Alcoy-based mining firm awarded for pro-environment initiatives

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Alcoy Mine/Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy, Cebu was announced Titanium Winner under the Quarry Operation Category of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award and 2nd Runner-Up for Non-Mettalic Category of Best Mining Forest during the 56th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference last November 14 in Baguio City.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 Regional Director Roger de Dios said the award recognizes the company’s ability to comply with the policy that mining operation shall be pro-environment and pro-people in sustaining wealth creation and improving the quality of life.

Specifically, the award recognizes the company’s efforts to protect the environment, enhance the mining areas, develop the host and neighboring communities, improvement land use, and rehabilitate the mining site.

“The establishment of a functional and socially acceptable post-disturbance land use capability is one of the considerations of the award with dedication, commitment and initiatives for environmental protection”, de Dios added.

PMIEA was officially established under Executive Order No. 399 on 3 February 1997 and re-established by virtue of Executive Order No. 374 on 10 October 2004.

To qualify for the award, a company must have an Environmental Compliance Certificate, has no unresolved Notice of Violation or Suspension Order, and has not been by a Cease and Desist Order by DENR.

Deserving awardees must also have an approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program and has submitted a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan and an Annual EPEP.

A mining company must also have lodged the Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund, has an approved Social Development and Management Program, approved Annual Safety and Health Programs and has no fatal industrial or work-related accident for the coverage period.

For Quarry Operation Category, the PMIEA revised the general criteria, which now allocates 50 percent for Environmental Management, 20 percent for Safety and Health, 20 percent for Social Development and Management, and 10 percent for Information, Education and Communication.

In 2008, PMSC-DMC spent nearly P1 million for its community development projects and P3.6 million for its environmental protection efforts.

A total of 27.1527 hectares have been planted by the company with various tree species. PMSC-DMC is also a recipient of Zero Lost Time Accident Award in 2008 and 2009.

The 2009 Zero Lost Time Accident awardees also included Apo Land and Quarry Corporation and JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc. in Naga, Cebu and Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando, Cebu.

Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. and Apo Cement Corporation were the awardees in the 2009 Safest Mines Award under Mineral Processing-Cement Category. The award is given to mining companies to recognize their achievement in preventing occupational and environmental hazards in mining and its related operations.

“The various recognitions or awards received by some operating mines and quarries in Central Visayas clearly demonstrated that today’s mining is responsible and safe, not just for miners, but for the surrounding communities and for the environment as well,” De Dios said. - Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)