GOVPH

Community Relations Seminar held

With the theme: “ Advancing Community Development Strategies in attaining socio- economic growth,” citing the need to put emphasis in enhancing the strategies of the companies in their social responsibility, the 4^th Community Relations (COMREL) Seminar was conducted last Nov. 16, 2016 at CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Baguio City.

Over a hundred community relations officers attended the event that tackled the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of mining companies, strategies and programs to alleviate poor communities, and community development in mining areas.

Engr. Louie Sarmiento, head of Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) said in his opening message, “ the mining industry is given a chance to prove its worth.”

“ A challenging time for us, we need to make sure that we are doing the right thing, this is the only way to make the industry viable and sustainable as an industry,” Engr. Sarmiento added.

“The mining industry is committed to do the right thing, let us share experiences to ensure that we continue to be committed,” he further said.

PMSEA conducts Mineral Industry Symposium

LR Basilio

The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), the country’s frontrunner in advocating responsible mining conducted  the Mineral Industry Symposium last Nov. 17, 2016 as part of the 63^rd Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference at CAP John Hay, Cultural Center, Baguio City.

Engr. Eulalio Austin Jr., president and CEO of Philex Mining Corporation served as the keynote speaker of the event.

“The tricky part is doing the right thing, we will continue to raise standards guided accordingly to do what is right,” Engr. Austin said.

On the other hand, Atty. Maria Karla Espinosa of the Philippines Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH- EITI) talked about Responsible Minerals Development and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; Graciano Yumul of Apex Mining Company likewise lectured on the issues of the mining industry; Engr. Romualdo Aguilos of MGB also lectured on the status of the Philippine mining industry.

After the series of lecture, an open forum was conducted to clarify issues from the participants.

Various sectors in the mining industry, such as, mining contractors, suppliers, government employees, academe, professional organizations, community development officers and other stakeholders participated in the said symposium.

MGB supports mining week

Some employees of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. II (MGB R0II) participated in the recently concluded Annual Mining Conference held on Nov. 15-18, 2016 in Baguio City.

With the theme: “63 years of Responsible Mining, moving forward by doing right,” the event was attended by over a thousand of stakeholders from the government and mining sector.

The annual mining event kicked off with a tree planting activity at the PMSEA adopted park at the Botanical Garden.

Mining exhibit participated by mining companies and suppliers featured the good practices of the mining companies and their latest mining technologies.

The 4^th Community Relations Officers Seminar was also conducted on Nov. 16, 2016. Simultaneous with the ComRel Seminar was the sports fest at various venues such as Baguio Tennis Club, Baguio Country Club and the Puyat Sports.

The Mineral Industry Symposium and 2^nd PMSEA Students’ Congress were likewise conducted at the CAP John Hay Convention Center.

On November 18, a minerals industry parade participated by DENR and MGB employees, mining companies, and suppliers that graced the thoroughfares of Baguio City.

A testimonial dinner and awards night highlighted the week-long annual mining event. #LRB

MGB to review expansion permit given to OceanaGold

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau said it will review the permit granted to OceanaGold Philippines Incorporated (OGPI) earlier this year that gives the gold-copper mining company an extra five years to explore possible areas of expansion.

MGB Director Leo Jasareno said the review was prompted by complaints from Nueva Vizcaya residents about OceanaGold’s possible expansion in the province.

OceanaGold operates the Didipio Mine,  high-grade gold-copper open pit an underground mine located around 270 kilometers north of Manila.

The mine is one of the lowest-cost gold mines in the word, with nominal production of 100,000 ounces of gold and 14,000 tons of copper.  It has an estimated reserve of 1.59 million ounces of gold and 210,000 tons of copper. It has its full-year operation in 2014.

OceanaGold’s mining claim covers around 15,000 hectares, but ut has only explored and developed around 900 hectares.

Jasareno said there is a formal request to cancel the renewal of the exploration permit for five years. (PNA)