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30 September 2024
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National Communications Officer, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – The planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC) convened in Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia, on 24 September 2024, marking a key milestone in the project’s ongoing efforts to transform artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in both countries. The meeting, moderated by Roger Tissot, Executive Director of the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), emphasized the importance of extending the project timeline to facilitate the completion of critical tasks, including the full operationalization of the mercury-free processing system (MFPS) implemented by both project teams. This extension aims to ensure that the units are fully functional, allowing the cooperatives to gather essential statistical data for the planetGOLD program, including indicators related to gold production, mercury reduction or avoidance, and access to financing.
Tissot highlighted the significance of the extension, stating, “This extension is a critical step in ensuring the long-term success of the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines project. It allows us to continue our work in transforming artisanal mining practices and improving the lives of miners by providing them with safer, mercury-free alternatives and better financial access.”
Opening remarks were delivered by Enkhmunkh Ganbold, Acting PSC Chair for planetGOLD Mongolia and Director at the Department of Environmental Policy Implementation, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, and by Usec. Juan Miguel Cuna of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Supervising Undersecretary at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), representing the Philippine PSC.
On behalf of the Philippine PSC, Engr. Jhumar V. Sioson, a senior DENR official, expressed his gratitude to the Mongolian government for its warm welcome and hospitality. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between Mongolia and the Philippines under the planetGOLD project in eliminating mercury from the ASGM sector. He noted that both countries share a common goal of improving mining operations and livelihoods, protecting the environment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities, especially those dependent on the ASGM sector.
Ludovic Bernaudat, Programme Manager for the UN Environment Programme's planetGOLD, delivers a video message of support during the meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Ludovic Bernaudat, Programme Manager for the UN Environment Programme's planetGOLD, joined the meeting via video, delivering a message of support. “Your support and commitment have been crucial to the progress we’ve made towards eliminating mercury from the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. As we move forward, we once again welcome the continued support of both the Mongolian and the Philippine governments to ensure the successful implementation of the remaining activities.”
Ms. Lai Hoa, UNIDO Project Administrator, delivers her remarks emphasizing the importance of continued support for the project’s goals. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
On behalf of Ms. Rodica Ella Ivan from the Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Ms. Lai Hoa, UNIDO Project Administrator, delivered her remarks. She urged the governments of Mongolia and the Philippines to continue supporting the formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, emphasizing the importance of officially recognizing the rights and responsibilities of miners beyond the project’'s duration. This, she explained, would be vital for the adoption of mercury-free technologies and for protecting the livelihoods and health of countless families.
The meeting focused on assessing the project's progress, addressing challenges, and planning for the next phase. A key announcement was the decision to extend the project until September 2025, allowing for the completion of crucial objectives, such as collecting comprehensive production data and fully implementing financial access mechanisms for artisanal miners.
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager of Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for planetGOLD Philippines, presents project updates during the Regional Steering Committee meeting, with project sites' key information displayed on the screen. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
The meeting also included updates from the AGC Project Managers of both countries, with Abigail Ocate leading for the Philippines and Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan for Mongolia.
Mildred Arucan from the Philippines and Khishigsuren Lkhagva from Mongolia shared Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) updates. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) updates were provided by Mildred Arucan from the Philippines and Khishigsuren Lkhagva from Mongolia, who discussed progress toward key project indicators and targets, outlining how the project is on track to meet its goals by 2025.
Engr. Douglas Kao, Global Operations Manager for AGC, presents the success of the Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS) in both Mongolia and the Philippines, with the Tailings Storage Facility of MFPS in Paracale, Philippines, as displayed on the screen. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Engr. Douglas Kao, Global Operations Manager for AGC, presented on the success of the MFPS in both countries. He credited the technical teams for their dedication in successfully completing these systems, explaining how AGC's model differs from other artisanal gold mining approaches. The MFPS initiative is a critical component of the project, aimed at eliminating mercury use in gold extraction, improving miners' health, and enhancing their access to financial resources.
Dulmaa Batchuluun, Specialist for Mining Rehabilitation at the Department of Environmental Policy Implementation, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Mongolia, presented on the cooperation and contributions of local partners in the project. Additionally, Engr. Donald Ofalsa, Chief of the Mining Technology Division at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, provided an update on the co-financing of the planetGOLD Philippines project.
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for planetGOLD Philippines, shares her insights on the progress of the project and the importance of continued collaboration. (Photo by Dawn Po Quimque, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines/planetGOLD Philippines)
Abigail Ocate, National Project Manager for planetGOLD Philippines, reflected on the significance of the event and the opportunity to reconnect with international partners. “It’s truly heartening to meet again in person after two years. The last time we hosted the RPSC was in the Philippines in 2022, and seeing everyone together now is a reminder of how far we’ve come as a team. This extension is vital for ensuring the continued success of the project, and it’s an honor to work alongside such dedicated partners as we continue our shared journey toward a safer, cleaner, and more equitable mining future.”
Attendees raise their hands in support of the extension of the planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines project, marking a significant moment in the meeting. (Photo by planetGOLD Mongolia)
The meeting was attended by Philippine representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), DENR, MGB, and the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte. While in Mongolia, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Mongolia, the Bank of Mongolia, and the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining National Federation of Mongolia all expressed strong support for the extension and continued implementation of the project.
A group photo of the Philippine delegates, including representatives from the DENR, MGB, BSP, PLGU of Camarines Norte, and Artisanal Gold Council Philippines.
The planetGOLD Mongolia-Philippines project is a unique regional initiative within the planetGOLD programme, standing as the only one of its kind. Despite their distinct contexts, the collaboration has fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge, benefiting both countries. This partnership continues to drive progress toward sustainable development and a mercury-free ASGM.
As the project moves forward, the ongoing collaboration among international partners, governments, and local communities will be key to improving miners’ livelihoods, protecting the environment, and building a more equitable gold supply chain. The extension of the project ensures continued momentum toward a sustainable, mercury-free ASGM future.
A group photo of the AGC team, featuring representatives from Canada, the Philippines, and 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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