Source: EPRC, USAID                          Date: 31 March, 2011

As part of a series of programs on the mine life cycle and conflict resolution involving mining and natural resources, called Moving Towards a Tripartite Understanding: Dialogue, Participation, and Conflict Resolution, the Canadian government, USAID, and the Mongolian Employers Federation co-sponsored a workshop for representatives of the mining industry on March 29. Called Corporate social responsibility - the path to reducing social risk and conflict, the workshop was facilitated by Ms. Rena Guenduez, senior mining specialist of USAID’s Economic Policy Reform and Competitiveness (EPRC) project.

The series began in Dalanzadgad on March 19 and 20 with two training sessions on the mine life cycle for youth aged 12-18. The training covered the four phases of the cycle -– exploration, development, operation, and closure –- and opportunities for youth and community involvement throughout.  It continued with a second round of three mine life cycle workshops in Dalanzadgad on March 26 and 27 for community members. Local trainers facilitated all sessions.

Collaborating with members of the civil society, the mining industry, and the Mongolian government, EPRC developed the training material by adapting existing Canadian materials to the Mongolian context. At the corporate social responsibility training, Canadian Ambassador Goldhawk stated, “We expect Canadian companies as well as Mongolian mining companies to adhere to high standards of responsibility in management of the environment and community relations. We hope our support will contribute to developing an environment where companies, people, and government at the local level can come together to talk about and resolve challenges, in a way that benefits all parties.”

The series is organized in conjunction with the landmark tripartite agreement signed on March 22 by representatives of the Government of Mongolia, the mining industry, and civil society, overseen by Prime Minister Batbold, to educate citizens on mining, promote consensus on mining issues, and mitigate potential grievances and conflicts.