The comprehensive “The Survey of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining - 2016”, which details the scope of ASM activities and the sector’s economic contributions, was officially launched on March 14.

The survey of 96,000 people, launched by the National Statistical Office at an event featuring representatives from Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, and the Bank of Mongolia, also identified the problems faced by artisanal miners, and provided policymakers with up-to-date information on ASM in Mongolia.

Also in attendance at the launch were representatives from the Authority of Standardisation and Metrology, the Precious Mineral and Assay Department, the ASM National Federation, and ASM partnership members and other ASM miners.