Mining and environment officials from the Republic of Fiji, an island country in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean, commended the Philippines’ best mining practices during their visit to the country from September 11 - 19, 2017, as part of their alumni regional study tours.
The tour, sponsored by the Australian Aid through the Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance from Australia, aimed to provide the delegates with experiential learning on mined land rehabilitation. Specifically, the visit sought to: 1) enhance capacity for individuals in carrying out assessments and monitoring of rehabilitation programs; 2) strengthen policy-making, and develop and apply related tools for implementation; 3) improve and develop related standards in line with international ones; and 4) create confidence in the Fijian system processes.
On September 13, 2017, the Fiji delegates had a meeting with Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, Acting Director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB); Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr., Chief, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division; Engr. Roland A. De Jesus, Regional Director, MGB MIMAROPA Region; and Ms. Faye W. Apil, Regional Director, MGB Cordillera Administrative Region, and exchanged learning experiences in terms of best mining practices in the Philippines.
During the meeting, Engr. Velasco presented the Mine Safety, Environmental Management and Social Development Programs being implemented by mining companies in the Philippines pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and its implementing rules and regulations.
The Fiji delegates also visited the mine sites of Philex Mining Corporation in Tuba, Benguet on September 14, 2017; and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation in Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan on September 15-16, 2017. They were introduced to the best practices of said companies in terms of mining and mineral processing.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
MGB Acting Director Wilfredo G. Moncano receiving a token of appreciation from Dr. Muza Gondwe, Alumni Coordinator, Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance from Australia
MGB Acting Director Wilfredo G. Moncano receiving a token of appreciation from Mr. Marika Ritova, Manager Mining Division, Mineral Resources Department, Republic of Fiji
Fiji delegates with Dr. Muza Gondwe, Alumni Coordinator, Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance from Australia, Mr. Ernani Villasencio, Mining Engineering Department Chair, University of Southeastern Pghilippines, MGB Acting Director Wilfredo G. Moncano with Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., Chief, Mines Safety, Environment and Social Development Division; Engr. Roland A. De Jesus, Regional Director, MGB MIMAROPA Region; and Ms. Faye W. Apil, Regional Director, MGB Cordillera Administrative Region.