Explore the planetGOLD Mongolia's latest newsletter

We are working toward the elimination of mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Mongolia processing through the formalization and professionalization of the sector. Collaborating with stakeholders along the gold supply chain – miners, gold traders, local and national governments, as well as civil society – allows us to sustainably improve artisanal mining operations as an important economic opportunity for remote communities, strengthen regulations governing the sector, and enhance the formalization and professionalization of the ASGM in Mongolia. For regular project updates, follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

In the 2024 third-quarter edition, we are excited to share:

planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Steering Committee Meeting Takes Place
Positive Prospects for the ASM: Mongolia's Minister Pledges Regulatory Reforms and Collaboration
planetGOLD Organizes Stakeholder Meetings to Share Experiences and Strengthen Partnerships
Delegation Visits Mercury-Free Processing Facilities
Mongolian Artisanal Miners Establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative
Cooperative Members Learn from the Experience of Industry Leaders
planetGOLD Provides Information on the ASGM Gold Supply Chain

Let’s dive in!

planetGOLD MONGOLIA-PHILIPPINES REGIONAL PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING TAKES PLACE

The planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC) met on September 24, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Moderated by Mr. Roger Tissot, Executive Director of Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), representatives from key agencies in Mongolia and the Philippines, along with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), attended to discuss project updates and challenges.

During the meeting, the project teams from planetGOLD Mongolia and the Philippines gave updates on the progress and challenges of their respective countries. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia (MECC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines (DENR) shared presentations about their collaboration with these projects. They highlighted that the mercury-free processing systems (MFPSs) set up by the planetGOLD are a pioneering initiative for artisanal miners in both countries. These systems not only eliminate mercury use but also improve financial access for artisanal miners, which will play a transformative role in this sector.

AGC proposed extending the project to gather sufficient production data from MFPSs, address land access issues in Mongolia, and fully implement financial access mechanisms for artisanal miners. RPSC members supported the extension, acknowledging the importance of these issues for the project's long-term success. As a result, the project was extended to September 2025.

POSITIVE PROSPECTS FOR ASM: MONGOLIA'S MINISTER PLEDGES REGULATORY REFORMS AND COLLABORATION

Mongolia's new Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Tuvaan Tsevegdorj, led the ASM Conference in Ulaanbaatar. Co-organized by the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM) and supported by the planetGOLD Mongolia project, the event brought together over 250 participants, including artisanal miners and national and local government officials on September 20, 2024.

Minister Tsevegdorj emphasized the government's commitment to regulatory reforms and collaboration with artisanal miners to promote sustainable growth in the sector. Presentations from the planetGOLD Mongolia team highlighted international best practices and how Mongolia's ASM sector can integrate into the global gold supply chain.

The conference concluded with a pledge to revise the regulation, include ASM clauses in the Minerals Law Amendment, and improve government support for artisanal mining, signaling a positive future for the sector.

planetGOLD ORGANIZES STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS

In addition to the RPSC meeting, officials from UNIDO, the Philippines DENR, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and AGC met with key stakeholders in the Mongolian ASGM sector. The delegation discussed sector challenges and explored opportunities for collaboration with the Artisanal and Small-Scale National Federation of Mongolia (ASM NF), the Bank of Mongolia (BoM), the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC), MIMR and MECC.

During the meeting with ASM NF, Mr. Narantugs Norov, Chairman and Mr. Tserenchunt Baljinnyam Executive Director, outlined key challenges in the sector and shared positive outcomes from the recent ASM Conference initiated by Mongolia’s new Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources.

They emphasized the government's commitment to addressing regulatory issues and highlighted two main initiatives: developing a centralized ASM database and conducting a social and economic sector evaluation. Both initiatives aim to improve formalization and access to finance, with hopes for continued support from UNIDO and planetGOLD.

In follow-up meeting with the BoM and the FRC, discussions focused on gold trade and regulatory frameworks. Ms. Erdenetuya Purevdorj, BoM Director of Treasury highlighted the importance of aligning with international standards, and the FRC praised the success of the National Forum and Expo on Precious Metals which held in last three consecutive years with the support of the planetGOLD Mongolia. The delegates from UNIDO and planetGOLD explored policy to enhance gold trade transparency and financial access for miners, reaffirming Mongolia and the Philippines' commitment to sustainable artisanal mining practices.

The planetGOLD Mongolia implementing and executing agencies met with officials of the MECC and the MIMR to discuss the project progress and address the project challenges. The ongoing delay of land access is affecting ore supply to the MFPS as well as the approval of related permits which are critical for the project's progress.

During the meeting, the Mr. Namchinsuren Gunshinsuren, Director of Technology Division, Mining Policy Department at the MIMR referenced the recent ASM Conference, highlighting that all involved parties had agreed to support ASM operations and expedite land permit approvals. Mr. Enkhmunkh Ganbold, Director of Environmental Policy Implementation Department at the MECC stressed that ASM activities should not be conflated with illegal mining and highlighted the need for enhanced monitoring of illegal mining and better registration of ASM partnerships. Both ministries expressed their commitments to supporting project activities and expediting the issuance of land permits.

DELEGATION VISITS MERCURY-FREE PROCESSING FACILITIES

The RPSC delegates travelled to Mandal soum, Selenge province to visit the the mercury-free processing facilities (MFPSs), established by the planetGOLD Mongolia following the RPSC meeting. During the visit, the delegates held courtesy meeting with Mr. Dashzeveg Arvin, the Governor of Mandal Soum to discuss project implementation and collaboration at the local level.

The delegates took a keen interest in the MFPS technology and operations in Mandal and Tunkhel, engaging with Byambasuren Odgerel, planetGOLD Mongolia Technologist Engineer for insights on implementation and functionality. The MFPS facilities aim to improve artisanal miners’ livelihoods while minimizing environmental impact. Ms. Hoa Lai, UNIDO Project Administrator, highlighted their importance, noting the dual benefits of enhancing financial access for miners and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

The delegation also praised Mongolia's success in establishing these facilities despite harsh winter conditions and global logistical challenges. Special recognition was given to Shijir Khishig Partnership and Positive Mind LLC for their instrumental role in the project’s success. These engagements underscore the planetGOLD’s commitment to advancing responsible artisanal mining and scaling up mercury-free technologies in both Mongolia and the Philippines.

MONGOLIAN MINERS ESTABLISH VERY FIRST SAVINGS AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE

Artisanal miners in Tunkhel village, Mandal soum, Selenge province, have united to form the "Baatarvangiin Khishig Arvijikh" Savings and Credit Cooperative (BVKA SCC) with support from the planetGOLD Mongolia project. The cooperative aims to improve financial access for miners, an issue often restricted by the sector's unique challenges.

After getting their official permit to operate as a financial institution from the Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia, the BVKA SCC organized an opening ceremony on September 13, 2024, where they announced their establishment to ASGM communities and introduced its savings and loan products, and their future plans. The SCC plans to add expand its reach to wider ASGM communities in Mandal soum with a target of 400 members in the future. The establishment of the BVKA SCC marks a key step towards better financial inclusion for Mongolia’s artisanal miners.

COOPERATIVE MEMBERS LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF INDUSTRY LEADERS

As the first and only Savings and Credit Cooperative (SCC) in Selenge Province and the 192nd in the country, members of the newly established "Baatarvangiin Khishig Arvijikh" SCC recently visited leading cooperatives, including "Khas Bayajikh" in Tuv Province, "B.E.Kh" in Uvurkhangai Province, and "Ugiin Mandal" in Arkhangai Province, with support from the National Association of Mongolian Savings and Credit Cooperatives.

These three cooperatives, which have grown to become national leaders, are exemplary in showing how local communities can unite to create opportunities, achieve financial independence, and harness the power of cooperation. The leadership and members of these cooperatives warmly welcomed the members from "Baatarvangiin Khishig Arvijikh," sharing their history, experiences, lessons, unique qualities, and successes along the way.

The SCC accountant Ms. Munkhzul Batsukh stated that "As an accountant, I gained a clear understanding of the key steps to start my duties from these leading cooperatives. For example, it is crucial to maintain financial discipline, comply with laws and regulations, and properly plan cooperative products from the outset. Since SCC is a 100% financial institution, having professional staff is essential. Additionally, at this early stage, understanding the importance of financial professional programs is critical."

planetGOLD PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE ASGM GOLD SUPPLY CHAIN

Ms. Delgermaa Ganbaatar, the planetGOLD Mongolia Investment Specialist, was featured in the latest episode of the "What is Financial Education?" podcast hosted by the Bank of Mongolia. Alongside Ms. Erdenetuya Purevdorj, Director of the Treasury Fund at the Bank, she provided insights and detailed information about the ASGM sector and the gold supply chain in Mongolia.

Watch the podcast.