[Photo credit: SGV & Co]
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The 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference led by Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) was held on November 19 to 22, 2024 in Baguio City.
This year's theme is "Endurance and Innovation for Sustainability."
Annually in this event, the mining industry gather in Baguio City to promote and celebrate responsible and sustainable mining, occupational safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
This year’s conference had an exciting lineup of activities, including Mining Exhibit, Youth Congress, Mineral Industry Symposium, Mine Safety Field Demonstration, Norfolk Tree Rejuvenation, and more!
[Photo by Merianjay Fallan-Briz for Philippine Resources Journal]
7th PMEA Forum
On the first day of ANMSEC, Philippine Mining and Exploration Association hosted the 7th PMEA Forum, “Critical Minerals for Green Technology”. The forum was a partnership with MGB-DENR. This was held at the Ifugao Room, CAP John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.
The forum brought together industry leaders and experts who discussed the pivotal role of critical minerals in advancing green technology. The forum provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and innovative solutions shaping the future of green technology.
The forum also covered government initiatives on critical minerals exploration, new laboratory techniques for porphyry copper exploration, mining methods for bulk minable deposits, and smart technology and data science applications for the mining industry.
Kapihan Sa Baguio
A livestream of “Kapihan sa Baguio” was held on Nov. 19, 2024 in Baguio Country Club. The broadcast was made possible by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Presidential Communications Office, Philippines, and Baguio City Public Information Office.
This special episode of “Kapihan sa Baguio” was hosted by Mr. Andrew Pinero and Ms. Helen R. Tibaldo, Regional Head of Philippine Information Agency. Together with the guest panelists, the episode featured a thorough conversation on building a sustainable and resilient mineral industry.
Panelists include: His Excellency Harald Fries (Former Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines), Sweden Trade Commissioner Johan Lennefalk, PMSEA President Engr. Luis Sarmiento, Ambassador Delia Albert, MGB Assistant Director Marcial Mateo, PMSEA BOD Ramon Santiago, and PMSEA BOD Angelita Lee.
Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award
The mining industry’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and social development took center stage at the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) Awards Night and Testimonial Dinner, held on November 22, 2024, at the CAP – John Hay Trade & Cultural Center Main Hall A & B, Baguio City.
The event drew hundreds of industry professionals to celebrate excellence in the mineral sector, recognizing top performers with esteemed honors including the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA), the Best Mining Forest Contest (BMFC), and the Safest Mines Award (SMA).
The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA), established under Executive Order No. 399, Series of 1997, is awarded annually to mining companies that have excelled in safety and health management, environmental stewardship, and social development (SHES).
The prestigious award celebrates excellence in responsible mining. An evaluation process was undertaken by the PMIEA Selection Committee (PMIEASC) and Technical Secretariat with support from its Technical Working Group (TWG), included comprehensive assessments and onsite validations. Between September 16th and October 25th, 2024, the PMIEASC and TWG reviewed the achievements and pledges of twenty-seven (27) mining and mineral processing companies operating throughout the Philippines. Thirteen (13) companies distinguished themselves through their dedication to minimizing environmental impact, prioritizing mine safety and health, enhancing rehabilitation efforts, and promoting community development, earning them the 2024 PMIEA award.
The awardees are as follows:
Surface Mining Operation:
Cagdianao Mining Corporation (East Coast Mineral Resources Co., Inc.); CTP Construction and Mining Corp.’s Carrascal Nickel Corporation, Adlay Mining Project, and Dahican Nickel Project;
FCF Minerals Corporation; Hinatuan Mining Corporation – Tagana-an; and Taganito Mining Corporation
Quarry Operation:
Eagle Cement Corporation, Northern Cement Corporation, Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. – Bulacan, Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. – Teresa, and Republic Cement Mindanao, Inc.
Mineral Processing Operation:
Coral Bay Nickel Corporation
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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:
PMIEASC Platinum Awardees:
Surface Mining Operation:
Carmen Copper Corporation (of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation), Filminera Resources Corporation, Platinum Group Metals Corp. (of Surigao Integrated Resources Corporation), Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation – Nickel Mining Project, and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation
Quarry Operation:
Helix Mining and Development Corp. – Davao, Helix Mining and Development Corp. – La Union, Helix Resources and Development Corp., Solid North Mineral Corp.
Mineral Processing Operation:
Philippine Mining Service Corporation – Alcoy Plant, and Philippine Mining Service Corporation – Bohol Plant
PMIEASC Titanium Awardees:
Surface Mining Operation: Dinapigue Mining Corporation, and Quarry Operation: Bohol Limestone Corporation
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Best Mining Forest Contest
Another highlight of the conference was the Best Mining Forest Contest (BMFC), adhering to DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 22, series of 1989, and NEC Resolution No. 2005-02, which recognizes mining and mineral processing companies for their reforestation and environmental rehabilitation initiatives.
Under the Mining Forest Program, the Best Mining Forest Contest (BMFC) is part of the government’s initiative to address deforestation and promote biodiversity conservation, showcasing how mining and mineral processing plant operations can play a positive role in environmental restoration.
This year’s winners were celebrated for their successful reforestation efforts. The 2024 BMFC awardees are the following:
Metallic Category:
Winner: Cagdianao Mining Corporation (of East Coast Mineral Resources Co., Inc.)
First Runner-up: Platinum Group Metals Corporation (of Surigao Integrated Resources Corporation)
Second Runner-up: OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (FTAA No. 001)
Second Runner-up: Taganito Mining Corporation
Third Runner-up: Carrascal Nickel Corporation
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Non-Metallic Category:
Winner: Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. - Bulacan (MPSA No. 026-94-III)
First Runner-up: Eagle Cement Corporation
Second Runner-up: Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. - Teresa
Third Runner-up: Solid North Mineral Corporation
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Mineral Processing Plant Category
Winner: Coral Bay Nickel Corporation
First Runner-up: Philippine Mining Service Corporation - Alcoy Plant
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Exploration Category
Winner: Philex Mining Corporation
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Safest Mines Award
Safety remains a top priority in the mining industry and the Safest Mines Award (SMA) honors mining and mineral processing companies that uphold the highest safety standards in their operations. The award also recognized the company’s safety protocols and commitment to the health and well-being of its workers, training programs for all personnel, and cutting-edge safety practices to protect its workforce. The summary of 2024 SMA awardees is as follows:
Safest Surface Mining Operation Award
Winner: FCF Minerals Corporation
Runner-up: Carrascal Nickel Corporation
Safest Quarry Operation Award
Winner: Republic Cement Mindanao, Inc.
Runner-up: Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. - Bulacan
Safest Mineral Processing - Extraction Category Award
Winner: Coral Bay Nickel Corporation
Safest Mineral Processing - Calcining Plant Category Award
Winner: BMC-Forestry Corporation
Safest Mineral Processing - Crushing Plant Category Award
Winner: Pinagpala PT Aggregates Corporation
Runner-up: Philippine Mining Service Corp. - Alcoy Plant
Most Improved Safety Performance
Winner: Dinapigue Mining Corporation
Safest Mining Operation
Winner: FCF Minerals Corporation
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[Philippine Resources Journal Advertising Account Manager Merianjay Fallan-Briz with
exhibitors from Sweden]
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Photos by:
-- Philippine Mining and Exploration Association (PMEA)
-- Merianjay Fallan-Briz
-- Philippine Mining and Exploration Association
-- SGV & Co.
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Reference:
https://mgb.gov.ph/2015-05-13-02-02-11/mgb-news/1633-recognition-of-excellence-in-mining-and-mineral-processing-the-2024-pmiea-bmfc-and-sma-at-the-70th-annual-national-mine-safety-and-environment-conference-in-baguio-city
