The government looks to wipe out the public’s negative perceptions about mining; an industry valued in the billions of pesos.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Chief for Mines Safety, Environment, and Social Development Rodolfo Velasco said that his agency is making sure to implement its mandate of being in direct charge in the disposition of the country’s mineral lands and resources.
MGB was also making sure that miners comply to the safety and health, environmental and social development aspects of their mining operations, Chief Rodolfo Velasco said.
Velasco also added that MGB will soon launch a “Standard Monitoring System” nationwide for all regional offices to encourage all miners to become responsible miners.
A couple of months ago, MGB conducted its first-ever stakeholders’ forum to promote responsible mining. Some of the country’s biggest mining companies attended the event.
The forum highlighted the past and current projects of mining companies when it comes to social development and best practices.MGB also discussed their ongoing activities in the implementation of responsible mining.
Discussion of proposed new policies in the mining sector also took place.
Mining industry should be people-oriented and should directly benefit the communities by providing jobs and livelihood, said Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza R. Teh, during the meeting.
“As mentioned, responsible mining should not just be for profit and financial gains of individual investors, but for the benefit of the people and the country,” Teh said.
Philippine mining industry should be at-par with international standards, added Teh.
DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns Nonita Caguioa said the forum was a “great contribution” to the industry. It would be also a good start in the formulation of new policies toward a sustainable mineral development.
Right now, the country has untapped mineral resources that have a combined value of over US$1 trillion.
Executive Director of Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) Ronald Recidoro said that the industry is working towards the adoption of Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, a mining standard developed by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).
COMP was already reviewing the default protocols set by MAC so it could be customized to fit local priorities, Recidoro said.
SOURCE 1
