In line with the Memorandum of Understanding by and between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry through the Japan Oils, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), an online training for mine pollution control was conducted on March 22, 2022, via CISCO Webex platform.
Mr. Koji Hirai, Section Manager, JOGMEC and Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, OIC Assistant Director, MGB, delivered the opening messages to all participants. The said online training is part of the capability training and technical support to be provided by JOGMEC to the Philippines on mine pollution control and environmental policies.
Accordingly, the online training entitled, The Importance of Mine Pollution Control for Sustainable Development covered the following topics: (1) Mining and Mining Pollution in Japan, and Continuing Control Activities; (2) Remediation of Abandoned Mines; and (3) Ecological Impact Assessment of Mine Drainage.
Mr. Furukawa So of JOGMEC presented the Mining and Mining Pollution in Japan, and Continuing Control Activities, which highlighted the measures against pollution sources, mine drainage treatment, and the subsidy system on the cost of carrying out mining pollution prevention work in closed and abandoned mines in Japan.
Another presenter, Dr. Tomiyama Shingo from the Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, discussed the topic on Remediation of Abandoned Mines. Dr. Shingo presented his research on the origin of groundwater draining from the mine shafts and the mechanisms of water quality formation, as well as the prediction and verification of the effects related to construction works related to environmental conservation.
Lastly, Dr. Iwasaki Yuichi of the Risk Assessment Strategy Group, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) presented the topic on Ecological Risk Assessment of Metals. Dr. Yuichi explained the screening level/process of the Ecological Risk Assessment (exposure assessment, effect assessment, and risk characterization) relative to the metal concentrations in mining areas.
A total of 243 technical personnel from MGB Central and Regional Offices participated in the said online training.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Photo 1. Mr. Furukawa So while presenting the topic on Mining and Mining Pollution in Japan, and Continuing Control Activities.
Photo 2. Dr. Tomiyama Shingo while presenting the Remediation of Abandoned Mines.