Planet Gold - ASM Knowledge Hub

planetGOLD Mongolia project

Global Environment Facility funds planetGOLD Mongolia, 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 Tourism of Mongolia. The planetGOLD Mongolia project is working towards the formalization and professionalization of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector in Mongolia. We are working with various stakeholders along the gold supply chain – miners, gold traders, local and national governments as well as civil society – to sustainably improve artisanal mining operations as an important livelihood opportunity for remote communities and to support the revision of regulations governing the sector. In partnership with the national government, the project team is working to eliminate the use of mercury, create an enabling environment for a formalized artisanal mining sector that enhances community development and improves productivity. The project is implemented in Gobi-Altai, Selenge and Khovd provinces of Mongolia.

The project aims to implement the following four components by early 2024:

Support review the policy and legal frameworks supporting formalization of the ASGM sector;
Introduction of financing schemes allowing miners to adopt and subsequently invest in mercury-free technologies and access international gold markets more directly;
Upscale mercury-free gold processing technologies in the selected mining sites; and
Dissemination of information and knowledge created under the planetGOLD programme.

Project results

Contextual study of the planetGOLD Mongolia project sites, was prepared to assess the current status of prevalent ASGM practices, attitudes and knowledge levels among relevant stakeholder groups in the project sites.
The project has conducted 31 training sessions in three provinces for 756 (343 female and 413 male) artisanal gold miners and government officials. The topics of the training included Responsible and Better Mining Practices, Minamata Convention, Environmental and Social Management System, Understanding and quantifying Hg use in ASGM, Gender and Human Rights, Occupational Health and Safety, Business Management, Environmental Practices, CRAFT code and Due Diligence.
‘Minamata Convention and Mercury hazards’ photo exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Fresh Water Resources and Nature Conservation Center in three provinces, which explained the dangers of mercury to 1,650 people.
Three studies were released with policy recommendations for the Government.
Thirteen reports, publications, booklets and fact sheets were produced in Mongolian and English to update the public on Mongolia's ASGM and its legal framework.
A vibration mill for a mercury-free processing plant was imported and assembled.
Design of the Mercury-free processing plant is completed.
The project is also introducing mercury-free technology, operation and management at two processing plants in Selenge province.

Expected results

When the project is finished in early 2024, artisanal miners in Gobi-Altai, Selenge and Khovd provinces will have received training on improved and more responsible mining practices. Government officials will have received instruction on developing ASGM regulations and implementing a formalization process for ASGM miners. ASGM miners and other stakeholders would have received training along with meetings and networking activities to help them identify the opportunities and challenges of artisanal mining. The project will continuously advocate for the Government to improve and approve ASGM policies and regulations and to consider ASGM activities as part of a sustainable mining sector.