The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) successfully passed the first surveillance audit by the SGS Philippines, Inc. (SGS) for an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 Certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). SGS, the certifying body, recommended the continuing validity of the Certification after its four auditors completed the said surveillance audit on November 28, 2016.

The main purpose of the surveillance audit is to verify the MGB’s compliance with the management system. The objectives of the audit are: (1) to determine conformity of the management system with audit criteria and its ability to ensure applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements are met; and (2) to determine its effectiveness to ensure the client can reasonably expect to achieve specified objectives. Another objective of the audit is to identify applicable areas for potential improvement.

The surveillance audit covered the provision of services provided by the MGB, particularly the processing and approval of Exploration Permit application including renewal; the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program and Final Mine Rehabilitation and / or Decommissioning Plan; and Laboratory Testing Services for mineral industry.

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division