Representatives from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the lead implementing agency of the planetGOLD Mongolia project, and the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), the project’s executing agency, met with members of the “Shijir Khishig” and “Tunkhel Manlai” partnerships, as well as the “Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh” savings and credit cooperative (SCC) in Mandal soum and Tunkhel village of Selenge province. The meeting focused on discussing the collaborative results achieved under the project and plans for maintaining those outcomes in the long term.
The “Shijir Khishig” partnership officially obtained its artisanal mining land permit in March 2025, enabling it to resume operations after a period of inactivity. The partnership can then supply gold ore from its permitted site to the mercury-free processing plant established in Mandal soum in partnership with the planetGOLD Mongolia project.
During the visit, the representatives toured the partnership’s mining site and processing plant, exchanged feedback, and discussed plans for opening a new pit by September 2025, as announced by the partnership.
The “Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh” SCC, which was established based on miners’ initiative in Tunkhel village has already launched its operations, including issuing loans, increasing savings, and recruiting new members. During the meeting, SCC representatives presented an overview of their activities to UNEP and AGC and sought guidance on enhancing sustainability and strengthening operations.
The representatives also visited the processing plant operated by the “Tunkhel Manlai” partnership and discussed the status of its mining site permission, identifying possible solutions for related challenges and agreeing to arrange follow-up meetings with relevant government organizations.
While visiting the “Shijir Khishig” partnership’s mining site, UNEP Task Manager Mr. Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to health, safety, and environmental regulations to ensure safe operations once mining activities commence.
Mr. Roger Tissot, Executive Director of AGC, expressed his appreciation for the progress and stability of the SCC’s operations in Tunkhel village and stated his full support for plans to expand its services to a broader community in Mandal soum.
Representatives from the “Shijir Khishig” and “Tunkhel Manlai” partnerships and the “Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh” SCC expressed their sincere gratitude for the ongoing collaboration and support from the planetGOLD Mongolia project.
