UP, Aussie firm partner to hone future mining leaders

MANILA, Philippines — Australian mining and infrastructure solutions provider Orica has partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) for a pioneering scholarship program to hone future mining leaders.

Orica signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Mining, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering Department of UP-Diliman College of Engineering.

Under the program, select underprivileged mining students are granted scholarships to complete their education.

Orica said this effort is one of many initiatives it has taken to help a new generation of mining engineering graduates develop an in-depth knowledge of how to sustainably mobilize earth’s resources and attain a positive and prosperous future through the efforts of Orica’s diverse global team of thought leaders.

“At Orica, we recognize the power of people when it comes to leading change. As we continue to develop our digital and automated technologies, our partnership with the University of the Philippines is a testament to our commitment to pioneering innovation,” Orica Philippines country director Gordon Wallace said.

“Through our network and the opportunities, we aim to support the next generation to grow, spark, and shape a more sustainable future for our industry and the world,” he said.

Orica is one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers, covering the production and supply of explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals and geotechnical monitoring through its   cutting-edge digital solutions and comprehensive range of services.

Philex Mining Corp. chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan has stressed the need to elevate education in the mining sector.

“The private sector should help the government raise its supervisory capabilities through funding of scholarships and training here and abroad, procurement of equipment, and hiring of requisite personnel,” he said.

The Marcos administration said the mining sector has a high growth potential that could help the economy recover amid the pandemic.

In recent years, the mining sector has only been contributing less than one percent to gross domestic product.