On Dec. 4, 2023, Philippine Mining & Exploration Association Inc. (PMEA) celebrated its 25th year anniversary and Silver Christmas Party at Misto 2 and Straight UP Bar at Seda Residences Makati. This is a milestone event for a mining group that, for more than two decades, has been fostering camaraderie and professional development among its members. This is one of their key imperatives. Through the years, PMEA has been encouraging, facilitating, and coordinating activities related to the exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources; and providing a unified voice and becoming a respected advocate for the sustained and responsible development of mineral resources.
As a tribute to PMEA’s Silver Anniversary, we interviewed Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson, PMEA President.
Mr. Ayson is a graduate of BS Geology from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, and trained under the MGB - UNDP for 4 years. He worked in Indonesia for 8 years, worked for Oxiana Limited, and Royalco Philippines until 2015. He is currently involved in the pre-feasibility study of a copper-gold prospect in the north.
As a Competent Person for Geology, Mr. Ayson does consulting work for many companies with regard to mining exploration management, tenement management, government liaison, and more. He is the President of the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association (PMEA), a regular emcee in Philippine Mining Club Luncheon and Webinars, President of the Geological Society of the Philippines, and Chair of the UP-Geology Alumni Association.
PRJ: Please give us a short background on the origins and early beginnings of PMEA. Who are the key people behind it? What was the objective(s) of creating the group?
JNA: The Philippine Mining & Exploration Association Inc. (“PMEA”) is a non-stock, non-profit entity organized and managed by its membership for the express purpose of providing effective and responsible representation of the mineral exploration and mineral resources development sector. PMEA is an Affiliate member of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. PMEA’s representative also sits as a Member of the Awards Committee for the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (“PMIEA”).
PMEA was originally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 1998 as the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association, Inc. Its formation was initiated by the International Mining and Exploration Committee (IMEC), a sub-committee of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of the Philippines. IMEC had been in existence since the early 1990’s and its membership and focus had been to represent and monitor the interests of foreign mining and exploration companies which were either directly, or indirectly, investing in the Philippines.
With the passage of time and new minerals sector developments it became clear that a broader organization was necessary to more effectively represent the mineral exploration industry, including local companies and investors.
This led to the formation and incorporation of PMEA and the institution of regular monthly meetings. More recently, growth in the local minerals industry and the growing membership of the Association, prompted PMEA Members to amend the Association’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws and to adopt the revised name Philippine Mining & Exploration Association, Inc. to better reflect the evolving profile of the Association’s membership. The Securities and Exchange Commission issued its approval for said amendments in December 2011.
The original incorporators of PMEA are Malcolm Norris, Joel D. Muyco, Robert D. Guest, Rufino B. Bomasang and Alfredo F. San Miguel Jr. (+).
The PMEA is managed by a Board of Trustees composed of: Joey Nelson R. Ayson, Fernando S. Peñarroyo, Cecilio C. Bautista, Manuel S. Ancheta, Roderick R.C. Salazar III, Johannes M. Raadsma, and George Yap III.
PRJ: In your opinion, what are some of the memorable moments or milestones or achievements of PMEA through the years?
JNA:
- Since its inception, the PMEA has always been able to hold monthly meetings except during COVID.
- PMEA has an MOU with The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (“AusIMM”) to assist each other in the implementation of programs that benefit members and increase their professional knowledge.
- Holding an annual Baguio Technical Forum as part of the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (“ANMSEC”)
- Book launching by Atty Deo Contreras – “The Laws and Realities of Small Scale Mining in the Philippines”
- PMEA provided the seed capital to help progress the PMRC 2020 consultations and discussions.
PRJ: What are the difficulties or challenges that you and the other officers of PMEA experienced in the past that affected the activities of PMEA?
JNA:
- Sec Gina Lopez was a wake-up call for the industry. PMEA had always advocated Best Practice and beyond compliance.
- The closure of mines without due process impacted on members ability to raise funds for the Philippines and listed companies experienced significant drop in share prices.
- Getting speakers and sponsors for the monthly meetings has always been a challenge
- PMEA has maintained its meeting fees despite the increase in meeting costs (especially if there are no sponsors) and this reduces our funds.
PRJ: Are there any future plans or major projects of PMEA for this year or in the near future?
JNA: We plan to organize mine tours for professionals and students either independently or as part of a conference, and to Involve students in the meetings to present research. For upcoming events in 2024, please support the 11th PMEA Golf at Ayala Greenfield, Calamba, Laguna on April 22, 2024.
PRJ: Is there a message you wish to convey to our readers to encourage them to be a member of PMEA and to support our Monthly Membership Meetings?
JNA: When you attend our Monthly Membership Meetings, you will benefit in two ways:
- One can be kept regularly updated on the latest industry news
- One can network with mining company staff, consultants, service providers, etc.
In summary, “PMEA seeks to stimulate interest and participation in the Philippine mineral exploration and mine development sectors by providing appropriate meetings and networking fora where its members can discuss current issues and agree on a sensible course of action. The primary forum is a regular monthly meeting for members and guests, which is usually held on the first business Monday of every month. It endeavors to feature a key speaker addressing issues of interest to the Mine Development and/or Mineral Exploration sectors.” (taken from PMEA’s website)
For questions or enquiries, you may send an email to: pmea.secretariat@pmea.ph or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pmandea.
About the 11th Annual PMEA Invitational Golf Tournament:
The Board of Trustees of the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association (PMEA) cordially invites you and your friends to the 11th Annual PMEA Invitational Golf Tournament on April 22, 2024, Monday, at Ayala Greenfield Golf & Leisure Club, Brgy. Maunong and Putinglupa 4027 Calamba City Laguna. Registration will commence at 6:00 a.m. followed by shotgun tee off at 8:00 a.m.
Proceeds from the tournament, net of costs, shall go to support PMEA's various activities in promoting Responsible Exploration and Mining.
Should you need any further information, please feel free to communicate with us via e-mail at pmea.secretariat@pmea.ph or c/o Mr. George Yap III, our Golf Committee Chair at +63 9175449402.
You may also contact Girlie Yu at +63 920 9522084 or +632 8569577.
