The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO) has maintained its certification for both the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) following a series of surveillance audits conducted by SGS Philippines, Inc. on November 9 and December 18, 2023.
During the opening meeting, SGS outlined the objectives and schedule for the surveillance audits. The said audits aimed to assess the QMS and EMS conformity of the MGB CO against the specific audit criteria: (1) ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements; (2) effectiveness in meeting specified objectives; and (3) identifying areas for potential improvement.
The ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certification encompasses various frontline services provided by MGB CO, including the processing and approval of Exploration Permit applications, Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs; and Final Mine Rehabilitation or Decommissioning Plans; Payment for Mine Waste and Mill Tailings Fee; Application to Hire Foreign Nationals’ Conduct of Mineral Resource Validation/Evaluation of Final Exploration Report; and Laboratory Testing Services for mineral industries.
Meanwhile, the ISO 14001:2015 EMS Recertification Audit covered not only the laboratories but also the offices, support facilities, and services, including contractors operating within the MGB CO Compound.
Following the audit results, the MGB CO has maintained its QMS and EMS Certification since 2015 and 2020.
By: Mine Safty, Environment and Social Development Division
Photo 1. EMS Audit Exit meeting
Photo 2. QMS Audit Exit meeting
Photo 3. ISO 900:2015 Certification Photo 4. ISO 1400:2015 Certification