Caraga mining companies received accolades at the 62nd Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) with the theme of “62 Years of Responsible Mining: United in Creating Relevant Development for Inclusive Growth” on November 17-20, 2015 in Baguio City.

The Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference is a yearly event that highlights the minerals industry’s commitment to the promotion of sustainable development and proactive responsibility towards safety, environment and social development.  The event is organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in collaboration with the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.  In celebration of 62 years of mine safety, the event also accentuated best practices and remarkable innovations in the minerals industry.

PMSEA_2The unity of the diverse participants from mining companies, government agencies, private firms, academic institutions and the media clearly defines this year’s theme which aims to strengthen sustainable development advocacies in the Philippine mining industry.

Various activities such as Tree Planting, Press Conference, Sports Tournament, Mining Exhibit, COMREL Conference, and the 1st PMSEA Student Congress took place during the four-day event.

Mining stakeholders and luminaries took part in the Minerals Industry Symposium at the CAP-Camp John Hay Convention Center.  As the National President of the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, Engr. Felizardo Gacad expressed the organization’s hopes for the minerals industry and the Filipino nation during the symposium.  “We believe that the mining industry can bring this country to greater heights… to more than it can be,” Engr. Gacad said.

PMSEA_3The last day of the conference set off with the pulsating Minerals Industry Parade.  A multitude of staunch supporters participated in the parade to affirm the significant contributions of the minerals industry to national progress.  Stimulated by gung-ho spirits, lighthearted strides and committed advocacies, the participants from numerous large-scale mining companies, several universities and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office and Regional Offices walked all the way from SM Baguio Mall, along the city’s main thoroughfares to Melvin Jones Stadium where the Mine Safety Field Demonstration and Field Competition took place.  Fire-fighting, first aid, hand mucking and tug of peace were the events during the day after which an awarding ceremony was held.

The conference concluded with the Testimonial Dinner and Annual Awards Night wherein the best mining forest and the best achievements in the fields of mine safety and health, environmental protection and social development through the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award were accorded their well-deserved recognition and distinction. Caraga mining companies received awards that affirm the region’s significant accomplishments and commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development.

2015 PRESIDENTIAL MINERAL INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD (PMIEA)
Award                                    Category                                          Company
PMIEA                         Mineral Exploration                       Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI)
PMIEA                         Surface Mining Operation             SR Metals Inc. (SRMI)
Titanium                     Surface Mining Operation             Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI)
Titanium                     Surface Mining Operation             Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC)

2015 BEST MINING FOREST
Ranking                     Category                                          Company
Winner                         Metallic Category                           Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC)
2nd Runner-Up          Metallic Category                           Carrascal NickelCorporation (CNC)
1st Runner-Up            Mineral Exploration                      Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI)

2015 SAFEST MINES AWARDS
Ranking                     Category                                          Company
Winner                        Safest Exploration Category A      Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI)
Runner-Up                 Safest Surface Mining                     SR Metals Inc. (SRMI) Operation

As the minerals industry embarks on new undertakings, the collaborative efforts of MGB Regional Office No. 13, mining companies and various mining stakeholders will truly assist in the promotion of occupational safety and health, sound environmental management and social responsibility.