News
30 September 2024
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National Communications Officer, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
Selenge Province, Mongolia – On 25-26 September 2024, a delegation from the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC) visited Mandal Soum as part of a broader learning exchange aimed at enhancing practices in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. Comprising officials from both countries, the delegation engaged in important discussions and site visits that highlighted Mongolia’s commitment to promoting safer, cleaner, mercury-free mining practices.
The visit followed an RPSC meeting, where members from the Philippines and Mongolia convened to review the ongoing initiatives of the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines project. After the meeting, the delegation toured two mercury-free processing facilities (MFPS) established by the project, highlighting the successful implementation of these facilities in Mongolia's project sites.
This visit provided valuable insights into Mongolia’s on-the-ground efforts in mercury-free processing and the formalization of ASGM operations. The delegation also met with local government units and ASGM associations to discuss potential improvements to the MFPS and explore ways to further support miners in the region.
We thank planetGOLD Philippines and planetGOLD Mongolia for assisting our miners in gaining access to facilities like the MFPS”. These facilities will automate processes, making them faster and more efficient. With its implementation, we hope to improve miners' recovery rates, leading to greater gold production, which will contribute to our Gross International Reserves and support the economies of both the Philippines and Mongolia. Judith Dolot of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines)
Meeting with Mandal Soum Governor
On 25 September 2024, the delegation met with Mandal Soum Governor A. Dashzeveg to discuss the ongoing progress of the planetGOLD Mongolia project and its positive impact on the local artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) community.
Mandal Soum, which hosts both formal and informal gold mining operations, is home to Mongolia’s first mercury-free processing facilities (MFPS), established through the planetGOLD Mongolia project. During the meeting, Governor Dashzeveg acknowledged the significant role of the project in transforming the local ASGM sector, particularly with the introduction of mercury-free technologies.
Governor Dashzeveg expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the planetGOLD initiative, noting that the project has been essential in educating local miners and introducing environmentally friendly processing methods. He emphasized that the planetGOLD project has not only enhanced miners' skills but also contributed to better environmental practices, ultimately benefiting both the local community and the broader region.
Judith Dolot of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader significance of supporting artisanal miners: “The artisanal and small-scale mining sector is one of the most vulnerable industries worldwide. They need our guidance, support, and access to technology to make their work more efficient, productive, and sustainable. Through the planetGOLD Project, we can provide that crucial support, helping miners improve their operations and access capital to further develop their industry.”
In response, UNIDO and AGC thanked the Mongolian government for its unwavering support. They emphasized that government involvement is key to the success of such initiatives, noting that strong government backing significantly advances the ASGM sector. Both organizations acknowledged that the government’s role in the project’s success is indispensable, as it creates the foundation for long-lasting improvements in mining practices.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment between the governments of Mongolia and the Philippines, as well as UNIDO and AGC, in supporting the formalization and environmental transformation of the ASGM sector.
I learned a lot here; I discovered that gold recovery is possible using cyanide. However, we also demonstrated that it can be achieved quickly using the gravimetric method. The gravimetric method is often perceived as slow and tedious, but we observed that it can be mechanized. Their mercury-free processing facility is quite like what we have in the Philippines. I know there is room for improvement in our initiatives, but we have made a good start. I hope this effort can be continued and sustained by the community. Dr. Sarah Marie Pante-Aviado, Minahang Bayan Focal and PIO of Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, Philippines
Visit to Two Mercury-Free Processing Facilities
Following the meeting, the delegation visited two mercury-free processing facilities (MFPSs) in Mandal Soum, which serve as models for responsible mining in the region. Established through the planetGOLD Mongolia project, these facilities provide artisanal miners with a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional mercury-based gold extraction methods. This initiative is critical in addressing the harmful environmental impacts associated with mercury use, a common issue in the ASGM sector worldwide.
The planetGOLD Mongolia Technologist Engineer Byambasuren Odgerel, who has been closely involved in implementing the MFPSs, provided a detailed overview of the technological advancements and challenges of operating in Mongolia's harsh four-season climate.
(Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
The delegation noted the successful implementation of mercury-free technology despite the unique logistical and environmental difficulties in Mongolia. Engr. Donald Ofalsa, Chief of the Mining Technology Division at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), emphasized the importance of such learning exchanges:
“This visit is a great help for MGB because we are the ones crafting mining policies. We can use what we’ve learned here to develop policies that benefit our stakeholders, particularly small-scale miners. One area we should examine is the need to review the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 7076. In Mongolia, we observed that permitting is a challenge, and the same is true in the Philippines. This is something we need to address to improve the small-scale mining sector.”
(Photo by Artisanal Gold Council/planetGOLD Mongolia)
The facilities in Mandal Soum were made possible through partnerships with artisanal mining organizations such as Shijir Khishig Partnership and Positive Mind LLC. Their collaboration has been pivotal to the project’s success, demonstrating how government support, private sector involvement, and innovative technologies can advance the ASGM sector responsibly.
Hopefully, there will come a time when Filipinos appreciate the contributions of artisanal small-scale miners to the country. To small-scale miners, our government is here to help and support you in enhancing your livelihoods. Thank you very much to the Artisanal Gold Council. I hope the community and government can sustain what the planetGOLD Project has started. Engr. Donald Ofalsa, Chief of the Mining Technology Division at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Philippines
Two Countries Towards Responsible Mining
The site visit and discussions marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Philippines and Mongolia to promote responsible mining practices within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. The planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines initiative continues to foster knowledge exchange, enabling both countries to share strategies and experiences to improve the livelihoods of miners while addressing environmental challenges.
The successful establishment of mercury-free processing facilities in Mongolia offers valuable insights for the Philippines, where similar efforts could greatly benefit the ASGM sector. Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, highlighted the value of this regional collaboration:
“We are the only project in the planetGOLD Programme that is regional, and it gives us a unique opportunity to learn from each other. We are excited about the insights our Philippine government representatives can bring back home and apply for the betterment of the sector. We thank and congratulate the Mongolian team for their dedication and achievements. It has been a pleasure to work and learn alongside such a committed and innovative group.”
This cross-country initiative demonstrates the potential of combining technological innovation, policy development, and government support to transform ASGM operations into safer and more sustainable ventures.
The event brought together representatives from the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), and the Camarines Norte Provincial Government, along with the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines and its head office. The Mongolian team, led by the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) Mongolia, hosted the delegation and guided them through the facilities. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) also participated, sharing expertise and contributing to the exchange of best practices.
As the partnership continues to grow, both countries remain optimistic that these efforts will pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for ASGM communities and the environment.
Since mining is one of the most important sectors for both countries, Mongolia and the Philippines, our project implementors have provided significant contributions—not only in technical aspects but also in financial support and coordination with local governments and other stakeholders to achieve the goals and targets of planetGOLD Philippines and Mongolia. We are deeply grateful for this. Engr. Jhumar V. Sioson, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines
A group photo taken during the delegates' visit to the second MFPS on 26 September 2024. (Photo by Artisanal Gold Council/planetGOLD Mongolia)
The Artisanal Gold Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities. Through capacity building, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the AGC promotes responsible mining practices that benefit both people and the planet. AGC is the executing agency of the GEF-funded and UN-implemented planetGOLD Philippines Project.
The planetGOLD Philippines is a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Office and the United Nations Environment Program. In the Philippines, the Project is executed by the Artisanal Gold Council (a non-governmental organization) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The Project is designed to address key issues linked to the continued mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector and to provide sustainable development opportunities for the communities involved.
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