SDC Sustainable Artisanal Mining Project opens its first small-scale gold ore processing plant designed for artisanal miners, in cooperation with the Artisanal Miners' Association and "KhAMO" LLC of Bornuur soum, Tuv aimag, on 10 February 2009.

The plant aims to serve informal partnerships formed by artisanal miners operating in the soum territory, according to certain schedule of operation. Most importantly, it uses a special gravitation technology of gold extraction featured with mercury-and-cyanide-free processing, which is not only environmentally friendly but also safe for human or animal health.

The plant, built by initiatives and efforts of local citizens and with support from the Government and technical assistance from SDC in Mongolia, is the first classic example of successful Public, Private and Academic Partnership; and the best practice of this pilot work is planned to be implemented in three other regions in Mongolia.

"In recent decade, number of local citizens involved in artisanal mining to improve their livelihood has been increased to 300 in Bornuur. Therefore, this plant becomes an important investment for increasing income of local citizens and job creation in the soum. So I would like to thank you as a Governor and on behalf of the soum citizens," said Governor of Bornuur soum Mr. Munkhbaatar.

Honored guests, including Vice Speaker of Mongolian Parliament Mr. N.Enkhbold, Vice Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Mr. B.Ariunsan, and SCO Country Director in Mongolia Mr. Markus Dubach, played host to the opening ceremony. Mr. N.Enkhbold stressed importance of the plant, "This is not a matter of a small plant established in a soum. Rather, it provides an answer to the concern that the government and people have had for many years." And he asked the members of local partnerships and citizens to organize its operation properly in accordance with laws and regulations, as it would become the best practice resulted by initiative and participation of local citizens at grassroots level as well as multi-party cooperation; set good example that followed all over the country; regard both positive and negative aspects of the production; and not give up possible challanges likely to face in the future.

G.Batbayar