historically thought to have magical curative powers.

[27] Gyama was the site of fierce battles against the Mongolian Güshi Khan, who had been invited to Tibet by the Gelug sect.