NEWS

BAGUIO CITY – The Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC), based in Valencia, Dinagat Islands province, took the most coveted Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) in the recently-concluded 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) here.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD. Engineer Arnilo C. Milaor (3rd from left), resident mine manager of Dinagat Islands-based Cagdianao Mining Corp., receives the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award from Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh during the awarding ceremony in Baguio City on Nov. 21, 2019. Looking on is Chamber of Mines of the Philippines president Gerard Brimo (far left) and Nickel Asia Corp. vice president for operations Aloysius Diaz. (Photo courtesy of NAC-CMC)

A subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), one of the country’s biggest nickel producers, CMC also bagged the two highest safety performance awards – the Safest Surface Mines and the Overall Safest Mine Operations among all operating mining companies in the country during the November 19-22 ANMSEC.

The awards are given to operating mines that have shown exemplary performance in the area of environmental enhancement and protection, safety, health, and social development and corporate social responsibility, organizers said.

CMC’s Archie Sierra also won the best surface safety inspector award during the conference, the largest annual gathering of the country’s minerals sector that also features safety competitions, mining equipment exhibits, and a symposium tackling prevailing industry issues.

Four of this year’s PMIEA’s six awardees were from Mindanao, while the others were from Luzon.

Conducted every year under Executive Order 399, series of 1997, PMIEA recognizes outstanding levels of dedication, initiative, and innovation in various aspects of operations in the country’s minerals sector.

Joining the PMIEA awardees from Mindanao were the Agusan del Sur-based Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corp. (mineral processing category), the Agusan del Norte-based Agata Mining Ventures (surface mining category), and the Holcim Mining and Development Corp. (quarry operation category).

Receiving the PMIEA award, CMC resident mine manager, engineer Arnilo Milaor said the recognition further strengthened their resolve to operate well beyond the regulatory standards.

“This Presidential award only solidifies our zeal, conviction, commitment, courage, and readiness to face future challenges and respond to the ever-evolving regulatory environment,” Milaor said.

“More than that, the honor that has been bestowed to us this evening will only strengthen our determination to improve the lives of our community stakeholders, protect and preserve the environment, and make Cagdianao Mining the healthiest and safest mine in the entire country,” he added.

He echoed the call of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu at the start of the awarding ceremony for the institutionalization of the “culture of care” in all aspects of mining operations.

“Through various programs being implemented by mining companies, which include the social development and management program, support and services have consistently been provided to ensure sustained improvement in the living standards of host and neighboring communities,” Cimatu said in a speech delivered by Environment Undersecretary Analiza Teh.

Meanwhile, other NAC affiliates also harvested awards. The Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) based in Tagana-an town, Surigao del Norte, took home the Platinum Award in the surface mining category and as first runner up in the Best Forest Award.

Two of HMC’s miners, James Wilkins Asio and Angelo Cañada, were conferred the Best Mine Supervisor Award and Best Miner Award, respectively.

NAC subsidiary Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. (RTNMC) captured the championship crown Mine Safety Field Demonstration and Field Competition on First Aid held during the last day of the conference.

It was the second time in a row for the Bataraza, Palawan-based RTNMC to win the title, demonstrating the unrivaled competence of its emergency response team.

The annual mine safety and environment conference is organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, and the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM).

Source: Philippine News Agency