Mining firms shortlisted for presidential awards

By Jonathan L. Mayuga - November 22, 2017

https://businessmirror.com.ph/mining-firms-shortlisted-for-presidential-awards/

AMID a debate within the bureaucracy on open-pit mining, the Philippine government said it plans to honor mining companies with the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (Pmiea).

A total of 22 mining firms have qualified for the Pmiea, the mineral sector’s most prestigious award.

Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (Pmsea) President Louie R. Sarmiento said the Pmiea Selection Committee (Pmiea SC) already came up with a set of names, including large-scale mining firms.

Organizers of the event said the annual award “gives recognition to responsible mining companies for their efforts to achieve environmentally responsible and socially responsible surface mining and mineral-processing operations.

The Pmiea SC, together with the Pmiea secretariat, headed by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), have already concluded the field validation on the accomplishments of nominees a few weeks ago and have subsequently shortlisted them, according to Sarmiento.

“For this year, out of the 32 mining firms who submitted their entries, there are 22 who qualified, as compared to last year when there were only 24 who submitted their entries and only 20 who were validated and qualified,” he added.

The nominees include Filminera Resources Corp., OceanaGold Philippines Inc., Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., Coral Bay Nickel Corp., Eagle Cement Corp., Holcim Mining and Development Corp., Apo Land and Quarry Operation, Holcim Mining and Development Corp.-Davao and Agata Mining Ventures Inc.

Sarmiento said the list of winners for this year’s Pmiea has already been endorsed to President Duterte.

Seven years ago, Pmsea honored then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the “Ang Minera Award” “for her unwavering support and commitment to develop the country’s natural resources and protect the environment.”

It was in September when the Pmiea SC conducted its first meeting to deliberate the initial ratings of the mining companies nominated by the different MGB regional offices under the four categories: surface-mining operation, quarry operation, mineral exploration and mineral processing. The final field validation took place in October.

The Pmiea was established under Executive Order 399 on February 3, 1997, in compliance with the policy that mineral-exploration activities and mining operations shall not only be pro-environment but also pro-people.

Meanwhile, the Mining Forest Program, established by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 22, Series of 1989 through the National Executive Committee, will also select the Best Mining Forest based on a set of criteria and rating system.

Winners of the Safest Mines Awards and Best Mines Personalities will likewise be awarded during the event.

Pmiea will be part of the 64th Annual National Mine Safety and Safety Conference (Anmsec). The conference will be hosted by Pmsea—an organization that promotes occupational safety and health, sound environmental management and social responsibility in the minerals industry.

To be held from November 21 to 24 in Baguio, Anmsec will be attended by both DENR officials and industry delegates.

“The 64th annual national mine safety and environment conference again brings together advocates of responsible mining within and outside the mining communities where we operate,” Sarmiento said. “This includes not only the mining companies but also our regulators, suppliers, academe services contractors and local government units and communities.”