News
Countries:
-
National Communications Officer, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – Officials from the Philippines and Mongolia came together on 23 September 2024, united by a commitment to responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) practices through the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Project. The Philippine delegation included representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte. They engaged with their counterparts from the planetGOLD Mongolia project and crucial Mongolian stakeholders: the Artisanal and Small-Scale National Federation of Mongolia (ASM NF) and the Bank of Mongolia (BoM). The meetings also featured Ms. Lai Hoa, UNIDO Project Administrator.
The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), the executing agency for the project, led the discussions. Roger Tissot, Executive Director of AGC, and Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan, AGC Mongolia National Project Manager, represented the Mongolian team, while Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of AGC Philippines, led the Philippine discussions.
Delegates of the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Regional Project Steering Committee meet Bank of Mongolia leadership in the afternoon of 23 September 2024. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Empowering Artisanal Miners with ASM NF
In their first meeting with ASM NF, the conversation centered on formalizing artisanal mining operations, improving data systems, and enhancing miners' access to financial support. ASM NF Chairman Narantugs Norov underscored the federation's commitment to addressing sector challenges through partnerships with the government and international collaboration.
The Philippine delegation stressed the importance of inclusive policies and capacity-building programs for miners.
Engr. Jhumar V. Sioson from DENR noted the shared goals of both nations: "The Philippines and Mongolia share the same vision of eliminating the use of mercury. Capacity building for miners, along with providing them with financial resources and assistance, is essential to achieving this goal.”
The delegation recognized the parallels between their initiatives to formalize mining operations in the Philippines and those of ASM NF, particularly in empowering artisanal miners through education and policy reform.
Strengthening Financial Systems with the Bank of Mongolia
Later that day, the delegation met with the Bank of Mongolia to discuss how financial mechanisms can support ASGM. Senior Economist Telmen Tumenjargal provided an overview of Mongolia’s gold purchasing framework, which aims to incorporate small-scale miners into the formal supply chain. The bank’s recent adoption of the London Principles—highlighting transparency and ethical sourcing—demonstrated Mongolia’s commitment to global standards.
The Philippine delegation shared valuable insights on bridging the gap between artisanal miners and formal markets. Dr. Sarah Marie Aviado, Provincial Information Officer of Camarines Norte, highlighted how partnerships with financial institutions have bolstered gold traceability efforts in the Philippines.
“Our collaboration with Mongolia through the planetGOLD project has been incredibly beneficial,” Dr. Aviado noted.
She further emphasized the significance of collaboration in empowering the sector: “I also recognize the importance of partnerships, linkages, and strong government support. The mining sector, especially small-scale mining, will thrive if backed not only by the miners but also by the government and the private sector.”
Dr. Aviado concluded by stressing the need to sustain these efforts: “I know there is room for improvement in our initiatives, but we have made a strong start. I hope this can continue and be sustained by the community.”
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Philippines and Mongolia to advance responsible Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) practices by leveraging financial systems to support miners and enhance their integration into formal markets.
Subsequently, the delegates visited the Museum of the Bank of Mongolia, where they met Mr. Lkhagvasuren Byadran, Governor of the Bank of Mongolia.
Building Bridges for Responsible Gold Mining
These meetings showcased the power of cross-country collaboration in addressing the challenges of formalization, financing, and mercury elimination in the ASGM sector. The shared vision of the Philippines and Mongolia exemplifies how partnerships can drive global progress in sustainable mining.
The Philippine delegation reaffirmed their dedication to advancing responsible ASGM practices. By sharing best practices and learning from Mongolia’s achievements, they aim to enhance the impact of initiatives like planetGOLD in fostering a safer, cleaner, and more equitable mining industry.
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of the Artisanal Gold Council Philippines, reflected on the significance of this exchange: "While the Philippines and Mongolia are different nations with unique contexts, the insights gained from these meetings have been invaluable. We may face different challenges, but it’s clear that the lessons learned here can be adapted to our own communities and can strengthen our efforts in responsible mining."
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for the Philippines, and Altanbagan Bayarsaikhan for Mongolia discuss the similarities and differences of gold trading policies in each country. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Through these collaborations, both nations are enabling artisanal miners to succeed while prioritizing environmental protection and economic sustainability—objectives that extend beyond their borders. This partnership goes beyond sharing knowledge; it aims to create a future where responsible mining practices benefit communities, safeguard the environment, and advance the global sustainability movement. While the journey may be long, ongoing commitment and unity will help turn the vision of a cleaner, safer, and more equitable mining sector into reality.
The Regional Project Steering Committee delegates pose with ASM NF, Chairman Mr. Narantugs Norov and Executive Director Mr. Tserenchunt Baljinnyam (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.
For more updates about the activities of planetGOLD Philippines:
Knowledge Areas: