The Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated last 3 Nov. 2021 that they plan to buy coal power plants in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam with an objective to shut them early and to replace them with clean and renewable energy options. This will be made possible through Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), a private-sector-led initiative that will be financed through sources like governments, philanthropy and private investors.

ADB will start the pilot fund of USD2.5 billion to USD3.5 billion for the purchasing of the plants from the three Asian countries. They plan to retire the coal plants early for the next 10 to 15 years, which is ahead of its average lifespan. ^[1]

Last 28 October 2021, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) released a list of candidates for the National and Local Elections on 9 May 2022. A total of 97 individuals formally notified the commission and filed for candidacy to run for president. The list includes Senator Panfilo Lacson, Former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Gerona Robredo, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Former secretary of National Defense Norberto Gonzales, and more.

Although the election will take place next year on 9 May 2022, some presidential candidates have already expressed their plans for infrastructure and other strategies for nation-building. Some candidates have specific plans, while others gave their general thoughts and ideas on the subject matter. At this point, here are some of the initial statements of candidates.  

Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp. and the Provincial Government of Masbate through its Masbate Tourism Office, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) have forged a partnership to prime up two key development projects: organizing 10 cooperatives in the Municipality of Batuan and the full research and documentation of tourism sites of the whole Masbate province.

These projects are part of the Provincial Government's people-driven approach to development. 

The establishment of the ten cooperatives in Batuan came from a collective of the Agriculture Department's farmers’ organizations.

The farm-based micro-industries started creating basic goods and services through the enabling mechanisms of the CDA, and increased livelihood and employment opportunities for the people in Masbate.

Phil. Gold provided the cooperatives with office equipment such as laptops, projector with screen, steel cabinets and office desk. 

A series of training programs, development inputs and broader partnerships will be held among the key stakeholders in the province to help the cooperatives become self-sustainable.

The initiatives to create a tourist-appealing Masbate will include visual and auditory snippets of unique cultural narratives to make the province well-appreciated by vacationers.

Phil. Gold donated photography and videography equipment such as cameras with accessories, computers and a drone to fully document the tourism sites of Masbate. 

“I am very much thankful, and we really appreciate the efforts of Phil.  Gold to assist its host province to improve its services to the rest of the Masbatenos, not just their host communities,” says Provincial Administrator Rino Revalo, representing the Provincial Governor.

This private-public partnership between Phil.  Gold and the Provincial Government of Masbate aims to spur development in the countryside, and is expected to enhance locals' livelihood and increase business activity in the region.

Phil. Gold has created campaigns and educational programs that engage stakeholders by giving them a peek into Phil. Gold's operations, showing them how the company has provided jobs to the people in Aroroy, and has served as a catalyst for increased economic activities in Masbate.

Graduation and Distribution of Starter Toolkits and turn-over of Desktop Computers to Cantugas Cultural National High School

Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), has turned over 3 computer desktops and printers to Cantugas Cultural National High School during the Graduation and Distribution of Starter Toolkits at Cantugas Gym, Mainit, Surigao del Norte.

The graduation ceremony was for the students of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who completed the Animal Production (Poultry Chicken) NC II course.

The activity was attended by TESDA Caraga Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao, Supervising TESD Specialist Buenafe G. Enaya, and Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT) College Administrator Abegail B. Eupeña.

Municipal Mayor Crisanta O. Mondano and Mainit Sangguniang Bayan Members, Brigadier General George L. Banzon of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Ryan Callanta of the 30th Infantry Brigade, Dr. Ma. Teresa M. Real Superintendent of DepEd Surigao del Norte, and the Indigenous People (IPs) of Cantugas with their Brgy. Captain Hon. Perfecto G. Galvez also attended.

On behalf of Engr. Francisco J.  Arañes, Jr., Resident Mine Manager; Michelle V. Baliña, Surigao Liaison Office (SLO) Manager, represented HMC during the graduation and turnover ceremony.

The activity was conducted in line with the mantra “TESDA, Abot Lahat” of Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Caraga Cares of RD Mapandi, President Rodrigo Duterte’s Legacy on Barangyanihan Caravan, and implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 programs carried out through Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) chaired by TESDA.

EO 70 or the “Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace and Creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)” was signed last November 2018 to institutionalize 12 Lines of Effort to address the different aspects of the local communist armed conflict.

One of the 12 Lines under the NTF-ELCAC is the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) being led by TESDA. It aims to develop self-reliant, productive, resilient, and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs, including Indigenous Peoples in far-flung areas of the country.

Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon of the 901st Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Norte expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the government agencies and private organizations that made the event possible.

“Thank you very much HMC for the support your company has provided. Everything needed was already provided by HMC, they did not only send desktop computers, they also included the Operating System (OS) of the computers and also 3 printers,” said Brig. Gen. Banzon.

He also reminded everyone about the importance of working together.

“In anything we do, a helping hand is always appreciated. Tasks can be accomplished faster if we have someone to work with. Like what happened today, we worked together with various government agencies and private companies. There is nothing we cannot do if we work together. Thank you again HMC for answering the call of those in need.”

TESDA Provincial Director Catalina O. Tacubao also expressed her gratitude to HMC.

“We are grateful for the support HMC has provided. Indeed, we can achieve anything as long as we work together for a common goal,” she said.

Froth Recovery Upgrade package

The flotation process can be divided into two stages: formation of the bubble-particle aggregates in the slurry and recovery of these aggregates in the froth. Historically, most attention – both from the theoretical and practical point of view – has been given to the first part of this process.

But due to a newly developed instrumentation package, optimising froth recovery rates is now set to deliver real dividends.

“It is probably no exaggeration to say that the potential from augmenting froth recovery rates – in terms of what more efficient control of the level, residence time in froth and pulling rates could deliver – was only recognized a few years ago by the industry,” commented Dr. Dariusz Lelinski, Global Product Manager for Flotation, FLSmidth.

“This is because it was assumed that there are no losses during transport from slurry to the launder. It was only a few years ago it was measured that the loses are typically 50% and can reach as high as 90% for coarse particles. What it means is that 50% (averaging over all sizes) of particles must be captured again after detachment in froth phase.”

“Our goal was to increase the probability of recovery of particles in the froth phase, especially coarse ones. There is no simple way to achieve it, because of it we came up with combination of instruments and devices flexible enough to achieve our goal in majority of flotation applications,” explains Lelinski.

Equally applicable to sites operating with either self-aerating WEMCO® flotation cells or externally aerated nextSTEP™ machine, the newly developed froth-recovery instrumentation package could be a game-changer in flotation recovery.

The solution comes from the recognition that the combination of exact slurry level measurement, accurate control of flow using redesigned dart valves and new Festo actuators (designed specifically for FLSmidth) allows for superior control of the froth phase. This in turn results in quicker reactions to flow and slurry density changes, which will dramatically improve performance of flotation machines.

The conventional way to influence froth recovery is a combination of changes to froth height (improved by new actuators and dart valves), froth crowding (in the middle of the cell without the possibility of adjustment after installation and not influencing the most active part of the froth surface), and number of radial launders.

“All these changes are still possible while using FLSmidth froth recovery package,” says Lelinski. “The most difficult part is froth recovery at the end of the row; there is not enough of hydrophobic particles to form stable, deep froth and a large percentage of these particles is left unrecovered.”

“Our package allows not only to recover these particles, but to control required balance between recovery and grade in this part of flotation circuit. So overall, you get better results, but it also gives you another degree of process control, not only during difficulties of froth formation, but during normal operation allowing to more flexibility in selecting grade-recovery relationship.”

Central to the froth recovery package are Adjustable Radial Froth Crowders (ARFC) that were recently developed in-house by FLSmidth. The ARFCs are mechanical devices enabling increase of either recovery or grade regardless of amount of froth formed at the top of the machine. They allow for much higher pulling rates (recovery) or much deeper froth (grade) which is currently hindered by top of the flotation machine geometry.

Froth cameras are a flotation instrument of central importance, as they allow precise monitoring of the froth phase. Our froth camera systems utilize a combination of Model Predictive Control (MPC), fuzzy logic, and the newest technology in froth vision systems to provide optimised set point selection in real-time.

This system combines Deep Neural Networks (DNN) technology and object detection with traditional froth measurements such as velocity and stability to create a cutting-edge system which will optimize each individual flotation cell with the most comprehensive information available.

Alongside these elements are improved and redesigned actuators, developed in cooperation with Festo, and a new and improved level sensor, which monitors both the slurry and froth positions with the MultiSense probe, provided in cooperation with HyControl.

The final piece of the package are redesigned dart valves (typically in a hinged dart valve configuration), which are the result of an in-house, value engineering project.

“We are excited to deliver this complete package to our customers. All the elements working together in combination with radial froth crowders, means this package will deliver better recovery at the same grade or increased grade at the same recovery, making this package better that the sum of all parts.”

DMT Consulting Limited, United Kingdom

Globalisation of economies and technological advancements as well as the increased level of communication between the investors and project owners around the world has intensified the race to bring many existing and mining projects into the market place. 

Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, the financing of the mining projects was less formal than today.  However, the financial crisis has made Lenders and Financial institutions more alert to the perceived risks especially for complex mining projects.

Since the Lenders are not technical experts in mineral extraction, they leave the technical aspects and technical evaluation of the projects to reputable consulting engineers in the field. 

However, anyone who may be interested in investing in a mining project should be aware of three fundamental questions (Arden & Lewis, 2014):

• Is the quantity and quality/grade of the raw commodity there in the ground?
• Can it be extractable?
• Is it worth extracting?

These questions seem to be very simple, but the underlying proof for the answers that will be sought in a bankable feasibility study by a large technical team made up of a number of engineers and technical experts in different disciplines, is painstakingly complex, expensive, long, and tedious and requires a level of expertise and accreditation that is not always available from the local market. 

Once all these questions are answered positively in principle, then the fundamentals of the project can be said to be in place.  When the project is proven to be technically and financially viable i.e. due diligence has been performed, it comes to the stage of financing/syndication.

It is possible that a number of lenders may decide to finance the project to reduce the risk exposure.  It is up to these lenders and the borrower to negotiate the best deal for the project amongst themselves.

Although a bankable feasibility study may determine the project details to an acceptable accuracy level and establish the fundamentals and foundations of the project, the uncertainties and risks associated in winning the raw commodity as well as any deviation from the expected results defined at feasibility stage can still be influential in determining the final outcome.

It is also a well-known fact that the selection of contractors and suppliers for the project construction phase will have a huge impact on the project’s fate. 

For these reasons alone, the Lenders will seek the assistance of the technical experts to ensure that the finance provided for the project will be utilised according to the protocol agreed with the Borrower.  This is to assure that the project will reach the production stage from the beginning to the end as agreed between the interested parties.

Therefore, it is common place for Lenders (Commercial as well as Development banks and other funding agencies) to require Independent Lenders Engineers (ILE) to oversee the execution of Technical, Environmental and Social aspects of a project in order to provide security of the loans to reduce the risk exposure.

Coal trading is a very competitive landscape. While end customers buy the quality of coal based on what is compatible with their boilers and furnaces, the traders need to be vigilant in sourcing and supplying right grades. Buyers impose price discounts if the coal’s calorific value and other key parameters fall short of expected values. To secure the contracted revenue and avoid any discounts, exporters typically tend to supply higher grades than necessary. This in turn eats into their profit and erodes margins.

Price penalties are also put in place if exports exceed the specific amount of moisture in the coal, since the moisture adds to transportation costs. Not to mention that since exports are typically global and long distance, breach of moisture limits can pose stability issues to the ships. In the worst-case scenario, such shipments at the port could even be rejected.

In this article we share the idea about how coal mining companies, traders, and end-customers can achieve a "happy buyer-happy seller" agreement.

Benefits

Coal Mining:

• Ash, ash composition, Sulphur, total moisture, and calorific value are critical information to decide value of the coal
• Avoid penalties by meeting the contractual specifications of the coal
• Bring down the production cost and improve yield
• Grade-wise stockpiling of the coal and
• Perfect blending in accordance with end customer specifications

Coal Plant:

• Incoming check of grades to verify specifications
• Verification of consistency or intrinsic deviation of the whole lot of material
• Optimization of coal yard management
• Blending of coal to target quality
• Optimize waste by safe use of low cost / low quality coal
• Bunker feed control in power plants
• Optimization of combustion parameters for boilers
• Assurance of optimal running conditions of boilers
• Minimize slagging and clinkerisation of ash in the boilers
• Reduced maintenance costs through minimal derating and boiler outages

 

About CNA Coal

CNA Coal has been designed for tough environments of mines, featuring the cutting-edge Sodern neutron technology with unmatched lifetime and stable neutron output (D-T PFTNA).

Coal is an important industrial mineral both as a fuel and feedstock. Coal quality can vary greatly depending on the source. Hence the usage and price are highly dependent on the composition. Whether located directly at a mine, a coal processing plant, a metallurgical plant, power plant or other usage point, the CNA can provide reliable real-time information on the coal composition, calorific value, ash content, volatile matter, and total moisture. The CNA with unique neutron generator technology enables measurement of a wide range of elements, including C and O.

Features/Benefits

• Get Real-time Analysis
• Proven On-Off electric neutron source
• Achieve High Intensity and performance on results
• Analyze all the elements of your interest, including C and O
• Enjoy Up-time and Savings with Long Term Availability of Neutron Source
• No need for frequent re-calibrations
• Automatic radiation protection system (ARPS) for unrivaled safety during operation and maintenance
• Fits wide ranging belt dimensions starting 600mm to 2200mm and beyond

 

Examples of Analysis in Coal

Moisture

Ash and GCV

Conclusion

CNA Coal provides a powerful online monitoring tool using the D-T Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA). This makes it the only tool to provide ultimate and proximate analysis of coal in real time. The CNA helps provide coal of specific ash, calorific value, moisture; not more, not less…. exact!

CNA real time analyzers with unique D-T PFTNA technique are also available for elemental analysis of other ores and minerals viz. nickel, iron, bauxite, copper and lime.

The journey of CBMM/Keepmining® started in the mining and quarry domain as a trader, and transitioned to a distributor with over 15 years of resounding customer success stories.

Our success lies in identifying specific customer irritants and pain points, and solving them through disruptive design and engineering with our crack team of accomplished industry veterans and technical experts.

CBMM/Keepmining® is a global MNC, based out of Singapore and provide mining solutions for OTR tyres, mining equipment(s), crushers, washing solutions, tailings management, conveying solutions, customised drilling solutions and customised IOT & automation solutions.

Crushing, Screening and Washing

In the Philippines, we are well positioned to help our customers through our wide range of solutions in the mining and quarrying domains through our partnership with Superior Industries USA. We provide crushing and screening plants, washing systems and conveying systems that are made in America.

Superior is a renowned brand for their expertise in crushing, screening and washing equipment like Liberty® jaw crushers, Patriot® cone crushers, Spirit® washing equipment. Their expertise attained through rigours research in the field of conveying, crushing, screening and washing helps us to be a technology leader in mining & quarry domains.

Superiors Alliance® washing system is unique in its design as it allows for the customer to feed dry sand into the washing system and get quality manufactured sand. This is done by using a scrubbing system followed by dewatering screen coupled with an optional cyclone to get the best quality sand output while using half the water consumption of traditional washing systems.

Superior offers industry leading warranty on their equipment and have proven many times that their customer excellence approach leads to success for all stakeholders.

Conveyors and Conveyor Accessories

Superior Industries is a leader in the conveying systems space with solutions like Telestacker®, Trailblazer®, Zipline Modular conveyors and Razertail®.

Their expertise in conveying solutions is long and tested over the decades since 1950. Their use of in-house engineering and self-manufactured components make them uniquely positioned to offer the best solutions for the mines and quarries of Philippines.

Superior solutions for Telestacker® telescopic conveyors are well known to be the best, and able to handle large capacities for stacking products as well as in heap leach stacking applications in relatively small conveyor footprint.

The same telescopic conveyors can be used by mines who are working with global clientele to load ships directly from conveyors or from trucks by pairing with a Razertail® truck unloader. Many of these conveying and truck unloading systems are portable and can be transported with quick turnaround times.

The quality and longevity of their conveyor components are well regarded globally and there are multiple clients who swear by their products for conveyors accessories. They have a wide range of rollers, conveyor pulleys, idlers, belt scrapers, impact beds etc. which are known to provide great value to the exacting mining user of Philippines who need the best value and reliability of their conveying components.

Tailings Management

A mineral processing plant in the modern mining scenario is usually incomplete without a tailings management and water treatment solution. This is keeping in mind the various environmental effects of the traditional tailings dams and the probable failure of the dams leading to catastrophe.

Keepmining® brings to Philippines Matec Italia, a global technology leader in the water management space for mines and quarries.

Matec provides complete dry tailings management solutions for any mine or quarry in order to help save time and operating costs for the end user. Matec thickeners and filter presses are available for any size of quarry or mine.

Matec “Cube” modular solution is ideal for small or mid-size mines. The modularity of the Cube allows Matec to deliver quality results with a reliable delivery period in capacities to suit the customer requirements.

The Cube is a modular solution containing a set of mini-thickeners, filter presses, flocculant dosing. The fresh water and dry tailings are collected in standard containers.

Apart from water management offering, Matec is the company behind the brand “Alfa Pompe” pumps made in Italy for mines and quarries.

A New Beginning

In 2021, Keepmining® started another leg of the journey towards becoming a single point solutions provider for mines and quarries around the world.

Keepmining® has invested in ADET as a wholly owned subsidiary based in India with a view to provide solutions to reduce unplanned downtime and inconsistent output.

ADET operates with the theme ONTIME – Always.  ADETs disruptive products and plant designs with unique 'know-why' approach, application specific Engineering, and Intelli-service, backed with industry leading warranties, help to achieve the promise of “On-Time Always', enabling higher stakeholder profits and ease of business.

Our motto is to provide simple solutions to complex user problems by using our cutting edge to get to the core of the issue.

ADET products and solutions cater to specific requirements in mining and aggregates industry. ADET has built solutions for coal crushing, sand washing and reliable crushing and screening solutions for customers looking for the best value and reliability.

ADETs in-house team has looked at the “know-why” of existing paradigms of equipment or solutions and worked to add modern techniques and understanding of manufacturing and design to bring in disruptive solutions to the market.

ADET believes in providing value through simplicity in design and ease of use. ADET implements the honeycomb structure in their designs to provide great strength to weight ratio. In addition, the focus on safety and maintenance provides improved cost of ownership to the user.

Our team of industry veterans, field service technicians, consultants and specialists ensure that our end users improve their productivity by providing the right solution that addresses the core of their problems.

Our understanding of the Philippines systems, people, culture and procedures complement our working methods and ensure that our customers in Philippines needs are addressed comprehensively, leaving no stone unturned and in turn leading to a long-lasting and mutually rewarding relationship.

Photograph courtesy of Aboitiz Construction

The Cebu-based construction firm Aboitiz Construction on Thursday said it has finished the construction work on the British firm’s CD Processing (CDP) Ltd. copper ore sorting and processing plant in Carmen Copper Corporation’s operations center in Toledo City.

To manage mining wastes, the plant is seen to boost an environmentally-inclusive economy, with an aim to generate more jobs for the local residents.

“In line with our commitment to building a better future, we will continue to help other businesses to thrive and contribute to responsible operations which will lead to the provision of job opportunities and contribution to the economy’s growth,” said Alex Garciano, Aboitiz Construction vice president for construction operations, in a statement.

The new facility will help manage mining wastes efficiently through the reclamation of valuable copper-bearing ores from low-grade materials discarded by copper mines, thus, decreasing wastes.

The company said the project has provided employment opportunities to about 200 individuals, nearly 80 percent of whom were locally hired.

The CDP plant is a state-of-the-art ore sorting plant that uses the latest magnetic resonance analyzer technology, which will contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and cutting-edge working environment and operations.

The British firm has invested PHP583 million in its ore sortation facility in Cebu, a pioneer project approved by the Board of Investment (BOI). By Carlo Lorenciana

 

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The strategic plan to develop Bamboo has been in the portfolio of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) many years back. As a chief raw material source for the flourishing Philippine handicraft industry, the demand for Bamboo increased further over the years because of its emerging uses in construction, agriculture, and fisheries.

Bamboo development was mentioned in several Physical Framework Plans that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) mandated Local Government Units (LGUs) to prepare. At the national level, the most comprehensive among these plans is the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap (PBIDR) crafted by the Board of Investments in 2016.

The PBIDR has called Bamboo as the ideal renewable resource that can thrive easily. If managed well, it could provide sustainable raw materials for myriad uses -- house and kitchen utensils, farm implements, furniture and handicrafts, house décor, raw material for construction, banana props, fish pens, banca outriggers, and fuel in the form of charcoal and charcoal briquettes.

Bamboo also emerged as the source of pulp and paper, textiles and clothing, and renewable energy resource in the form of chips and pellets. Lately, beer and energy drinks have also been manufactured from Bamboo.

In an article published by the Philippine News Agency in 2018, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said he will work closely with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu to “work out a sustainable mining development plan through planting Bamboos for rehabilitation.”

Bamboo in Didipio mine’s FMRDP

The PRJ interviewed the environment manager of OceanaGold’s Didipio mine operations, Engr. Jason Magdaong, to inquire how the company considered Bamboo in their Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP). He confirmed the extensive use of Bamboo in their mine rehabilitation and reforestation efforts. The FMRDP is the blueprint of how the mine would become after decommissioning. It is a requirement for operating mines mandated by Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the 1995 Mining Act.

“We’ve considered Bamboo as a rehabilitation and plantation species because it fits well our mine. It is fast growing. Also, it has a very good performance in soil erosion control, and works best in rehabilitating disturbed slopes and riverbanks,” Magdaong explained.

Bamboo also has strong carbon absorption capacity and good properties in absorbing heavy metals in normal conditions, that is why generally recommended for most mines, although Didipio does not have pressing concerns on these aspects.

Magdaong said that their Didipio nursery has started producing Bamboo propagules two years ago in response to DENR’s call to support the development roadmap. Bamboo has been planted in Didipio’s waste rock dumps which are already topped with soil.

“The performance of Bamboo as a rehabilitation species is generally good,” Magdaong affirmed.

Initially, OceanaGold used the kawayang tinik (Bambusa blomeana) and bayog (Bambusa merrilliana) which are locally abundant around the Didipio mine site.

“When we heard of the giant Bamboo, we thought of using it because of the promising livelihood opportunities it can offer,” Magdaong added.

The giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) has thicker flesh and grows taller than local species like the kawayang tinik, bulo (Gigantochloa levis), buho (Schizostachyum lumampao), and bayog (Bambusa merrilliana).

The giant Bamboo is preferred by manufacturers of engineered Bamboo (such as floor tiles, boards, and blocks) because of its superior properties.

Magdaong believes that leaving behind a Bamboo Forest along rehabilitated areas and targeted reforestation sites elsewhere could create a flourishing industry for Didipio folks.

“The power lines that would be left behind after the mine closes are already three-phase configured, just the kind of electrical power connection needed in establishing industries,” Magdaong explained.

Bamboo offers a two-pronged solution according to Magdaong: it mitigates environmental impacts, and at the same time, it offers a supply of resources for a budding industry that would address the social and economic displacement of workers and local folks affected by the eventual mine closure.

“Our strong adherence to regulatory requirements and consistent advance towards achieving our goals … allow us the opportunity to nurture the value of our skills, our safety, and our responsibility for the environment, and for the communities to which we belong,” OceanaGold (Philippines) President, Atty. Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling said.

As the Didipio FTAA contractor, OceanaGold (Philippines) has committed beyond adherence to responsible mining principles in achieving its goals, do more for Didipio for it is the community that they belong to.

Bamboo and Environmental Remediation

There is an established claim that Bamboo can produce more oxygen and absorb more carbon dioxide than trees. This makes it perfect for restoring disturbed ecosystems and for remediation of greenhouse gas emission. Because of this, Bamboo is also widely used in urban forestry and landscaping.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 did not identify Bamboo as an invasive species. There are currently no restrictions on planting it. In fact, the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau of the DENR has been producing Bamboo planting materials for the National Greening Program several years back.

Thick Bamboo clumps provide excellent shelter for wildlife. Monitor lizards, locally known as bayawak, are frequently seen along dense clusters of Bamboo by folks gathering young shoots or labong, a local delicacy. The deep roots of Bamboo usually form spacious crevices that are ideal shelter of many species of reptiles and amphibians. Small birds are also found to nest in the thorny branches of Bamboo culms.

“We are also planting other species alongside Bamboo to create a condition for a restored biodiversity. Bamboo is compatible with other species, and one thing good is it blends well with all other species we are planting,” Magdaong explained.

Economic Potentials of Bamboo

The PBIDR cited that Bamboo products exported increased significantly from 2010 to 2014, growing from US$2,053,838 to US$10,791,526 annually. The roadmap also estimated the demand for Bamboo culms by current industries and sub-sectors would amount to 21,250,874 culms annually. If pulp and paper production and Bamboo chips for fuel would attract more investments, the total demand could climb up to 107,058,770 culms per year.

The PIBR also recognized Bamboo as a US$11.21 billion industry worldwide as of 2009. In 2015, China has been the top exporter of Bamboo products valued at US$1.398 billion and the Philippines was ranked 5th worldwide with exports valued at US$54 million, according to the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization.

Stakeholders in the Bamboo industry involve Bamboo clump/plantation owners, gatherers, traders, sawali and basket weavers, and furniture and handicraft producers. They own or work in small, unregistered shops, thus, considered as part of the informal sectors.

Sources from the furniture industry estimated around 190,000 or 10% of the total workers in the furniture and handicraft sectors work in Bamboo-related handicraft. Pangasinan, particularly in the towns of San Carlos, Binmaley and Urbiztondo, is the country’s Bamboocraft centre. But since Bamboo is found all throughout the country, bamboocraft-making are also be found in all the provinces.

As Bamboo gained the spotlight in the rehabilitation of the Cagayan River, the inter-agency Task Force Build Back Better has laid up a complete plan beyond using the species for riverbank stabilization. They mobilized the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) to train laborers from local communities on seedling propagation and Bamboocraft. Paid by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) under the Tupad Program, locals were mobilized to plant Bamboo in the riverbanks The move has set in motion a strategic Bamboo supply development in the region.

Opportunities and Challenges

The popularity of Bamboo could be seen in online markets, where varied products such as blinds, steamers, sticks, fence, sala sets, tumblers, mugs, pens, etc. are offered for sale. Giant Bamboo cuttings are also sold online by Bamboo nurseries at P58.50 a piece, excluding delivery cost.

The PBIDR has identified key production areas in Batangas (Euro Integrated Farms & Supply, Inc.), Pangasinan (CS First Green Agri-Industrial Development, Inc), Negros Oriental (Philippine Bamboo Foundation, Inc.), and Antipolo City (Carolina Bamboo Farm). These serve as primary sources of planting materials needed to produce enough supply of Bamboo culms in the country.

The production of toothpicks and barbeque sticks alone has gone a long way in the Bamboo industry. A small enterprise in Iloilo has grown over the years and now producing large volume of quality toothpicks and barbeque sticks using mechanized equipment.

However, as revealed in the PBIDR document, Chinese exports are much cheaper than locally produced Bamboo products. Processing machines are imported because there are no local fabricators yet. There is also a need to set the specifications for Bamboo construction materials so that it will be used in high-level construction sites. These are the ways forward for the Bamboo industry stakeholders to work on.

Photo credit: Masbate Gold Project

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) is proposing the implementation of a policy that allows only one operator per mining tenement in the country.

Implementing such policy will help improve the execution of mining agreements and promote the holistic, harmonious, and systematic conduct of mining operations, MGB Mining Tenements Management Division chief Danilo Deleña said Friday during Day 2 of a virtual mining stakeholders' forum.

Deleña said the MGB drafted the policy due to "persistent disputes and issues among contractors and multiple operators, which compromise the conduct of mining operations within mining tenements.”

“That's why there's (a) need to limit the operator under a mining tenement," he said.

He said the MGB has proposed the policy to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu for review and approval.

If approved, the DENR would issue an administrative order institutionalizing the policy, Deleña said, adding that the MGB is hoping the department would issue the order soon.

The proposed policy covers all mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) and financial or technical assistance agreements (FTAAs), according to the MGB.

The bureau defines the MPSA as a mineral agreement in which the "government shares in the production of the contractor, whether in kind or in value, as owner of the minerals," while the contractor "shall provide the necessary financing, technology, management, and personnel for the mining project."

On the other hand, the FTAA is an agreement that "may be entered into between a contractor and the government for the large-scale exploration, development, and utilization of gold, copper, nickel, chromite, lead, zinc and other minerals except for cement raw materials, marble, granite, sand and gravel and construction aggregates.”

Deleña said the proposed policy requires mining tenement operators to meet certain qualifications.

He said under DENR Memorandum Order 99-10, an operator must have satisfactory environmental management and community relations in previous mineral resource use ventures and must possess technical competence and financial capability to conduct mining operation within the area covered by the MPSA or FTAA concerned.

The proposed policy likewise identified grounds for either suspending the mining operations of contractors authorized to undertake these or canceling MPSAs and FTAAs concerned, Deleña said.

"Failure of the operator to conduct mining operations in the contract area under the MPSA or FTAA for more than one year from authorization therein shall cause withdrawal of the said authority," he said.

Deleña said the proposed policy has a transitory provision covering existing multiple operators under either MPSAs or FTAAs.

He said under that provision, operators "shall continue to be authorized until (the) expiration of the term of their respective operating agreement, memorandum of agreement, and other similar forms of agreement."

"The authorization of multiple operators shall cease upon expiration of the term of their respective agreements and the contractor shall elect which operator shall remain to conduct mining operation" under the mining agreement concerned, he added.

 

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is ramping up efforts to improve the transport logistics and mitigate vehicular traffic congestion in Davao City with the construction of a 2.3 kilometer two (2)-tube mountain tunnel.

A symbolic blast on Friday, November 19, 2021 officially started work on the road tunnel which is part of the 10.7 kilometers Contract Package I-1 of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP) implemented by DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations.

The actual commencement of tunnel excavation works was witnessed by DPWH Acting Secretary Roger "Oging" Mercado, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, DPWH Undersecretary for UPMO Operations and Chief Implementer of Flagship Projects under Build Build Build(BBB) Program Emil K. Sadain, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa.

The short program, carried out under strict compliance to health policies, was also attended by Undersecretary Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Assistant Secretary Ador G. Canlas of DPWH Regional Operations in Mindanao, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary Matsubara Tomohiro, DPWH Region 11 Director Rey Peter Gille, Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1, former Project Director Virgilio C. Castillo, Mr. Fidel Arcenas of the Office of DPWH Secretary, and other Japan Embassy and JICA officials.

According to Undersecretary Sadain, the tunnel project which will soon be the first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel in the Philippines was designed by Japanese experts to have better seismic resiliency.

To support the underground development, equipment that includes horizontal boring machine for geotechnical investigation, twin header tunnel excavator and drill jumbo are deployed to work at the north and south portal. Additional equipment on the ground also includes erecter with shotcrete machine, tunnel ventilation and dust collector, side dump payloader, and articulated dump truck.

The civil work contract for the construction of the tunnel was awarded to Shimizu – Ulticon - Takenaka joint venture with Nippon Koei – Katahira - Nippon Engineering - Philkoei as engineering consultant under the overall project construction supervision of UPMO-RMC 1 Project Manager Joselito B. Reyes and Engr. Earl Nicholas F. Rada.

This contract package costing ₱13.230 Billion has an estimated completion date of January 2024.

While construction of the tunnel is the centerpiece of this project contract package, there are other significant portions of the work as well. The contract includes the construction of a 7.9 km 4-lane road, 3 pairs of Bridges with a total length of 500 meters, 2 underpasses, 2 overpasses, 12 box culverts (waterways), and 4 at-grade Intersection.

The 45.5 kilometer bypass road that will begin in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City and will end at Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City will cut the usual travel time of 1 hour and 44 minutes via Maharlika Highway to just 49 minutes.

Together with rapid population growth and economic development in recent years, DCBCP will provide job creation during construction, and economic benefits through reduced travel time savings across the city, said Undersecretary Sadain.

The entire DCBCP is divided into six (6) contract packages with packages I-1, I-2 and I-3 being financed by JICA Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273 while packages II-1, II-2 and II-3 are funded by the Government of the Philippines.

 

Article courtesy of DPWH

Isla Norte Energy Corporation (INEC) inaugurates its first power plant in Bantayan Island on Nov.10, 2021. The diesel-powered plant has a total capacity of 23.3 megawatts. (Photo courtesy of INEC)

The Isla Norte Energy Corp. (INEC) inaugurated Wednesday the 23.3-megawatt (MW) diesel power plant in Bantayan Island, Cebu, providing additional power supply in the emerging tourist destination.

In a press conference, INEC president and chief executive officer Emil Andre Garcia said the increasing power supply in Bantayan opens greater opportunities for the island, especially for investments in the tourism sector.

“The beaches here are really beautiful. Once tourists come here, aside from the beaches, they want (a) steady supply of power, for the internet, aircon, etc. We’re hoping that with the steady supply, we can see that boom in the economy,” Garcia said.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently issued to INEC a Provisional Authority to Operate its first power plant in Bantayan.

INEC is a joint venture of Vivant Integrated Diesel Corp. and Gigawatt Power Inc.

“We eagerly anticipate the granting of provisional authority by the ERC, and look forward to powering the success of our partners,” Garcia said.

INEC will be supplying its output to Bantayan Electric Cooperative Inc. (BANELCO).

Of the total capacity, the Bantayan power plant guarantees 15 MW dependable capacity, enough to supply the peak demand in the island.

Some 7.27 MW will be reserved supply. Meanwhile, Garcia, who is also an executive at Vivant Corp., said Vivant is supporting the government’s push for renewable energy (RE) as the company eyes to build RE facilities in the future.

“We want to have at least 30 percent of our portfolio on RE. So over the next couple of years, we want to build over 300 megawatts of renewable plants,” he said. By Kris Crismundo

 

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Photo credit: PhilStar

The Philippines' proposed National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020-2040 is setting a target of 35 percent share of renewable energy (RE) in the power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent share by 2040.

This was bared by Director Mylene C. Capongcol, OIC of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Renewable Energy Management Bureau, who in a recent online presentation acknowledged that instead of growing, the share of RE in the power generation mix has actually declined.

She noted that in 2008, the year the Renewable Energy Act was passed, the share of RE was about 34 percent. Now it is down to 21 percent, or 21,609 gigawatt-hours (GWh), out of a total 101,756 GWh of power generated.

The government is looking to revert the share of RE to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 under the updated NREP, Capongcol said.

The NREP sets the roadmap for achieving the country's RE goals as required by the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.

Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act, provides the framework for the development, utilization, and commercialization of RE sources, defined as resources that can be replenished regularly and are available indefinitely. These include biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy, hydropower, and other emerging RE technologies.

The Act affirms the government’s commitment to accelerate the utilization of RE resources in the country to reduce harmful emissions and achieve economic development while protecting the health and environment.

The transition to RE from carbon-intensive energies has become even more urgent in light of the massive destruction being wrought by climate change and uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions not just in the country but on a global scale.

Capongcol, during the webinar, said the proposed NREP will be released soon. The updated plan seeks to help attain energy security, contribute to sustainable development, counter climate change, provide capability building, and secure inclusive growth for the country.

To achieve the targets under the updated NREP 2020-2040, she said that while there have been a number of policies, initiatives, and programs that were developed and issued since 2011, “this is not enough.”

“There are still a lot of improvements, a lot of new policies, emerging ones, that will support renewable energy development” to enable the country to meet its goals of self-sufficiency and cleaner energy," she said.

She added that the DOE currently has innovative programs that are looking at the potentials of hydrogen, fusion, offshore wind, tidal energy, and other technologies.

The DOE is also working on an expanded solar rooftop program and the improvement of solid waste management, while at the same time drafting a policy on geothermal energy development.

Meanwhile, Jay Layug, president of Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, sought further improvements in the sector, citing the need in particular to upgrade the power infrastructure for RE such as building more power plants and improving transmission lines and distribution facilities.

“Demand for power continues to grow and in the meantime supply is a problem,” he said, pointing out that many power plants in the country are at least 15 years old and starting to deteriorate.

To solve these issues, Layug said the national government and local government units must address the challenges to private sector investment, including restrictive government regulations, rigid process for offtake agreements, numerous requirements for permits and licenses, and a lack of integration in government support.

He also pressed for the pursuit of policy reform, particularly by declaring renewables as the preferred energy resource, to reduce the importation of fossil fuel and vulnerability to price volatility.

His other recommendations included strengthening public-private partnerships; creating a one-stop-shop for RE; simplifying the rules for deployment of personnel, vessels, machinery, equipment spare parts and materials; and resolving inter-agency coordination issues.

In the same webinar by the Liveable Cities Challenge Philippines, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, in her message highlighted the importance of utilizing RE in the country.

“The transition to clean and renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar, which are already abundant in the Philippines, will help end the dependence on expensive imported fuel and lower electricity costs especially for lower-income, climate-vulnerable Filipino families,” Beaufils said.

 

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

The Weir Group has agreed to acquire Motion Metrics, a leading Canada-based global mining technology business, for an initial consideration of £89m1 payable in cash upon completion, subject to customary net debt and working capital adjustments.

Motion Metrics is the market leading developer of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D rugged Machine Vision Technology used in mines worldwide.  Its technology helps miners increase safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  As part of the agreement, Motion Metrics Vancouver headquarters will become Weir’s global centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology.

Motion Metrics applications are highly complementary to Weir’s product portfolio.  It will join the ESCO division reflecting the early adoption of its technology in ground engaging tools (GET) where ESCO is an established global leader.  Motion Metrics AI and Machine Vision capabilities are expected to be leveraged across the whole mining value chain served by the Weir Group. 

Transaction highlights

• Strengthens Weir’s industry leadership in making mining more sustainable and efficient
• Significantly increases the Group’s capability in critical AI and Machine Vision Technologies
• Fully aligned to ESCO’s ambitious growth strategy through further digitisation of its portfolio 
• Enables rapid globalisation of Motion Metrics technology through Weir’s global network
• Highly complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-focused business model

In 2021, Motion Metrics generated revenues of £9m1 and was modestly profitable.  Initial integration efforts will focus on leveraging Weir’s global sales network and the ESCO division’s large installed base to rapidly expand adoption of this value enhancing technology by our mining customers thereby driving significant revenue growth.    Motion Metrics is expected to be accretive to ESCO’s margins by 2023 with returns expected to exceed the Group’s cost of capital by 2024 in line with Weir’s capital allocation policy.  Up to a further £59m1 will be payable in cash by Weir at the end of 2024, depending on revenue and profit performance.  The transaction will be funded through cash and existing banking facilities.  Over the next two years integration costs are expected to total £3m.

Jon Stanton, Weir Group CEO said:

“The combination of Weir and Motion Metrics will be extremely powerful and reflects our ambition to play a leading role in mining’s technology transformation.  Motion Metrics not only provides access to innovative and highly relevant technology that will accelerate growth in our ESCO division, but it also brings world-class expertise in AI, rugged 3D Machine Vision technology and data science that is applicable across the Group.  This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategy and our commitment to grow ahead of our markets, expand our margins and significantly reduce our customers’ environmental footprint.”   

A leading mining technology business specialising in AI and Machine Vision applications

Miners are increasingly focused on improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  Motion Metrics has developed proprietary products and solutions that supports these critical ambitions leveraging innovative Machine Vision, distributed AI and machine learning. 

Motion Metrics produces smart, rugged cameras that monitor and provide valuable and timely data on equipment performance, faults, payloads and rock fragmentation.  This data is then analysed using embedded and cloud-based machine learning to provide real-time feedback to the mining operation.  This enables immediate identification of potential issues that could impact safety and cause expensive unplanned downtime.  This includes boulder and foreign body detection to dislodged ground engaging tools that can critically damage crushing equipment if undetected.  It also provides information that can be used to optimise asset efficiency, supporting better decision making as miners seek to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption, particularly in areas such as comminution (crushing, screening and grinding), one of the most energy-intensive processes in mining.

These technologies were initially developed for GET applications but have recently been extended into a suite of products and solutions that can be applied from drill and blast through to primary processing.  Motion Metrics technology is currently used on more than 80 mine sites and its customers include some of the world’s largest mining companies.   Its revenues are generated from the initial sale of equipment and subsequent recurring aftermarket revenues including subscriptions to its cloud computing platform, services and spare parts; a model that is highly complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-based business model.

Motion Metrics was founded in 1999 by Dr. Shahram Tafazoli.  In addition to its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, Motion Metrics has offices in Chile, Australia, Brazil, Russia and South Africa.  The business employs c.125 people focused largely on research and development, alongside sales and field support.  Dr. Tafazoli will continue to lead the business when it joins the Weir Group, overseeing the new Weir centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology.  Weir’s existing Canadian operations employ c.600 people and include manufacturing facilities as well as sales and service centres. 

Motion Metrics Founder, Dr. Tafazoli said:

“Motion Metrics was established to harness the power of AI and Machine Vision to help the global mining industry make its essential transition to safer, more productive and sustainable operations. Having proven our technology and grown rapidly over recent years, the time is right for us to accelerate our development as part of the Weir Group, which brings access to every major mining region in the world, from pit to plant.  I am also excited to establish in Canada a global centre of excellence for AI and Machine Vision for mining applications, reflecting Canada's domain expertise in both mining and machine intelligence.”

Motion Metrics will become part of Weir’s ESCO division, with its extensive team of researchers, data scientists and engineers also supporting the increased digitisation of the broader Weir product portfolio. 

Accelerating ESCO’s growth strategy following its successful integration into the Group

ESCO was acquired in July 2018 and the business has been successfully integrated into the Weir Group over the past 3-years.  Cost synergies in excess of US$30m were realised ahead of schedule and the business is on track to surpass its acquisition margin targets.  Despite the impact of the COVID pandemic on market conditions over the past 18-months, returns on capital employed will exceed the Group’s cost of capital in 2021, in line with the Group’s capital allocation policy. 

Moving forward, ESCO’s focus is on accelerating growth through geographic expansion and the continued extension of its market leading front-of-shovel offering, creating new solutions to support customers’ safety, efficiency and sustainability goals. Motion Metrics is fully aligned to this strategy, including the early realisation of the digitally instrumented smart bucket concept which provides information on bucket and GET health alongside payload and ore fragmentation analysis. Combining ESCO’s deep knowledge of mining operations with the data-led insights from Motion Metrics’ AI capabilities will enable the business to create new solutions that integrate and extend the technological differentiation of its best-in-class offerings across the mine. 

Andrew Neilson, Division President of Weir ESCO commented:

“This is a perfect partnership.  Our customers want more digital solutions to help them improve safety, efficiency and sustainability and providing these is a key part of our growth strategy.  Motion Metrics brings patent-protected technology that reduces expensive downtime in GET applications, helping improve ESCO’s differentiated technology offering even further.  The additional capability in AI and Machine Vision will also accelerate our expansion into adjacent markets including developing smart eco-system offerings encompassing the load and haul operations of our customers.”

The acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The Philippines and New Zealand will continue to explore cooperation on geothermal energy.

This as Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell signed the Second Amendment to the Arrangement on Geothermal Energy Cooperation between the two countries on Friday.

Cusi said this renewed interest for cooperation is aligned with the country’s push for indigenous energy as a power source.

"We welcome the formalization of the Second Amendment to the Arrangement on Geothermal Energy Cooperation which comes at such an opportune time, considering that one of our primary goals is to revitalize the state of geothermal energy development and utilization in the Philippines," he added.

Under the agreement, there will be an exchange of best practices and technical expertise in the sector of geothermal energy.

New Zealand previously provided the country with developing geothermal fields in Tongonan, Leyte, and Southern Negros Geothermal in Negros Oriental, which are still operating.

The DOE has also liberalized the geothermal sector as the government opened it to 100-percent foreign ownership to promote new energy sources. By Kris Crismundo

 

Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency