Mining sector dared: Restore role as ‘export powerhouse’

President Arroyo has dared leaders of the mining industry to bring back its role of being the country’s "export powerhouse" and help government reduce poverty through the creation of jobs.

The President issued the challenge in her message delivered by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez during the 49th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Prevention Conference in Baguio City last Saturday.

She, however, also underscored the need to combine industrial efficiency with the sensitivity to the environment in the production of minerals.

The President recalled that the mining industry used to account for at least 20 percent of Philippine exports in the 1980s. But this, she said, has slid down to 1.24 percent in 2000.

She said leaders of the mining industry must now review and re-explore opportunities for a resurgence in mineral exports, especially when economic development is a top government priority.

"Your role, along with those of other industrial leaders, in helping develop a modern, socially responsive, participatory and environmentally sensitive productive culture for our people is an indispensable facet in the sustainable progress of our economy," the President said.

The conference is a yearly event organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environmental Association, a non-stock, non-profit and sectoral organization of exploration, mining and quarry companies, cement plants, service contractors, and suppliers of mining equipment and machineries.

During the event, Alvarez, on behalf of the President, also led the awarding of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards to mining companies which have accomplished successes in mine safety and health.

This year’s awardees for mineral exploration, surface operations and quarry operations were Silangan Mineral Exploration Corp., Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. and Union Cement Corp., respectively.

The Platinum citations were handed out to Philex Gold Phils. Inc.-Bulawan gold operations for underground mining operations; Cagdianao Mining Corp. for surface mining operations; and the Union cement plant in Bulacan for quarry operations. Republic Cement Corp. bagged the Titanium citation for quarry operations.