The government expects to complete 24 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) worth PHP194.78 billion before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June 2022.

“The 24 projects are estimated to generate more than 300,000 jobs between 2017 to 2022,” the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said in a reply to questions from the Philippine News Agency.

These are under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration which is an ambitious infrastructure development plan composed of thousands of projects being implemented all over the country.

A report furnished by the NEDA indicated that the construction of 12 of these projects amounting to PHP67.068 billion are ongoing and targeted to be finished by June next year.

Included on the revised list of 112 IFPs approved by the NEDA Board last May 12, some of these include the PHP23.3-billion North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) connector road project, and the PHP12.64-billion C5 South Link Expressway project.

The target completion of the eight-kilometer all elevated four-lane toll expressway extending the NLEX southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila and connecting to the Skyway Stage 3 and mostly traversing the Philippine National Railways (PNR) rail track is in March 2022.

Another of these IFPs are the PHP7.5-billion Flood Risk Management Project (FRIMP) in Cagayan, Tagoloan, and Imus Rivers; the PHP5.44-billion Malitubog-Maridagao irrigation project; and the PHP4.8-billion Bicol International Airport Development Project (New Legazpi), among others.

The NEDA said five other projects costing PHP87.77 billion also from a revised list of 112 IFPs were completed last month.

Among them were the PHP65.39-billion Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, and the PHP9.76-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2 East Extension, and the PHP5.72-billion Metro Manila Logistics Network: Bonifacio Global City-Ortigas Center Link Road Project.

The NEDA further said seven flagship projects amounting to PHP39.94 billion that were part of the IFP list and were approved in 2017, 2019, and 2020 have been completed.

Completed projects that were part of previous lists of IFPs include PHP18-billion New Clark City Phase 1, and the PHP14.97-billion Clark International Airport Expansion Project, among others.

All completed IFPs were no longer included in the updated version of the IFP list.

In addition to the flagship projects, Cabinet secretaries reported that 212 airport projects, 446 seaport projects, 10,376 flood mitigation structures, 26,494 kilometers of roads, and 5,555 bridges have already been completed under the “Build, Build, Build” program.

A total of 102 airport projects, 117 seaport projects, 1,090.30 kilometers of railway, 2,587 flood mitigation structures, 2,515 kilometers of roads, and 1,020 bridge projects are currently under construction.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a past briefing that aside from providing the much-needed infrastructure for Filipinos, investment in the “Build, Build, Build” program would also generate more jobs.

“This has the biggest multiplier in terms of job. One job that you create in the infrastructure sector creates another 0.5 jobs. Every peso you spend in construction creates another peso because of the services around the construction. That’s why we are pursuing this,” said Chua, who is also NEDA chief. - Leslie Gatpolintan

 The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Calamba project has received a “record number” of 34 bids from six local and 17 international companies to participate in the construction of the 40.5-kilometer rail project.

In a Facebook post, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said the record turnout is proof that the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program “champions a transparent, fair, and efficient bidding process” through a joint implementation by the DOTr, PNR, and the Department of Budget and Management's Procurement Service.

“I believe that the impressive turnout of bidders for the PNR Calamba Project’s contract packages is proof of the infrastructure sector’s trust in the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure program,” Tugade said.

During the bid submission and opening for various contract packages of the project on July 14 and 15, he said the international companies who offered bids are:

• China Construction First Group Corporation Ltd. (China)
• Chun Wo Construction (Hongkong)
• Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited (Hongkong)
• DL Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
• Dong-ah Geological Engineering Company Ltd. (South Korea)
• GS Engineering & Construction Corp. (South Korea)
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
• Lotte Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (South Korea)
• POSCO Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
• Samsung Construction & Trading Corporation (South Korea)
• PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk (Indonesia)
• PT PP (Persero) Tbk (Indonesia)
• PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk (Indonesia)
• Gülermak Ağır Sanayi İnşaat ve Taahhüt A.Ş. (Turkey)
• Acciona, S.A. (Spain)
• Italian-Thai Development Public Company Ltd. (Thailand)
• Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. (Japan)

Meanwhile, the local companies who submitted bids are:

• D.M. Consunji Inc.
• EEI Corporation
• First Balfour, Inc.
• Megawide Construction Corporation
• Prime Metro BMD Corporation
• Santa Clara International Corporation

He said five more contract packages for the PNR Calamba project are set for opening bids later this year.

The project is part of the “massive” 147-km North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system that stretches from Calamba, Laguna in Luzon’s southern portion all the way north to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

“The NSCR System will have a fleet of 464 train cars or 58 trains sets, including seven Airport Express train sets,” Tugade said.

He said the construction of the NSCR system is supported and financed by the Official Development Assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“It is the single largest project being financed by the ADB in its history, and is the longest commuter railway being financed by JICA,” Tugade said.

To date, he said the northern segment of the NSCR System is in “full swing” and involves 90 km of rail line and 16 stations.

Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation ("Atlas Mining") reported net income on Php1.94 billion for the first half of 2021 compared to the net loss of Php190 million for the same period in 2020. Net income improvement benefitted from higher metal prices and improved production and shipment volumes in the second quarter.

Metal prices rose in the second quarter this year with average copper price higher by 70% to 4.21/lb and gold price by 10% to USD1,812/ounce compared to the same period last year.

Atlas Mining's wholly-owned subsidiary, Carmen Copper Corporation, reported higher copper production and shipments in the second quarter compared to the first quarter due to improvement in grades and milling tonnage. Quarter-on-quarter, copper metal produced increased by 43% from 15.93 million lbs to 22.80 million lbs while gold produced increased by 9% from 5,346 ounces to 5,829 ounces. Year-on-year, copper metal production decreased from 54.17 million pounds in 2020 to 38.73 million pounds in 2021, due mainly to the decrease in copper grades by 26% from 0.311% to 0.231% as ore milled in the first quarter was sourced from stockpiles. Gold production decreased year-on-year by 51% from 22,815 ounces to 11,176 ounces due also to lower gold grades from 7.68 grams/dmt to 5.09 grams/dmt.

Cash costs decreased by 10% year-on-year from Php4.75 billion in 2020 to Php4.26 billion in 2021, due to overall lower volumes of shipments and production. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was Php4.932 billion for the first half, 46% higher compared to Php3.373 billion in 2020. Core income for the period was Php2.158 billion in 2021 compared to Php366 million in 2020.

Based on its improved earnings, efficient operations and positive outlook, Atlas Mining continues to improve its balance sheet.

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Motorists will now be able to use the first 18-kilometer portion of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) from SCTEX/TPLEX connection in Tarlac City up to the intersection of Aliaga-Guimba Road in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.

President Rodrigo Duterte, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Senator Bong Go, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa led on Thursday the inauguration ceremony of the four lanes toll-free expressway project connecting the provinces of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

The initial part of CLLEX that will be opened are the following sections covered by three contract packages: 4.10 kilometer Tarlac Section, 6.40 kilometer Rio Chico River Bridge Section including the 1.5 kilometer Rio Chico Viaduct, and Aliaga Section with up and down ramps at Guimba-Aliaga Road.

This new highway project was implemented by DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) led by Undersecretary Emil Sadain and Project Director Benjamin Bautista of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) who have worked double-time to deliver the completion of this project.

CLLEX is among the key infrastructure projects with funding assistance from the Government of Japan thru the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in support of the Build, Build, Build program.

The entire 30-kilometer expressway project is expected to shorten the usual travel time of 70 minutes between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City to just 20 minutes.

More than just scenic views experienced while you drive and visit the stunning places in Central Luzon, this new highway will help ensure the Philippines’ sustainability and development by addressing barriers in distance and mobility.

The Build, Build, Build program continues to deliver its promise of creating infrastructure that improves the lives of Filipinos in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and other challenges.

While Build, Build, Build continued to make progress, it is also setting up the foundation in terms of infrastructure for the next generation.

OceanaGold Corporation today advises that the Philippine Government has renewed the Didipio Mine Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (“FTAA”) for an additional 25-year period, beginning June 19, 2019. The renewed FTAA reflects similar financial terms and conditions while providing additional benefits to the regional communities and provinces that host the operation.

Michael Holmes, President and CEO of OceanaGold said, “we are pleased to confirm the renewal of the Didipio Mine’s FTAA and thank the Philippine Government for their endorsement and renewal. We have worked through the renewal process in partnership with the Government and regulatory agencies. We look forward to commencing restart activities and continuing to work in partnership with our regulators, communities, employees, and all stakeholders to contribute to the Philippines’ post-COVID-19 economic recovery.”

The Company has maintained the mine and associated facilities in a state of operational stand-by. The Company’s first operational priority is the rehiring and training of its Philippine workforce, which will include a focus on safeguarding workers from the current risks associated with COVID-19. The Company expects to provide additional details on the restart and resumption of normal operations at Didipio, including the timeline and an update to Company’s 2021 guidance, in due course.

The Company plans a staged restart of operations with milling to recommence as soon as possible utilising stockpiled ore of which the operation has approximately 19 million tonnes available. The Company aims to achieve full underground production capacity within twelve months. Once fully ramped-up, the Company expects Didipio to produce approximately 10,000 gold ounces and 1,000 tonnes of copper per month at first quartile All-in Sustaining Costs.

Didipio is a major direct and indirect employer in the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya and a significant contributor of socio-economic benefits for the local and national economies. The Didipio Gold and Copper Mine operates to the highest environmental and social standards and has been recognised as one of the most responsible in the country.

Renewal Terms

The FTAA was renewed on substantially the same terms and conditions and includes the following modifications:

• The equivalent of an additional 1.5% of gross revenue to be allocated to community development
• Reclassification of Net Smelter Return to be an allowable deduction and shared 60% / 40% rather than wholly included in government share
• Listing of at least 10% of the common shares in OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (“OGPI”), the Company’s Philippine operating subsidiary and holder of the FTAA, on the Philippine Stock Exchange within the next three years
• OGPI shall offer for purchase by the Philippine Central Bank not less than 25% of its annual gold doré production at fair market price and mutually agreed upon terms
• Transfer of OGPI’s principal office to a host province within the next two years

The additional 1.5% allocated to community development will take the form of increased contributions to communities in the region and provincial development projects. While the existing fund for Social Development and Management Program will continue to be provided for the host and neighbouring communities, 1.0% of the additional 1.5% will be allocated to community development for additional communities and 0.5% to the host Provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. 

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) is optimistic that the nickel sector’s resilient growth amidst the pandemic will continue to contribute greatly to the country’s economic recovery efforts.

In 2020 PNIA members jointly spent over P167 million on their Social Development and Management Programs, P49 million on COVID assistance, and P532 million on their Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs, through which over 7 million trees have been planted to date.

“PNIA members are equally committed to ensuring sustainability in our communities through  community and environmental preservation efforts. The projects we implement for the community and the environment are as equally important to PNIA members as their operations. These aren’t just projects, this is part of the core of our business goals,” emphasizes PNIA President Atty. Dante R. Bravo.

He also shares that the members of PNIA have already supplied approximately half of the 2020 Philippine nickel production and 31% of total production from January to March for the current year 2021.  

Bravo added that the increases were driven by the continuous uptrend in nickel prices and by the robust demand from China’s stainless steel producers.

“Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s nickel industry remained resilient with a reported increase of 4% in production growth and 18% in export value citing a comparison of year-on-year data for 2019 and 2020 as posted in a recent report of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB),” Bravo said.

The MGB report also highlighted that the industry’s total direct shipping ore production was P38.85 billion in 2020, even higher than the P31.79 billion in 2019. The MGB’s recorded data also revealed that between January to December of 2020, the nickel industry produced 27.17 million dry metric tonnes (DMT) of nickel ore which is higher compared to previous year 2019’s total production of 26.21 million DMT.

“We are hopeful to maintain this growth momentum especially after the issuance of EO 130 that lifted the ban on new mineral agreements as it will pave the way for new mining projects and entice more investments in the mining industry,” adds Bravo.

Bravo also strengthened PNIA’s collective commitment to industry sustainability efforts as he announced that PNIA members will soon release their performance report on their alignment with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) before the year ends.

South Cotabato officials will take another look at the delayed USD5.9 billion copper and gold project of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in Tampakan town in the wake of the government’s move to accelerate its operations amid the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said on Monday they will evaluate anew the proposed mining project even as he reiterated the local government’s stance to only allow “responsible mining” operations in the province.

He confirmed that he met late last week with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by Undersecretary Jim Sampulna to discuss the status of the mining project.

“The government wants to push through with the pending mining projects, including the one in Tampakan, to help our economy recover,” he said in his weekly radio program.

Also present in the meeting were Assistant Secretary Nonita Caguioa, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) acting director Wilfredo Moncano, MGB-Mining Tenements Management Division chief Danilo Deleña, and MGB-Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division head Marcial Mateo.

Tamayo said he has no problem with mining as long as it is done responsibly, and that the people and the environment are protected in the process.

He said that has been his long-time stance and those of the previous top officials of the province, which has a standing ban on open-pit mining as set in the Provincial Environment Code approved in 2010.

But he said SMI officials declared in a recent meeting that they are no longer pursuing the controversial mining method.

Tamayo said he asked them to make another formal presentation to the provincial government, especially to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or provincial board, regarding their proposed mining operation.

“We want to see all the angles of what they are planning to do in Tampakan,” he said.

The Tampakan project, which started in 1995, failed to take off as planned due to various problems, among them the ban on open-pit mining in the province.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Koronadal City dismissed in October last year a petition for declaratory relief and injunction filed by pro-mining groups against the provincial government over the open-pit ban.

The mining project, once approved, “would be the largest in the Philippines and among the largest copper mines in the world,” a company briefer said.

It estimated an average yield of 375,000 tons per annum of copper and 360,000 ounces per annum of gold in concentrate over a 17-year period of mining and ore production.

The proposed mine site covers around 10,000 hectares situated in the boundaries of Tampakan, South Cotabato, and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. 

Article Courtesy of Allen Estabillo - Philippine News Agency

Photo Credit: Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News

The two new stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) – dubbed the LRT-2 East Extension -- will begin operations on July 5, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

In a media bulletin, the DOTr said the rail service, which will soon run from the Recto Station in Manila to the Antipolo Station, has also increased the number of its running trains to eight, from the five trains that previously ran from the Recto to the Santolan stations.

“Once operational, the LRT-2 East Extension Project will reduce travel time from Claro M. Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo from three hours via bus or jeepney, to just 30 to 40 minutes,” the DOTr said.

In a Facebook post, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project would be inaugurated on Thursday with President Rodrigo Duterte and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Reynaldo Berroya as guests.

“The promise of a better commuting experience will now become a reality,” he said.

The LRT-2 East Extension, he said, adds 3.793 km. to the present 13.8 km. of the LRT-2 line with two new stations – the Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo stations.

“The project shall likewise increase the rail line’s average daily passenger capacity from 240,000 to 320,000,” Tugade said.

He said aside from providing another means of transport to commuters, the project is expected to help reduce traffic congestion along the Marcos Highway, “especially in Marikina, Pasig, and Antipolo, given that road transport passengers will be redirected to riding the train.”

During its construction, he said, “at least 1,800” jobs were generated, in addition to the 170 rail personnel employed to work in the two new stations.

The project, which has been part of the “Master Plan for Metro Manila” since 1999, was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board on Sept. 4, 2012. The construction of its viaducts began in April 2015.

The “full blast” construction of the two new stations started on Feb. 20, 2017, with a PHP1.1 billion contract, while the contract for the project’s electromechanical systems was awarded on Dec. 14, 2018 for PHP3.4 billion. 

Article Courtesy of Raymond Carl Dela Cruz - Philippine News Agency 

Prime BMD was the first private sector partner to build quarantine facilities called “We Heal As One Centers”. The company led the conversion of several facilities in Manila into Mega Swabbing Centers to help the Philippine government in reading its testing capacity.

The role of women in the mining industry is a daily reality that needs more awareness, sensitivity and acceptance.

Last 30 April 2021, Philippine Nickel Industry Association presented their third episode of the Nickel Initiative Talks and Webinars Series with the title “Promoting Sustainable Development by Advancing the Role of Women in Mining”. 

Weir Minerals, global leader in the provision of mill circuit technology, dewatering solutions and services, has launched the new Multiflo® MudfloTM hydraulic submersible slurry pump. Engineered for abrasive applications and large particle handling, the Multiflo® MudfloTM pump features a hydraulically driven wet-end specifically designed to efficiently and safely reprocess and relocate tailings ponds, maintain water retention dams and manage slimes and sludge ponds.

The innovative solution combines the Warman® MGS pump-end, Multiflo® CB32 hydraulic cutters and ESCO® excavation teeth to provide efficient pumping of highly charged and abrasive slurries.

Weir Minerals' unique Ultrachrome® A05 chrome alloy impeller ensures high wear resistance and the specially engineered suction strainer minimises the risk of clogging by preventing large solids & debris  from entering the pump. Drawing on decades of Warman® pump design experience, the Multiflo® Mudflo™ pump is capable of pumping between 150 and 1,200m3/h, up to 82m head.

The Multiflo® CB32 hydraulic cutters feature market-leading ESCO® Ultralok® tooth system to prevent premature breakage, avoid tooth loss and protect the integral locking system to ensure the continuous operation of the pump.

Engineered by the Weir Minerals dewatering pump experts in Australia, it is available for global customers from July 2021.

“The Multiflo brand is synonymous with high quality and long-lasting equipment. In designing the Mudflo pump, our dewatering experts drew from the very best Multiflo, Warman and ESCO technology and used advanced hydraulics to create an innovative and cost-effective new solution for mine dredging applications,” Cameron Murphy, Director of Dewatering Weir Minerals APAC said.

Weir Minerals understands that success is built from enduring partnerships based on close collaboration and a mutual commitment to safety and technical excellence.

 “It is not uncommon for sites to use a combination of pumps, shovels, excavators and trucks for dredging applications. When one of our long-time partners in Indonesia contacted us about developing a custom solution for the slurry build-up in their sumps, we knew we could provide a better solution,” Geoff Way, Weir Minerals Dewatering Specialist said.

“We’re problem solvers. We considered our customer’s pain points and engineered a new solution to efficiently and safely manage their site processes,” he said.

The Multiflo® MudfloTM pump can also be retrofitted to competitor OEM equipment; the quick-hitch plate attachment ensures convenient installation and removal from hydraulic excavators.  

The Multiflo® Mudflo™ pump can be assembled on land, eliminating the safety risks associated with assembling pumps over water. Furthermore, the new hydraulic hose management system reduces the risk of hose entanglement and trip hazards, all the while providing a reliable hose bend radius to ensure smooth oil flow.

The Multiflo® MudfloTM pump will be available globally from July 2021. Discover more at https://info.global.weir/mudflo

The Philippine Mineral Reporting Code or the “Code” was created to set out minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for Public Reporting in the Philippines of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves.

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.

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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.