[Baguio City] Nov. 16, 2023 - ANMSEC - The Minerals Industry Symposium 2023. (L-R) Engr. Roel A. Collado, Engr. Donald G. Estrella, (DENR Secretary) Hon. Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Engr. Louie Sarmiento
ANMSEC President, Engr. Louie Sarmiento | The Chancellor of the South African Embassy, Hon. Chantelle Naidoo on the Mining Exhibit Opening Day
To celebrate the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC), the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) hosted the conference on Nov. 14-17, 2023 at CAP – John Hay Trade & Cultural Center Main Hall A & B, Baguio City.
This annual event brings together mining professionals and practitioners, and other stakeholders to share their expertise and innovations in the industry to enhance the country’s mining sector practices and policies.
On the Mining Exhibit Opening day on Nov. 14, 2023, the Master of Ceremonies was Andrew Pinero, with guest speaker Engr. Leandro “Doy” Tabilog, Executive Assistant III and representing the Office of the City Mayor. Ms Jovita A. Ganongan was the Guest of Honor. A lively and colorful intermission number was performed by the Hapiyoh Mi Cultural Dance Troupe, where they later encouraged attendees to join in the cultural dance.
On his opening speech for the Community Relations Officers (COMREL) Conference on Nov. 15, 2023 , ANMSEC President, Engr. Louie Sarmiento mentioned that the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference anchors on the following: to generate less waste by re-using or re-purposing, and to conserve water resources.
With that said, he stressed that drinking water during the conference will only be served upon request, and that ID lanyards used for the event will be reused for next year. Engr. Sarmiento also said that this annual gathering aims to renew our bonds with each other as we flex our expertise in mining.
Additionally, he noted that it is inspiring to see experts and stakeholders join together in this event to ensure the longevity of the mining industry.
H. E. MaryKay L. Carlson, Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines
The event was supported as well by foreign dignitaries such as The Chancellor of the South African Embassy, Hon. Chantelle Naidoo who graced the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on the opening day.
On the following day, Her Excellency MaryKay L. Carlson, Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines (U.S. Department of State, Embassy of the United States, Manila) was the keynote speaker at the Community Relations Officers (COMREL) Conference.
On her keynote speech, she said, "You are making important contributions to the Philippines through your work, promoting safe, smart and sustainable management of the mining sector. I welcome the increasing collaborations between our two countries on sustainable mining practices."
"The U.S. government continues to support efforts aimed at strengthening Philippine transparency and accountability in natural resource governance."
“For almost a decade now, our mission through USAID has supported the implementation of the Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiatives or EITI, both the national and local levels.”
She emphasized that EITI strengthens the government reporting systems which covers proper accounting of wealth revenues.
The Ambassador highly praised the exceptional performance of the Maddela Comprehensive High School Bamboo Ensemble (c/o OceanaGold Philippines Inc.) who performed a cultural dance number. She commented that it was hard to believe they are high school students when their performance level is on par with professional dancers.
Engr. Roel A. Collado, President of Philippine Society of Mining Engineers Northern Luzon Chapter
On Nov. 16, 2023, Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) hosted and organised the ANMSEC - The Minerals Industry Symposium 2023.
“This annual event is the gathering of mining professionals and practitioners, its downstream and upstream industries and mineral stewards come together to talk, collaborate and to share new learnings, experiences, practices, innovations, and concerns in the industry,” according to Engr. Roel A. Collado, President of Philippine Society of Mining Engineers Northern Luzon Chapter.
“This year's theme, "MINING 4.0: Safer, Smarter and Sustainable" is a statement that the industry has grown to be sounder, keener, and more stable. We in the industry have advanced our mindset and practices in safety and health; we have innovated using the latest technologies and science-based approaches and systems, and we have consistently exercised and employed sustainability in our operations from explorations to rehabilitation. These are encapsulated in the 17 papers that are to be presented in today's Minerals Industry Symposium,” Engr. Collado said on his welcome remarks.
“This symposium also marks the first time that it is sanctioned by the Continuing Professional Development Councils (CPDC) for mining engineering, geology, and metallurgical engineering through the efforts of the PSEM National Board and our Accredited CPD-Provider PSEM CARAGA Chapter.”
H. E. HK Yu PSM (Australian Ambassador to the Philippines) | H. E. David Hartman (Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines)
The symposium was graced by the presence of the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines (Australia in The Philippines), Her Excellency HK Yu PSM, who stated that the partnership between Philippines and Australia in mining is “a match made in heaven”.
The Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines (Embassy of Canada in the Philippines), His Excellency David Hartman was also one of the honored guest speakers as well. He mentioned how Canada’s IGF or Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) supports more than 75 nations committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development to ensure negative impacts are limited and financial benefits are shared. He pointed out that the Philippines is one of the first countries in the world to adopt the sustainable mining practices.
Other notable guest speakers are Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) President Engr. Donald Estrella; Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association President Engr. Louie Sarmiento; DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Atty. Danilo Uykieng, and DENR Secretary, Hon. Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga as keynote speaker.
Sec. Yulo Loyzaga said, “We are here to fully support becoming smarter, safer and more sustainable in the era of 4.0, and while we know that science and technology can help us leapfrog into the future of the mining industry, we also know that it is really the ‘pusong minero’ that will enable us to build a just, resilient and prosperous country and become citizens of a more peaceful and sustainable tomorrow.”
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On the final day of the event, Nov. 17, 2023, the day started with a vibrant parade that was held from SM City Baguio through Baguio Session Road and to the Melvin Jones Football Grounds. The parade was accompanied by the Baguio City National High School Band and the Saint Louis University Band. Participants of the parade include the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Center and Regional Offices, mining companies, service contractors, suppliers, the academe, and other civic organizations.
Mining companies participated in various competitions to showcase their skills and expertise in emergency response, firefighting, and operational techniques.
Special recognitions were given by the PMSEA Board to the following for their support for the Mine Safety Field Competition: MGB Cordillera Administrative Region, Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc., Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio City Fire Station, Saint Louis University, and Cebu Institute of Technology University. The event was officially inaugurated by Engr. Louie R. Sarmiento.
The winners of the competition are the following:
First Aid Competition
- Champion: CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
- 1st Runner-up: Taganito Mining Corporation
- 2nd Runner-up: Filminera Resources Corporation - Masbate Gold Project
Fire Brigade (Busted Hose and Up-The-Ladder) Competition
- Champion: Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation
- 1st Runner-up: Taganito Mining Corporation
- 2nd Runner-up: Ipilan Nickel Corporation
Fire Extinguishing Competition
- Champion: Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation
- 1st Runner-up: Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation
- 2nd Runner-up: Platinum Group Metals Corporation and TVI Resource Development (Phils.), Inc. – Balabag
Hand Mucking Competition
- Champion: Philex Mining Corporation - Padcal
- 1st Runner-up: Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. - Sangilo
- 2nd Runner-up: Apex Mining Company, Inc. - Masara
Machine Drilling Competition
- Champion: Philex Mining Corporation - Padcal
- 1st Runner-up: Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. - Suyoc
- 2nd Runner-up: Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. - Sangilo
Tug-of-Peace Competition
- Champion: Philex Mining Corporation - Padcal
- Runner-up: Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. - Sangilo
In the evening, thirteen (13) mining and mineral processing companies were honored and awarded at the 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the Testimonial Dinner and Annual Awards Night. The following companies bagged the coveted 2023 PMIEA:
Executive Order No. 399, series of 1997, mandates that PMIEA is awarded every year to mining companies that have shown exemplary performance in safety and health management, environmental protection and enhancement, and social and community development (SHES).
The PMIEA Selection Committee (PMIEASC) and its Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted rigorous assessment and onsite validation of the accomplishments and initiatives of thirty-five (35) mining companies across the country under Surface Mining Operation, Quarry Operation, and Mineral Processing Operation categories on September 18 – October 21, 2023.
DENR Usec. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, (DENR Field Operations – Luzon, Visayas and Environment) gave the Welcome Address where he mentioned the agency’s commitment towards responsible mining and sustainable mineral development through the implementation of an effective framework on innovative, data-driven, and science-based processes.
The PMIEASC also awarded the Platinum and Titanium Achievement Awards to qualified mining and mineral processing companies that did not meet the required rating for the PMIEA but attained a high degree of SHES performance. The PMIEASC Achievement Awardees are the following:
The winners and runners-up for the Safest Mines Awards (SMA):
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Reference:
For the awards and list of winners:
Photos by Marcelle P. Villegas
