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By Thea Samantha C. Go, EM Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. is a proudly all-Filipino mining and civil construction contractor that has been making significant strides both domestically and internationally. With over 29 years of experience, Paramina has pioneered surface and underground contract mining in the Philippines, later expanding into tunneling, ground stabilization, and slope stabilization for civil and mining construction projects. Today, the company is recognized not only for its contributions to the Philippine mining industry but also for its impactful work on global infrastructure projects. A Legacy of Excellence Paramina's journey began with its groundbreaking work in the Philippines, where it has partnered with major underground mines, quarries, and civil construction companies in the country. One of its notable mining projects include the mine development of an epithermal gold project in Davao de Oro. This project showcased Paramina's expertise in delivering efficient and sustainable mining solutions. Moreover, the recently completed Main Access tunnel measuring 7.4m x 8 m x 1.011km of the Upper Wawa Pumping Station project is a testament to Paramina’s expertise in the tunneling business. Beyond the Philippines, Paramina has also made its mark internationally. The company played key roles in starting new underground gold mines in Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Fiji, and Burkina Faso in West Africa.   Additionally, Paramina has been providing mine technical services to Teknomin Construction Limited, a major contractor for Hindustan Zinc Limited, one of the world's largest producers of zinc. Paramina's global portfolio-also includes its contribution to the construction of the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport, as the drill and blast subcontractor. Paramina's success is a testament to the talent and dedication of Filipino Mining Engineers, Geologists, Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical professionals. The company's ability to adapt to diverse environments and challenges has made it a trusted partner for both domestic and overseas clients. Whether it's optimizing mining operations or constructing specialized major infrastructure, Paramina's expertise ensures that projects are completed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. Driving Innovation with GEOVIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform In addition to its contracting services, Paramina is a leading distributor of GEOVIA products, including Surpac, a powerful software solution for mining and geological modeling. Surpac is widely recognized for its ability to streamline resource estimation, mine design, and planning processes. But the innovation doesn’t stop there; Surpac is now integrated with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a collaborative environment that connects individuals, data, and solutions in real-time. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enhances Surpac’s capabilities by enabling seamless data integration, improved collaboration, and streamlined workflows. This integration allows mining companies to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and achieve greater efficiency. By combining GEOVIA’s advanced tools with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Paramina empowers its clients to tackle the challenges of modern mining and construction with confidence. Paramina’s expertise in GEOVIA products has earned it a strong reputation among top mining companies, quarries, government sectors, and academic institutions in the country. The company provides technical support and advancements in mine planning and design, helping clients achieve their goals with cutting-edge solutions. Paramina’s journey is a testament to the potential of Filipino expertise and innovation. As the company continues to grow and take on new challenges, it remains committed to delivering exceptional value to its clients and contributing to sustainable development.   To learn more about Paramina’s services, GEOVIA products, and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, visit www.paramina.com. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge mining solutions or a reliable partner for your next infrastructure project, Paramina is here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can support your goals.

A planned toll road extending South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the Bicol Region is expected to reduce transport costs, improve supply chains, and create thousands of jobs, a House leader said Monday. In a statement, House Committee on Ways and Means chair and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) impending approval of the final engineering design for the first segment of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 5 (TR5) would address long-standing transport bottlenecks in the region. The TRB recently disclosed that the final engineering design encompasses the initial segment stretching from Lucena to Gumaca in Quezon province. "Along with ongoing works for TR4, the Lucena-Gumaca segment will bring much-needed relief to commuters and truckers alike, and will reduce the cost of bringing goods to Bicol significantly," Salceda said. He added that the project would help alleviate the region's reliance on costly and unreliable transport links. "The lack of strong land transport links to Calabarzon effectively makes Bicol an island, which makes us vulnerable to stress on food and supply of other essential goods during emergencies. It also makes our supply chains with Manila very expensive to maintain," Salceda said. The lawmaker said the toll road would strengthen links to the Bicol Ecozone in Libon, Albay, an economic zone recently approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. He noted that the zone, combined with an agricultural superport planned by the Department of Agriculture, could create up to 8,000 new manufacturing jobs and lower food prices in Albay. "We will definitely pursue arterials from SLEX to Libon," Salceda said, adding that unlike government-maintained highways, toll roads provide a steady source of funding for maintenance. Naga-Legazpi segment Salceda said he would push for the simultaneous construction of the Naga-Legazpi segment of TR5 to speed up benefits to Bicol's key cities. "The Naga-Legazpi portion has a catchment area of around 2.2 million people, including the two largest cities in South Luzon. I think RSA (San Miguel Corp. President and CEO Ramon Ang) can pursue and operate that segment in advance so that we don't have to wait for completion of the emptier parts between Gumaca and Sipocot," he said. Salceda also said the toll road would also improve access to Bicol International Airport, which would boost tourism and business in the region. He vowed to collaborate with the government to explore options for accelerating the project. "I will be asking [Transportation] Secretary Vince Dizon to explore this option, that we pursue this as soon as possible. It's good for both cities, and I think it will move the needle positively for SLEX revenues as well," he said.

One of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, Aramco, is re-entering the Philippine market by acquiring a 25 percent stake in Unioil Petroleum Philippines, Inc. The companies announced Wednesday that they signed an agreement for the partnership, led by Aramco Asia Singapore managing director Fai Aldossary and Unioil chief executive officer Janice Co Roxas-Chua. The planned acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Aramco, which is 90 percent owned by the government of Saudi Arabia, is making a comeback in the Philippines as it aims to take advantage of the increasing demand for high-value fuels in the country. “This investment represents another step forward in our global strategy to expand Aramco’s retail network, and we look forward to introducing Aramco’s high-quality products and services to customers in the Philippines,” Aramco executive vice president of products and customers Yasser Mufti said in a statement. “Our international expansion aims to capture additional value and enhance our participation in vibrant economies, in collaboration with established partners.” Co Roxas-Chua welcomed the strategic investment of Aramco as it will equip Unioil in accelerating its growth, development, and innovation to strengthen its position as a leader in the wholesale and retail fuels market. “The strategic investment by Aramco is fully in line with our ambition to be the fuel retailer of choice and support our customers with top-tier fuel solutions,” Unioil president Kenneth Pundanera said. In 2008, Aramco exited the Philippines by selling its 40 percent stake in Petron Corp. to British firm Ashmore Group for USD550 million. By Kris Crismundo   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

At least once a year, when International Women’s Month is celebrated in March, we are reminded to pause and take stock of the role of women in resources development. The mining industry in the Philippines, like many other countries, has traditionally been male-dominated.  Nevertheless, there are marked efforts to increase women's participation and address their unique challenges, thanks in no small part to the leadership of a woman Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and to groups that are pushing this agenda. Among the major issues faced by women in mining are: (1) gender division of labor, where women are confined to jobs that are less technical or less physically taxing; (2) limited access to education and training, which in turn limits their opportunities for advancement; (3) cultural and social barriers, which include cultural beliefs that prevent women from going underground; and (4) negative environmental and social impacts of mining operations. To address these challenges, a number of steps have been identified: 1) Policy reforms. These include amending the Philippine Mining Act to include gender-sensitive provisions to ensure more equitable participation and opportunities for women.  Mining companies could also be mandated to conduct periodic gender impact assessments and sex-disaggregated data collection. These reforms would also include a better implementation of the Magna Carta of Women in the mining industry and introducing guidelines, particularly for Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs) which would encourage gender-responsive projects to meet the needs of women in mining communities.  In this regard, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga recently signed a new department administrative order mandating mining companies to incorporate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into their SDMPs. Mining contractors and permit holders will have the responsibility of ensuring that SDGs are achieved within their host and neighboring communities. The 17-point UN SDGs include, among others, no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality, clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; reduced inequalities; and sustainable cities and communities. 2) Education and Training. This involves iincreasing access to education and training programs tailored to women to bridge the gap in technical skills.  Women often have limited access to STEM education which is essential for careers in mining.  Mining companies can take the lead in developing and implementing training programs specifically for women in mining to hone their technical and management skills, and leadership. There are existing programs, such as the United Nations Development Programme’s course on Gender and Mining Governance, which includes modules on promoting women's engagement in mining projects. 3) Empowerment and Leadership Opportunities. In a 2023 speech at the 10th anniversary celebration of Diwata – Women in Resource Development, DENR Secretary Loyzaga urged mining companies to empower women to lead and provide a platform that can harness their unique perspectives, knowledge and skills. “Mining companies are urged to enhance women participation in their conservation and restoration projects, acknowledging the indigenous women’s and other women’s invaluable knowledge of local ecosystems. The mining industry can mainstream gender-responsive policies in their corporate strategies, not only to ensure that practices do not inadvertently harm women, but that they also build corporate resilience,” Loyzaga said. As this is being written, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), in partnership with PH-EITI and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, has announced a forum entitled “Mining Her Own Business: Elevating Women’s Voices in Natural Resource Governance” which is expected to gather industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss gender-responsive governance in the extractive sector.  The discussions will focus on: Women’s participation in decision-making Gender-sensitive data disclosures The impact of mining revenues on women and marginalized groups Although women continue to face significant challenges in the mining industry in the Philippines, there are concerted efforts to address these issues and create a more inclusive sector.  It is envisioned that, by promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women to participate fully, the mining industry will become more sustainable and equitable for all stakeholders.

By: Paula Angeline Bacani For mining operations, precision in elemental analysis is not just a requirement—it’s the key to efficiency and profitability. The ability to conduct rapid, non-destructive analysis of ore samples directly impacts decision-making in the field and in laboratories. That’s where the SPECTRO XEPOS ED-XRF, distributed exclusively in the Philippines by QES Technology Philippines, Inc., is making a real difference. With nearly 90% of assay laboratories in the country’s nickel ore mining sector relying on ED-XRF advanced technology, it’s clear that the SPECTRO XEPOS is setting a new industry standard. Now, with the combination of this with the Environmental Express Katanax sample preparation Electric Fusion Machine, the game is changing once again. The SPECTRO XEPOS XEP05 ED-XRF isn’t just another instrument—it’s a powerhouse of precision and accuracy. This ED-XRF delivers performance comparable to the more complex WD-XRF. Even using pressed powder pellets for sample preparation, it ensures accurate, repeatable results. Its stability and sophisticated spectral analysis allow for high-precision readings of nickel, cobalt, and iron oxide, among other essential elements. But accuracy starts with preparation. The Environmental Express Katanax Sample Preparation Electric Fusion Machine takes sample consistency to the next level. By eliminating interfering matrices and producing more homogeneous samples, the fusion process enhances the reliability of analytical results. To meet varying laboratory needs, users can choose between the Katanax 3-placer or the Katanax 6-placer, depending on their sample throughput requirements. This flexibility ensures efficiency, whether handling lower or higher volumes of samples, ultimately leading to better decision-making and fewer costly errors for mining operations. Speed, Efficiency, and Cost Savings The SPECTRO XEPOS XEP05 ED-XRF delivers fast, reliable results without the lengthy and labor-intensive procedures required by traditional methods. Unlike wet chemistry techniques that demand extensive sample preparation and prolonged waiting periods, it delivers precise and accurate readings in minutes. The addition of the Environmental Express Katanax fusion machine further optimizes efficiency. Pressed pellet sample preparation, while effective, has its limitations. Fusion preparation eliminates matrices inconsistencies, reducing the risk of inaccurate readings and ensuring every test is as reliable as the last. This translates to higher throughput, increased productivity, and lower operational costs for assay laboratories. Local After-Sales Support from QES Technology Philippines, Inc. Powerful equipment are only as good as the support behind it. QES Technology Philippines, Inc. has been a trusted partner to the Philippine nickel mining industry, ensuring that SPECTRO XEPOS users receive world-class services. With strategically located service centers and offices in Pampanga, Manila, Cebu, and Surigao City, QES guarantees expert installation, training, calibration, and maintenance support. This commitment to after-sales service is a major factor why mining companies continue to invest in the SPECTRO XEPOS. Having a knowledgeable local team available for troubleshooting and technical assistance anytime ensures maximum uptime and optimal performance for every unit in operation. The Future of Ni Ore Analysis The adaption of the SPECTRO XEPOS XEP05 ED-XRF in the Philippine nickel ore mining industry speaks volumes about its reliability and accuracy, especially when almost 90% of the Ni Ore Industry are users. When paired with the Environmental Express Katanax fusion machine, it provides an unparalleled level of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With the support of QES Technology Philippines, Inc. (Authorized representative of SPECTRO Analytical Instruments GmbH), the assay department of mining companies can be confident that they’re using the best technology available to maintain compliance, improve profitability, and streamline operations. Investing in advanced and known-brand analytical equipment isn’t just a smart decision—it’s a necessity for any mining operation looking to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry. To see the SPECTRO XEPOS XEP05 in action, #QESInAction, schedule a visit at QES head office at Unit 507, Page 1 Building, Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, or at National Highway, KM. 4, Brgy. Luna, Surigao City as ED-XRF demo units are available on both locations. For consultations and quotation requests, contact QES at +632 8771 1248, via email at qtpmarketing@qesnet.com, or explore their offerings at www.qesnet.com.

The recent positive Philippine Government support and industry's adoption of community engagement, sustainability and safety practices is signalling a a new chapter of growth for the Philippine’s mining sector. These developments are reinvigorating interest from the Australian mining sector to develop trade and investment partnerships with the Philippines mining industry. We have the honour to invite you to the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25) in Brisbane, Australia from 20-22 May 2025. The theme “Embracing a New Era” reflect the dynamic changes and the transformative journey that the global resources industry experience. There will be discussions on next-generation energy and decarbonization, digital mining, and mining tech market. The exhibition will feature Australia’s worldleading Mining Equipment, Technology and services (METS) in digitisation, innovations in mineral processing, and supply value chain. It is anticipated that there will be over 1500 attendees, industry leaders, technology experts and innovation, both in the conference and exhibition. Austmine will provide complimentary delegate passes for senior management and executives of mining operations in the Philippines. Prior to GRX25, the organisers, Austmine and AusIMM, will host a Brisbane Mining Innovation Ecosystem Tour on 19 May 2025. In addition to GRX25, Austrade is supporting an Australia Philippines Business Council (APBC) Mining Resource Forum on 20 May 2025. This forum will serve as a strategic platform to showcase the Philippines’ mining policies and investment potential for Australia, particularly in areas of sustainable and responsible mining. Your participation at these events will allow you to understand the trends and sustainable practices of Australian mining and identify METS providers that are open to partnerships with Philippine mining companies and local agents/distributors. Delegate numbers are limited so please advise your interest by 21 March 2025. This Mission will be accompanied and supported by my colleague and Mission Project Manager, Tata Corpuz. Please feel free to email Tata thru tata.corpuz@austrade.gov.au and/or call +63 917 534 8844 for more details.