The Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division (MEIPD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office, recently held a Stakeholders Forum aimed to heighten the awareness of mining stakeholders on responsible mining practices and recent policies on mining.
The two-day forum's theme was: "Understanding Policies that Govern Mining Operations and Best Practices in Mining that Promote Responsible and Sustainable Mining."
Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng gave the welcoming remarks. He also discussed the Rules on Pleading, Practice and Procedure in the Adjudication of Mining Cases. He was joined by the MGB's Division Chiefs Engr. Esteban C. Martin, Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr. and Engr. Edgardo D. Castillo, who served as resource speakers.
The core topics they discussed were Memorandum Circular 16-05 "Guidelines on Offshore Mining;" Updates on 2015 - 07, Mandating Mining Contractors to Secure ISO 140001 Certification; and Requirements in the Application for Permits in Mining Operations.
Representatives from the mining companies, non-government organizations, the academe and mining advocates raised various questions, which included offshore mining concerns, among others.
Engr. Romualdo D. Aguilos, from the MGB Office of the Director, discussed the "Updates on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives." Ms. Glenda B. Quinto from the MGB Central Office Legal Services Division served as the alternate speaker for Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng.
Guest speakers, Mr. Jose D. Baylon, Vice-President for Corporate Communications of Nickel Asia Corporation and a columnist at the Malaya Newspaper; and Mr. Gerard H. Brimo, President and CEO of Nickel Asia Corporation, the company that owns Rio Tuba Mining, showcased the best practices in surface mining operation. Rio Tuba Mining Corporation was one of the recipients of the 2015 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (PMIEA).
In their closing remarks, MGB IVB Regional Director Roland de Jesus and Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Galvez, both thanked the guests and participants for their presence and stressed the importance of the new policies in support to the promotion of responsible mining.
The forums were held on June 30 and July 1, 2016 at the Icon Hotel in Timog, Quezon City.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
Speakers from left to right: Engr. Romualdo D. Aguilos, Engr. Esteban C. Martin, Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng, Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr. and Engr. Edgardo D. Castillo.
Mr. Gerard H. Brimo of Nickel Asia Corporation and Ms. Glenda B. Quinto of the MGB Central Office Legal Service Division, during the Question and Answer part of the forum.
Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng during the discussion.