The Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) and the Western Philippines University (WPU), in the launching of a dedicated corner for mining information at the institution’s museum March 6, assures that mineral development promotion and mining technology research will be materialized through their partnership.
Since its inception in 2015, the partnership is now working on a plan to research on mining technology and promote mineral development according to RTNMC’s community relations manager Reynaldo dela Rosa.
RTNMC’s dela Rosa also noted through an article by Palawan News that their partnership with WPU is not solely focused on awareness campaign but also to have a research.
Meanwhile, according to dela Rosa, said mining information corner at the WPU museum is intended for research and public education.
The information corner displays informative reading materials about mining a “garnierite” which is a type of green nickel ore found in pockets and veins within rocks that have undergone weathering and serpentinization.
It also has a schematic cross section of RTNMC mineral deposit which has rock samples which are sources of nickel ore, cobalt, and iron.
These included educational materials about the mineral resource of Palawan were provided by the mining company to be installed in WPU’s museum.
Dr. Allaine T. Baaco, research director of WPU, also revealed that the mining firm they are in partnership with have donated to their university’s museum in hopes of showcasing the history of the mineral rich province of Palawan and educating people especially students on how important their province is in the mining industry.
Seminars on responsible mining were also held where topics ranging from Palawan’s geology and its mineral deposits, mine enhancement, pollution control, reforestation and rehabilitation programs, and the history of RTNMC were given during the said launch of “Rio Tuba Corner” in WPU’s museum.