The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in collaboration with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), has conducted a five-day training program to strengthen the agency's capacity to use remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies for mining and geological monitoring.
The Training on Remote Sensing for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Management in the Philippines was held on Sept. 14–18, 2026, with selected personnel from various MGB divisions and its Cordillera Administrative Region office participating.
The training aimed to improve the technical capabilities of MGB personnel in applying geospatial technologies to mining management, field assessment and geological monitoring.
Classroom sessions were held on Sept. 14–15 at the MGB Central Office, covering the fundamentals and applications of remote sensing and GIS.
Participants received hands-on training in QGIS and explored satellite-based platforms, including Copernicus and USGS EarthExplorer, as well as mobile applications for field data collection and location-based observations.
The classroom sessions were followed by field exercises from Sept. 16–18 at Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. in Itogon, Benguet, where participants applied the techniques in an actual mining environment.
The exercises demonstrated how satellite imagery, GIS analysis and mobile-based applications could complement field observations in assessing and monitoring mining areas.
The MGB said integrating remote sensing, GIS analysis and field validation would support a more systematic and evidence-based approach to mining and geological monitoring.
The training also provided an opportunity for personnel from different MGB divisions to exchange knowledge and explore the practical applications of geospatial technologies in their respective functions.
Philippines-Japan cooperation
The initiative forms part of the continuing technical cooperation between the Philippines and Japan under a memorandum of cooperation on the mining sector signed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Nov. 3, 2023.
The agreement covers cooperation in sharing best practices in sustainable mining, environmental protection, rehabilitation of areas affected by mining operations and appropriate environmental impact assessment.
The MGB said it intends to sustain the technical partnership, including renewing the existing cooperation and expanding the use of innovative geospatial technologies to support responsible mining and more effective geological monitoring in the Philippines.
Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau
