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The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) has announced a PHP 4.3 billion investment from its members for 2023, aimed at advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that foster community development and resilience through their Environmental Enhancement and Protection, Social Development and Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility Programs.
This announcement was made in commemoration of the 9th anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the SDGs on September 25, underscoring the sector’s commitment to sustainable practices as the 2030 deadline approaches.
The investments were implemented across multiple host and neighboring cities and municipalities in 7 provinces, including Zambales, Palawan, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Tawi-Tawi, directly benefiting communities surrounding the mining sites of PNIA members.
This funding, channeled through Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP), Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP), and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, underscores the nickel mining sector’s dedication to sustainable development in the Philippines. PNIA’s programs and projects support 15 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Life on Land (SDG 15), No Poverty (SDG 1), and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).
PNIA President Atty. Dante R. Bravo stated, “The contributions made in 2023 build on our findings from the 2020 SDG Report, reinforcing our commitment to SDG 15, SDG 1, and SDG 3 which are areas where mining is vital for sustainable development. Each year, we strive to align with sustainability, stewardship, and resilience principles to mitigate environmental impacts, alleviate poverty, and improve health outcomes for communities near mining operations. These goals are essential for the sustainability of both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Bravo further called for collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to streamline and maximize the implementation of mining company SDG programs to better complement LGU initiatives. “Mining is inherently a temporary use of land, which means that collaboration between LGUs, MGB, and mining companies is crucial for planning for the future. There is opportunity for further collaboration through maximizing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of mining companies to complement the programs of the LGUs in line with their local development goals,” Bravo said.
Under SDG 15, PNIA members’ progressive rehabilitation and other initiatives aim to minimize and mitigate its impact to the environment. In 2023, members planted over 4.3 million trees nearly 9500 hectares, comprising 76 different species, bringing the total to nearly 18 million trees to date of reporting. Partnerships with academic institutions like the University of the Philippines Los Baños have fostered innovation in forest restoration and bioremediation. Additionally, PNIA members have engaged in other initiatives, such as coastal clean-ups and river system adoption.
Aligned with SDG 1, PNIA members have focused on uplifting communities through employment, education, and infrastructure development. Their livelihood programs created job opportunities, fostering economic stability in local areas. Educational initiatives provided scholarships and improved classroom infrastructure, benefiting over a thousand students across elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
In support of SDG 3, PNIA members’ health initiatives have delivered essential medical supplies and equipment to underserved communities. Medical missions and feeding programs have addressed basic health needs, while upgrades to local hospitals have improved healthcare access.
Atty. Bravo emphasized, “Investing PHP 4.3 billion in 2023 strengthens local economies and aligns with government directives on the role of mining in promoting national economic development and local community resilience, contributing to improved lives and the building of resilient communities, particularly in remote areas where economic opportunities are limited.”
In addition, PNIA members have supported the construction and enhancement of public infrastructure, including roads, water facilities, and community halls, facilitating better access to essential services, enhancing transportation, and promoting economic activities by connecting communities to markets and resources. In 2023, their efforts provided direct assistance to 1,281 families affected by natural calamities, underscoring the role of mining companies as first responders during disasters. Their contributions also enriched mining communities through sponsorships of local events and festivals, fostering community spirit and supporting the overall well-being of the areas they serve.
Atty. Bravo concludes, “As the Philippines is among the largest producers of nickel in the world, we are committed to contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driven by the strong long-term demand for nickel and its essential role in supporting economic growth. PNIA shall continue to implement responsible mining practices that promote economic development, environmental sustainability, and foster resilient communities, recognizing that a competitive nickel mining industry is marked by a strong adherence to the tenets of sustainable development.”
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) played a key role at the 1st Mindanao Infrastructure Summit organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on October 10-11, 2024.
This significant event brought together national and local leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart the course of Mindanao’s infrastructure development and promote collaborative efforts toward sustainable growth.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain led the presentation of flagship infrastructure projects that are transforming Mindanao’s connectivity and economic landscape.
He highlighted the DPWH ongoing efforts to driving local economic growth, particularly in underserved and remote areas by improving connectivity thru roads and bridges, and major flood control projects under the “Build Better More” program and part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda.
DPWH Mindanao flagship projects include the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project in Western Mindanao; Panguil Bay Bridge Project, Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan De Oro (CDO) River, and Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project CDO-Malaybalay Section in Northern Mindanao; Davao City Bypass Construction Project, Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Bridge, Davao River Bridge, and Davao City Flood Control and Drainage Project in Davao Region; Road Network Development Project in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao and Ambal Simuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Flood Control Projects in Central Mindanao; Agusan Daang Maharlika Road Improvement Project in CARAGA Region; Emergency Assistance for Reconstruction and Recovery of Marawi in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain underscored the pivotal role of infrastructure in unlocking Mindanao’s potential and enhancing its competitiveness on both national and global scales. He emphasized that the projects will promote economic activity, improve mobility, and contribute to poverty alleviation by making Mindanao more accessible.
Meanwhile, DPWH Planning Service Director Alex G. Bote discussed the Department’s infrastructure plans for the region.
Director Bote stressed the importance of coordinated planning and program alignment to ensure the effective delivery of projects that address the region’s most urgent needs.
He outlined strategies to tackle challenges such as funding requirements, technical capacity, and project execution, with a focus on enhancing project delivery through robust support mechanisms and capacity-building initiatives.
A major highlight of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between DPWH and MinDA, formalizing their partnership to strengthen collaboration in infrastructure development across Mindanao.
The agreement signed by Senior Undersecretary Sadain representing DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno sets the foundation for integrated planning, joint programming, and streamlined project implementation, aligning both agencies’ efforts to ensure that critical infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.
The MOC also reflects a shared commitment to transparency, information sharing, and active engagement with regional offices and local stakeholders to guarantee the timely delivery of infrastructure projects that will benefit the people of Mindanao.
The 1st Mindanao Infrastructure Summit organized by MinDA Secretary Magno marked a significant step toward realizing Mindanao’s full potential through well-coordinated and inclusive infrastructure development.
By Wei Wei, Product Manager, and Ricky Chua, Sales Manager, Fluke Calibration, Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd
Calibration plays a pivotal role in the mining industry, ensuring safety, enhanced productivity, and adherence to regulatory compliance standards. As the Philippines mining sector strives to meet increasing demands, accurate calibration of equipment becomes more critical than ever. This article explores the importance of calibration, the essential tools and maintenance practices required to support calibration, the benefits of digital documentation, and best practices for control systems maintenance, providing expert insights to help mining companies optimize their operations.
Key Benefits of Calibration
Safety is paramount in mines, where workers are often exposed to high-risk environments. Properly calibrated equipment, such as pressure wells and temperature switches, function accurately, thereby safeguarding workers. This is essential in the high pressure and high temperature environments of mines. Regular calibration helps prevent accidents, making the mining environment safer for everyone involved.
Calibration also plays a crucial role in reducing unplanned operation downtime, optimizing operations and lowering costs, which leads to higher productivity and better resource management. Yields rates are significantly boosted as the ability to take accurate measurements improves control over processes such as crushing, grinding, and flotation, essential for maintaining a high production yield.
Mines must comply with predetermined regulatory standards, both in terms of environmental protection and quality. Failure to comply can result in the shutdown of the mine. Environmental compliance requires the accurate monitoring of emissions. The calibration of instruments ensures the reliable reporting of accurate data that supports compliance with industry standards.
This is all important because, with mining being at the top of the supply chain, disruptions in mining operations has a knock-on effect throughout the downstream supply chain, with concerning economic consequences. It is essential that mines optimize processes to minimize downtime, and the key to this is to apply a predictive maintenance framework.
Maintenance Practices for Ensuring Consistent Output
Predictive maintenance is an advanced approach that uses historical data and regular inspections to predict potential equipment failures before they occur. The first step is to schedule regular equipment checks. Over time, data is collected to establish benchmarks and detect patterns that can signal potential equipment failure before any physical signs become evident. This early detection of symptoms allows for the implementation of proactive measures, lowering the cost of repairs and extending the equipment lifecycle. Ultimately, the collection and analysis of this rich pool of data not only prevents unplanned downtime but also optimizes calibration intervals, ensuring equipment is always operated at peak efficiency.
Continuous training and development of the workforce are also essential practices to employ to maintain calibration standards. Regular training sessions keep workers updated on the latest techniques and technologies, enhancing their ability to perform calibration tasks accurately. Cross-training workers in multiple disciplines further increases operational flexibility and ensures continuity during shift changes.
Open pit mining with several processes.
The Move to Digital Documentation
The manual recording of calibration data is impractical as it is highly labour-intensive and involves the collection and physical storage of high volumes of data. Digital documentation has become increasingly important with the rise of automated sensors in mining operations. This method involves electronically recording and storing the information collected within the calibration tool itself. Information captured includes the reading results, date of calibration, operator’s details and records of adjustments made. Digital documentation also removes the risk of human error as data collection is automated.
Digital records also support compliance with industry standards such as ISO 17025, which specifies the requirements for the general competence of testing and calibration. Maintaining a complete calibration history for each instrument across its lifecycle is crucial for traceability and audits, especially when investigating accidents. Being able to audit and identify causation leads to better practices baked into the mining operations moving forward.
Supporting a "Carry Less, Do More" Mindset
The introduction of multifunction calibrators has revolutionized the calibration process in mining operations. These devices combine the capabilities of several single-function instruments into one, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing the physical burden on workers. An example is the Fluke 754 Documenting Process Calibrator with HART communication, which can measure pressure, temperature, and electrical signals with a single handheld device weighing only 1.2 kg and can be easily carried in a bag. The battery-powered device with its built-in interface is designed for portable use and actually performs better in its battery-powered mode.
Multifunction calibrators like the Fluke 754 enable workers to perform various calibration tasks with a single device, reducing the need to carry multiple pieces of instruments. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also improves overall productivity. “In the past, workers had to carry multiple devices, each weighing up to 1 kg,” explains Wei Wei, Regional Product Manager, Fluke Calibration, Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd. “Now, with multifunction calibrators, they carry just one instrument which can be up to a third of the weight of the multiple devices they had to carry previously. This makes a huge difference when factoring in the time and distance these devices need to be carried.”
Best Practices for Control Systems Maintenance
Routine Testing - Regular testing of control systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, is vital for smooth operations. These systems act as the brain of mining operations, and their failure can have significant impact. Routine testing is crucial to ensure control systems don’t break down.
Emergency Handling - An up-to-date emergency response plan is essential for handling unexpected system failures. This plan should be in continual development, based on lessons learned, and should include detailed steps for troubleshooting and restoring operations quickly.
The Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter is an example of a tool that aids in both routine testing and emergency handling. It can measure signals without shutting down the control system and acts as a loop power source during troubleshooting.
Calibration is fundamental to the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of mining operations in the Philippines. By investing in modern calibration tools, implementing predictive maintenance practices, and adopting digital documentation, mining companies can optimize their operations and ensure consistent delivery of essential materials. Prioritizing calibration not only enhances productivity but also positions companies as leaders in the industry, ready to meet the demands of a growing market.
In loving memory of Bernabe “Abe” Almirol, journalist (August 25, 1969 – September 17, 2023)
This article urges the use of technology and well proven methods to improve ground investigation outcomes and to facilitate digital geotechnical information to target risk. The benefit is well proven to ground engineering project cost and schedule.
This third in our series concerning ground investigation, talks about using digital data gathering methods and techniques to improve on ground investigation schedule and reduce contractor risk. Geophysical methods being digitally based can be deployed to improve the speed of investigation, quality and relevance of information for use in digital models.
Digital Information
For Developers and Contractors, repeatable, quality assured digital datadatsets provide an unequivocal record of conditions, readily stored in digital platforms accessed from any number of Apps, and trainable to AI.
Geophysical and insitu measurements collated in digital format, together provide factual information not reliant on qualitative observations open to interpretation. Digital data can be readily integrated into design models for efficient ground modelling and 3D mine and civil design.
For Asset Owners the same datasets serve as repeatable measurements of baseline conditions for contract management and asset lifecycle tracking.
Fast Moving Change
In an ever increasing technological world moving at faster rates but with a generally shrinking pool of skilled and experienced technical practioners, there is a looming significant difficulty to execute on projects in a timely manner.
In addition, current generation geotechnical data gathering in the Philippines with the exception of a selected few contractors, remains negatively affected by poor performance in recovery and schedule. The data is analogue and requires interpretation of description and data gaps to use with any degree of confidence.
Industry thinking of the traditional approach of drill + test needs to change.
Not All Investigators are Equal
RDCL are experts in ground investigation and modelling. The selection of the appropriate technique and the sequence of ground investigation deployment has a big influence on cost, suitability of information, early use of preliminary data, and efficiency of investigation.
Early engagement with specialist contractors offer significant benefits to the client.
Specialist contractors have special skills and experience to benefit the job. Ground investigation involves well proven technique, but which are often poorly understood outside of specialist geotechnical practitioners.
Ground investigation budgets at Planning phase can be better targeted using digital ground data integrated into asset or project models, to allow realistic assessment of risk. This means correct techniques and methods can be deployed on a targeted basis to control cost and schedules.
An Example Remote Road Alignment
RDCL was able to fast track option assessment and mitigation using geophysical techniques applied and modeling during disaster response to Cyclone Gabrielle damage within the Tararua District, New Zealand. The work enabled rapid road condition risk assessment, investigation targeting and remediation design.
An RDCL Senior Geotechnical Professional developed the investigation plan through a structured approach beginning from geomorphological overview and large-scale evaluation of risk. Site investigations were chosen beginning with Geophysical Survey including Resistivity and Seismic methods. Both methods are excellent for screening and importantly produce digital data.
Geophysics data interpreted with leading software Leapfrog against the digital terrain model including the road alignment, revealed areas with soft (blue) and hard (red) foundations and previously unrecognized landslides.
The Engineering advantage is to enable appropriate preliminary scoping of likely remedial works and to target further investigation to meet those demands.
A deliberate digital ground investigation has the potential to search for previously unrecognized unknowns, allows informed decision making in a timely manner to infill gaps in project knowledge. Digital sharing drives Collaboration which leads to speed and efficiency.
Geophysical and Insitu Testing
Surface and downhole geophysical surveys can cover large areas and penetrate below surface to provide a valuable insight into potential ground conditions and risk. All of the information is digital, repeatable and Quality Assured.
Surface geophysics provides rapid, repeatable measurements of geotechnical properties including, ground strength, density, modulus of deformation, Vs30 and groundwater conditions. These parameters are relevant to design and physical evaluation of landslides, mitigation solutions subgrade modulus and seismic site class.
Downhole geophysics including accurate measurement of geological structures and identification of geological and geotechnical zones of influence by televiewers, shear wave velocity, density and other techniques drastically improve the value of drilling.
Critically, downhole logging significantly reduces the need for manual drilling supervision, subjective core logging and processing by capturing digital data within a tailored database for geological and geotechnical modelling using modern 3D interpretive software.
The outcome is deeper insight into clients’ needs, and options to improve outcomes.
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info@rdcl.co.nz
Cam Wylie, Director, RDCL
Cam Wylie is the Managing Director, CEO & Principal Engineer at RDCL Limited. With 30 years in the industry, Cam is a Chartered Professional Engineer with extensive overseas experience, working on major projects in the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His expertise includes Project Management, Geotechnical/Dam Engineering, Mining, Roading, Infrastructure, large subdivisions, and Residential Dwellings, and he is a contributor to the Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Gabrielle Engineering Leadership Group.
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, the metal market may face intermittent disturbances. Expectations of rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve are significantly impacting metals like nickel, with the market anticipating the first cut in September. If successful, this could help nickel mitigate the oversupply that has pressured prices.
Indonesia plays a crucial role in the global nickel market, with its supply, demand, and policies greatly affecting trends. Recent developments regarding the RKAB regulation have tightened Indonesian nickel ore supply, which previously fueled bullish sentiment. How Indonesia navigates the healthy development of its raw material market through effective policies and the nickel price index will be critical moving forward. In the past year, the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) and the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) launched the Indonesian Nickel Industry Index Price, attracting significant industry attention.
Earlier this year, nickel ore prices surged, bolstering FeNi and NPI prices and providing substantial cost support for stainless steel. However, the stainless steel industry is now facing significant losses. Geopolitical conflicts and congested sea transportation have increased stainless steel consumption for ships and metal containers. Looking to the second half of the year, can stainless steel exports maintain their strong first-half performance? Additionally, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism presents challenges and opportunities for the steel industry. What other policies and trends will shape the future of the stainless steel market?
To help upstream and downstream customers in the nickel-chromium-manganese stainless steel industry better understand and assess market trends, SMM will hold the APAC (9th) Stainless Steel Industry Conference 2024 in Fujian, China. Co-hosted by SMM and Tsingtuo Group, this conference will gather over 400 guests from the entire Ni-Cr-Mn stainless steel supply chain to discuss supply and demand dynamics, price trends, and market outlooks. The conference will also convene "global raw material sellers" and "international downstream buyers" to explore opportunities for global cooperation in supply and demand and to jointly pursue sustainable development in the industry.
SMM sincerely invites you to attend this significant event and be part of this grand gathering!
Conference Date: November 5-6, 2024
Conference Venue: Xiamen, China
*Register here and have 10% Discount with code (MMR016)
Current Conference Lineup (Participation Status) and List of Some Leading Companies
Association Partners:
World Stainless Association, International Nickel Study Group, International Molybdenum Association, Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI), Indonesian Stainless Steel Development Association, Djakarta Mining Club, World Resources Institute Indonesia, British Stainless Steel Association, Malaysian Hardware, Machinery & Building Materials Dealers' Association.
Media Partners: Philippine Resources Journal, IRUNIVERSE, Steel Times International, MIRU-NEWS&REPORT.
Honored Guests (Partial List of Companies)
Upstream (Mining):
Vale, Eramet, Jinchuan Group, China Minmetals Corporation, South Manganese Group Ltd., Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC), Norilsk Nickel, PT Timah Tbk, LX International Qingdao Office...
Midstream (Smelting):
MITSUI & CO., LTD., Ningbo Leygend Resources Technology, Shaanxi Jutai New Material Technology, Guangdong Brunp Recycling Technology, Gulf Alloys And Metals (FZC) LLC, China-Base Ningbo Group, Fengzhen Tianyuan Chemical, Shanghai Jujia Alloy Materials, Zhejiang Pengyuan Supply Chain Management, Xumu (Shanghai) Nickel Trading, Zhejiang Hualian Trading, Wuxi Baojin Metal Products, Shanghai Zhengning International Trade, Shanghai Jilong Alloy Materials, Shanghai Zhuyu Materials Technology, Fujian Liande Enterprise, Inner Mongolia Heyin Nickel-Chromium Composite Materials, Shanghai Shengquan Metal Materials, Shanghai Gaopeng Metal Materials, Jinzhou Special Smelting New Materials, Jingzhou Weisheng Technology...
Downstream:
GEM, Tsingtuo Group, Baosteel Desheng, Baoshan Iron & Steel, Otis Elevator, Tungmung Development, Outokumpu, Aperam Stainless Steel Trading (Shanghai), PT Sutindo Raya Mulia, Huzhou Jiuli Industrial Investment, Yongxing Special Materials Technology, Indonesia Huadi Investment Group, ASEAN Development Industrial...
Third Parties:
Metalshub, PGS (East Asia), Institute of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Certification & Inspection Group, Nanjing Jinli Inspection, Shanghai Zhuoyueda International Logistics, Tianjin Haocheng International Trading and all the above associations and media, etc.
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