The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII and Caraga mining firms took part in the Minerals Industry Symposium on November 23, 2017 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center in Baguio City. The symposium was one of the primary activities held during the 64th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) on November 21-24, 2017.
The ANMSEC is a yearly gathering of mining firms in the country wherein the best practices in the industry’s social development, environmental protection and enhancement management and safety programs are highlighted and recognized. The theme of the 64th ANMSEC is Responsible Mining… In the Hearts and Minds of Filipinos. This year’s symposium was a stimulating venue for more than 900 mining stakeholders who were updated on the latest developments in the fields of mining and geosciences.
The symposium was graced by the Representative of the Lone District of Kalinga, Hon. Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang, as the Keynote Speaker. In his speech, he encouraged the mining industry to go beyond compliance in raising the standards for safe and responsible mining in the country to achieve the goal of a prosperous nation. Several technical presentations in the fields of geology and mining were presented by researchers affiliated with exploration and operating mining firms, consultancy groups, academe and government agencies. Topics ranged from geology (The discovery of copper-gold-magnetite skarn deposit in Labo, Paracale, Camarines Norte), economic (Valuation of mineral projects) to mining matters (Paste backfill system of Didipio underground project), among others.
Three presenters hailed from mining firms in Caraga Region, namely, Agata Mining Ventures Inc., Taganito Mining Corporation and Hinatuan Mining Corporation. They showcased the researches and innovations they have implemented in their respective Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs. These companies were also chosen as recipients of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) as Platinum Awardees for achieving a degree of superior performance in environment, safety and health and social development and management programs.
An open forum gave the participants an opportunity to clarify some points in the presentations and raise issues and concerns about the mining operations of companies in the country. As always, a very stimulating discussion on varying issues took place. Towards the end of the symposium, all mining stakeholders agreed to accept the challenge to continually improve the mining industry and to intensify their IEC efforts in order to bring forth the industry’s positive contribution to the economy and its role in environmental protection and social development of mining communities.