Didipio Mine gets new ISO certificate
BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
Photo by OceanaGold Philippines
The new ISO certification was awarded through QSCert, an accredited certification body of the organization.
“This is a commitment of the company to continuously improve its processes when it comes to protecting the environment to leave a sustainable ecosystem for future generations,” Way said.
Prior to getting the EnMS certification, Way said OGPI had executed programs on energy efficiency that contributed to addressing climate change.
He said one of the programs was in 2015 when Didipio Mine connected to the national grid through its overhead power lines, which significantly led to reduction of carbon emissions and diesel consumption by as much as 89 percent.
“Being compliant with our newly-acquired ISO 50001, OceanaGold aims to reduce 3 percent of its energy consumption by the end of 2019,” Way said, adding the company had a carbon sink program in place that also reduced carbon emissions by establishing tree plantations in and around the mine site.
“Through our mining forest program, we have planted more than 1.6 million trees in support of the national greening program of the government,” he said.
According to Way, the new award came as a significant step toward realizing OGPI’s vision of improving its processes and further ensure quality environment management system.
“This new achievement is a demonstration of our commitment not only to support the management and efficient use of energy in the company for our business and processes but also support government efforts to reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emission,” he said.
Way added the EnMS certification also conforms to Republic Act 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law” that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The act aims to promote energy efficiency, and the development and use of renewable energy.
He also explained that on top of the company’s Integrated Management System, the EnMS certification was an effective management tool that promoted improved environmental and safety performance through proactive environmental compliance, prevention of pollution, as well as creation of excellent safety culture through its OHSAS 18001 certification.
Source: The Manila Times