After six years, the planetGOLD Mongolia project officially concludes, marking a significant milestone in eliminating mercury use in Mongolia’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. As part of a regional initiative spanning Mongolia and the Philippines, the project was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), jointly led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC).
Operating in the provinces of Selenge, Gobi-Altai, and Khovd, the project focused on four core pillars: formalization of the ASGM sector, access to responsible market and finance, promotion of mercury-free gold processing technologies and awareness raising. It also prioritized gender equity, awareness raising, and capacity building to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach.
“The project has shown that small-scale mining can be both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive,” said Roger Tissot, AGC Executive Director. “Despite challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary suspension of ASGM regulations—the dedication of local partners and communities was instrumental to the project's success.”
Mercury-Free Processing Facilities and Capacity Building
Among its key achievements, the project established two mercury-free gold processing facilities increasing gold recovery by up to 70% and preventing the use of approximately 58 kilograms of mercury annually.
Over 3,500 individuals—including miners, government officials, and community members—were trained on cross-cutting topics. 398 miners received direct technical support from which 158 successfully formalized their operations and obtained permits.
“The project has significantly advanced Mongolia’s implementation of the Minamata Convention” said Ms. Dulmaa Batchuluun, Mining Rehabilitation Specialist at the MECC. “The Ministry has been proud to collaborate on successful activities to eliminate mercury use in ASGM and improve occupational health and safety.”
Evidence-Based Policy Frameworks for Responsible ASGM
The project also helped strengthen Mongolia’s policy environment for ASGM. It actively advocated for stronger legal recognition and support for formalized miners which resulted in the approval of the principal regulation governing ASGM - Government Resolution No. 296.
To support these policy efforts and raise broader awareness, the project produced six in-depth studies examining the legal framework, gold trade dynamics, and the socio-economic conditions of the sector. The findings were widely disseminated to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Gender Equality and Financial Inclusion
Finally, gender equality was a cross-cutting priority. The project helped establish a women-led Savings and Credit Cooperative. This revolving fund improves artisanal miners' access to finance and enables long-term investments in responsible mining. It also created a local Gender Committee to promote women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
The planetGOLD Mongolia leaves a lasting legacy of strengthened institutions, empowered communities, and tangible progress toward Mongolia’s international environmental commitments. The groundwork laid by the project sets a strong foundation for a safer, more responsible future in small-scale gold mining.
For more information and to access the final project report, visit [Mongolia | planetGOLD].
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate industrial development. UNIDO provides support to its 173 Member States through four mandated functions: technical cooperation; action-oriented research and policy-advisory services; normative standards-related activities; and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer.
For more information about planetGOLD Mongolia, please contact:
Kevin Helps, Head of the UNEP-GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit at kevin.helps@un.org or
Rodica Ivan, Industrial Development Officer, Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Unit, UNIDO at r.ivan@unido.org.
To contact the Artisanal Gold Council, please contact:
Ryan Painter, Director of Development & Communications, at ryan.painter@artisanalgold.org
