The Tour to Explore Geology and Mining Event spotlighted the importance of building local relationships between communities, herders, and mining companies in the extractive sector.  This initiative supported through the Australia Mongolia Extractive Program (AMEP 2) saw over 150 community members from Buregkhangai Soum, attend a half day event, to learn about the value and importance of minerals and metals, exploration and mining in their community and daily lives.

The event saw included a meet and great session held with local exploration and mining company representatives. Companies had an opportunity to present their project to soum community members and leaders, who in turn had a chance to ask questions about their project. Families got a first-hand viewpoint of an underground mine through virtual reality and learn about direct and indirect career opportunities in the sector. Games and science experiments, as well as rock identification saw young and old participate in gaining knowledge from technical experts in the field. A live theatre troupe led by actress Sh.Altantsetseg, featured a participatory performance reflecting on the importance of all citizens to become knowledgeable, participate, and provide feedback through exploration and mining consultations.

The AMEP 2 program is funded by DFAT and AusAid and this event is part of its Making Minerals Valuable community relationship building activity. The event took place in three soums in the month of May and June.