SDC’s Director of Cooperation Gabriella Spirli highlighted the numerous positive outcomes of the Ministry’s collaboration with the SAM Project during a meeting with D. Sumiyabazar, Mongolia’s Minister of Mining and Heavy Industries.

Ms Spirli said there was a need for concrete action on irresponsible, illegal mining and miners, and that the ministry should focus on the implementation of the renewed regulation #151 on “Minerals Extraction through artisanal and small-scale mining” approved on May 24, 2017

As the SAM Project draws to a close, SDC hopes the Ministry will take on the project’s mantle.

“The ministry will support the mining sector, particularly the artisanal and small-scale miners operating illegally,” said Sumiyabazar. “In the future, we must ensure the participation of rural areas. We also must protect the health and interests of artisanal miners while protecting their safety. With thousands relying on this sector for their livelihoods, the Ministry of Mining and Heavy industries will implement work at the policy level.”

He said that as minerals were a finite resource, it was vital to support other wealth-generating sectors, such as agriculture and education, to sustain future development.