Positive Prospects for ASM: Mongolia's New Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Pledges Regulatory Reforms and Collaboration with Artisanal Miners

The Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) Conference was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on September 20, 2024. Initiated by Mongolia's newly appointed Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Tuvaan Tsevegdorj, and co-organized by the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, the event marked a significant step forward for Mongolia’s artisanal mining sector. The planetGOLD Mongolia project, executed by the Artisanal Gold Council, supported the conference alongside the Artisanal and Small-Scale National Federation.

In his opening remarks, Minister Tsevegdorj underscored the importance of addressing the regulatory challenges facing the ASM sector and stressed that the government’s commitment to collaborating with artisanal miners would be instrumental in fostering the sector's development. He emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of the real challenges facing the sector to ensure that regulations promote sustainable growth.

About 250 attendees, including artisanal miners, provincial government leaders, government officials, and representatives from relevant sectors, participated in the conference.

During the conference, Ms. Khishgee Dondov, Field Coordinator and Community Relations Manager for the planetGOLD Mongolia, delivered a presentation on international experiences in artisanal mining. Drawing from examples in countries such as the Philippines, Ecuador, and Ethiopia, she discussed how the ASM sector could be integrated into the global gold supply chain, while also highlighting the challenges and legal frameworks unique to each country.

Mr. Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan, National Project Manager of the planetGOLD Mongolia, interviewed by the media and highlighted the project's activities in supporting ASM sector and its development. 

At the conclusion of the conference, all parties agreed to work towards normalizing ASM sector’s operations under the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Regulation. The consultations also reaffirmed the need to amend relevant laws and regulations to ensure better regulation and support for the sector. This conference reflects Mongolia’s growing recognition of the vital role artisanal mining plays in the economy and signals a positive outlook for the future of the ASM sector.