Explore the planetGOLD Mongolia's latest newsletter

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 2024 fourth-quarter edition, we are excited to share:

• Season’s Greetings
• Supporting ASGM Partnerships through planetGOLD Mongolia and ASM NF Collaboration
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Mandal ASM Task Force Activities
• Strengthening Cooperative Capacity: Training and Support for Baatarvangiin Khishig Arvijih SCC
• Enhancing Gold Trader Training through planetGOLD Mongolia and PMA Collaboration
• Promoting Mercury-Free Gold Processing: Experience-Sharing Event for Small-Scale Gold Processing Plants
• Supporting Mercury-Free Processing Systems with Comprehensive Resources
• Sustaining Knowledge Management for Long-Term Impact
• Management Change

Let’s dive in!

Season’s Greetings

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome a promising new year, the planetGOLD Mongolia project extends its warmest greetings to all our partners, collaborators, and stakeholders. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones - supporting artisanal and small-scale miners, advancing mercury-free technologies, empowering cooperatives, and strengthening sustainable mining practices across Mongolia.

Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering responsible mining in the ASGM sector. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2025, building on our shared commitment to a sustainable and mercury-free future.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with success, health, and happiness!

Warm regards,

planetGOLD Mongolia Team

Supporting ASGM Partnerships through planetGOLD Mongolia and ASM NF Collaboration

The planetGOLD Mongolia project is working  with the ASM National Federation (ASM NF) of Mongolia to mentor ASGM partnerships in targeted areas and assist with obtaining necessary land permits. In November, the ASM NF provided mentorship in Bayangol soum, Selenge province, working closely with the soum governor and two mining partnerships to support their successful application and signing of small-scale mining contracts. They also visited mining sites of five other partnerships and offered guidance to miners and local officials. In December, the mentorship expanded to Khovd province, where ASM NF collaborated with officials and miners in Altai and Bulgan soums, providing technical support on permit applications, discussing land issues, and consulting with environmental specialists to identify suitable mining areas.

Promoting Sustainable Practices: Mandal ASM Task Force Activities

The Mandal ASM Task Force, supported by the planetGOLD Mongolia project, initiated a series of activities to enhance ASM practices in May 2024. These efforts included conducting technical and biological environmental rehabilitation, monitoring and inspecting mining operations, registering unregistered artisanal miners, creating posters to discourage illegal mining, and surveying damaged lands in Mandal soum. Over summer months, the initiatives were successfully implemented, advancing sustainable practices in the region. On October 22, 2024, the Environmental Inspection Unit joined forces with 12 artisanal miners to plant 145 trees, each 3–4 years old and 2–3 meters tall, in one-hectare area  where  technical rehabilitation was conducted earlier in the year. The trees were strategically spaced and planted with enriched soil and manure, ensuring optimal conditions for healthy growth. These activities highlight the Task Force's commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices.

Strengthening Cooperative Capacity: Training and Support for Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh SCC

Established with support from the planetGOLD Mongolia project, the Baatar Vangiin Khishig Arvijikh Savings and Credit Cooperative seeks to improve financial access for miners in Mandal soum, Selenge province, addressing the sector's unique challenges.

As part of our effort to build capacities of this new SCC, the project assisted the SCC members to participate a training organized by the National Association of Mongolian Savings and Credit Cooperatives. The participants gained valuable knowledge in SCC management, operational principles, monitoring, and reporting. Additionally, some members attended online training on net profit distribution and business planning in December. These initiatives highlight the project's commitment to empowering cooperatives through targeted training and financial capacity enhancement.

Enhancing Gold Trader Training through planetGOLD Mongolia and PMA Collaboration

With support from the planetGOLD Mongolia project, the Precious Metals  Association (PMA), in collaboration with the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) have completed development of 10 video training modules for gold traders. These videos cover a range of critical topics along the gold supply chain, including:

1. Regulatory framework
2. Money laundering
3. Onsite and offsite verification
4. Integrated reporting system Fin-A
5. Consumer rights
6. Settlement in national currency
7. Income tax (Individual)
8. Income tax (Entity)
9. Business opportunities in the sector
10. Responsible ASM Standard – CRAFT Code and planetGOLD criteria

Notably, the module on the CRAFT Code incorporates knowledge materials and publications developed by the planetGOLD Mongolia project, emphasizing its role in promoting responsible mining practices and transparent gold supply chain in Mongolia. These video modules will be integral to PMA’s license training for gold traders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the sector responsibly and effectively.

Promoting Mercury-Free Gold Processing: Experience-Sharing Event for Small-Scale Gold Processing Plants

The planetGOLD Mongolia project organized an experience-sharing training in Mandal soum, Selenge province, to introduce its mercury-free processing system (MFPS) to representatives from small-scale gold processing plants across Selenge, Khovd, Gobi-Altai, Bayankhongor, and Tuv provinces on October 22, 2024.

Participants gained in-depth knowledge about hard rock gold ore processing technologies, including their strengths, weaknesses, and adaptations to the Mongolian context developed by planetGOLD. The project team shared insights into the selection process for processing plants in Mandal soum, the collaborative efforts with selected partnerships, and the installation and testing phases of the MFPS. Discussions also addressed challenges such as operational permit issues and compliance with planetGOLD criteria.

As part of the training, participants visited the “Shijir Khishig” partnership’s gold ore processing plant, established under the project in Mandal soum. During the visit, they exchanged experiences in setting up and operating similar facilities while receiving technical briefings on the advanced, environmentally friendly equipment used in the MFPS. A virtual-reality tour of the MFPS in Tunkhel village, Mandal soum, further enriched the experience.

Mr. Sukhbaatar Tsedee, head of the “Altain Tsonj Gobi” partnership from Altai soum, Khovd province, praised the initiative, stating: “Seeing this MFPS has shown me its tremendous benefits for artisanal miners. With high gold recovery rates and advanced processing equipment, it significantly improves the livelihood of local miners. Moreover, the chemical-free technology installed here is environmentally sound, which is fantastic for the community in Mandal soum. I sincerely hope to see such development in our province as well.”

Supporting Mercury-Free Processing Systems with Comprehensive Resources

The planetGOLD Mongolia project is committed to ensuring the successful operation of its mercury-free processing systems (MFPS) in Mandal soum, Selenge province. To support miners and MFPS staff, the project is developing a suite of comprehensive materials, including equipment manuals, operating procedures, maintenance guidelines, safety instructions, and inspection checklists.

These resources aim to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the MFPS, empowering artisanal and small-scale miners with the tools and knowledge needed to operate responsibly and effectively.

Insights from the planetGOLD Global Forum: Unlocking Financial Access for ASGM

At the planetGOLD Global Forum, which took place in June 2024, key challenges and opportunities surrounding financial access for artisanal and small-scale gold miners were among the main topics discussed. Building on the presentations shared during the forum, planetGOLD Mongolia explored innovative solutions and inspiring success stories in a recently featured article.

The piece, published in Mongolia's leading mining sector magazine Mining Insight, was distributed to all participants of Mining Week, which took place in Ulaanbaatar in October. It delves into strategies and experiences discussed at the forum, highlighting how countries are working to open financial access and create positive change for artisanal and small-scale miners.

For those who participated in the forum, this article serves as a continuation of the rich discussions and knowledge exchange.

Sustaining Knowledge Management for Long-Term Impact

As the project nears completion, steps are being taken to transition its activities into long-term, self-sustaining initiatives. In terms of maintaining knowledge management, the project is working to make all knowledge products-policy reports, brochures, booklets, pamphlets, posters, accessible through various channels, including the official website of the planetGOLD Mongolia project and other sector-based web-platforms.

Also, the project has been shifting from printed to digital formats, creating QR codes for knowledge products. This will enable key partners, such as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and ASGM organizations, to widely share the materials and ensure their long-term impact.

As a result, more than 200 people have already accessed the project’s knowledge products, demonstrating the effectiveness of these efforts in spreading vital information and fostering long-term impact.

Management Change

We are pleased to share some updates regarding our team’s leadership. planetGOLD Mongolia manager, Mr. Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan, will soon be changing roles to take up a new position with the UN Environment. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and contributions during his tenure with us.

As we bid farewell to Altanbagana, we are delighted to announce that Ms. Khishgee Dondov, currently serving as Field Coordinator, will step into the role of National Project Manager. With her extensive experience and dedication, Khishgee is well-prepared to lead our ongoing efforts and drive our mission forward.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Altanbagana Bayarsaikhan and Khishgee Dondov and look forward to their continued successes in their respective new roles.

Global Environment Facility funded planetGOLD Mongolia is a project led by the United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia.