TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) once again upheld its reputation for operational excellence by surpassing regulatory compliance in the recently concluded Tenement Safety and Health, Environment and Social Development (TSHES) Audit for 2024. The audit covered both its operating mines — the Balabag Gold-Silver Project in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur — and its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenstone Resources Corp., which manages the Siana Gold Project and the upcoming Mapawa Gold Project.
This consistent recognition reaffirms the TVIRD Group’s commitment to sustainable and responsible mining practices, maintaining what regulators describe as the “Gold Standard” — a benchmark for mining operations that exceed industry requirements.
Understanding TSHES
The TSHES Audit is a comprehensive annual inspection conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) through its Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD). It evaluates mining operations across four critical areas: safety and health, environmental protection, social development, and tenement management.
The audit is carried out by respective MGB regional offices — Region IX for Balabag, and Region XIII for Siana and Mapawa.
It begins with verification of legal and regulatory documents, including permits, licenses, and Mineral Production Sharing Agreements. Inspectors also review company safety and health programs to ensure worker welfare.
Environmental performance is assessed through the company’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program, focusing on impact mitigation and rehabilitation of mined-out areas.
Equally significant is the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), which measures the company’s contributions to host and neighboring communities through initiatives in education, livelihood, health, infrastructure, and skills training. In essence, the TSHES Audit ensures that mining companies are not only compliant but also responsible, people-centered, and sustainable.
Site Audits
The 2024 TSHES cycle began with the Siana Gold Project audit from March 5 to 7, followed by Balabag from March 9 to 11, and Mapawa from July 19 to 22. Representatives from the respective MGB regional offices reviewed each site’s documentation, toured operational areas, and engaged with company departments to verify compliance and implementation.
“Going beyond compliance is not just a goal—it is a commitment to responsible mining that puts people, safety, and sustainability at the heart of everything we do,” said Greenstone President Engr. Anthony B. Quijano.
The inspections focused not only on achievements during the reporting period but also on corrective actions from previous findings and improvements that exceeded baseline standards.
Sustained Excellence
TVIRD’s consistent performance across all audited sites highlights its proactive approach to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in every aspect of its operations. It also underscores the collaboration among its Safety, Environment, and Community Relations teams to ensure that development aligns with environmental protection and community empowerment.
“What we achieved in this year’s TSHES audits shows that ESG isn’t just a framework we follow. It’s part of how we work every day. For us, sustainability means making sure that safety, environmental care, and community development grow together with our operations,” said TVIRD Tenement Management and Environmental Compliance Director Jesalyn Guingguing, EnP.
The TVIRD Group remains committed to continuously enhancing its systems and practices as part of its contribution to the Philippine government’s sustainable development goals. With the successful conclusion of the 2024 TSHES Audit, the company reaffirms its strong partnership with regulators to ensure that mining in the Philippines remains safe, responsible, and conscientious.
