Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, reaffirmed Canada’s dedication to driving economic growth and supporting local communities through responsible and sustainable mining initiatives in the Philippines.
This commitment was emphasized during his visit to the mining and milling operations of Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp at the Masbate Gold Project site in Aroroy, Masbate.
Accompanied by Guy Boileau, the Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada, along with top environmental and trade officials, they toured the extensive environmental and social programs implemented by the two mining firms.
Particularly highlighted was an experimental farm encompassing hundreds of hectares around the mine site, showcasing innovative techniques such as utilizing waste rocks to create a simulated mountain landscape.
Since its establishment in November 2015, the experimental farm has seen the planting of over 28,000 forest and crop trees, 23,000 intercropping trees, 17,000 cover crops, and 400 bamboo plants. Equipped with proper infrastructure support and drainage, high-value crops like dragon fruit, coffee, and pineapple have been cultivated, aiming to identify sustainable livelihood options for the future.
In a report by the Manila Bulletin, Ambassador Hartman stressed Canada’s steadfast commitment to developing such partnerships for economic growth and community empowerment. He underscored the importance of sustainable partnerships in extractive industries, emphasizing responsible resource stewardship for the benefit of present and future generations.
Furthermore, he also praised the Masbate Gold Project as a prime example of such collaboration.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Carlos Primo David commended the reforestation efforts and the innovative experimental farm, stressing the vital role of the two firms in environmental preservation and conservation in Masbate Province.
Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp are the key operators at the Masbate Gold Project site. Filminera, in which Canada-based B2Gold holds a minority interest, possesses mining permits, surface rights, and an environmental compliance certificate for the Aroroy mine site. Concurrently, Phil Gold, wholly owned by B2Gold, manages the gold processing plant.
The visit also included an inspection of the Automated Mist Clonal Nursery, a project supporting reforestation efforts in Aroroy municipality and community livelihoods.
Spanning 2,586 square meters, the nursery plays a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of mining by providing seedlings for reforestation and afforestation efforts, preserving biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and safeguarding watershed areas vital for local ecosystems.
