ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA – After six years of dedicated work, the planetGOLD Mongolia project officially concludes, celebrating significant strides toward mercury-free, formalized, and inclusive artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). The closing event, held on May 20, 2025, in Ulaanbaatar, brought together over 70 government officials, international development partners, artisanal miners and community leaders from the targeted provinces of Gobi-Altai, Khovd, and Selenge, to reflect on progress and chart the path ahead.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project was implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), executed by the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia (MECC).
The project closing event was organized in a hybrid format and opened with a remark from national and international partners. Speakers included Mr. Enkhmunkh Ganbold, Chair of the Project Steering Committee and Director of the Environmental Policy Implementation Department at the MECC, emphasized the project’s significant role in supporting Mongolia’s commitments under the Minamata Convention.
Mr. Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan from UNEP, Task Manager at the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit, expressed deep gratitude to all partners for their dedication to the planetGOLD Mongolia project, celebrating its success in promoting responsible, mercury-free artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
Speaking on behalf of Ms. Hoa Lai, Project Administrator at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Ms. G. Munkhbolor, National Programme Coordinator in Mongolia, delivered remarks emphasizing the project’s impact. She highlighted that “This project was the first planetGOLD project funded by the Global Environment Facility and has become a model for other countries. In addition to introducing mercury-free technology, its most important achievement was the empowerment of miners.”
Ms. Susan Keane, Global Coordinator of the planetGOLD programme from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), also delivered opening remarks virtually, and addressed Mongolia’s leadership in mercury prevention through the establishment of mercury-free processing facilities, support for miner formalization, and the creation of a women-led cooperative to promote financial inclusion.
Following the remark, Ms. Khishgee Dondov, National Project Manager, and Mr. Byambasuren Odgerel, Technologist Engineer at the planetGOLD Mongolia, gave a final overview of the project’s objectives, milestones, and establishment of mercury-free processing plants in Selenge province.
Panel discussion, under the theme of ‘Sustainability of Project Results and Future Perspective’, moderated by Mr. Tserenchunt Baljinnyam, Director of the Artisanal and Small-Scale National Federation (ASM NF), held and representatives from MECC, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR), Bank of Mongolia, Mandal soum’s Governor’s Office, ASM NF, and the project. Panelists highlighted that sustaining the project’s results will require coordinated action across institutions—ranging from scaling up mercury-free technologies and strengthening financial access, to preserving knowledge and best practices generated by the project. Discussions explored how each stakeholder can contribute within their mandate, addressed remaining policy and regulatory challenges in the ASGM sector, and gathered insights from the audience on pathways to ensure long-term impact.
Participants, especially representatives from community members-artisanal miners highlighted the deep, personal impact of the project. Mr. Batmunkh Tsolmon, Head of “Tunkhel Khas Jiguur” partnership, Selenge province shared “Before this project, I didn’t even know chemical hazardous like mercury and was not really care about work safety rules. Now we understand the risks, and we’ve made real changes—like using warning signs and learning how to protect ourselves at work. It completely changed our approach to safety and the environment.” Ms. Uugansuvd Ganbat, a member of the Gender Committee, established by the project in Selenge province, emphasized inclusivity and said, “Gender is often misunderstood. Our committee encouraged both women and men to express their needs and ideas. We received many training from the project and equipped with vast majority field of knowledge, even participated tree-planting training and planted seedlings in our yards. That’s the kind of practical benefit that stays with us.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Roger Tissot, Executive Director of the AGC, reflected on the shared achievements of the planetGOLD Mongolia project, including the introduction of mercury-free technologies, the establishment of a miner-led financial cooperative in Tunkhel, and the empowerment of mining communities through training and knowledge-sharing. He noted that while the project has officially concluded, its most enduring legacy lies in the collaboration, resilience, and commitment of Mongolia’s ASGM stakeholders.
“The project may end today,” he said, “but the journey is just beginning.” With strengthened partnerships and a clearer understanding of the sector’s needs, Mr. Tissot emphasized that Mongolia is now well-positioned to build a formalized, environmentally sound, and inclusive ASGM sector—one that can provide dignified and sustainable livelihoods for its communities.
Also, Mr. Ganzorig Battulga, Head of the “Tunkhel Manlai” partnership, delivered a closing remark and highlighted that how the planetGOLD Mongolia project has transformed artisanal gold processing in his community. Thanks to the project’s support, his partnership is now building one of Mongolia’s most advanced mercury-free processing plants—set to triple processing speed, increase gold recovery, and reduce environmental impact. “This new plant isn’t just about technology—it’s about a new future for our community,” he said. “We now have the opportunity to grow, collaborate with other partnerships, and lead the way in responsible gold production.”
KEY RESULTS OF THE PROJECT
Responsible ASGM
planetGOLD Mongolia played a key role in strengthening Mongolia’s policy environment for artisanal and small-scale gold mining. It supported the development and implementation of Government Resolution No. 296—the country’s principal regulation governing ASGM—and worked closely with local authorities to pilot a responsible mining model in Selenge province, which is now being used as a reference in other regions. The project also actively contributed to national policy dialogues on the draft Minerals Law, advocating for stronger legal recognition and support for formalized miners.
However, achieving full transparency and formalization of the gold supply chain must begin with the formalization of artisanal mining and processing activities. Therefore, it is essential to ensure comprehensive understanding, support, and the establishment of an enabling legal environment by government institutions.
Mercury-Free Processing Facilities and Capacity Building
Among its key achievements, the project established two mercury-free gold processing facilities in Selenge province, 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 legal compliance, occupational safety, mercury-free processing, environmental rehabilitation, due diligence, and gender equality. Of the 398 miners who received direct technical support, including mentorship on requirements and permits for ASM land approval and Processing plant's operation and establishment of Savings and Credit Cooperative (SCC), 158 successfully formalized their operations and obtained permits, marking a major advancement for the sector. This was achieved through collaborative efforts with the MECC, local governments, and mining communities.
Gender Equality and Financial Inclusion
Gender equality was a cross-cutting priority. The project’s established SCC is helped a women-led financial institute, and this revolving fund improves artisanal miners' access to finance and enables long-term investment in responsible mining practices. It also created a local Gender Committee and delivered regular trainings and events to promote women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
Research and awareness raising initiatives
To support all of the project activities and raise broader awareness, the project produced six in-depth studies examining Mongolia’s legal frameworks, gold trade dynamics, and the socio-economic conditions of the ASGM sector. The findings were widely disseminated to inform evidence-based decision-making. Public outreach campaigns reached over 1.6 million people through digital platforms and media.
The project leaves a lasting legacy of strengthened institutions, empowered communities, and tangible progress toward Mongolia’s international environmental commitments. As it concludes, the groundwork laid by planetGOLD Mongolia sets a strong foundation for a safer, more sustainable future in small-scale gold mining.
For more information and knowledge materials of the project, visit the official website and social media pages.
