We are working toward the elimination of mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Mongolia processing through the formalization and professionalization of the sector. Collaborating with stakeholders along the gold supply chain – miners, gold traders, local and national governments, as well as civil society – allows us to sustainably improve artisanal mining operations as an important economic opportunity for remote communities, strengthen regulations governing the sector, and enhance the formalization and professionalization of the ASGM in Mongolia. For regular project updates, follow us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
In the final edition, we are excited to share:
- Shares Project Successes and Explores Sustainable Future
- planetGOLD Mongolia Project Steering Committee Concludes Final Meetings
- Strengthens Financial Access and Responsible Gold Practices
- planetGOLD Mongolia Advances Mercury-Free Processing Facilities
- Holds Coordination Meeting with ASGM Partnerships and SCC
- Advances Formalization and Local Coordination in ASGM Sector
- planetGOLD Mongolia Sustains Knowledge and Impact Beyond the Project
- Grateful Farewell
Let’s dive in!
planetGOLD MONGOLIA SHARES PROJECT SUCCESSES AND EXPLORES SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
After six years of collaborative action, the planetGOLD Mongolia project has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward mercury-free, formalized, and inclusive artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). On May 20, 2025, over 50 stakeholders gathered in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to celebrate the project’s achievements and discuss the road ahead.
Speakers from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia (MECC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Natural Resources Defense Council highlighted the project’s success in reducing mercury use, empowering miners, and setting a model for other countries, as well as project’s role in supporting Mongolia’s commitments under the Minamata Convention.
A panel discussion emphasized the need for continued collaboration to scale up cleaner technologies, expand financial access, and preserve the project’s achievements.
Closing remarks from the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) and local leaders reaffirmed that, while the project has ended, its impact will continue. The construction of advanced, mercury-free processing plants and the creation of miner-led cooperatives stand as lasting achievements for Mongolia’s ASGM sector.
Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and policy uncertainties, the project has proven that small-scale mining can be both environmentally sound and socially inclusive—thanks to the dedication of Mongolian miners, communities, and all stakeholders.
PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE CONCLUDES FINAL MEETINGS
The planetGOLD Mongolia Project Steering Committee held its final two meetings in January and May 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, marking the close of the project.
Chaired by MECC, with participation from government and project stakeholders, the January meeting reviewed 2024 progress, approved the 2025 workplan, and discussed land issues for the mercury-free processing facilities in Selenge province.
At the final PSC meeting in May, the project team reported on the overall progress and remaining activities. PSC members focused on the sustainability of project results and reviewed the Project Exit Strategy. Recommendations were made to assign responsibilities to institutions rather than individuals and to ensure third-party monitoring post-project. UNEP also requested member support for the upcoming terminal evaluation.
With approval of the final activity report and commitments to continue advancing responsible ASGM within their mandates, the PSC formally concluded the meeting.
planetGOLD MONGOLIA STRENGTHENS FINANCIAL ACCESS AND RESPONSIBLE GOLD PRACTICES
In the first half of 2025, planetGOLD Mongolia continued strengthening financial inclusion and market access for artisanal miners through support to savings and credit cooperative (SCC) and implementation of the CRAFT Code.
The Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh SCC, established with project support, now includes 57 members, with no overdue loans and steadily growing its savings. In May, its executive team joined a capacity-building training hosted by the Mongolian Confederation of Credit Unions to improve cooperative management and operations. Additional technical support and reporting guidance have been provided regularly by the project.
CRAFT Code officers from the Tunkhel Manlai partnership and Baatar Vangiin Khishig NGO led a training in April for 14 miners, covering due diligence, supply chain transparency, and the planetGOLD criteria. They also conducted a second round of self-assessments using project-provided tools—building local capacity to meet international market standards beyond the project’s closure.
These efforts help lay the groundwork for sustainable financial services and responsible gold trade practices within Mongolia’s artisanal mining sector.
planetGOLD MONGOLIA ADVANCES MERCURY-FREE PROCESSING PLANTS
The project made significant progress in advancing two mercury-free processing plants (MFPS) in Mandal soum, Selenge province, in the first half of 2025.
For MFPS-1, operated by the Shijir Khishig partnership, key milestones were reached: land use permissions were finalized, and the Feasibility Study was approved by the Mineral Resources Professional Council in May with the condition of minor revision. The revision was carried out accordingly and the study was finally approved in June. Environmental permitting is now underway, with the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) expected by July.
MFPS-2, led by the Tunkhel Manlai partnership, has faced challenges due to overlapping with concession area designations. While efforts to release a 5 hectare area continue, a temporary solution is being pursued through a collaboration with permitted partnerships in Mandal sites to enable Feasibility Study approval, also targeted for July.
To support smooth operations of the MFPSs, the project developed comprehensive manuals and standard operating procedures for both plants. Once the final permits are secured, the plants will be handed over for official registration and launched as models of mercury-free gold processing in Mongolia’s ASGM sector.
Discover the journey of MFPSs in Mandal soum and Tunkhel village, Selenge province, Mongolia through the documentary.
planetGOLD MONGOLIA HOLDS COORDINATION MEETING WITH ASM PARTNERSHIPS AND SCC
In May, representatives from UNEP and the AGC visited Mandal soum and Tunkhel village to meet with the Shijir Khishig and Tunkhel Manlai partnerships, and the Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh SCC. Discussions focused on project outcomes and strategies for sustaining progress.
The Shijir Khishig partnership received its artisanal mining land permit in March 2025 and plans to open a new shaft by September, supplying ore to the MFPS-1.
The SCC in Tunkhel has begun loan issuance, savings mobilization, and member recruitment. AGC and UNEP commended its early success and encouraged expansion to reach more miners.
The visit also included a tour of the Tunkhel Manlai site, where land permit challenges were discussed, with the next steps identified to coordinate with government stakeholders.
UNEP and AGC representatives emphasized the importance of safety, environmental compliance, and long-term planning, reaffirming their support for sustained development in Mongolia’s ASGM sector.
planetGOLD MONGOLIA ADVANCES FORMALIZATION AND LOCAL COORDINATION IN ASGM SECTOR
The planetGOLD Mongolia project continues to support the formalization of the ASGM sector through targeted training, local coordination, and mentoring.
In April 2025, following the allocation of an 8.83 hectare ASM site in Mandal soum, 37 miners received training on occupational safety and high-angle rescue, in partnership with the Mandal Emergency Unit. Additional sessions in March covered social insurance, environmental legislation, and included full health check-ups for 40 miners in cooperation with the Environmental Inspection Unit and Social Insurance Unit.
At the national level, 93 participants from 52 organizations took part in a MECC-led training on chemical risk, environmental damage assessment, and the revised Environmental Impact Assessment Law. A guidebook was developed to support environmental professionals and provide guidance for further activities.
Meanwhile, ASM partnerships in Khovd province received continued mentoring in partnership with the ASM National Federation, despite challenges in land data accuracy delaying ASM land permit approvals. The project remains engaged with local and national stakeholders to resolve issues and advance formalization.
planetGOLD MONGOLIA SUSTAINS KNOWLEDGE AND IMPACT BEYOND THE PROJECT
As the planetGOLD Mongolia project concludes, one of its most enduring legacies lies in the wealth of knowledge created, shared, and now made accessible for the future of Mongolia’s ASGM sector.
Showcasing Impact Through Multimedia
To commemorate and disseminate the project's outcomes, a new video has been produced, capturing key milestones, lessons learned, and stories of change from the field. Alongside the video, a comprehensive project outcome pamphlet highlights progress in formalizing the sector, introducing mercury-free technologies, promoting gender equality, improving market access, and empowering miners and local governments.
Making Knowledge Widely Accessible
As part of the project’s exit strategy, all major policy reports, technical handbooks, and awareness materials—developed over six years—were handed over to Mongolia’s largest public libraries: the Ulaanbaatar City Public Library named after D. Natsagdorj and the Library of the National University of Mongolia. These libraries make the project resources openly accessible to over 70,000 students and researchers, ensuring long-term visibility and usability of the project’s knowledge base.
Grateful Farewell
As the planetGOLD Mongolia project reaches to a closure, we take this moment to reflect on a journey defined by partnership, perseverance, and shared purpose. Over the past six years, we have worked together to advance mercury-free technologies, strengthen policies, empower miners, and protect both people and the environment.
These accomplishments were only possible because of the dedication of our national and local government partners, the commitment of ASGM communities, the guidance of international stakeholders, and the tireless efforts of the project team.
While this project chapter ends, the mission lives on. The seeds of change have been planted—in institutions, in communities, and in minds. We look ahead with confidence that the momentum will continue, driven by those who now carry this work forward.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue building a future where artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Mongolia is formalized, responsible, and mercury-free.
Warm regards,
The planetGOLD Mongolia Team
