Friday, September 12, 2008 Stakeholders hold mining forum
A CONSULTATIVE dialogue among all stakeholders in the mining industry is slated on September 18-19 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.
The event aims to identify gaps in the implementation of the National Mineral Action Plan; identify regionally acceptable criteria to responsible mining; promote various opportunities in the mining industry; and to forge agreements among stakeholders to address the various gaps and emerging issues in the industry.
With the theme: "Sustainable Regional Development through a responsible mining industry," this two-day event will also enable stakeholders in Mindanao to identify strategies that will increase investments in the region's mining industry.
Earlier, Nicasio Angelo˙Agustin, regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda)--who is also the vice chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Southern Mindanao, told Sun.Star that RDC will define directives to monitor the operations of mining firms based on the recommendations of the stakeholders.
"These directives will ensure that the mining firms take good care of the environment and address the concerns of communities, especially the indigenous peoples, who may be adversely affected by their mining operations," Agustin said.
Meanwhile, expected output of the event include business matching, responsible mining defined, consolidated mining opportunities in the mining industry, lists of issues and gaps in the implementation of the Mineral Action Plan, and the recommendations and action agenda to address the issues and gaps. (JGRS)
