Mongolia saw the requirement for the establishment and implementation of a public reporting code for exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves, in line with other globally recognised codes, to adequately compete on an international scale in the mining and resources industry.  A project was launched to implement such a code, designed to cater for the unique requirements and conditions of Mongolia’s mining industry. The classification system will, when implemented, be accompanied by a guidance note for practitioners, consistent with international standards and best practice, and is being developed by Snowden together with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia (MMRE).In April 2011, a Mongolian working group, together with Snowden, began a process to develop and adopt the internationally recognised mineral reserve and resource classification system.

 Initial workshops facilitated by Snowden, involved Mongolian Government officials and mining industry experts, and were designed to provide an understanding of international standards for estimating, registering and reporting exploration results. These standards were compared to the currently implemented Mongolian FSU-based classification system. The workshop also outlined requirements for CRIRSCO membership and addressed some of the anticipated challenges in achieving the accreditation.

Snowden has also assisted the Mongolian government in its objective to achieve CRIRSCO membership.  Snowden and representatives of the Mongolian Government attended the CRIRSCO Annual Meeting in London in November 2011 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) enabling Mongolia to become a member nation. 

Snowden is currently developing the new code using the CRIRSCO guidelines.  Completion of the code is expected within the first quarter of 2012.