planetGOLD and Philippine Government officials strengthen ties with Mongolia to support artisanal mining sector

Officials from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, along with representatives from the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC)—the executing agency of the planetGOLD Mongolia and Philippines projects—visited key stakeholders of Mongolia's artisanal mining sector on September 23, 2024, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

The delegation, including representatives from the planetGOLD Philippines and Mongolia projects, met with the Bank of Mongolia (BoM), the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) of Mongolia to discuss ongoing issues and explore collaborative efforts in supporting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). 

Mr. Telmen Tumenjargal, Senior Economist at BoM, presented an overview of Mongolia’s precious metal purchasing system, while Ms. Erdenetuya Purevdorj, Director of BoM’s Treasury Department, emphasized the importance of working with the planetGOLD Mongolia project to ensure compliance with international guidelines such as OECD Due Diligence and the World Gold Council’s best practices. She highlighted the recent signing of the London Principles by BoM as a clear sign of Mongolia’s commitment to supporting the ASM sector and improving the traceability of gold sourced from artisanal miners.

Ms. Enkhtuya Naranchuluun, Director for Real Estate Brokers and Dealers in the Precious Metal and Stones Department of the FRC, praised the success of the collaboration between the FRC and the planetGOLD Mongolia project, noting the organization of national forums and expos on precious metal as key achievements. She further underscored the potential for future partnerships to support licensed gold traders and improve the sector’s transparency.

Delegates, including Ms. Hoa Lai, UNIDO Project Administrator; Mr. Roger Tissot, Executive Director of AGC; Ms. Sarah Marie Aviado, Provincial Information Officer of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte; and Ms. Abigail Ocate, Project Manager for planetGOLD Philippines, sought insights into the medium and long-term strategies for Mongolia’s ASM sector, gold assaying processes the monitoring and evaluation of gold trade, and the challenges miners face in accessing financial services, all of which are critical to the sustainability of artisanal mining in Mongolia.

The visit demonstrated the shared dedication of both the Philippines and Mongolia to advancing sustainable and responsible practices in the artisanal mining sector. By strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration, the planetGOLD projects—led by the AGC—are paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient future for artisanal miners in both countries.