The Mongolian National Mining Association (MMNA), in partnership with the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT), has officially launched the Mongolian Sustainable Mining Project aimed at aligning the country’s mining practices with internationally recognized sustainability standards.
The initiative is set to introduce the Sustainable Mining Standard (SMM), which is a globally recognized framework currently implemented in 13 countries, into Mongolia’s mining sector. The project seeks to adapt the standard to the country’s specific legal, environmental and industrial conditions.
The MMNA has outlined three core tasks for the project’s initial phase. In particular, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to determine the preparedness of Mongolian mining companies to adopt the SMM standard. This includes analysis of existing risk management protocols, waste and remediation strategies, local community engagement mechanisms, workplace equity and the adoption of sustainable mining technologies. Based on the assessment, the project will also produce practical tools such as guidelines, recommendations and manuals. These resources will help mining companies align with the SMM standard while complying with the nation’s legal and institutional frameworks. Moreover, a specialized academic module on responsible mining practices, aligned with sustainable development goals, will be developed for engineering programs in Mongolian universities. This module aims to train future mining professionals in sustainable and responsible industry practices. A pilot rollout of the course is planned across select universities.
The project will focus on nine key protocols outlined in the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard, emphasizing those most challenging to implement under Mongolian conditions. These protocols cover areas such as environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, community engagement, biodiversity conservation and transparent governance.
According to MMNA representatives, the project represents a critical step toward not only improving the sustainability of Mongolia’s mining sector but also boosting its international credibility and investment appeal. “This is a strategic move that aligns our mining industry with global standards, reinforces our commitment to responsible resource management, and prepares our workforce for the future,” said a spokesperson for MMNA.
