Responsible mining: protect the environment, use renewable energy, look after public welfare
The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) was privileged to participate in the recent conference organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Stratbase ADR Institute, on the theme “Revitalizing the Philippine Mining Industry: A Pillar for Inclusive and Resilient Economic Growth and Development.”
We were a panelist in the discussion, “Ensuring Sustainable Mining Practices: Leveraging EESG for Socioeconomic, Environmental, and Disaster Risk Reduction Programs,” where I shared how PMSEA works to support the initiatives of the DENR.
Recent events, though tragic and unfortunate, provided opportunities for us to demonstrate how we can effectively work with the government during calamities. PMSEA’s pillar program, Pusong Minero, is dedicated to addressing disasters. It was both heartening and fulfilling to witness how this program mobilized automatically in February after a landslide occurred in Maco, Davao De Oro, with our volunteer organizations immediately sending help to victims of the tragedy in coordination with the provincial government.
Recently, the emergency response teams of OceanaGold’s Didipio Mine stepped up in aid of the victims of methane poisoning in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, and earned praise in the process.
The greater challenge before us is how to make mining companies incorporate economic, environmental, social, and governance (EESG) into all aspects of our operations. Yes, we have all the tools necessary to be able to accomplish this and make sustainability a reality, and we have been utilizing these tools to support the DENR and its mandate to protect and conserve the environment and our natural resources.
Responsible mining goes with protecting the environment through the annual environmental protection and enhancement program of mining companies. A number of mining companies are also taking it a step further by working on reducing their carbon footprint through the use of renewable energy. Taking care of the environment goes hand-in-hand with looking after the welfare of the people, too.
Mining companies help foster equity by providing livelihood opportunities. Through their respective annual social development and management initiatives, mining companies have collectively supported tens of thousands of scholars, many of whom are now professionals and have been contributing to the growth of our society. We have the DENR to thank for properly implementing the multipartite monitoring approach which ensures our compliance with mining laws and regulations.
Overall, we believe that the EESG programs can support sustainability if we continue to practice responsible mining. We are committed to doing just that because only through our actions can the EESG become a relevant contributor to national growth and development.
Luis R. Sarmiento,
president,
PMSEA
