Ulaanbaatar
IFC supports Mongolia to promote better mining data usage, build digital skills in local communities
Society
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. IFC has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry (MMHI) today to build the digital skills of people, including those in the public sector, to spur greater use and understanding of existing data for the benefit of local mining communities.
Under the signing of a memorandum of understanding
(MoU), IFC will provide technical assistance to MMHI on open data best
practices, which can meet the information needs of local communities about
mining and build the digital skills of local officials, communities, civil
society organizations, and others to use the available data. Information sharing
is critical to the government of Mongolia’s goal of continuously building a transparent
and responsible mining sector in line with the nation’s long-term development
policy Vision 2050.
G.Yondon, Mongolia’s Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry, noted: “Last
year, mining made up 24 percent of Mongolia’s gross domestic product (GDP), 77
percent of foreign direct investment, and 93 percent of exports. Sharing more
information with local communities is essential for the industry to gain the
social license to operate and prosper. Additionally, it will allow Mongolia to
attract more long-term investors and rebuild the economy in a sustainable and
inclusive way.”
IFC’s work is part of its global initiative called “From Disclosure to Development Program” (D2D).
Rufat Alimardanov, IFC’s Resident Representative in Mongolia, said: "Effective disclosures and data use practices are vital to help ensure that all stakeholders can share in the benefits generated from investments in the mining sector. It especially helps local communities better understand the benefits mining operations can create —jobs, and supply chain opportunities for local businesses, among others —as well as environmental and social risks that impact their lives. We are optimistic that this initiative will contribute to building trust between investors and communities, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive mining development in Mongolia”.
Since 2019, IFC’s D2D program has been
promoting better disclosure and open data usage in Mongolia in partnership with
the BHP Foundation. So far, the program has reached over 500 infomediaries in
the private and public sectors – such as civil society, media, academia, and
youth – through over 15 data capacity-building sessions and data competitions.
International
Finance Corporation
