PHILIPPINE Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) President Louie Sarmiento said the mining audit can be seen as a blessing in disguise for the industry.
“There are risks and hazards involved, but if you are doing it right, you do not have to be discouraged,” said Sarmiento during the opening of the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference themed “63 Years of Responsible Mining… Moving Forward by Doing it Right.”
Sarmiento added the regional impact of the mining industry is felt in communities and regions where the trade flourishes debunking national data showing a 7 percent impact of the industry nationwide.
“We should not look at this at the national scale but at the regional impact,” Sarmiento said.
Engineer Felizardo Gacad of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said the industry needs to repackage accomplishments for the public to understand mining best practices.
“It is a process we have to undertake to prove there is responsible mining,” underscored Gacad.
The annual gathering hosted by PMSEA will hold a Mineral Industry Symposium in coordination with Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) and the 2nd PMSEA Student’s Congress at the CAP John Hay Convention Center on Thursday, November 17 .
The Mineral Industry Symposium will be graced by PMSEA President Sarmiento and PSEM President Armando Malicse.
On Friday, November 18, the Minerals Industry Parade is slated participated by mining companies, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other mining stakeholders from the top of Session Road to the Melvin Jones grounds for the Mine Safety Field Demonstration and Filed Competition.
PMSEA guests include South African Ambassador to the Philippines Martin Slabber, South Africa Deputy Minister for Mineral Godfrey Oliphant and Philex Mining Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Eulalio Austin.
The week-long event will be highlighted by a Testimonial Dinner and Awards Night on November 18 at the CAP John Hay Convention Center. The winners of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award for best mining practices in the country, Best Mining Forest Contest, Safest Mines Awards and Best Mines Personalities will be awarded during the said event.