The Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) #MineResponsibility campaign continues with an online forum via Zoom platform entitled “Know Mine, Know Life: Elevating the Mission of Responsible Mining Confirmation” last February 10-11, 2022. The event was organized by the Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division together with CJ and Partners Business Solutions.

The two-day Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum brought together almost 1000 partners and stakeholders from the mining industry, national and local government bodies, academe, media, civil society from NCR, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa to discuss the most recent policies and developments in mining and had the chance to meet and hear from the nine awardees of the 2021 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awardees (PMIEA).

For the first day of the event, the morning forum started with an opening remark from MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano and a welcome message from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Attached Agencies, Mining and Muslim Affairs Jim O. Sampulna.

The first session was led by Engr. Ellengrace R. Galiste, Chief of the Mine Management Division and Focal Person of the Gender and Development, MGB MIMAROPA Region, who gave a refresher on the mandate of MGB and an overview of its primary accomplishments.

The second session was then led by Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, Chief of the Mines Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, MGB Central Office (CO), who discussed DENR Administrative Order 2021-40 and relevant policy matters on lifting the ban on open pit mining.

For the third part of the forum, participants listened to four of the 2021 PMIEA Winners, who respectively shared their best practices in elevating the nationwide mission of responsible mining.

Engr. Marichu Batingal-Robles, Agata Mining Ventures Inc., delivered a lecture on "Inspiring Change: Agata's journey to transformative mining", followed by Mr. Jay Pee R. Dela Cruz, Environmental Head, Berong Nickel Corporation, who presented "Ridge to Reef: BNC's Holistic Approach on Environmental Programs".

These were followed by discussions led by Mr. Jose Bayani Baylon, Vice President for Corporate Communications, Nickel Asia Corporation, who presented best practices in responsible mining at Taganito Mining Corporation and Hinatuan Mining Corporation, while Mr. Alex Arabis, Community Relations Manager, Platinum Group Metals Corporation, delivered a presentation on "Protecting the Environment and Creating a Sustainable Community".

On the second day, the forum began with a discussion of recent policy issuances led by Engr. Edgardo D. Castillo, Chief, Mine Management Division, MGB Calabarzon on "Harmonizing the Mining Operations of an Operator Under a Mining Tenement (DAO 2021-37)". This was followed by a presentation of Memorandum Order No. 2022-001 on the "Guidelines Determining the Taxable Percentage of Gold and Iron Content as Associated Minerals in Dredged Materials" by Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, OIC Assistant Director and concurrent Chief of the Metallurgical Technology Division, MGB-CO.

In the second portion of the morning forum, participants listened to the recipients of the prestigious 2021 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA).

The first presentation of best practices was from the Mindanao Mineral Processing & Refining Corp. led by the company's IEC Officer, Mr. Clyde Zane Macascas. This was followed by a discussion on "Building a Stronger Republic through Responsible Mining" from Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc. represented by their Bulacan Plant Manager, Engr. Rogelio "Boy" Leonardo.

Participants then welcomed Engr. Benjamin Tansingco, Vice President for Environmental Management of the Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CNBC), for his presentation on "The Bedrock of CBNC’s Operations: Community Engagement". Engr. Tansingco then proceeded with another presentation entitles "Responsible Mineral Processing Operations in the New Normal", this time representing Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation.

Before the end of both forums, the sessions were followed with a lively open forum that highlighted the discussions made related to the recent policy issuances, as well as best practices in responsible mining, and environmental and social sustainability, respectively. Throughout the engaging morning, participants also joined an online poll and viewed creative and educational videos from MGB.

To conclude the event, Nonita S. Caguioa, Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns, DENR shared inspiring Closing Remarks with the audience.

By: Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division

The presenters and panelists for the first and second day of the forum.