D2D Mongolia 2 Mining Data and Transparency

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D2D Mongolia builds on IFC’s experience in open data, transparency, and capacity building of infomediaries. The project will be implemented in the Umnugovi region. D2D will continue to work in implementing data disclosure best practices that can help bridge the gap between the data that is disclosed and the most pressing information needs of mining communities. To do this, the project will work with the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry (MMHI) and Oyu Tolgoi to improve community access to information through the use of open data and data-driven community engagement strategies that foster fact-based dialog among stakeholders. In parallel, the program will also provide capacity building to infomediaries on digital skills, data analysis, visualization and information sharing strategies that can translate complex data into actionable and relevant insights for communities. The project will focus on ensuring that both men and women infomediaries can draw evidence-based insights that can be widely shared with communities. Preparatory work This includes conducting work in two areas: 1) community access to information through open data and 2) rollout of a natural resource data curriculum for infomediaries. Implementation of activities. 1) Community Access to Information through Open Data D2D will conduct a gender disaggregated community survey in Umnugovi to identify barriers in access to information about mining revenue and social and environmental impacts. This study will help: (1) determine the key areas of interest for communities, and (2) assess the effectiveness of the existing data and information sharing mechanisms for the delivery of information to citizens. The results of this study will inform the engagement with MMHI and Oyu Tolgoi to improve accessibility of existing data. D2D will provide technical assistance to facilitate the publishing of existing disclosures in open format, develop strategies to improve existing data platforms, help prioritize datasets that could be used to address community information demands identified, build the capacity of staff to promote data use, and jointly host multi-stakeholder events on open data and mining. 2) Rollout of a natural resource data curriculum for infomediaries D2D will pilot the rollout of a natural resource data curriculum focused on digital skills, open data, analysis and visualization for infomediaries. To maximize skill transfer in the Umnogovi region, the pilot will target two types of infomediaries: those interested in becoming trainers, through a “train the trainers” format, and local stakeholders (local government representatives, community leaders, industry relationship managers, civil society organizations, and media) with limited capacity to conduct analysis for information sharing. All participants will complete the 5-module curriculum. Through these two components, D2D will contribute to the generation of evidence-based knowledge about mining, which in turn will enable a more equitable discussion about mining operations and investments among communities, national and subnational governments, and industry.