AMEP 2 is conducting a series of governance and management trainings in collaboration with Mongolia’s Professional Associations in Geology and Mining, with an aim to strengthen extractive sector associations. A rapid assessment in December 2022 and January 2023 saw the roll-out of a 5 part-tailored training series to support association management and members. Facilitated by IFF, training sessions have covered thematic topics such as leadership, governance and board management, communications, funding, and financing. Some 124 representatives from different associations have participated in the program so far.

Trainings were complimented with virtual exchanges by the Mining Association in Canada that saw an initial session held on April 4th hosting Ben Chalmers Senior Vice President, followed by a second session featuring Cynthia Waldmeier Public Relations and Communications Director held on April 6th. Ben Chalmers, spoke to participants about the importance of developing a clear strategy and the MAC’s approach in creating the “Towards Sustainable Mining” standard. During the session held by Cynthia Wladmeier participants had a first-hand glimpse into strategic communications, including developing targeted messages for industry politicians and key decision makers as well as other stakeholders. Internal organizational communication and external communication were highlighted and their role in sustaining the organization through the solicitiation of more members.

The final training session of the series will be held on the 13th of April with a focus on communications as one of many tools to attract, engage and maintain members. Fundraising will also be discussed. This will be complemented by a presentation from Steve Hunt Chair of the Joint Ore Reserve Committee (JORC) in Australia who will lead a discussion on their Associations goals and outlook. Competency assessment and ISO training for the Associations are also being conducted simultaneously.

AMEP 2 has developed a Module Training for professional associations within the project “Strengthening Mongolia’s professional associations for geology and mining” and has held a series training since 16 March. The training program has included three main objectives that acquiring knowledge on “Organizational Management and Governance”, and identifying ISO standard as well as sharing and exchanging experiences from international professional associations. Professional associations once highlighted a support for learning international experiences in the findings of the Rapid Training Need Assessment that was conducted in the beginning stage of the project.