The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIlI, in partnership with Auro Resources Trading Incorporated (Auro), successtully conducted a Basic Life Support and Standard First Aid Training for Julz Gold Ore Mining, a small-scale mining contractor operating within the declared People’s Small-Scale Mining Area or Minahang Bayan in the Municipality of Placer, Province of Surigao del Norte.
The training was held from August 25 to 29, 2025 in Surigao City. Facilitated by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Surigao del Norte (PDRRMO-SDN), it aimed to strengthen the emergency response knowledge and skills of small-scale miners in order to ensure greater safety within their work environment.
The program emphasized the importance of preparedness in mining communities, where workers are regularly exposed to health and occupational hazards. Participants received hands-on instruction in life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound care, proper bandaging, splinting of fractures, and first response procedures for common workplace incidents.
Certified trainers and resource persons from PDRRMO-SDN underscored the critical role of first responders in saving lives during emergencies. Through practical exercises, miners were equipped with the confidence and competence to apply these skills effectively — not only at their worksites but also within their communities.
Organized in close collaboration with Auro, the training reflects a shared commitment to upholding occupational safety and health standards in the small-scale mining sector. By empowering miners with essential life-saving skills, the initiative contributes to safer workplaces and promotes the well-being of families and communities dependent on small-scale mining.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would significantly improve their ability to respond to emergencies and mitigate injuries while awaiting professional medical help.
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of the government and its partners to strengthen safety measures in small-scale mining operations, ensuring that miners are not only productive but also protected in their daily work.
