In line with the preparation of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) by and between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry of Japan, a workshop with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) on mine pollution control was conducted. The objective of the said workshop is to provide sharing of information regarding the measures to be implemented in protecting the environment as well as rehabilitation of areas affected by mining operations.

During the workshop, the function of JOGMEC in connection with the abandoned mine pollution prevention was presented by Mr. Ryosuke Aoki, Senior Staff, Metals Environment Management Department (MEMD), JOGMEC. Accordingly, JOGMEC offers the following services: (1) technical support for investigation, basic planning, design of engineering works particularly on the administration of acid mine drainage treatment facility; (2) research and development focusing on technologies for efficiency and cost reduction of mine control pollution; (3) financial assistance for the management of mine pollution prevention funds and provision of finance and loans for private companies; and (4) international cooperation through holding of technical seminar by Japanese experts of mining pollution prevention.

Another topic presented during the workshop is JOGMEC’s new technology research on mine pollution control measures. The said topic was discussed by Mr. Kazuya Sunada, Senior Staff, MEMD, JOGMEC. Mr. Sunada highlighted JOGMEC’s passive treatment process that promotes naturally occurring geochemical, microbiological and ecological processes which was driven by natural energies in order to address the acid mine drainage problems. Among the new researches of JOGMEC are the following: (1) Case Study on the Introduction of Passive Treatment for Limestone Channel and Wetldand; (2) Cadmium Adsorption by Plants; and (3) Research on plants suitable for reforestation of tailings dam.

The action plan for the mine pollution control which was implemented in Japan was discussed by Mr. Koji Hirai, Director, MEMD, JOGMEC. Accordingly, the mine pollution control process include (1) identification of sources of mine pollution; (2) identification  of responsible companies; (3) securing budget; (4) implementation of mine pollution prevention work; and (5) monitoring.

Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., Chief, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESD), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), presented the current situation of abandoned/inactive mines in the Philippines and the road map of MGB in addressing abandoned/inactive mines.The rehabilitation of abandoned mines in the country were priority programs of past and present administrations though their respective development plans.

Another presenter during the workshop is For. Angelito B. Exconde, Chief, Finance and Administrative Division, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of  DENR. For. Exconde presented the methodology and expected outputs regarding the project, “Rehabilitation Strategies for the Control and Management of Mercury Contamination in Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan”. The said project between MGB and ERDB will be implemented through the Mine Rehabilitation Program of the MGB.

An information exchange meeting was held before the workshop to gather facts about the abandoned mines in the country and determine the existing countermeasures to address such problems. Also discussed in the meeting are details for the approval of the said MOC in the first quarter of 2019 as well as the technical training of MGB personnel on mine pollution control in September 2019 in Japan.

The following participated in the workshop: (DENR) - Engr. Nonita S. Caguioa, Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns; Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Acting Director; Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng, MGB Acting Assistant Director; Engr. Roland A. De Jesus, Regional Director, MGB MIMAROPA; Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, Regional Director, MGB Regional Office No. XIII; Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., Chief, MGB MSESDD; Ms. Socorro C. Oquendo, Chief, MGB Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division; MSESDD Section Chiefs and technical personnel from MGB Central Office and MIMAROPA Region as well as DENR; (JOGMEC) - Mr. Hiroshi Minami, General Manager, JOGMEC Jakarta Office; Mr. Koji Hirai, Director, MEMD, JOGMEC, Mr. Ryosuke Aoki, Senior Staff, MEMD, JOGMEC; and Mr. Kazuya Sunada, MEMD, Senior Staff, JOGMEC.

The said workshop and information exchange meeting were held on January 18, 2019 at Seda Vertis North and MGB Central Office, respectively.

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division


Participants of the workshop from JOGMEC, MGB and DENR