A helping hand. TVIRD’s Community Relations team led by Khalil Tabernero distributed food packs to Imelda Town’s flood victims who were lining-up alongside the company’s service vehicle.  Physical distancing was strictly implemented in the queues while some food packs were delivered directly to households by the team.

“It was a touching gesture.  The assistance provided to us came when we needed it most.  Thank you so much, TVIRD,” said Imelda Town residents who were provided with food packs by TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD). The assistance came after the devastating storm battered the town and hit Barangay Poblacion the hardest.

Danny Gamil, leader of a barangay purok (a subset of a barangay) and neighbor Nolyn G. Palme said the arrival of the food packs helped their families survive for days after Storm Crising brought heavy flooding.

Gamil is one of the town’s earliest settlers.  He said all the residents of his purok and others of this barangay received the food packs delivered by the company’s Community Relations personnel who were led by Khalil Pope Tabernero. The company’s efforts provided immediate relief to an estimated 400 families in the municipality.

Earlier, TVIRD provided assistance to some 250 families from Barangays Dimalinao, Kahayagan and Dipili directly after Crising battered these barangays with strong floods and extraordinary rainfall.  PAGASA warned of “isolated to scattered flooding, including flash floods and rain-induced landslides” in vulnerable areas. 

Specifically for Zamboanga del Sur, this is not the first time that a natural disaster of this magnitude brought savage destruction to homes and farmlands. 

A touching gesture

“I was really touched, seeing all those goods delivered to us by TVIRD.  Its arrival comforted us, made us see the goodness of men,” said Palme, 29-year old wife of a fish vendor and mother of three.  She said that their family had no income for days and that she and her husband have been clearing their house of debris after it was submerged by flood water.

“Everything was washed away by the flood.  We only salvaged our TV set and a cooking utensil.  We are hard-up and do not have income.  Adding to our misery was the lockdown imposed on us again – we cannot even go out.  But thanks to TVIRD’s food packs, which sustained us for several days,” Palme said.

Farmer and tricycle driver Gerson F. Bacleta, said TVIRD’s help was unexpected, especially since Imelda is located almost 50 kilometers from TVIRD’s facilities in Bayog Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur Province.  

“We did not expect it, but I am grateful because the assistance helped feed my family for three days.  It was the only assistance that we received after the storm,” he said.  “Sadly, my rice land is buried with mud and can no longer be salvaged,” Bacleta shared.  He would have harvested about a month after the storm.

Devastating flood

Gamil said the May 14 flood was “devastating.”  However, he also refuted reports that it was the first time Imelda town experienced this kind of flooding.

“Hesus, 47 anyos na ko. Dili lang kay kini ang baha nga nakahatag ug daku nga kadaut sa among lungsod. May mga baha kaniadto nga nalunopan pod ang mga balay (Jesus!  I am 47 years old already.  This is not the only flood that brought so much destruction to our town. There were floods before that also submerged houses here),” he said.

Imelda is a fourth-class municipality situated along Sibugay River, which is considered the longest body of water in Sibugay Province.  During the May 14 flooding, a huge volume of water from the river found its way to Imelda and other towns of the province.

Photo Credit: TVI Resources - Agusan del Norte PDRRMC receives COVID-19 Kits that include rubber boots, alcohol, face shields, face masks, gloves, and water supplies.  

It has been more than a year ago since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as global pandemic. This deadly virus triggered devastating economic and social disruption as it shuttered business establishments and affected millions with death and disease.  By the end of the first quarter in 2020, the Philippines was likewise left vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

In active response to the needs of the community, Agata Mining Ventures Inc. remained committed more than ever to serving its stakeholders by rolling-out projects that aimed to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic.

COVID-19 initiatives

At the onset of the pandemic, the company distributed various Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from Manila as part of its immediate response to the needs of medical frontliners in the Mindanao region.  

Along with mother company, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), Agata distributed critical PPEs: N95 face masks, face shields and surgical and examination gloves to protect frontliners, including local government personnel, medical workers, police, civilian volunteers and checkpoint personnel.

It also provided relief to more than 10,000 families in its respective areas and sourced majority of its fresh vegetables from farmers and other goods from local establishments.  The company’s initiative did not only address food shortage but also provided a source of income for local producers.

Aside from directly supporting the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolks, Agata also aided its communities by capacitating its people with new skills.  The company’s Mabakas Techno Demo Farm provided scholarships and trainings for the locals, bringing its total number of scholars since 2018 to almost 4,000.

The National Certificate courses at Mabakas are funded by the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds and conducted in partnership with the country’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).  These courses also aim to help the graduates obtain alternative livelihood and tap economic opportunities despite the pandemic.

Agata extended additional assistance to displaced students by providing school equipment to enable them to study from home. The company distributed heavy-duty photocopiers and paper supplies to partners Barangay Tinigbasan National High School and Elementary School, Barangay Lawigan Elementary School and Kauswagan De Oro Elementary School in Barangay E. Morgado.

A reliable partner

Today, Agata continues to performs its role in building communities as it creates employment opportunities for the general welfare of its stakeholders.  During the pandemic, the company recruited a total of 78 new personnel – majority of whom are from Caraga.

“I am thankful that despite COVID-19 I am able to get a new job.  I know it is not easy to be employed, given our situation now,” stated Precious Erap, resident of Butuan – a newly-hired purchaser at Agata.

Dareem Angob, a resident of Santiago Municipality of this province, expressed that her ‘acquired knowledge’ from the Mabakas Organic Farming course, which she took during the pandemic, is very useful and that she now has a vegetable garden right at her doorstep.

Agata likewise promotes organic backyard gardening as an alternative source of food and income during the lockdown.  It also conducts regular information and education campaigns on COVID-19 to keep the communities abreast of health protocols.

Driven by its philosophy of “Starting it right, keeping the end in mind,” Agata continues to operate responsibly throughout the pandemic while ensuring the integrity of both the community and its natural environment. It also continues to create new innovations that conserve natural resources as well as pave the way for the people’s progress – all for a sustainable future. 

Project Data

• Project : Davao City Coastal Road Bago-Aplaya Section - Segmental Block Retaining Wall
• Year of construction : 2017 – on going
• Client : Department of Public Works and Highways – Region XI.
• Material : TenCate Miragrid® GX Geogrid

Introduction:

The Davao City coastal road bypass project will traverse from Roxas Avenue to Bago Aplaya, cutting through NHA Kadayawan Homes, Matina Aplaya, and Bolton Isla. Three roundabouts (or rotundas) will be installed in the 35-kilometer coastal stretch at Roxas Avenue, Times Beach area, and Matina Aplaya. Increasing population and continuous development of the Davao Region leads to the worsening traffic congestion within its major roads. The coastal road project will definitely abate and address the traffic congestion within the city.

Problem:

The Bago-Aplaya Section facing Davao Gulf going to Talomo is an elevated highway with a 90 degree vertical slope on both sides. The contractor then needs to stabilized and reinforced the embankment effectively.

Solution:

Segmental block wall reinforced with TenCate Miragrid® GX Geogrid was chosen for the final design of the project for its fast, durable, aesthetics and cost effective construction. Reinforced segmental block wall system consists of precast concrete blocks stocked to form the wall facing, with the soil/sand backfill behind reinforced with Miragrid®GX Geogrid. The blocks are moulded with an interlocking mechanism that allows them to firmly interconnected. The geogrid reinforcement laid horizontally in the soil backfill, is connected to the concrete blocks via the interlocking mechanism at specific design heights of the wall. The construction of the reinforced segment block wall system provides a relatively flexible structure that can tolerate differential settlement without causing distress to the structure.

GAMAWA is a 21-strong fishermen’s cooperative in a mining community of barangay Wanke, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Republic Act 11535, creating the position of a Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) mandatory in all local government units (LGUs), was signed into law last April 9.   This directs the LGUs – from the municipal, city, and provincial levels – to appoint its own CDO.

In Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), a CDO is a regular job description – someone in charge of identifying promising groups in different sectors in the communities to guide and assist them to organize their own cooperatives.

Edelina E. Peraz is the Community Development Coordinator at TMC and she says “as a mining company, TMC is tasked by law to ensure social and economic development of the communities and we have long acknowledged the significance of a successful cooperative to achieve this” says Peraz.

One of the organizations that Peraz has been assisting since its inception is the Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Wangke (GAMAWA), a cooperative of small fishermen in barangay Wanke, in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Last month, GAMAWA recorded another big harvest – a total of 4,270 kilos of bangus that converted a total sale of P480,238.00 pesos.  But their biggest record was last December when they harvested 7,928 kilos of bangus that sold for a whopping P889,292.00.

 The success of GAMAWA also showcases the effective leadership of its president, Felix Saranza.

“It is important to understand the interests of the individual member and of the whole group, to keep the organization intact, until everyone gets the taste of the fruits of everyone’s labor,” says Saranza.

“It is a democracy, I cannot decide until everyone involved agrees, so it can be very hard sometime, but in the end, it is all worth it because members actively participate when they know they have a say in decision making,” Saranza adds.

“We owe all our accomplishment to the support of TMC,” Saranza declares.

Since 2017, TMC has inputted an accumulated fund of some P5.5 million pesos from the mining company’s Social Development Management Program to help GAMAWA build state-of-the-art fish cages in a 450-square meter area with 3 chambers that can handle 30,000 bangus fingerlings in a single cropping.

“In a cooperative where you have members with different personal quirks, different economic challenges and demands, different issues, you need a strong leader respected by everyone to keep things together, and Mr. Saranza is perfect for the role” explains another CDO, Judy B. Urbiztondo, Senior Community Development Specialist for TMC

Urbiztondo says the Co-op of GAMAWA has gone through a lot of challenges and sacrifices that taught the members valuable life lessons that got them to what they enjoy today – a strong cooperative and a sustainable livelihood. 

But success, according TMC’s CDOs, means the cooperative will be able to grow the fish farm bigger to better the lives of its 21 members for years and years to come.

“Taganito Mining’s partnership with GAMAWA aims to prove the strength of a collaborative effort between the mining company and its communities toward a shared goal of empowering cooperatives,” explains Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso, Resident Mine Manager at TMC.

Valeroso adds that another worthy take away from the success story of GAMAWA are the information from the members that help define how communities can actually take active part in the success of societies.

Taganito Mining is located in Claver, province of Surigao del Norte. Its area of operations is within the Surigao Mineral Reservation.

Projects involving dams and other hydroelectric infrastructure, such as shafts and tunnels, have a high geotechnical risk and are often located in remote, mountainous terrain so that application of high resolution, portable geotechnical equipment offers highly effective solutions to help de-risk a ground engineering project.

Our experience is that the use of these tools always improves the accuracy in the interpretation of ground conditions and very often provides a much more accurate representation of ground conditions over conventional drilling.  This is because the tools measure the drillhole wall which is undisturbed relative to the core which might be highly disturbed due to drilling mechanics. The advantages are more accurate design, better understanding of ground and often a better project price.

RDCL’s wireline geophysics equipment is highly portable and well suited for these projects, which include the identification of suitable hydroelectric sites, and fracture detection, prior to tunnelling (vertically and horizontally). Our acoustic and optical televiewers create very detailed imagery of rock structures which combined with our high capacity pressuremeter for in-situ measurement of rockmass modulus, greatly assists design and the evaluation of ground risks.

Why and What are Borehole Televiewers?

Televiewers provide a continuous, orientated, high-resolution image of the borehole wall, often superior to conventional core logs, which offers many advantages to geologists and geotechnical engineers,. The data provides repeatable, checkable information about geology, structure, fractures, stress orientation, provides depth control where core recovery is poor and importantly allows orientation of structures even where ground conditions are poor.

How Borehole Televiewers Work

The acoustic televiewer logs the borehole wall in terms of hardness, measuring the amplitude of a high frequency sound wave. Hard rocks reflect high-amplitude signals and soft rocks and fractures reflect low amplitudes. The individual measurements of reflected amplitudes are made continuously by a rotating a 360° transducer. The result is a map of the borehole wall with an individual resolution of about 2mm in ideal conditions. Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) data is aligned with magnetic north. Fractures and bedding planes appear as sinusoidal lines where the deepest point on the line is the direction of dip.

Tool centralisation is important to ensure similar travel time and signal strength in all directions. Data resolution reduces with wider diameter boreholes, and in some cases thick drilling mud due to signal dispersion. Because the acoustic televiewer is sensitive to rock hardness and can measure fracture orientations and apertures (lost in drill core), it has become an important geotechnical tool in both sedimentary and hard-rock formations. Acoustic televiewers most often in fluid filled holes to ensure the sound wave can travel through medium.

If data is required from dry boreholes (above the water line), the Optical Televiewer (OTV) should be employed. It measures the colour and shade of reflected light, basically a 360°camera. The borehole wall is lit by a ring of diodes on the tool and reflections are directed to a light-sensitive sensor via a conical mirror. Resolution is very high, with pixel sizes down to well below 1mm at HQ borehole diameter.

The optical televiewer provides an orientated photograph of the borehole wall at high resolution and without perspective. The system does not offer a travel time image, and log quality is dependent on clean borehole fluid if it is run below the water table. In slim holes, optical televiewer images can be of such high quality and value that it is usually worth flushing the borehole to remove mud from walls and replacing dirty fluid before logging.

Subsurface Data Output and Characterization using Televiewers

• Characterise ground conditions in terms of condition, stiffness, fractures and lithology

• Gain an understanding of the groundwater conditions

• Investigate the condition of existing structures associated with dams and tunnels

Borehole Televiewers + Pressuremeter Test

The Pressuremeter provides an indication of rockmass deformation modulus by inflating a bladder in a borehole to pressure the walls, with strain measured by strain gauges.  The tool is suitable for soft rock and hard rock. These characteristics are for the design of important structures such as underground openings, and pile foundations for bridges and high-rise buildings. Pressuremeter tests provide parameters to assess stability, rock mass deformability (creep, rebound and permanent characteristics) that all feed into designs for tunnel linings, concrete dam foundations, bridge supports and lateral deflection analysis shafts.

Borehole televiewers and pressuremeters are cost effective portable systems that provide on-site geological and geotechnical data in real time outputs and processed outputs. RDCL’s downhole technologies provide effective rapid deployment for engineering design, works during construction and monitoring throughout the structure’s life.

Battle Proven Technology

The Philippines are one of the leading countries in the development of dams and tunnels in the Southeast Asian region. RDCL are based in Manila with staff and equipment. This means we can respond fast, mobilizing for domestic projects effectively and safely during a time when the world is restricted by global travel.

From Run-of-River hydroelectric systems, concrete dams, bulk water storage, pumped storage, mine tailings dams, subway tunnels and regular geotechnical applications, both the televiewer and pressuremeter has proved to be reliable and invaluable tools.

A recognized expert: Distributed in 140 countries through a network of 21,050 dealers, Manitou is recognized worldwide as the maker of superior machines for construction, agriculture, and mining. The mining sector is particularly important for Manitou, with a 30-year history of developing specific solutions for mine sites in 10 countries all around the globe.

A dedicated production plant: Castelfranco

In 2014, the group opened a “Mining Competence Center (MCC)” within its production plant in Castelfranco, Italy. This center houses 10 R&D experts who are constantly conceiving dedicated telehandlers and accessories for mining usage. Machines are configured to cater perfectly to the needs required by each mine site, for open-pit mines or underground mines. Among the adaptations realized: reinforcement of electrical wiring, emergency braking systems, protection grids on the whole cabin, emergency stop buttons....this list is far from being exhaustive!

This expertise is particularly valuable in an increasingly competitive environment. Cedric Augereau, Sales Director for the Southeast Asia region, explains: "Thanks to this competence center, we are able to bring real added value to our users. We offer our users tailor-made machine-accessory solutions capable of significantly increasing their productivity while providing them with optimal safety on sites that are particularly exposed to risks.” 7 models of telescopic forklifts dedicated exclusively to mining are produced in Italy, with a global offer of over 30 accessories. These machines have a lifting capacity of up to 33,000 kg for heavy duty applications on the largest mining equipment.

Basket attachments in underground mines

When extracting ore from underground mines, the risks are many and varied. In order to overcome these eventualities, the group is setting up very robust basket attachments to get as close as possible to the walls, while benefiting from great stability. These baskets can carry up to three people. The group also offers a standard range of mobile elevating work platforms or basket attachments compatible with telehandlers for all maintenance applications in tunnels or underground mines.

A complete range of tire handlers for underground and open air applications

Thanks to the all-terrain telescopic handlers and a range of 7 tire handlers, Manitou offers the possibility to perform tire changes in complete safety. The "radio control" option allows these operations to be done remotely, with an optimal view of the operation. The maneuver is made safer and easier for the operator even on slippery or rough terrain.

Two solutions for cylinder handler:

With a capacity of 4,000 kg, the CH 4 cylinder handler is simple and robust, it ensures the efficient replacement of cylinders in mining equipment. The CH 10 clamp, with a capacity of 10,500 kg, allows the replacement of the largest cylinders (diameter > 60 cm / weight up to 10.5 tons) and ensures a safe, simple intervention without suspended load. The radio control provides precision to the maneuver, avoiding any damage to the cylinder and the machine.

A wide range of rough terrain forklifts

Manitou has rough terrain capability ingrained in its DNA. For more than 60 years, we have been offering solutions to handle the load in tough applications. Our M and MC forklifts are adapted for mine sites. With a high ground clearance, 4-wheel drives, and stable mud tires, these machines will help you increase the productivity of your mine sites.

A strong representative dealer in the Philippines:

For more than 6 years, Pinnacle Parts Company, Inc. has partnered with Manitou as their official dealer in the Philippines. They are now accumulating expertise with Manitou products and they offer efficient and reliable service all around the Philippines.

​

Article by Engr. Jeffrey Q. Geronimo

In the recently concluded 2021 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, global leaders in mining have all agreed that the key to reduce risks and create more value in mining is by testing everything in the “virtual world” first. This is particularly done by taking risks, failing, and learning from mistakes -- not just digitally but also virtually.

DIGITAL TWIN VS VIRTUAL TWIN

“Digital twin” is not a new concept to the mining sector as computer-aided programs such as 3D CAD models have already been existent and utilized for several decades. However, while we have experienced vast improvements and upgrades, these models are still isolated from the real world and remains to be just digital models.

This is where the concept of “Virtual twin” experiences come into play. It is a great leap beyond the digital twin experience wherein more accurate and scientific real-world models are taken into consideration such as time, environment, and behaviors in varying conditions and scenarios. This will enable problems and solutions of the company to be communicated faster to different teams across the mining value chain -- thereby increasing the company’s understanding, collaboration and participation.

TAKING THE GREAT LEAP

Mining companies may already have the fundamental data, processes, and infrastructure they need to begin the shift. What they may be lacking is the state-of-the art connectivity, contextualization, and collaborative platform that will integrate all of its people, processes and data. This will be their portal to the virtual twin experience. This is where the GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform may bridge the gap. It provides users with an overall view of their mining operations with ultra-fast access to information on top of easy and sophisticated analysis.

THE INTELLIGENCE NEEDED BY A SMART MINE

The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform connects GEOVIA users with role-based applications to connect people, ideas, data and solutions in real-time. It enables centralized control and viewing of mine data, providing a single source of truth on your business operations. Moreover, it allows efficient collaboration with traceability across the mining value chain

The GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite, consisting of Production Intelligence and Geology Intelligence functions, extends the promise and collaborative power of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by allowing users to reveal, measure and analyze mining data so that they may deeply understand and improve mining operations.

GEOLOGY INTELLIGENCE

“Geology Intelligence” is part of the Mining Intelligence offering. By simple configuration, it can show block model data in a graphical and tabular format. In addition, it gives emphasis on important information by using graphical techniques and drilldown into information to see more detail. Moreover, it analyzes these geological data and plot these as a chart.

PRODUCTION INTELLIGENCE

Monitor equipment performance: Many mining companies measure their equipment performance metrics through spreadsheets and creating charts manually. While it gets the job done, this tedious process does not easily permit detailed analysis or comparison with historical performance to aid decision making. With the “Production Intelligence” function bundled with the GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite, equipment performance metrics can now be configured around the mine’s specific Time Allocation Model that enables detailed analysis of Equipment Performance.

Monitor production actuals against targets: GEOVIA Mining Intelligence aggregates collected data into a more manageable visual representation that assists in making decisions. This will improve business performance and increase profitability. The proprietary 3DEXPERIENCE platform reporting technology uses index files to ensure very quick and responsive reporting.

Production KPI and material flow key performance indicators: With a single glance, material flow and KPIs can now be aggregated and presented for an overall view of the mining operation. This is not exclusive to production departments as any other data related to the mine operation such as the mill plant may be displayed. Mine and Mill Plant data are generally always separated from each other due to their information differences. However, with Production Intelligence, it bridges that gap.

MINING SMARTER TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

As a step towards virtual twins, we enable a more sustainable mining environment by making it possible to do unlimited iterations, better operational insights, and greater flexibility. It simulates all these value-added services to model complex systems -- making it easier to analyze, test causes-and-effects, and significantly reduce risks faced by mining operations. Let Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. be your partner towards your virtual twin experience journey. Contact us at paramina_solutions@paramina.com or reach us through our website www.paramina.com for more information.

Contributing to a brighter future for its communities is one of the commitments of Hinatuan Mining Corporation-Tagana-an Nickel Project (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC). One way to uphold this commitment is by providing investments to support education programs.

“The commitment to provide support to education is not hindered by the current pandemic, HMC continues to provide assistance to education programs such as: provision of basic school supplies, basic school fees and matriculation, monthly subsidy to day care workers and teachers and support for college students continue”, said Ms. Myline G. Becera, NAC-HMC Community Development Coordinator.

“To date, HMC has a total of 19 college scholars. 16 are funded by the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of HMC and 3 are funded by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)”, said Ms. Becera.

Educational Support to College Scholars

For Shaina G. Gemparo, 2nd year student taking BS Fishery at Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) Malimono Campus, the support given by HMC to her education is important.  “There are many benefits I get as a college scholar from HMC. First of all, the monthly allowance I receive is crucial for me as a fisheries student studying in Malimono since we have school projects which require me to spend.

“Secondly, I am thankful for the boarding house allowance since we need a place to stay in Malimono. Our mode of learning is not entirely remote, from time to time, we are required to meet at school for assignments and projects that require face to face interaction. The support provided by HMC has lessen the burden shouldered by my parents. They no longer need to spend money on my education”, she further added.

Debbie G. Gemparo, a teacher by profession, is also thankful for the educational assistance provided by HMC to her daughters. Aside from Shaina, her other daughter Nikki also studies at SSCT Malimono taking up Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) is also a scholar of HMC. “I am grateful to HMC for supporting the tertiary education of 2 of my daughters. This is a very big help to our family. Our expenses are lessened since we no longer have to spend much for the educational needs of my daughters since they are scholars of HMC. All they need in school such as basic school fees, place to stay, and food are provided for by HMC”.

Support to Remote Learning

“As a student during this pandemic, the support provided by HMC is crucial since majority of our classes are conducted online. I use the monthly allowance I receive from HMC to buy WIFI and internet load. Our classes are mostly online, though there are some which require us to meet face to face. I am also thankful for the boarding house allowance of HMC, we do not have to worry where we will stay in Surigao City for classes that we are required to be present physically”, said Angelica P. Laspoña, 1st year student taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED)at SSCT Main Campus in Surigao City.

Jessa R. Gemparo, 1st year student taking up BEED at SSCT Malimono Campus, also expressed her gratitude for the support provided by HMC to her as a scholar. “We use the monthly allowance we receive as scholars for internet to participate in online classes. Some of the allowance we also use as expenses when we need to attend classes in school since not all of our classes are conducted online. Our study is a mix of online and module learning. As of now, the lockdown imposed in Malimono restricts our movement as students, but does not hinder us from improving our knowledge through online learning.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity provided by HMC for having me as their scholar. I do not need to ask for assistance from my family to spend for internet connection since HMC provides me with a monthly allowance. Our classes are fully online, we only go to our campus when there are projects and assignments that cannot be sent online”, said Rynelyn Diaz, a 2nd year student of Bachelor of Arts in English Language at SSCT Main Campus in Surigao City.

Rodofo Diaz, a fisherman by profession and father of Rynelyn is also grateful to HMC for the scholarship given to her daughter, “The support given by HMC is a big help not only to my daughter but also to my family, Rynelyn is one of my 5 children and she is the only one studying in college.”

Lester Plaza, 2nd year student taking BS Fishery at SSCT Malimono Campus, is also appreciative of the support provided by HMC. “Being a scholar of HMC has a lot of benefits, specially financially which is important in remote learning for internet connection to stay online. The monthly allowance I receive from HMC is not only advantageous to me but also to my family. I remember in the past when there was a lockdown imposed in our community as part of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) due to local transmission of CoVID-19, we were able to buy food using the monthly college scholar allowance I saved”

“I am thankful to HMC for their support, they are always there. They are our guide to help us reach our dreams”, he added.

Article by: John-Eric Taburada

CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands -- Good communication is the key to a harmonious and lasting relationship, not just in our homes but also in our working environment.

History tells us that because communication and information are both essential to the foundation of all businesses, paving way to the birth of the world-wide-web.

The arrival of the internet made the world smaller and made things easier, especially how communication works for many businesses and industries on the entire planet.

Surprisingly, some people are still not keen on “high-tech” stuff because they are afraid to go out of their comfort zones, or they are hesitant to invest on unknown grounds. And most of them will just rely on a “wait-and-see” attitude to avoid the possibility of the unknot.

This is understandable, to some degree, because jumping to the next curve is viewed as a risky move. This is where Cagdianao Mining Corporation differentiates itself from the rest: it has the courage to take calculated risks and explore the possibilities.

In the IT field, CMC -- a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation -- is the pilot for the Point-to-Point (PtP) technology, which is used to connect the internet to remote locations from areas already connected. In deploying this technology, CMC uses Ubiquiti to connect wireless gadgets to other wireless gadgets -- making it the FIRST in the mining industry to utilize this magnificent technology.

Some telecommunications or data transfers today still rely on cables and wires. To make the connection accessible to a distance, one still needs cabling resources. The PtP technology increases the company's communication reach further, even if it is located in a remote mining area.

This increasing first-rate connectivity is a great help to the success of the organization.

Thanks to the vision of our leaders who think more of the company’s future.

CMC’s ICT Team is proud to work hand in hand with the improvement of CMC's work environment, and its members take pride in the fact that they work for a technology-pioneering company in the mining industry. As Dave Packard (one of the founders of HP–Hewlett-Packard Company) once said: “I don’t think it’s useful spending much time looking at the past. I think we ought to spend most of our time looking at the future because that’s where we’re all gonna be.”

Indeed, this technology is envisioned to provide employees more motivation to work with confidence as they are assured of enhanced productivity, leading to the fulfillment of targeted goals. These are but a few of the rewards that this new technology brings -- and we'll keep reaping more as we discover the efficiencies and other advantages as we move forward.

The CMC ICT Team always works in the background among all departments, and its members sometimes feel invisible. Nevertheless, their passion and commitment are felt all around the campsite as they toil in silence. Their mindset and work ethic can be expressed in their slogan: “Our team is MANY HANDS but ONE MIND."

Article by Rachel Johnson

A large gold mine in Indonesia set a goal to increase safety. As part of the goal, they evaluated the frequency and risk of site maintenance procedures to find areas where they could make changes. They found that their mill discharge pumps had shorter periods between maintenance events than planned, and researched further to find that the wet end components were not reaching the target wear life.

Every maintenance shutdown carried a low level of risk, but in a facility that processes 240,000 tons of ore per day, the frequent maintenance tasks added up to be significant. Site management decided that the time had come to investigate other pump options. The conditions the pumps were operating under were highly abrasive and severe, but management was hopeful that a safer and longer-lasting solution was possible. Safety would remain the top priority in any pump conversion plan, but if the downtime caused by pump maintenance could safely be reduced, the increase in production would be welcome.

The mine reached out to FLSmidth to ask if they had any solutions. FLSmidth responded with a proposal for a side by side comparison between the existing pumps and the KREBS Ultimate Mill Discharge (UMD) pump. For the comparison, FLSmidth would install a UMD pump at the discharge of one ball mill. The remaining mills would continue to operate with the existing pumps. During this same period, FLSmidth would set up a trial of different material combinations for the suction liner and wear ring in the UMD pump to make sure that the final recommendation would minimize maintenance events as much as possible.

The gold mine agreed to the proposal and FLSmidth installed a UMD 650×550 mm (26×22 in) pump at the ball mill discharge. The pump fed the highly abrasive discharge to a cyclone but it was designed for severe duty applications such as this. A trial was planned in phases to test different combinations of the suction liner and wear ring, with the materials for the impeller and casing remaining constant. At the same time as these materials were to be tested, all components would be compared with the wear experienced by the remaining discharge pumps.

Before starting the first phase of the trial, FLSmidth established targets that the life of the suction liner assembly would be 200% of the competitor pump, the life of the impeller would be 220% and the life of the casing would be 102%.

At the end of the first phase of the trial, the UMD pump was stopped to evaluate wear. Even wear was seen across the wear ring, but the suction liner showed little wear and could have been used longer. At this point, the suction liner assembly (which includes the wear ring) had already run 306% of the competitor’s suction liner life and with a new wear ring the suction liner could have lasted significantly longer. Regardless of remaining wear life for the suction liner, it was decommissioned to prepare for the second phase with a new wear ring and suction liner material.

After the first phase, the impeller and casing had significant life remaining, as expected. These parts had not reached the end of their wear life for the UMD or competitor pumps. New materials would not be tested in the trial so they were left in the pump to continue the comparison.

At the end of the second phase of the trial, the UMD pump was stopped again to evaluate wear. Significant uniform wear was seen on the suction liner, but the wear ring showed no signs of wear and could be used longer. The suction liner assembly had run 233% of the competitor’s suction liner life and the wear ring could last longer with a new suction liner. The suction liner assembly was decommissioned to prepare for the third phase with a new wear ring and suction liner material.

After the second phase, the impeller and casing still had significant life remaining so they were left in the pump to continue the comparison. At this point, the impeller had already lasted 270% of the life of the competitor’s impeller. The casing had so far lasted 90% of the life of the competitor’s casing, and with the wear seen it was anticipated that it also would reach or surpass the target wear life.

Phase three of the trial is ongoing and a fourth phase is planned, so the successes presented here will be surpassed as the best material combination for the UMD wear components is determined. Yet, the existing data shows that the UMD suction liner assembly lasts more than three times the life of the competitor’s liner and the impeller lasts more than 2.7 times the life of the competitor’s impeller.

The gold mine is pleased with the results they have already seen from the pump comparison and the added safety that they can expect when the trial is complete and they can proceed with converting the remaining discharge pumps. The added financial benefit of an increase in production due to the decrease in maintenance is also appreciated.

OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) has opened an isolation facility for patients infected with Covid-19 at its host community in Didipio here. The facility is also open for patients from its neighboring villages.

Inaugurated last June 15, the Didipio Family Health Center (DFHC) can accommodate up to 15 people with separate room allocations for confirmed cases, suspected cases, and close contacts individuals.

The facility is complete with medicine for patients with respiratory problems. It is also equipped with oxygen and rapid antigen test kits. OGPI will also allocate one of its company nurses to take special regular duty at DFHC.

Following the inauguration of the facility, the four barangay health workers of Barangay Didipio have already transferred to the newly refurbished DFHC facility.

The initiative came following the surge of Covid-19 cases in Didipio and neighboring barangays soaring up to 147 cases since March.

In his remarks during the facility inauguration, Mayor Romeo Tayaban emphasized the importance of an established isolation structure while noting the continuous rising of cases in the region.

“Let’s make this DFHC useful for the next generation,” he said.

The mining company allocated around P1.6 million for the procurement of equipment, medical supplies, and the much-needed repairs of the health facility.

DFHC will be operated by the barangay LGU with the supervision of the municipal health office here.

Village acting chair Henry Guay, in coordination with MHO and OGPI, is now working on the accreditation of the facility by DOH so that PhilHealth members could avail of their benefits when confined to the facility.

Dr. Elizabeth Joaquin, municipal health officer of Kasibu, looks forward to the development of DFHC as a hospital in the future so it can cater more patients even from other areas of Kasibu.

Engr. Edgar Rivera, officer-in-charge of OGPI, emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation amon the LGUs, community, and private sector in overcoming the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As long as OGPI is here, we continue to work with our stakeholders to provide necessary support in the achievement of their goals,” he said.

The Covid-19 infections continue to create havoc as more areas outside the National Capital Region become areas of concern. Cagayan Valley was placed under the more restrictive MECQ until the end of the month.

Weir Minerals is proud to announce another major order of Enduron® HPGR in Gold application with our valued Customer IAMGOLD.

An Enduron® HPGR with rolls measuring 2.4 m x 2.4 m (length : diameter) will be installed at IAMGOLD's Côté Gold Project. This will be the largest HPGR in Canada and the largest in the world in a gold hard rock application.

Weir Minerals’ Enduron® HPGR unique design is perfectly suited to IAMGOLD’s Côté Gold operations to achieve industry-leading particle size reduction and with the lowest total operating costs.

• Enduron® HPGR is the market proven HPGR with the mechanical design to support efficient and durable skewing thanks to its unique bearing arrangement and control philosophy
• Enduron® HPGR has a unique roll diameter-width ratio which maximizes throughput at the desired product grind
• Enduron® HPGR self-adjusting cheek plates provide equal sealing distance as flanges at minimum costs
• Enduron® HPGR is the market leader in large format, high tonnage hard rock HPGR

Tim Lundquist, HPGR Regional Sales Manager North America: “Our Enduron® HPGR design will create energy savings of up to 40% compared to an equivalent SABC comminution circuit, while also significantly reducing the need for downstream grinding media.  This power and grinding media savings will optimize total ownership cost and also account for a significant reduction in carbon emissions”.

Weir Minerals prides itself in being close to its customers at all times. Our Weir Minerals Canada team and purpose-built facilities will be providing full HPGR service for the Côté Gold operations.

For more information about Enduron® HPGR please visit enduronhpgr.weir