Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division Chief of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, urged mining companies to engage in science-based training in mine rehabilitation and restoration during the training sponsored by Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) in partnership with the University of the Philippines -Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR).

Velasco served as one of the panelists during the presentation of the participants’ restoration and rehabilitation plans, upon the invitation of UPLB-CFNR.  He commended NAC and UPLB-CFNR for conducting such training that focused on policies, science-based monitoring and evaluation techniques, carbon stock assessment, and innovations in the field of mine rehabilitation and restoration.

The training, entitled “Training Course Towards the Development of NAC’s Environmental Legacy for the Future,” was sponsored by NAC for its 66 environmental managers and restoration practitioners among its subsidiaries, to enhance their knowledge and skills on science-based techniques for restoring mined-out areas, as well as develop site-specific restoration plans and guidelines or standards for their respective mining sites.

UPLB-CFNR, which developed the training module, considered the training a milestone for the mining companies that highlight the value of mine rehabilitation that is beyond mere compliance.

The training was held at the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, UPLB-CFNR, College, Laguna from September 3-9, 2017.

For more information on the module, please contact Dr. Enrique L. Tolentino, Jr. of UPLB-CFNR’s Institute of Renewable Natural Resources at (+049) 536-2557 via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division 

 The training participants together with NAC officials, Training staff from UPLB-CFNR, and MGB representatives

 Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., while giving his comments during the presentation of rehabilitation and restoration plans of participants (second from left)

 Participants from Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation while presenting the company's rehabilitation and restoration plans