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Regulating the Geology Profession
written by: FERNANDO PENARROYO
By Fernando Penarroyo
IFernando “Ronnie” S. Penarroyo specializes in Energy and Resources Law, Project Finance and Business Development. He is also currently the Chair of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology; the government agency mandated under law to regulate and develop the geology profession. He may be contacted at fspenarroyo@penpalaw.com for any matters or inquiries in relation to the Philippine resources industry and suggested topics for commentaries. Atty. Penarroyo’s commentaries are also archived at his professional blogsite at www.penarroyo.com
Philippine Resources is published independently for executives in Philippine mining, construction, resources, and associated business sectors.
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industry would have to perform well. Dur ing the Philippine Economic Briefing in New York where President Marcos delivered a keynote message to American investors, Diokno emphasized the administration’s commitment to help maximize the mining sector’s potential in attracting more foreign investments.
Playing Catch Up
applied for the position of Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology (the “Board”) in 2019. My ordeal started with the submission of my personal data sheets filed under oath, curriculum vitae outlining my academic and career history, and clearances from various government agencies to affirm the fact that I have had no past or existing criminal and administrative cases. I went through an interview process before two Members of the Professional Regulations Commission together with other aspirants for the position.
The mining industry considered the Duterte administration as another wasted era for realizing the full economic potential of the sector. The Marcos government inherited a mining industry reeling from the anti-mining stance of the previous administration with the appointment of the late Regina Paz Lopez, a staunch anti-mining advocate, to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The appointment was bitterly opposed by the industry resulting in Lopez’s rejection by the powerful bicameral Commission on Appointments.
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During her term, Lopez ordered the closure of mining operations and initiated a national mine audit conducted on behalf of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council. Mining stakeholders described the three years of closure of these companies as “arbitrary” and claim that at that time, the industry practically “gasped for breath.”
With COVID-19 bringing down the economy on its knees and a worsening economic fallout becoming inevitable, Duterte issued Executive Order No. 130 in April 2021, lifting the nine-year moratorium on the granting of new mining permits. Finally in December 2021, the Duterte administration succumbing to economic pressure, lifted the ban on open-pit mining.
Fortunately, the Palace has a testing facility. So after the swab sample taken from the far back of my nasal cavity turned out negative, I was finally allowed ingress. I was seated with other people wearing their finest Filipinianas when suddenly, out of the chamber came out two high-ranking government officials. Lo and behold, we were informed that our appointments for the government posts we applied for have been signed by then President Duterte. After the usual congratulatory speeches, pep talks, handshakes, and fist bumps, we were then instructed to go to our respective agencies for the mandatory oaths of office so we can commence our engagements.
It is well to note that at the height of the pandemic in 2021, the mining sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product
In 2022, I was asked to resubmit all the documents and I thought that since the pandemic was still ongoing, the documents just got misplaced along the bureaucratic lane. One fateful day, I received a call from the Office of the President and I was told to go to Malacanan Palace and was instructed to wear a Barong Tagalog for the occasion. Other than that, the person on the other end of the phone was curt and offered no further information when asked for the reason. So off I went to the Palace on a Sunday afternoon. My entry to the palace, however, met some hitch because security officers required a current COVID-19 swab test before I was allowed access. The person who I spoke to over the phone made no mention that I should get a test beforehand.
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Marcelle P. Villegas Engr. Edison Mating
Contributors
Patricia A.O. Bunye Fernando Penarroyo
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TIME FOR A NEW LEADER
On the Cover:
Thus began my second career in government as I worked as a geologist before at the then Ministry of Energy before I became a lawyer. It has been more than two years now since I headed the Board that supervise and regulate the practice of the geology profession. There is no denying the importance of
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Geology, the science that deals with the earth, its structure, composition and history. Few fields of study can play such a profound role in protecting people’s lives. Geology is so central to the lives of many Filipinos who are often threatened by natural hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, as well as landslides. Geology is also essential to the understanding, conservation and management of our environment. Moreover, geologists are essential in the search for and development of energy and mineral resources whose products are important to all aspects of modern life. Thus, Republic Act No. 10166, also known as the “Geology Profession Act of 2012”, describes the practice of geology as “vital to national development”. Professional regulation is particularly essential for the practice of geology. A geologist who meets the regulatory requirements is given a certification by the Professional
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Regulations Commission (PRC) to earn the title “Registered Geologist”. Once a geologist is registered and certified, only then can the individual legally provide professional geological services. Data from the PRC indicate that as of July 2024, there are 3,669 registered geologists and 2,082 with valid PRC Identification Cards.
The regulation of the geology profession is necessary to protect the public and maintain confidence in the profession. The Professional Regulatory Board of Geology, mandated by legislation as the regulatory authority, is tasked to ensure that all registered geologists are effectively regulated to strict professional standards. As part of most professional regulatory requirements, individuals applying to be professional geologists must be able to meet the educational, experience, and fitness required by law and administrative regulations. Violations of the provisions of the Geology Profession Law entail the imposition of penalties.
There are numerous levels of regulating the geology profession: licensure examinations; registration and certification; continuing professional development; and career progression and specialization. The Board also provides a defined roadmap for the practice of geology.
In addition to these responsibilities, the Board must also establish and maintain professional and occupational standards, enforce rules and regulations relative thereto, investigate violations of ethical standards, and adjudicate administrative cases against erring professionals. Professional regulation protects the public by providing assurance that regulated professionals are competent and by providing means for imposing discipline and sanctions when necessary. In 2014, the Board adopted and promulgated the Code of Ethics for Geologists for the enhancement and maintenance
of high professional, ethical, and technical standards for registered geologists. Through this code, the Board shall ensure that it recognizes its responsibility to the public that actions of registered geologists promote safety, integrity, and fairness, thereby encouraging public confidence in the profession.
COMPUTER-BASED LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS
A critical component of professional regulation involves the development, administration, and maintenance of the licensure examinations. The Board has the responsibility of ensuring the quality of the examinations, which cover the knowledge and skills necessary for competence in the profession. Test questions must meet established standards and are meticulously prepared in accordance with an approved Table of Specifications covering vital geoscience subjects. Questions are also peer reviewed and vetted by professional test consultants.
The Board was one of the first to implement the computer-based licensure examinations (CBLE) in the PRC-regulated professions having successfully conducted the first pilot testing of the CBLE for Geologists in December 2021. This was followed by a second and third CBLE in November 2022 and 2023.
The number of examinees has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic (Figure 1). In 2020, there were no licensure examinations but two examinations were given in 2021. The number of examinees since 2021 has been consistently increasing but it has not yet reached the over 400 examinees taking the exam during the three-year period before the pandemic.
The 47% passing rate for the 2023 CBLE is close to the middle of the band of passing rates, which has been between 40% and 60% in the last few years (Figure 2). Also, first timers have had a passing rate of between 54% and 82%. Repeaters have a passing rate of less than 40%.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PROGRESSION AND SPECIALIZATION PROGRAM
In addition to responsibilities related to the licensure examinations, the Board’s additional mandate includes assuring continued professional competence. Registered geologists need to undertake continuing training and development to ensure that they remain qualified, competent, and updated with the latest technological, environmental, and social responsibility developments.
Republic Act No. 10912 or the “Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Act of 2016” states that CPD Programs shall be formulated and implemented in the geology profession in order to enhance and upgrade the competencies and qualifications of registered geologists pursuant to the Philippine Qualifications Framework, the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework and the
ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements. The renewal of PRC professional license requires the registered geologist to earn CPD units or points through learning activities like training or learning seminars to develop and enhance their abilities, personal skills, and proficiency. The CPD points should be validated by the CPD Accreditation System. Further, the CPD Law also mandates the PRC and the Board to formulate and implement a Career Progression and Specialization Program (CPSP) for the geology profession. The Board is mandated to issue guidelines for the formulation of the CPSP for inclusion in the Philippine Qualifications Register (PQR). The PQR is the national database of quality assured qualifications authorized under the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). It provides information to employers, education and training providers and students. The information includes the Qualification Title, Qualification
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Figure 1. The number of examinees decreased drastically during the pandemic in 2020-21 but the number is steadily increasing albeit still below pre-pandemic levels.
Figure 2. The passing rate for the period 2016 – 2023.
Descriptors, the PQF Level, the Authority-granting Agency, the Qualification Code, the Instrument and Date of Authorization.
The Board shall also formulate the CPSP for the profession to address the Pathways and Equivalencies of the PQF. Republic Act No. 10968 or the “Philippine Qualifications Framework Act” states that it is the policy of the State to institutionalize the PQF to encourage lifelong learning of individuals, provide employee specific training standards, and qualifications aligned with industry standards. A PQF shall be established which shall describe the levels of educational qualifications and set the standards for qualification outcomes. It is a quality-assured national system for development, recognition and award of qualifications based on standards of knowledge, skills and values acquired in different ways and methods by learners and workers of the country.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the PQF Act provides for the aligning of domestic qualification standards with international qualifications framework. The IRRs aims to enhance recognition of the value and comparability of Philippine qualifications with global standards and support the mobility of Filipino students, workers and professionals.
The PQF describes the levels of educational qualifications and official recognition of a person’s learning achievements. It also sets the standards for the knowledge or skills gained by individuals after undergoing a certain learning or educational program.
INSPECTION AND MONITORING
The Board is tasked under the Geology Profession Law to upgrade geology education and the quality of geologists whose standards of professional practice shall be excellent, world-class and globally competitive. Among the
tasks in the Board’s regulatory and development functions are: Visit/inspect facilities, faculty, and equipment of schools offering geology courses and establishments employing professional geologists; and Recommend measures necessary for advancement of the geology profession through the preparation and implementation of professional competitiveness roadmap.
The inspection and monitoring of educational institutions and establishments are aimed to determine the compliance of educational institutions and establishments with the professional, ethical, and technical standards of practice set by the Board. Mandatory ocular inspection and monitoring activities are also conducted to keep track of the conditions affecting the practice of the geology profession. The Board conducts face-to-face and on-site inspection and monitoring to visit and observe the different physical facilities, laboratory, and equipment of educational institutions, government agencies, and private establishments employing geologists.
In the Board’s inspection and monitoring activities, it was noted that a substantial number of geologists employed in government agencies are engaged under contracts of services because of the lack of permanent plantilla positions. This has been attributed to difficulties in getting approval of proposed positions at
the agency and Department of Budget and Management levels. Thus training of employees under contracts of service often times doesn’t benefit the agency since these geologists ultimately leave government service to look for jobs with permanent tenures.
The Board also observed the lack of training and foreign scholarship opportunities for geologists employed in government regional offices due to the perceived unequal distribution and allocation of scholarships and trainings between the Central Office and the Regional Offices. In some instances, geologists from regional government offices lament the high costs associated with the renewal of PRC licenses, maintenance of active membership in the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP), and participation in the Geological Convention (GeoCon), which is usually held in Manila especially if such activities are not subsidized by their agencies. The GSP is mandated under the Geology Profession Law to integrate all registered geologists into one national organization and where membership therein is automatic and mandatory.
Problems faced by geologists from regional government agencies also include working in limited office spaces, nonworking geological equipment, and limited storage for rocks and minerals samples. However, government offices cannot request for assistance directly
from private companies in procuring equipment and training programs because it may be violative of existing laws unless expressly allowed as assistance stipulated in government contracts like mining agreements and energy service contracts.
On the private sector side, the Board needs to strictly monitor expatriate geologists working in Philippine operations of foreign companies to make sure that they have all the mandatory requirements before being employed by their companies. Under the Geology Profession Law, only Filipino citizens can practice the geology profession in the Philippines. Foreigners are however, allowed if their country has official parity agreements with the Philippines. Under the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000”, the PRC shall upon recommendation of the Board, approve the registration of and authorize the issuance of a certificate of registration and license to a foreigner who is registered under the laws of his state or country. The foreign geologist shall secure a temporary/special permit from the Board prior to arrival in the country before he is allowed to practice in the Philippines.
Geologists employed in private companies have notably less foreign scholarship opportunities unlike those working in government. The Board recommends that private
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companies must provide scholarship opportunities to their employees similar to those offered in government agencies. This companies were also advised to subsidize their employees’ membership in the GSP and participation in the GeoCon where they can earn CPD points. Private companies should also apply as accredited CPD Providers since they often provide in-house trainings and seminars to their employees and the participants can then earn CPD points.
The Board also conducted inspection and monitoring of educational institutions offering geology courses to evaluate their compliance with regulations and standards. The inspection and monitoring usually cover a review of school facilities, curriculum, practicum programs, licensure passing rates as well as faculty qualifications. In most instances, the Board observed the alarming lack of instructors and limited number of full-time faculty in regional educational institutions. Some of the faculty members were not licensed geologists but were teaching geology subjects. In one particular institution, even the Department Head is not a degree holder of Geology. Some faculty members were not updated with their PRC licenses despite the fact that teaching geology courses falls under the definition of the “practice of geology”.
The Board also noticed the absence of laboratory courses for earth resources subjects. Mineralogy, Petrology, Paleontology and Economic Geology/Metalliferous & Nonmetalliferous Deposits lectures need laboratory counterparts to deepen the understanding of these subjects by the students. urther, the rock and mineral collections need to be upgraded adequately to support these laboratory courses. One institution has no laboratory and inadequate rock and mineral samples. A substantial number of regional educational institutions need to upgrade microscopy,
mineral, rock & fossil collections, science journals, and library facilities. Their graduates are only able to have exposures to a wide variety of mineral, rock, and fossil samples in Manila when they are already reviewing for the licensure examinations. Regional institutions need to exert more effort to request assistance from mining and energy companies to augment their laboratory equipment and samples. Because of inadequate or limited graduate studies opportunities of their faculty, these institutions must formulate a comprehensive development plan for their department. They should encourage and support student and faculty participation in local and international trainings, internships, and conventions, through collaborations with foreign universities, government agencies, private companies, and development agencies. Also, they need to exert more effort to request assistance from government agencies such as the Department of Energy and Department of Environment and Natural Resources to augment their libraries and equipment. These agencies can channel training funds from petroleum service contracts and mining agreements to fund faculty development and scholarship programs. Geologists employed by government agencies and resources companies should also be encouraged and incentivized
to serve as part-time lecturers for educational institutions to augment the need for qualified faculty members.
Based on the performance of the regional universities in the recent years’ licensure examinations, there is an urgent need to review and revise the geology curriculum and course descriptions. The Board in its inspection and monitoring realized that these institutions still adhere to the old curriculum thus leaving out important subjects covered in the licensure examinations. This puts their graduates at a disadvantage as shown by their low passing rates in the geology licensure exams. The Commission on Higher Education Technical Panel for Geology is tasked to revise the existing geology curriculum and address the lack of qualifications of some faculty members in these institutions.
CONCLUSION
The management of natural resources, protection of the environment, and mitigation of geohazard risks require skilled and experienced geologists. Population growth, energy and raw materials policy, decarbonization, technological advances, and climate change have created more challenging responsibilities for geologists for the protection of the public. The regulation of geologists facilitate the codification of ethical practice,
international mobility and comparisons of qualifications, and interchange of ideas and knowledge. The responsibility of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology is to make certain of competent practice within the geology profession which starts at ensuring that educational institutions are able to produce world class and globally-competitive graduates. At the same time, licensure examinations remain critical as an entry to the profession and undoubtedly important for the Board since they must be maintained under high professional standards and transparency. The Board knows and understands its responsibilities and is well aware that it may suffer public censure and criticism if problems arise from the wrongful, negligent, and lax administration of its regulatory functions.
Fernando “Ronnie” S. Penarroyo specializes in Energy and Resources Law, Project Finance and Business Development. He is also currently the Chair of the Professional Regulatory Board of Geology, the government agency mandated under law to regulate and develop the geology profession. He may be contacted at fspenarroyo@penpalaw.com for any matters or inquiries in relation to the Philippine resources industry and suggested topics for commentaries. Atty. Penarroyo’s commentaries are also archived at his professional blogsite at www.penarroyo.com
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A Challenging Role for the Philippines as The Face of Climate Change
written by: PATRICIA A. O. BUNYE
Patricia A. O. Bunye is a Senior Partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia where she heads its Mining & Natural Resources Department and Energy practice group. She is also the Founding President of Diwata-Women in Resource Development, Inc., a non-government organization advocating the responsible development of the Philippines’ wealth in resources, principally through industries such as mining, oil and gas, quarrying, and other mineral resources from the earth for processing.
The Philippines has achieved a milestone in supporting the global response to the threat of climate change with its election last July as the host country of the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
The country’s bid, which won over seven other contenders, was prepared through a wholeof government approach led by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Climate Change Commission, Department of Justice and the National Economic Development Authority.
The Fund, which was operationalized at the COP 28 UN Climate Change Conference in 2023,
was established to help vulnerable countries recover from climate impacts. It is mandated to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in responding to economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and slow onset events.
As a country beset by
typhoons, floods and the resulting loss of lives and livelihoods, the Philippines needs to take an active role and be strong voice in the discussions on global climate action.
It is therefore significant that the Philippines also has a seat on the Board itself, which is composed of 26 members from Parties to the United Nations Framework
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Convention Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, with 12 members from developed country Parties and 14 members from developing country Parties.
The Board had its first meeting in May 2024, which provided the first opportunity it to engage with the World Bank on establishing the Fund as a World-Bank-hosted financial intermediary fund (FIF). The Board and the World Bank exchanged their views on the conditions for establishing an FIF, including ensuring that the most vulnerable people on the frontlines of climate impacts are able to access support from the fund, including through direct access to fund resources.
On 28 August 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act No. 12019 which grants the Loss and Damage Fund
Board juridical personality and legal capacity. It allows the Board to contract, acquire and dispose of immovable and movable property, and start legal proceedings. It can also negotiate, conclude and enter into a hosting agreement with the World Bank as an interim trustee and host of
the Fund’s secretariat, and undertake activities needed to discharge its duties.
Developed countries that account for most of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions have pledged USD661.39 million to the fund, but this is far below the USD100 billion to USD580 billion global estimates for
the annual loss and damage in developing countries. By hosting the board, the Philippines has a huge challenge in attracting support from developed countries and development partners to provide financial contributions in addressing losses and damage due to climate change.
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A Tale of Two Cities: Navigating the Eco-Battlegrounds Rule Under the Writ of Kalikasan
written by: NOEL B. LAZARO AND MARY LOUISSE S. INGUILLO
Elizabeth Fisher, a renowned legal scholar at the University of Oxford, reminds us that environmental law isn’t a “magic wand.” Laws alone do not guarantee “happy ever after” endings. On July 8 and 9, the Malcolm Theater at the UP College of Law became a hub for the BIICL Global Toolbox on Corporate Climate Litigation, stirring discussions on legal responses to environmental issues and the judiciary’s vital role. However, the effectiveness of legal remedies, particularly the groundbreaking Writ of Kalikasan, received limited spotlight.
This article examines recent court actions on the territorial scope of ecological damage to justify the writ and its potential to redefine environmental justice.
UNDERSTANDING THE WRIT OF KALIKASAN: CRITERIA AND IMPLICATIONS
Introduced by the Supreme Court in 2010, the writ is a beacon in Philippine law, addressing major environmental concerns such as oil pipeline leaks, open dump sites, hazardous plastic use, and GMO experimentation. The foundational case of Paje v. Casiño
Noel B. Lazaro is a director and general counsel at Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. His extensive practice spans diverse fields, including environmental litigation. He was an associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan and a partner at Siguion Reyna, Montecillo & Ongsiako. A UP College of Law graduate, he teaches evidence, special proceedings, and special writs at law schools.
Mary Louisse S. Inguillo is a senior legal officer at Platinum Group Metals Corporation, specializing in corporate law and litigation. She acts as corporate secretary for various companies. A DLSU-Tañada-Diokno School of Law graduate, she lectures on special proceedings and criminal procedure at law schools.
(G.R. No. 207257, February 3, 2015) highlights its role in offering judicial relief where legislative and administrative actions have fallen short.
Under the Rules of Procedure on Environmental Cases, the writ can be sought by individuals, entities, or groups on behalf of those whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated or threatened. It requires evidence of environmental harm to life, health, or
property in “two or more cities or provinces.”
Despite its significance, many remain perplexed about the writ’s impact and why certain activities persist even after its issuance. This confusion stems from the two types of writ: The first is a preliminary or peremptory writ , issued immediately after filing a petition, which requires a respondent to answer under oath within ten days but does not halt perceived violations.
To this category belong the successive writs issued by the Supreme Court in 2023 to mining companies in Romblon ( Batan v. Mines and Geosciences Bureau, G.R. No. 265146) and Palawan ( Indigenous Cultural Communities of BICAMM Ancestral Domain, Brooke’s Point, Palawan v. Office of the Secretary of the DENR, G.R. No. 268140) without stopping their
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The authors with colleagues after attending a Writ of Kalikasan hearing at the Court of Appeals: (From the right) Atty. Eveart Grace P. Claro, Atty. Noel B. Lazaro, Atty. Mary Louisse S. Inguillo, Atty. Leo Ernesto Thomas, G. Romero, Atty. Reeno E. Febrero, and Ms. Judd Yonder L. Reyes.
operations. The second is a judgment on the privilege of writ, issued after pleadings or affidavits and a trial. If granted, this writ can mandate actions such as permanently stopping certain acts or directing government or private entities, or individuals, to preserve, rehabilitate, or restore the environment. Only the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals issues the writs.
TERRITORIAL ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE: AN IRON-CLAD REQUIREMENT?
On May 14, 2024, the Court of Appeals addressed a petition for a writ of kalikasan in Batan v. Mines and Geosciences Bureau (CA-G.R. SP No. 00037-WK) after the Supreme Court referred the case to it to hear evidence and render a decision. Following a widely reported clash between police and protesters, the Bantay Kalikasan ng Sibuyan sought to stop Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) from operating in San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon because of APMC’s lack of environmental compliance certificate and community acceptance. However, the Office of the Solicitor General and APMC questioned whether the allegations met the required scale of damage.
After proceedings, the court deemed the privilege of the writ inappropriate because the harm if true was limited to a single municipality within an island province. The conclusion reflects the Supreme Court’s tendency to deny this type of writ without proof of widespread ecological damage.
Consider LNL Archipelago Minerals, Inc. v. Agham Party List (G.R. No. 209165, April 12, 2016), where the evidence failed to show how constructing an access road on a low ridge impacts the com -
munities of Zambales and Pangasinan; Braga v. Abaya (G.R. No. 223076, September 13, 2016), where the bidding process for expanding Sasa Wharf in Davao City was not considered a threat to residents of multiple cities; Dela Cruz v. Meralco (G.R. No. 197878, November 10, 2020), where the installation of transmission lines at NAIA III in Pasay City involved only a narrow strip across two barangays; and Citizens for a Green and Peaceful Camiguin, Sulog Inc. v. King Energy, Inc. (G.R. No. 213426, June 29, 2021), where concerns over a diesel plant were confined to Camiguin island comprising municipalities.
THE RELUCTANT PROTECTOR
In contrast, the Court of Appeals recently granted the privilege of writ to halt the propagation and sale of Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant ( Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para Sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura v. Secretary of Department of Agriculture, CA-G.R. SP No. 00038-Kalikasan, April 17, 2024), and to order the listing of non-environmentally friendly plastic products (Oceana Philippines International v. National Solid Waste Management, CA-G.R. SP No. 00035-WK, July 9, 2024), citing potential “national impact” in both petitions.
And there lies the rub.
What about “localized” damage following the Sibuyan template? Much like solutions for the Anthropocene, the answer can be elusive or inadequate. Fortunately, legal innovation thrives. The absence of a writ should encourage exploring alternative avenues, recognizing that appellate courts may lack the time and expertise to resolve technical disputes thoroughly and that administrative agencies or lower courts with specialized training are better suited for such assessments.
In other words, reliance on the role of appellate courts
in environmental protection assumes what environmental law experts like Fisher, Lange, and Scotford describe as “an almost paradoxical” exercise of simultaneously seeking the “importance and limits” of judicial involvement in environmental law. Thus, it is imperative to develop “specialist environmental tribunals” (Environmental Law: Text, Cases and Materials, 2nd Ed. [2019]) or revitalize “green benches” created under SC Administrative Circular No. 23-2008 to customize the writ for lower courts and bring it closer to the communities.
For example, marginalized groups and witnesses traveling from Luzon’s isolated areas to Manila for watershed destruction hearings face high costs, logistical hurdles, or personal risks, often discouraging the pursuit of the writ. Another troubling illustration is seen in Abogado v. DENR (G.R. No. 246209, September 3, 2019), where fisherfolk of Kalayaan
Islands and Zambales either withdrew their petition or became unreachable after filing it at the Supreme Court.
Revisiting the writ’s stringent requirements, establishing evidentiary presumptions, reconsidering the burden of proof, and limiting appeals could address critical gaps. None of this is easy. But the lesson of the tragedy of the commons also demands collective disruptions of the rules. As Justice Marvic M.V.F Leonen admits, “[W]e cannot presume that only the Supreme Court can conscientiously fulfill the ecological duties required of the entire state.”
Meanwhile, advocates will continue pushing for single political subdivisions, like the treasure islands of Bohol and Palawan, to be included within the writ’s ambit. After all, environmental issues transcend boundaries. But until the eco-battlegrounds change, petitioners must navigate the un-fairy tale requirement of two or more cities or provinces.
“An Hour of Impact” by Aiza Austria
Is There Gold in the Olympic Gold Medal?
written by: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS
Asymbol of excellence, a source of motivation, of surpassing oneself and of ultimate achievement, medals are much more than objects: they represent the apotheosis in the career of elite athletes.” (Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024)
The Paris 2024 Olympics or 2024 Summer Olympics, which started from July 26 and ended in August 11, brought together around 10,714 athletes from 204 countries (including AIN and Refugee Team) who competed in 329 medal events.
As a measure of an athlete’s achievement, human spirit, and endurance, the Olympic medal has its historical and material value.
An Olympic medal is traditionally representing an athlete’s victory and glory that reflects back to one’s home country. It is primar -
ily a symbol of the Olympic spirit rooted on tradition and history from the first Olympic Games in 776 BC at Olympia in Greece, and more formally from Athens 1896 Olympics -- the first international Olympic games held in modern history.
But is there really gold in the Olympic gold medal? Moreover, what is the metallic composition of the silver and bronze medals? And overall, what is the monetary worth of these medals, particularly the gold medal?
On February 8, 2024, The Paris Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled to the public the medal design for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In designing the medals, members of the Paris 2024 athletes’ commission worked with the renowned Parisian jewelers Chaumet. The manufacturing of the medals is
undertaken by the Monnaie de Paris; the world’s longest continuously running mint.
What makes the Paris 2024 Olympics medal unique is that a fragment of the Eiffel Tower is placed at the center of the medal.
“For the first time in the history of the Games, each Olympic and Paralympic medal is adorned with a highly symbolic and priceless piece of metal: the original iron from the Eiffel Tower,” according to the media release of the Paris 2024 Organising Committee.
“Erected to amaze the world at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is made entirely of a special type of iron known as ‘puddle’ iron. Manufactured in the forges and blast furnaces of Pompey in Lorraine, the cast iron produced by reducing iron ore is refined by an operation called ‘puddling’. By removing the excess
carbon still present in the cast iron, the resulting iron is almost pure and extremely strong.”
The structure of the Eiffel Tower had undergone renovation work during the twentieth century. During the renovation, metallic elements were removed from the Dame de fer and have been carefully preserved ever since.
During the construction of the Eiffel Tower for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, the material of choice for the structure is cast iron. However, as part of the tower’s upkeep, much of the cast iron used was replaced over the twentieth century. These materials were preserved by the operators; the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games provided an opportunity to give the material a
(L-R) The Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal with a fragment of the Eiffel Tower placed at the center of the medal | Philippines’ Golden Boy - Carlos Edriel Yulo with his gold medal during the podium ceremony in the artistic gymnastics men’s floor exercise - Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, August 3, 2024.
new purpose – to be incorporated in the design and composition of the Olympic medals.
“For the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel is giving these veritable pieces of the history of Paris and France a second lease of life.”
The traditional Olympic medals do not contain iron. Therefore, the additional iron from the metal fragment of the Eiffel Tower for this year’s Olympic medals is a unique feature. The Eiffel Tower is a cultural icon of France, and one of the most recognised architectural marvels of the modern world.
Throughout history, France has been known for their innovation in science, technology, art, music, and more. Breaking away from the traditional Olympic medal, they wish the give the victorious athletes a special part of the French culture and history to bring home with them to their home country.
“By placing fragments of the Eiffel Tower at the center of its medals, Paris 2024 hopes to leave athletes with an unforgettable memory of the Games, of Paris and of France.”
According to the official Paris Olympic website, this addition (of iron) not only enhances the medals’ historical and cultural significance, but also connects them to the rich heritage of France and Paris. [2]
The inclusion of this unique material adds an extra layer of prestige to the 2024 Olympic medals, the website said.
The medal for the Paris 2024 Olympics has a diameter of 86mm, thickness of 92mm, and 18g Eifel Tower Insert. In terms of weight, the gold medal weighs 529g,
the silver medal is 525g, and the bronze medal is 455g.
To determine its material value of the gold medal, the 529g of metal is composed of more than 95% silver (505g), and just 6g of gold for plating, plus 18g of iron from the metal fragment of the Eiffel Tower. Therefore, according to a report in Forbes, the gold medal for the Paris 2024 Olympics is worth approximately $950.
In summary, the gold medal is made of silver plus a thin plating of gold. A silver medal is made of silver, while the bronze medal contains copper, tin, and zinc.
These medals are made in accordance to the specifications of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in consultation with the National Olympic Committee of the host nation.
More on the medal’s craftsmanship, the iron retains the original shape of a hexagon as in the original Eiffel Tower. They have been encased on the observe side of the medals in the centre with six appendages. [2]
Looking at the medal’s front design, the cast iron is reforged in hexagonal ingots that sit at the center of the medal. The shape is a geometric representation of France; a country that also goes by the nickname, L’Hexagone. The hexagon is also embossed with the games’ emblem.
French people often refer to Metropolitan France as L’Hexagone or The “Hexagon”, because of the geometric shape of its territory.
“At the six corners of the ingot sit hobnail-like embossing in the ‘Clous de Paris’ style, chosen for its resemblance to the rivets used in the Eiffel Tower. The hexagon is cut to appear as if it is held within the medal with a ‘claw setting’, a common method of setting gems in jewelry by Chaumet.” [1]
Looking at the artwork on the reverse side of the Olympic medal, it follows the standard for Summer Olympic Games medals with the Greek goddess of victory Athena Nike against the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This is a commemoration of the origin of the modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The design also includes the Olympic Rings and the text ‘JEUX DE LA XXXIIIe OLYMPIADE - PARIS 2024’ set in the Paris 2024 custom font. [3]
Another unique and non-traditional feature of this medal is the inclusion of the Eiffel Tower, opposite the Acropolis. [3]
In closing, Outlook Business website commented, “An Olympic medal can never be measured in purely monetary value. Though the amount of gold
in an Olympic gold medal could be modest in terms of material value, the prestige they carry far outweigh their intrinsic worth. And like every Olympic Games, this year’s medals will also remain a unique piece of heritage in the rich history of the Summer Olympic Games.”
References and Photo Credits: [1] medal’s design - https://logos. fandom.com/wiki/Paris_2024/ Medals | Carlos Yulo’s photo - https://www.kollectivehustle. com/blog/10-key-moments-thatbrought-carlos-yulo
[2] Outlook Money (Aug. 7, 2024). Outlook Business. “Paris Olympics 2024: How Much Is A Gold Medal Really Worth”.
[3] Paris 2024 Olympics - Press Area. “The Medals of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024”
The reverse side of the Olympic medal: The Greek goddess of victory Athena Nike with the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on the background. One feature unique to the Paris 2024 medal is the inclusion of the Eiffel Tower, opposite the Acropolis
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Towards Better ESG Performance, Relationships and Bottom Line
written by: ROCKY DIMACULANGAN, VP AND TSM NATIONAL COORDINATOR, CHAMBER OF MINES OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has, for over a dozen years now, been encouraging its members not only to comply with the law – which should be part of their organizational ethos in the first place – but also to undertake voluntary initiatives that demonstrate recognition of their responsibility to mitigate the impact of their activities on people and the environment, to strengthen stakeholder relationships, and to foster community growth and development.
This “Beyond Compliance” approach has gained more significance in recent years with mankind’s growing need to produce new technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and batteries, to address the long-term global shift in temperatures and weather patterns towards a greater energy transition.
“Producing the minerals needed to assemble technologies in response to climate change comes with major sustainability issues,” COMP chairman Michael Toledo says. “It uses a lot of water, leaves a lot of waste, and, if the Philippines goes further into mineral processing, consumes a lot of energy, generating more carbon emissions. To reduce risks and maintain a social license to operate, mining companies must address these concerns.
“Meanwhile, investors and consumers are increasingly demanding that companies take these issues seriously; failure to respond could undermine reputation and lead to difficulties in raising capital,” he adds.
The question thus begs to be answered: how can mining companies cope with these realities in a way that will help them not only survive, but also thrive alongside their stakeholders for many generations?
GLOBAL ESG STANDARD FOR MINING
In early 2016, COMP member Philex Mining Corp., through its president, Mr. Eulalio Austin, came across the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative and recommended its adoption by the Chamber. TSM – established in 2004 by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) – is increasingly becoming a global mining standard representing a set of best practices in mining within certain protocols. The program is now being implemented in 14 mining jurisdictions, including Australia.
The Philippines, through COMP, is the first and remains the only Asian country that has adopted TSM.
TSM is a set of tools and indicators to drive ESG performance and ensure that key mining risks are managed responsibly at members’ facilities. Its main objective is to enable mining companies to meet society’s needs for minerals, metals, and energy products in the most socially, economically, and environmentally responsible way.
TSM’s Core Strengths lie in the fact that it is Performance Driven, it fosters Accountability, it promotes Transparency, and it possesses Credibility -- with a nearly 20-year track record as a reliable ESG standard
under the guidance of a Community of Interest Advisory Panel or COI.
Despite the fact that the Philippines already has among the strictest laws, rules and regulations in the world that impose on exploration and mining companies many social, economic, and environmental limitations and conditions, COMP members feel they have to do more. Compliance with the law is no longer enough. While TSM is yet another imposition on members, the Chamber made it mandatory to all those with operating mines.
“TSM aligns well with the existing regulatory framework of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), such as the scorecards, checklists, and the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award guidelines,” says Michael Cabalda, DENR Special Assistant to the DENR Secretary on Sustainability and a TSM Verification Service Provider (VSP). “The program is designed to strengthen the commitment of COMP member-companies to responsible and sustainable mining practices while enhancing the standards we already have.
Dante Bravo, president of Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) and a member of the COI Panel, says, “TSM’s good governance measures -- the common thread linking the E, the S, and the G – will ensure broader stakeholder engagement and better
Signing of the TSM Cooperation and Partnership Agreement between the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the Mining Association of Canada in December 2017
returns for our members.
“With TSM, they now have a proven good governance roadmap that will help guide them in incorporating ESG into their systems and processes, encourage them to continuously improve, and measure their performance against the world’s best mining operations – with the end in view of becoming among the world’s best themselves,” Bravo, also the president of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, adds.”
6-YEAR PREPARATION
“After we adopted TSM in December 2017, we embarked on a 6-year preparation period that saw our members actively participate in the ‘Filipinization’ of the TSM Protocols,” Toledo says. “That period also saw the formation of our multi-sector Community of Interest (COI) Advisory Panel, the training and accreditation of our VSPs or External Verifiers, the development and cascading of an online self-rating application, a self-assessment dry run, and the ‘mock’ external verification of three volunteer mines: Rio Tuba Nickel, OceanaGold Didipio, and Philex Padcal.”
In 2024, all of COMP’s 19 member-companies with operating mines submitted their self-assessment reports on eight TSM Protocols for their January to December 2023 performance via the Mine Site Sustainability Audit app exclusively designed by Nickel Asia Corp., a group of COMP member-firms, for TSM’s implementation in the Philippines. The mines conducted internal audits vis-à-vis the Protocols, and supported the self-ratings with proofs and evidences.
The 16 other COMP member-firms with operating mines are: Benguet Corp.; Cagdianao Mining Corp.; Carmen Copper Corp.; Carrascal Nickel Corp.; CTP Construction and Mining Corp.; Dinapigue Mining Corp.; Eramen Minerals, Inc.; FCF Minerals, Inc.; Filminera Resources Corp.; Hinatuan Mining Corp.; Lepanto Consolidated MiningCo.; LNL Archipelago Minerals, Inc., PGMC.; Taganito Mining Corp.; and TVI Resource Development Phils., Inc.
CLIMATE CHANGE
In 2021, COMP adopted the TSM Climate Change Protocol that brought
to eight the number of measurement tools that its members will use to grade their environmental and social performance. This adoption was approved by the COI Panel following the recommendation of COMP’s technical working group that was tasked to align TSM with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
GISTM was issued in 2020 by the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Council on Mining & Metals, and the Principles for Responsible Investment to operators of tailings facilities worldwide, enjoining them to strive for zero harm to people and the environment from the earliest phases of project conception.
“A refocusing of TSM towards climate change adaptation instead of just carbon emission mitigating strategies is an important and welcome development,” says Carlos Primo David, DENR undersecretary and a former COI Panel member. “The efforts must remain strong for reforestation efforts and carbon footprint reduction, but the impact of climate change warrants ensuring business continuity and, more importantly, resilience in our communities in the near future.
“These are even more important owing to the fact the climate change impacts will be more prevalent in tropical island nations such as the Philippines,” David adds. “Therefore, this Climate Change Protocol and its supporting Climate Change Guide will provide mining companies the required focus to attend to local impacts and, through this, enable them to contribute to the global effort to address climate change.”
The Climate Change Guide is the only mine-related reference that provides methods or procedures on incorporating climate change considerations in the mining operator’s decision-making process.”
Apart from approving the adoption of the “Filipinized” version of the Climate Change Protocol, the COI – composed of 14 highly respected individuals from different sectors of society – likewise approved the TWG’s recommendation to revise the Tailings Management Protocol and its three supporting documents.
The six other TSM Protocols – all Filipinized from the MAC version –are Water Stewardship, Preventing Child and Forced Labor, Biodiversity Conservation Management, Health & Safety, Indigenous Peoples and Community Outreach, and Crisis Management.
TSM RATING SYSTEM
In two Protocols – Crisis Management, and Preventing Child and Forced Labor – a mining project could only Pass or Fail. Either the mine achieves the Indicators and criteria under these Protocols or they do not.
Six Protocols, meanwhile are assessed on a 5-point scale – C, B, A, AA, AAA – where A represents good practice, and Triple A means excellence and leadership.
A member who receives a C-rating means that the company may have the procedures in place but they are not integrated into policies and management systems. Since the TSM rating system presupposes that the member is compliant with the law, a C-rating is already above the word of the law. It is a starting position of conformance with TSM, which asks more than what are required by the law. It is the minimum global industry standard on which a facility can build and improve its performance.
The same goes with the Pass or Fail rating system. A “fail” score means failure to meet global best mining practices in that Protocol, not a violation of the law.
“With TSM, our members are, in
TAGANITO MINING CO. –NICKEL PROJECT
effect, upping the ante for themselves,” says Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OceanaGold Phils., Inc. Didipio Mine president and general manager for external affairs and social performance.
“The idea is to see how they fare visà-vis the best mining practices in the world – the Triple A rating – and this rating system provides our members the roadmap that will guide them towards best practices based on the principle of continuous improvement,” adds Cattiling, also an ex-officio member of the TSM COI Panel.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Eight mines from COMP’s 19 operating members subjected themselves to external verification in 2024. These mines are: Filminera Masbate Gold Project, FCF Runruno Gold Project, Taganito Mining Co., Cagdianao Mining Co., Atlas Carmen Copper Corp., PGMC Surigao Project, Philex Padcal, and TVI Balabag GoldSilver Project. The 11 other mines will have their self-ratings externally verified in 2025.
“It was fun and eye-opening, educational, and encouraging,” says VSP Fernando Sajona, a Geology expert and VSP, says of his validation experience. “Those companies that have fully engaged their time and human resources to the initiative clearly understand the importance of TSM. What was particularly revealing is that the companies we visited have, to some extent, been already adhering to the TSM Protocols, even at the very basic level of compliance. This is not at all surprising, considering the many standards and audits our local companies are required to undergo by regulators, particularly the DENRMGB. Hurdling the “Level B” in most of the Protocols would not be a problem if the mines faithfully follow the provisions of their mining permits. Of course, there are Protocols that the local companies would need to improve on.”
For his part, VSP Joey Ayson, Geological Society of the Philippines chair and Philippine Mining and Exploration Association president, says “It wasn’t as easy as when we were undergoing desktop training. Though the evidences required to support self-ratings have been clearly identified, there were instances when the right documents weren’t submitted,
or the wrong ones were, or that the required documents were filed under another criteria or level. But it’s part of the program’s growing pains. This is our first year after all. Interestingly, some companies have already been practicing some form of TSM – the Beyond Compliance method – long before COMP adopted it. They just lacked proper documentation.”
“I realized that all of us VSPs are still on a learning curve. We need to know a lot more, especially in areas within the Protocols that are not aligned with our professional backgrounds or experiences,” adds VSP Roland de Jesus, a retired MGB assistant director. “Some companies have yet to embrace TSM fully but, happily, most have assimilated the initiative’s guiding principles into their organizational culture. This bodes well for the industry.”
Cabalda says he found the process “both challenging and insightful”. “It was detailed and thorough, ensuring each aspect of the TSM standards was carefully assessed and verified. The process was also collaborative, offering plenty of opportunities for learning and growth. Overall, it strengthened my confidence in the system and the value it brings to our minerals sector.”
ADVICE
“If given the opportunity to advise mines that have not yet undergone validation, I will highlight to them three key points,” stresses VSP Ramon Santos, chairman of the Mining Engineering Board, Professional Regulation Commission. “First, the advantage of having their operations viewed from the outside. This provides a broader and an unbiased perspective. Second, impartial and honest validation of their selfassessments, providing credibility to how they rate themselves. Finally, the VSPs may be able to provide valuable recommendations that may not be apparent to internal auditors during the self-rating process. This is essential to driving continuous improvement.”
“TSM should not be considered as another bureaucratic layer and additional expense, but as an investment in being a responsible and sustainable miner,” Ayson points out. “As TSM encourages a Beyond Compliance approach, a company will easily meet current regulatory requirements and prepare itself well for a green mining future.”
“Operating companies need not be anxious about TSM because it will help them become self-aware on where they stand vis-à-vis global mining standards,” adds Sajona. “Once they align themselves to these standards and continue to strive towards a higher level of performance (the TSM having a multi-tier performance ranking), the evidences will speak for themselves. These will only lead to improved ESG performance, favorable public perception and, ultimately, improved bottom line.”
PUBLIC REPORTING
The externally verified results will be made public in late 2024. Meanwhile, the highlights of the consolidated self-assessment reports and individual verified results will be discussed in one of the sessions of “Digging Deeper”, a conference to be hosted by COMP on October 17, 2024 at The Westin Manila. The session will seek to determine avenues to further strengthen the members’ strong performance areas, to identify areas for improvement, as well as to find ways to contribute to the enhancement of the country’s policy environment.
“Transparency is essential to secure the trust of, and social acceptance by, host communities and stakeholders,” de Jesus emphasizes. “The transparency feature that can be gleaned from COMP’s public disclosure of externally verified selfratings demonstrate the industry’s sincerity to inform stakeholders of the status of a company’s operations vis-vis adherence to international standards.”
Cabalda concludes: “TSM isn’t an added burden on the industry. I’d dare say, it helps COMP members to keep pace with the growing importance of global ESG standards. As ESG becomes more central to securing financing for mining projects, TSM can help position our mining industry to meet these demands and stay competitive on the global stage.
“More importantly, demonstrating a genuine commitment to ESG can go a long way in building trust with local communities and other stakeholders – a ‘TSM license to operate’. As these values become more visible, they can help shift public perception, encouraging more balanced and constructive dialogue about the role of mining and mineral resource development in our country.”
PH to Host Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
written by: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS
During a mining event, DENR Undersecretary Marilou G. Erni emphasized that in the 2023 World Risk Index, the Philippines was identified as the number one most disaster-prone country in the world. This ranking highlights the country’s extreme vulnerability to natural hazards and the significant risks it faces from disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The Index underscores the urgency for the Philippines to enhance its disaster risk reduction and management strategies.
The Philippine Government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will host this year the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). This will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila from October 14 to 18, 2024. The final day, October 18, is reserved for an optional site visit.
This was announced by Usec. Erni during a Philippine Mining Club Luncheon last May 24 at Seda Hotel BGC. Her topic for this event is titled, “Asia Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Resilience”.
The APMCDRR stands as the foremost regional platform in Asia and the Pacific for overseeing and strengthening cooperation on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
The Sendai Framework is recognized as a vital global mechanism for coordinating efforts to reduce risks, with the APMCDRR playing a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices in disaster risk reduction across the region.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Usec. Erni is the current Chief of Staff and Supervising Undersecretary for Strategic Communications of DENR, the government agency primarily responsible for the conservation, management, development, and
proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources.
Before taking on her current role, Usec. Erni served as the Executive Director of the National Resilience Council (NRC) in the Philippines.
The NRC is a public-private partnership focused on enhancing climate and disaster resilience through science and technology. It works towards the implementation of key international frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Paris Climate Agreement.
AN OCTOBER TO REMEMBER
The APMCDRR will kick off with “Day Zero” on October 14, followed by three full-day programs from October 15 to 17, and will conclude with a field exposure on October 18. The conference will include various sessions such as plenary sessions, working sessions, partner events, learning labs, and a marketplace with exhibition booths.
This conference will unite governments, intergovernmental organizations, international and national bodies, civil society organizations, the private sector, academia, and other stakeholders to advance disaster risk reduction efforts.
As the inaugural regional platform following the adoption of the Political Declaration of the Sendai Framework Midterm Review, APMCDRR 2024
will be held under the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction.”
The event is expected to attract 2,500 to 3,000 participants, including ministerial representatives, international organizations, and various sectors from across the Asia-Pacific region.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Usec. Erni pointed out that the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 highlights that the top global risks are mostly environmental, such as extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These risks are particularly relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, which has historically borne the brunt of global disaster impacts.
Moreover, the Asia-Pacific region has been significantly affected by disasters, accounting for a large percentage of global disaster fatalities and affected populations. The Philippines is identified as the most disaster-prone country in the world in 2023.
In relation to this, the conference (APMCDRR) aims to review risk reduction progress, share innovative solutions, and make actionable commitments to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts by 2030 in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.
Another objective of the conference is to foster ambition in DRR across
DENR Undersecretary
Marilou G. Erni with PMEA President
Joey Nelson R. Ayson (Photo by Marcelle P. Villegas)
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the region, focusing on practical solutions, inclusivity, and localization. The private sector’s engagement is crucial for sustainable financing and building resilience.
ROLE OF THE MINING INDUSTRY
During her talk, Usec. Erni emphasized the importance of the mining sector in understanding systemic risks and contributing to disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. The mining industry is urged to transition from mere compliance to sustainability and even regenerative practices.
Usec. Erni invites participants from the mining industry and other sectors to actively participate in the conference. The event is seen as an opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ leadership in DRR and to promote public-private partnerships in addressing disaster risks.
With this invitation to support the event, she emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development in the face of disaster risks.
Later at the Luncheon, two others speakers gave a lecture and presentation. DENR’s Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones (for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs) talked about “Project TRANSFORM” where he enumerated the various successful projects of DENR across the country. TRANSFORM is an acronym for Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability Through Multistakeholder Engagement.
GHD Group’s Mr. Anjan Kundu gave a lecture on “Reshaping the Future on Tailings in the Philippines”. Mr. Kundu is the Senior Technical Director, Business Group Leader –Tailings and Mine Waste, at GHD Pty Ltd.
He presented some case studies on tailings from other countries and how specific solutions may be implemented as well in the Philippines for smart tailings management.
During his lecture, he asked, “Why is there so much discussion about tailings?” He answered by explaining that tailings are considered a risk to people and the environment. Thus, he concluded, “That is why now there
is a Global Industry Standard in Tailings Management (GISTM).”
Mr. Kundu mentioned that the key considerations in tailings management that are Philippines specific are the following: frequent and often severe earthquakes, community close to mine and tailings facility, and torrential rainfall in short duration -- long wet season.
“This is the time to think about the Future… Think and do things differently with the use of technology,” he said.
The Luncheon was emceed and moderated by Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson, President of Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
“The Philippine Mining Club” has been established to form better relationships across all areas of the Philippine mining industry. Affil-
iated with the globally-recognized Melbourne Mining Club, they aim to uphold a professional networking environment in order to promote the minerals industry for those interested in the sector. The Luncheon meetings are held every second month at noon. The event is bought to you by Second Chance Events & Consulting Inc.
For more information on the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), please visit and register at https:// apmcdrr.undrr.org/.
For a list of future events by Philippine Mining Club, or to watch the videos of past speakers, please visit https://www.philippineminingclub. com/.
Photos by Marcelle P. Villegas
GHD Group’s Mr. Anjan Kundu, Senior Technical Director, Business Group Leader – Tailings and Mine Waste
(L-R) Joey Nelson R. Ayson as moderator during a panel with guest speakers Usec. Jonas Leones, Usec. Marilou Erni, and Mr. Anjan Kundu.
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QES Technology Philippines Inc. Sets the Standard for Nickel Ore Analysis in PH: The Spectro Ametek XEPOS ED-XRF Revolution
Being a player in the mining industry, investing in a reliable benchtop EDXRF analyzer that will deliver a precise, rapid, and non-destructive analysis of ore samples is crucial for laboratory operations, and the accuracy of assay results directly impacts the operational success.
The Spectro Ametek Xepos EDXRF, distributed exclusively in the Philippines by QES Technology Philippines, Inc., is used by nearly 90% of assay laboratories in the nickel ore mining industry, so here is why it’s worth examining how the Spectro Xepos is driving transformation across the sector:
PRECISION AND RELIABILITY: THE STANDARD IN ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS
The Spectro Ametek Xepos 05 EDXRF is not just another analytical instrument; it is the top-of-theline model, incomparable with any other ED-XRF in the market, since it comes comparable with the WD-XRF performance. Even with sample preparation as a pressed powder pellet, the SPECTRO XEPOS offers an easy-to operate, robust and accurate analysis system. Based on the high stability of the instrument combined with sophisticated spectra handling, the analysis of Ni, Co, Fe2 O3 as well as of other components can be done
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EFFICIENCY AND COSTEFFECTIVENESS: LOWER COSTS
One of the standout features of the Spectro Ametek Xepos 05 EDXRF is its efficiency. Traditional methods of ore analysis can be time-consuming and laborintensive, often requiring extensive sample preparation and long wait times for results. The Xepos 05 ED-XRF, however, offers rapid analysis with minimal sample preparation as pressed pellets, significantly reducing turnaround times and increasing productivity and higher throughput in assay laboratories.
AFTER SALES SUPPORT: QES TECHNOLOGY PHILIPPINES, INC.
The extensive installation base of the Spectro Xepos in the Philippine Mining Industry is a testament to the effective partnership between QES and the mining companies. As the exclusive distributor in the country, QES has played a pivotal role in assuring best support with its team of experts to the local mining industry with strategically positioned service centers and offices in Pampanga, Manila, Cebu, and Surigao City. QES is committed to delivering immediate comprehensive support services,
including installation, training, calibration and maintenance to its valued clients.
In conclusion, the widespread use of the Spectro Xepos EDXRF in the Philippine nickel ore mining industry highlights the high quality and reliability of the equipment, up to its after sales support. With the support of QES Technology Philippines, Inc., this equipment is setting benchmarks for accuracy and efficiency on ED-XRF. As mining operations continue to rely on such analytical technology, a Spectro Xepos in the laboratory will ensure consistent and accurate results that drive profitability and compliant with industry standards, making it a smart, essential investment for your mining operation.
For a hands-on experience with their equipment and other mining solutions, schedule a visit of the Spectro Xepos demo units at the head office located at Unit 507, Page 1 Building, Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa, 1780 Metro Manila, Philippines or at National Highway. KM. 4, Brgy, Luna, Surigao City. For consultations and quotation requests, you can contact them at +632 771 1248 or via email at qtpmarketing@qesnet. com, or explore their offerings on their website at www.qesnet. com.
TMC’s Environmental Leadership: A Gift of Cleanliness to Sabang River
written by: AGAPITO S. CUADRA JR.
In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) has bestowed 44 waste bins upon Sabang River, the waterway it proudly adopted.
This philanthropic gesture marks a significant contribution to the Adopt A River Program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENRPENRO)– Surigao Del Norte, aimed at revitalizing river health since its inception in 2020.
At its core, the Adopt A River Program seeks to mobilize communities and businesses in safeguarding the ecological integrity of our rivers.
Embracing this noble cause, TMC, an operating company of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) has emerged as a stalwart supporter, embracing sustainable practices and championing environmental protection through its adoption of the Sabang River.
The recent endowment of 44 waste bins stands as a tangible testament to TMC’s unwavering commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of Sabang River.
Strategically positioned along the riverbank, these bins serve as beacons of cleanliness, promoting responsible waste disposal practices among community members and visitors alike.
By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, the mining company is paving the way for a brighter, cleaner future for Sabang River and its surrounding ecosystem.
In essence, TMC’s contribution transcends mere philanthropy; it embodies a profound dedication to the well-being of our natural
environment. Through collaborative efforts and steadfast resolve, TMC continues to set the standard for environmental leadership, inspiring others to follow suit in safeguarding our precious waterways for generations to come.
The Evolving Demand of Minerals in the World Market
In the northeastern tip of Mindanao lies one of the most significant industrial undertakings in the country: the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL). Nestled in the town of Claver, Surigao del Norte, THPAL stands as a beacon of industrial progress and a testament to the Philippines’ growing role in the global supply chain of critical metals, particularly nickel and cobalt. These materials are crucial not only for traditional industries like stainless steel manufacturing but also for the rapidly growing industries of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
The establishment and completion of a High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) facility in 2013 represented a pivotal advancement for the Philippine minerals sector, enhancing the nation’s role in the international nickel supply chain, which was a superb strategic initiative. Conventional methods for nickel extraction faced challenges when dealing with low-grade lateritic
ores, which are abundant in the Philippines yet contained minimal nickel concentrations. Despite its high capital requirements and technological intricacies, the HPAL process facilitates the effective recovery of nickel and cobalt from these ores and years following its initial operation, another by-products were produced by the company thus increasing the potential uses of minerals in numerous high-tech and industrial applications.
Scandium, a rare earth element, is becoming more important because of its special qualities that boost the performance of different materials. While, Chromite mineral, an oxide of chromium and iron, serves as the principal source of chromium, a vital component in the manufacturing of stainless steel.
The company isn’t just another mineral development project doing business in the country that contributes to both the local and national economy. THPAL is also a major trailblazer in social development, environmental
protection, and work safety culture while, it plays a crucial role in related industries, like logistics, transportation, maintenance and food services, among others, creating various jobs for more than 4,000 locals.
As the world’s demand shifts towards sustainability, the need for nickel and its by-products is anticipated to increase remarkably though this scenario offers both challenges and opportunities for THPAL. However, the company has positioned itself to take advantage of this rising demand, especially from the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries. THPAL is poised to lead in this vital sector, adeptly managing the challenges while capitalizing on the forthcoming opportunities. It exemplifies how innovative technology optimizes the utilization of the minerals, as envisioned in the Philippine Mining Act, can enhance the viability of lowgrade ores, thereby supporting the worldwide supply of these essential metals.
Powering a Sustainable and Resilient Mining Industry with Yokogawa
written by: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS
The day Feb. 29 is a once-inevery-four-years event and happens only during the Leap Year in the Chinese calendar. This makes it a special day and an auspicious moment to pursue major goals and plans, and to celebrate the day with important people who share the same endeavors.
For a most fitting occasion, Yokogawa hosted a Mining Seminar titled “Powering a Sustainable and Resilient Mining Industry”. The event was organized in partnership with Philippine Mining Club and was held at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas on Feb. 29, 2024.
The event brought together stakeholders from across the mining industry, government officials, environmental advocates, and local communities to discuss crucial topics about the current state and shaping the future of mining in the region. The seminar covered the latest innovations, sustainable practices, and industry insights. The seminar was also a venue of discussion of opportunities and future-proofing the mining industry, solutions for enhanced mining operations, efficiency and safety and process measurement, and how Yokogawa is supporting mining companies to accelerate their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Amid the rich natural resources and diverse landscapes in Philippines, trending concerns surrounding sustainable mining practices and community development are driving transformation across the industry to address issues such like enhanced safety and productivity, alignment to latest regulations, as well as the collective efforts from the ecosystem to achieve Philippines ESG and net zero goals.
The event invited Atty. Patricia A. O. Bunye, Senior Partner and Deputy Managing Partner, Cruz, Marcelo & Tenefrancia, as the emcee. Mr. Luis S. Doble, Jr., President and Managing Director, Yokogawa Philippines, Inc.,
INDUSTRY
gave the welcome address.
The keynote speaker was Engr. Teodorico Sandoval, Chief of Policy, Planning and International Affairs Division and Officer-In-Charge, Assistant Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR), who shared insights and presented the topic of “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Mining”.
The Industry Speaker was Mr. Rocky Dimaculangan, VP for Communications and National Coordinator for Towards Sustainable Mining, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. He discussed the importance of the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Initiative and how this framework is designed to promote responsible mining practices nationwide.
The presenters from Yokogawa are Mr. Lee Scott, Head of Mining, Yokogawa Australia & New Zealand, Mr. Joshua Kyaw Zwa, General Manager and Head of Regional Sales and Marketing, Yokogawa Engineering Asia, and Mr. Chris Boon Product Manager, Yokogawa Engineering Asia.
Mr. Lee Scott shared about the
topic on “The Future of Sustainable Mining Is Here: Advanced Technology Solutions to Realize your ESG and Sustainability Goals”, which features Yokogawa’s commitments and innovative solutions to offering consulting, products and services in supporting decarbonization and the transition into a circular economy
Mr. Joshua Kyaw Zwa shared about the Trifecta of Sustainable Mining in areas of Practical Solutions to Operations, Efficiency, and Safety, with discussion on Yokogawa’s expertise in providing reliable and safety excellence through technology and services, including the Distributed Control, cybersecurity solutions, 24/7 security operations center and digitalization of the work permit to address mining challenges and support digital transformation of the industry.
Finally, Mr. Chris Boon’s presentation is about the “Accurate Control Process Measurement - Total Insight for Sustainable and Continuous Business Operations Improvement” which uncovered how Yokogawa’s products are adhering to the Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) Standards that aim to
(L-R) Mr. Christian Latiza (MGB), Rocky Dimaculangan (COMP), The keynote speaker Engr. Teodorico Sandoval (MGB), Mr. Lee Scott (Yokogawa Australia), Mr. Prasad CNN (Yokogawa Engineering Asia) and Mr. Joey Ayson, moderator (PMEA). (Photo by Marcelle P. Villegas)
improve energy efficiency and monitoring. The LCA standards are used for preliminary assessments of energy use, CO2 emissions, NOx emissions, and SOx emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle.
The presenters, including Lee Scott, were joined in the panel discussion to delve into the key steps for continued growth of Philippine Mining Industry, together with Mr. Prasad CNN, Executive VP, Head of Industrial Strategic Business Unit, Yokogawa Engineering Asia and Mr. Christian Kevin Latiza, Senior Environmental Management Specialist at Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
The Moderator was Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson - President, Philippine Mining and Exploration Association and President, Geological Society of the Philippines.
Before the Closing Remarks, Yokogawa’s Asst. Vice President & Head of Industrial Strategic Business Unit, Mr. Buddy Bocarile honored and awarded the emcee and moderator with tokens of appreciation.
“Every one of us is using the precious minerals that we get from our environment and using them on a daily basis; such like earphones, phones and batteries Moving the needle on sustainable mining requires the collective efforts from stakeholders across the ecosystem.
“It is also a call to action -- that we learned many things, but it is not the information that change us. It is not the information that transform us. It is our action to do the thing rightly, just like what our MGB speaker said earlier.”
”At Yokogawa, we build our product with integrity and we have a strong local support in the country And that is our differentiator. As a global company, Yokogawa welcomes strategic partnerships with government agencies, industry associations, research institutions, and local communities across globe. We believe by working together, we can address complex mining challenges and co-create solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future for Philippines.
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Founded in Tokyo in 1915, Yokogawa continues to work toward a sustainable society through its 17,000+ employees in a global network of 129 companies spanning 60 countries.
valuable minerals or geological materials from the Earth. Economic recovery often requires high throughput and high availability of the process with low operation costs, and stringent safety and environmental regulations.
With over 100 years of expertise in industry automation and technology, Yokogawa has been supporting many leading mining companies to achieve sustainability with optimal safety and productivity. For success references about their satisfied customers across the Southeast Asia and Oceania regions: https://www.yokogawa. com/ph/industries/mining-metal/
YOKOGAWA’S SUITE OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS INCLUDE:
2. Renewables - Microgrid Controller, Renewable Energy Solutions
3. Control and Sensing SystemsCollaborative Information Server, Distributed Control System, Programmable Logic Controller, Safety Instrumented System
4. Asset Management - Asset Health Insight, Plant Resource Manager
5.Digital Transformation - Cybersecurity, Modular Procedural Automation, Electronic Permit to Work
6. Field Instruments and Analytical - Flowmeter, Analyzer, Transmitter,
Fiber Optic Temperature Sensor
Discover and explore how Yokogawa can transform your mining operations and unlock new efficiencies.
For more information, please visit their website at https://www.yokogawa.com/ph/
(L-R) Vivian Lim (Yokogawa Engineering Asia), Atty. Patricia Bunye (Senior Partner and Deputy Managing Partner, Cruz, Marcelo & Tenefrancia), Mela E. Cariño (Yokogawa Philippines Inc.) (Center) Engr. Teodorico Sandoval (MGB) and Mr. Christian Latiza (MGB) with their colleagues from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR)
Mining operations produce
Yokogawa’s Asst. Vice President & Head of Industrial Strategic Business Unit, Mr. Buddy Bocarile with Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson (PMEA President/ GSP President)
WATER IS LIFE A Technical Overview of a Water Access Tunnel
Constructed by Filipino Mining Engineers
Agroup of all-Filipino mining engineers under the support of project subcontractor Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. (PARAMINA) were greatly involved in the success of the Upper Wawa Pumping Station Water Access Tunnel project. These mining engineers developed and excavated an 8m wide x 7m high x 1,011m long tunnel with the highest considerations for safety, without a single lost time accident (LTA) accident and or rockfall incident. The project applied the New Austrian Tunneling Method following international tunnel design, plans and was remarkably ahead of the adjusted timeline upon its completion.
Part 1 of this article introduced the technical aspects and purpose of the project. In Part 2, we
discuss the people involved, the challenges encountered, the innovations applied, and milestones achieved.
PROJECT OWNER AND CONSULTANT
The mega-infrastructure “Wawa Bulk Water Project” (herein referred in our article simply as the Wawa Dam Project) is owned by WAWAJvCo Inc, a joint venture initiative between Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group, the owner of the water rights in the area. WAWAJvCO engaged the services of AFRY as its advisor, an international leader in engineering and design.
PROJECT MAIN CONTRACTOR/CONSULTANT
A crucial component of the Wawa Dam project namely, the “Upper Wawa Pumping Station (UWPS)” Project was awarded to Prime Metro BMD Corporation (PrimeBMD), a subsidiary of Prime Infra in joint venture with BMD, one of the biggest privately owned contractors based in Australia. To ensure its successful execution, Lombardi Engineering, a Swiss multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in underground and water infrastructure was engaged as the project’s designer and advisor by the contractor.
Project Tunneling Subcontractor
Following a comprehensive review of several bid submissions and site visits to assess the various bidders’ facilities, shop, equipment and technical Page 48 >
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expertise, the contractor selected PARAMINA as the subcontractor for the tunnel excavation of the UWPS project. Additionally, Paramina was entrusted with the Slope Stabilization Works, done prior to the actual tunnel excavation, that established a durable, all weather slope protection for the East and West Portal and the main access road, designed to last for a century.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
The senior project management, headed by a team of dedicated mining engineers with previous experience in tunneling, was instrumental to the success and punctual completion of the UWPS Main Access Water Tunnel Project without any Lost Time Accident. Their leadership and expertise were key to the project’s remarkable safety record.
Backing the senior management was another team of junior mining engineers who played a pivotal role in project initiation and completion. Additionally, mechanical and electrical engineers and technicians were integral to the equipment maintenance and operational support. They were at the heart of the tunnel operations, working round the clock to oversee shift activities. Work was 24/7, regardless of holidays and weekends. Their leadership ensured safe and efficient supervision of the skilled miners, mechanics, and electricians, and operations of a wide array of underground mining machinery and equipment.
FIRST THINGS FIRST- UWPS EAST SLOPE STABILIZATION
Prior to the actual tunnel portal excavation, a team was formed to stabilize the slope above the east portal on March 14, 2022. Another team was formed to erect the temporary facilities, offices, equipment workshop and the construction of explosives magazines in preparation for the blasting works in the Tunnel. The Notice of Award and Notice to
Proceed on the Slope Protection Works at the East Slope was received the following day on March 15, 2022 with a target completion date of May 30, 2022. There was also a slight setback due to contractor’s delay in excavating original natural ground profile down to its designed slope batter and benching, thus resulting in late handover of the East Portal’s designed floor elevation of 144masl, to the Subcontractor for it to start the installation of the tunnel umbrella using SDAs.
START OF PORTAL EXCAVATION
On September 27, 2022, the project reached a significant milestone with the commencement of drilling and setting up the portal umbrella. This involved the installation of Self Drilling Anchors (SDAs) measuring R38mm x 6m in length, arranged in two rows, each spaced 200 mm from the outer edge of the Tunnel Portal’s designed crown. The installation process entailed alternate drilling and grouting of the SDAs until all 131 units were securely in place. These SDAs were drilled directly into their positions and grouted to serve as forepole support, enhancing the stability of the rock mass at the tunnel’s crown during portal construction. Following the geologists’ assessment that the rock mass rating at the portal ranged from 0-20 RMR , Lombardi’s recommendation was to proceed with excavation but using the breaker tool of an excavator, advancing in increments of 0.6m prohibiting the use of drilling and blasting. This approach allowed for the installation of SRS completion of the full-face excavation; the application of 400-mm thick shotcrete on the crown and sides of the tunnel portal, along with a 50-mm thick layer of shotcrete on the tunnel face, providing a temporary protective layer of support for miners while working in proximity to the unsupported face.
INNOVATIONS TO THE DESIGN INTRODUCED BY
PARAMINA
The initial design for the east portal “umbrella” tunnel crown support by Lombardi included the driving of 150mm diameter micro piles and up to lengths of up to 12m, intended to be drilled around the tunnel crown’s perimeter. While this system was accessible in other regional markets, including the Philippines, the local micropiling contractors were only equipped for vertical micro pile equipment installations therefore lacking the capability for horizontal applications.
Consequently, PARAMINA proposed to the Main Contractor’s Project Manager, Technical Director and to Lombardi the substitution of the micro piles to self-drilling anchor rock bolts. This switch to SDAs expedited the process and proved to be more cost-effective than the original micropile design. The SDAs were likewise recommended as the preferred rock bolts for support types 2, 3, and 4, more especially because of its simple and easy installation. The process of “drilling, pulling out the drill rod, and inserting a rock bolt” was eliminated and streamlined into a single step, thereby improving overall tunneling cycle time. In addition, the original plan included the installation of “Fiberglass Bolts” for temporary face support which was both costly and time consuming. PARAMINA suggested the application of quick-setting shotcrete to reinforce the tunnel face.
TUNNELING CHALLENGES
One significant hurdle in the project was the insufficient geological data along the entire length of the proposed tunnel, attributed to the limited diamond drilling done by the project owners. Only five drill holes were done throughout the whole 1,011m tunnel length which was conducted during the project’s pre-feasibility study. Consequently, Lombardi deemed had a low confidence in the quality of geological information. To manage this risk, PARAMINA adopted a timely approach
of ordering tunnel supplies, particularly imported rock bolts, to avoid any surplus at the completion of the project.
Additional challenges included frequent hiccups in shotcrete mix deliveries by the contractor, impacting the shotcreting cycle.
PARAMINA responded by deploying its own transit mixer trucks to expedite timely delivery and availability of the shotcrete mix. Another issue was the scarcity of clean drilling water leading to complications such as fouling of the jumbo drill’s rock drill, delays in drilling and shotcreting, and blockages of shotcrete machine slicklines which were addressed by sourcing water from nearby natural springs and groundwater inflow from drain pipes installed along the tunnel’s walls and crown.
The most daunting obstacle was the low availability of the Normet robotic shotcrete machine and the Sandvik Axera T08 Twin Boom Jumbo drill rig, which frequently paralyzed the tunnel work cycle. Faced with little alternatives, PARAMINA procured new machinery: a state-of-theart XCMG Robotic Shotcrete Machine with a capacity of 30-50 cubic meters of shotcrete per hour and two units of the Furukawa FDR Twin Boom Jumbo Drill rig with man boom basket.
TUNNEL DEVELOPMENT, MILESTONE BREAK THROUGH, AND HANDOVER
With the East Portal stabilized and fully installed with SRS, rock bolts and shotcrete, the real tunneling work began with drilling and full face blasting on the 22nd of December 2022. This marked the first day of the 290-day development timeline set for the tunnel to hole out the 1,011 meters with an average of 3.5m of tunnel advance per day. The anticipated breakthrough date was October 7, 2023, with an additional eleven days allocated for post-tunnel remediation works.
The much-awaited milestone, the tunnel breakthrough, occurred a month ahead of schedule on September 5, 2023. Finishing touches were applied,
and the extended 1.011-km tunnel was officially handed over to the contractor on October 15, 2023, for final joint inspection.
SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENT
PARAMINA recognized the importance of safety, health and the well-being of its employees and the protection of the environment, adhered to the strictest standards of Safety, Health, and Environment in the project. Different degrees of job hazards were identified in the project’s scopes, such as slope stabilization works at the newly excavated road cuts to make way to the tunnel and excavation of the Upper Wawa Main Access Tunnel.
In recognition of the impressive feat that was the project completion with no loss time accident (LTA), the President of WawaJVCo acknowledged the contribution of PARAMINA and its dedication to safety and environmental stewardship last July 27, 2023 during the milestone celebration of the project’s “One Million Safe Manhours with incidents as attested by DOLE Regional Officials on the same occasion.
Some of the environmental initiatives contributed by PARAMINA to the project included the provision of complete Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE), daily toolbox meetings and the construction of settling ponds outside of the portal of the main access tunnel to ensure that solid or liquid pollutants are effectively separated and disposed of properly, to name a few.
PARAMINA also championed the recycling of scrap metal, hoses, lumber, and the like and ensured that garbage was always properly disposed of at the designated disposal sites.
Moreover, to control noise and vibration from blasting works, the use of Long Period delay detonators ensured that the maximum instantaneous charge (MIC) firing at any one time were controlled below the industry accepted vibration and decibel limits.
REMEDIATION AND HAND OVER OF TUNNEL
PROJECT
Guided by the main contractor,
PARAMINA’s emphasis was on three key remediation tasks: addressing the “drummy” sections in the shotcrete lining, performing rock bolt “pull-out” tests and the execution of “in-fill” grouting within the Support Type P section of the tunnel. The first one was done by breaking open the shotcrete lining identified by the Contractor’s QA/QC team, with an Excavator fitted with a moil point and then reapplying shotcrete to the designed thickness. The second remediation task involved performing pull-out tests on 10% of all the installed Rockbolt anchor supports along the tunnel’s full length. It is worth mentioning that each rock bolt tested passed the required standards successfully.
Lastly, to address the inevitable voids left in-between the rock face and the SRS, in-fill grouting was carried out by the ChemGrout CG542 Electro-Hydraulic grout pump, particularly along the section of the tunnel supported by Steel Rib Supports (SRS).
With the remediation tasks fully addressed and following another exhaustive and detailed joint inspection and review of the Subcontractor’s workmanship quality, the milestone final approval was formally acknowledged by the Contractor with the issuance of the Certificate of Project Completion.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The project’s success depended on the valuable cooperation among key stakeholders, especially the project owner, WawaJvCo and its project representative, Mr. Rey Bodano, the contractor’s project team, Prime Metro BMD, the Project Consultants and Designers, Lombardi and Afry, the Local Government Unit of Calawis and Sitio Apia, Antipolo, the Firearms and Explosives Office, Provincial and Regional Police Offices of Region 4A, Key Suppliers of Machinery, Equipment, Consumables, Explosives and the locals of Sitio Apia and affected Indigenous People of Antipolo City and finally the Paramina Management, Project Management Team, Supervisors and the men and women of the Paramina Project Team.
Manila Down to 83rd in Latest Arcadis Construction Costs Report, but Challenges Remain
Arcadis, the leading global design and consultancy organization for natural and built assets, announced the release of its annual International Construction Cost index (ICC).
Compared to last year’s result, Manila has seen a slight improvement in its ranking among the most expensive cities to build in globally. But despite dropping two spots from 81st to 83rd, construction costs remain high.
This slight shift in ranking is likely due to even steeper cost increases in other cities. However, the construction sector in the Philippines continues to grapple with its own challenges.
Last year, inflation was at 6% and combined with supply chain disruptions, both factors pushed material prices up. High labor costs also contribute to the overall expense of construction projects. As a result, developers and contractors continue to adapt to the evolving market landscape to ensure project viability.
Ma. Monina Munsayac, Executive Director for Cost and Commercial Management at Arcadis Philippines, said: “Despite the challenges faced by the construction sector in 2023, we remain optimistic about its resilience this year and beyond.”
“The upcoming infrastructure initiatives are a promising prospect, as well as the continued demand for sustainable projects which aims to meet the country’s sustainability goals. Regardless of the year’s trajectory brought about by this infrastructure push and other market factors, the Philippine construction industry is poised to adapt by implementing a range of strategies, including enhanced procurement strategies, the integration of digital tools and a continuous focus on cost optimization.”
The 2024 Arcadis International Construction Costs index covers 100 of the world’s large cities across six continents. The cost comparison was developed to span 20 different building types, including residential, commercial and public sector developments, and is based on
a survey of construction costs, a review of market conditions and the professional judgement of Arcadis’ global team of experts.
The calculations are based in USD and indexed against the price range for each building type relative to Amsterdam.
The year 2023 was difficult across the world, with high borrowing costs undercutting the positive impact of infrastructure investment in many countries. However, with markets stabilizing and inflation beginning to ease, we are at a pivotal moment in the recovery of the global construction sector. Increasing demand for labor, materials and power means that productivity is now becoming an increasingly critical factor in investment decisions and project viability.
Arcadis notes the rapid acceleration of investment into the advanced manufacturing and technology sector, including data centers, pharmaceutical facilities, gigafactories and wafer fabs.
The sheer scale and complexity of these end date-critical projects inevitably results in more financial risk, meaning that clients need to evolve their design, procurement and
construction capabilities even as these multibillion-dollar programs are being built.
Joycelyn Pagcatipunan, Sales Director at Arcadis Philippines, said: “The Philippine construction market is mirroring the global trend of stabilization and recovery. However, we need to continue being agile and proactive for any scenarios once infrastructure projects in the Philippines gain further traction.”
“These could include challenges in construction programs, timeline, and securing skilled construction engineers and operatives in a tighter market, among others. In this environment, embracing technology and data-driven decision-making will be crucial for effectively managing risks and ensuring project success.”
Arcadis sets out a practical fivepoint framework in its report, which outlines a comprehensive approach focused on delivering fast, complex programs. Applicable to all markets and sectors, the framework offers prompts to help build resilience to deal with setbacks, scale and manage risk, model program interdependencies and invest in data and live project controls to increase confidence and assurance.
Holcim to Invest P370 Million in La Union Cement Plant
Cement giant Holcim Philippines is ramping up its sustainability efforts with a hefty P370 million investment in its Bacnotan plant in La Union province.
The company announced its plans to construct new storage and feeding facilities to boost the use of low-carbon alternative fuels and raw materials by 40 percent.
Holcim Philippines president and CEO Nicolas George expressed optimism about the project’s positive impact on both the company’s performance and the environment.
“This investment underscores our commitment to building progress and delivering results for our company and the community,” George said.
The construction of the new facilities is set to be completed
by the second half of next year, following an agreement with Sinoma CBMI PH Construction Corp., a long-time global partner of Holcim.
Sinoma CBMI PH Construction general manager Zeng Youbing expressed gratitude for the renewed partnership, highlighting the company’s role in supporting Holcim Philippines’ decarbonization goals through advanced technology.
Holcim Philippines has been actively reducing its carbon footprint since 2018 through various initiatives such as producing blended cements, utilizing waste as fuel, adopting renewable energy, and enhancing operational efficiency. The company has already achieved a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions.
President Marcos Jr.’s 2024 SONA Highlights on Infrastructure, Energy, and More
written by: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS
“The energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection is a defining moment not only for the power sector but for the entire country. Finally, we have connected the power grids of all three major island groups.” (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the SONA 2024)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received resounding rounds of applause several times during his third State of the Nation Address 2024 (SONA), particularly on the final part of his speech when he announced the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
The SONA 2024 was held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Among other things, his State of the Nation Address covered various significant national issues from education, agriculture, defense, cybersecurity, tourism, and more.
“As we enter the mid-term, our infrastructure development remains sustained, strategic, and on schedule,” the President said.
“Aside from agriculture and disaster risk, our other vital sectors and pillars — such as education, health, energy, low-cost housing, transport, information technology — they all stand to benefit from our aggressive infrastructure development, as
He mentioned that despite the challenges during the past two years into this Administration, there has been a steady progress towards the targets in the medium-term.
“Our power and internet services are continuously being upgraded in both capacity and connectivity.”
UNIFIED PHILIPPINE GRID
The President mentioned that the energy sector looks bright and promising with completion of projects and new investments. With that, he expected that the nation’s power supply will increase steadily to meet the growing demands in the future.
He also mentioned that government is urgently addressing power shortages and the systemic causes of blackouts in unserved and underserved areas.
Through microgrids, off-grid systems, and missionary small power utilities that supports solar power, the President said these will provide solutions to places
that need a steady supply of electricity.
“Running through Bataan, Pampanga, and Bulacan, the newly inaugurated Mariveles-HermosaSan Jose transmission line will further strengthen the reliability of the Luzon power grid.”
He announced that in the Visayas, all stages of the CebuNegros-Panay backbone project have been completed.
“This project shall serve to stabilize the power situation in Western and Central Visayas, and avert recurrences of power outages experienced in the past,” he noted.
He said that because of these projects, blackouts at Panay Island were prevented from April until June despite the yellow and red alerts in the region.
The President noted that the Dumanjug-Corella Line of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project was energized, enabling the transfer of power between Cebu and Bohol.
“With these systems currently operating at capacity, these major power lines shall contribute to the efficient power exchanges
not only between Luzon and the Visayas, but also involving Mindanao. Energy sharing and transfers between, among, and within the three island groups have now been made possible with the energization last January of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection.”
“The energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection is a defining moment not only for the power sector but for the entire country. Finally, we have connected the power grids of all three major island groups.”
“The ‘unified Philippine Grid’ is a fulfillment of the dream, whose seeds were planted in the 80s, through a vision bolstered by R&D, which we accomplished by applying typical Filipino persistence and dedication,” he stated.
Addressing the high cost of electricity, President Marcos Jr. gave assurance that government will continue to add power infrastructure that will contribute to the lowering the electricity rates and providing fair charges to consumers.
ROADS AND RAILWAY RENAISSANCE
President Marcos Jr. reported that as of May of this year, 12,000 kilometers worth of roads and more than 1,200 bridges have been completed and upgraded across the country.
“Of note, we have provided the budget to upgrade 367 bridges and almost 1,600 kilometers of road along our country’s longest thoroughfare — the Maharlika Highway — from Luzon all the way to Mindanao.”
“Moreover, significant segments of major expressways, which are part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network, have now been opened to the public.”
By the end of this year, he announced that the C-LEX, NLEX-SLEX Connector, and the Plaridel Bypass will be fully completed, while the CALAX and the C5 South Link will be fully operational by next year.
“Under our Inter-Island Linkage Bridge Program, we
expect two major bridges to be opened to motorists this year. One is the Panguil Bay Bridge — touted as the longest water-spanning bridge in Northern Mindanao.”
“This bridge will connect Lanao del Norte to Misamis Occidental. The other is the Guicam Bridge in Zamboanga Sibugay, which shall connect Olutanga Island to the mainland of Mindanao.”
“In addition, travel to and from Clark Airport is now much faster and more convenient, with the inauguration of the 20-kilometer Airport-New Clark City Access Road in Pampanga.”
“We are in the midst as well of a ‘railway renaissance’. The Metro Manila Subway Project has logged significant accomplishments in its tunneling works.”
Additionally, other railway projects such as the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway are in progress.
He mentioned that government will make sure that the right of way issues are resolved in the most equitable, efficient, and expeditious manner, so that these will not get in the way of the infrastructure development.
As part of the LRT 1 Cavite Extension project, the route of LRT Line 1 in Metro Manila will be extended from Baclaran to Sucat in Paranaque City. This is expected to be open to the public within the year. After a few years, the route will further extent to Bacoor in Cavite.
He also reported that LRT 1 had an additional 76 new and modern trains. This upgrade will provide a faster and more comfortable commuting experience for passengers.
The recent reopening of the PNR Bicol Line is also a milestone achievement in the list of railway projects. This railway spans out to 100 kilometers from Naga to Legazpi.
President Marcos Jr. also talked about the improvement of the country’s airports and harbors for the benefit of travelers.
With the help of the private sector, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is expected to improve and provide better
services in the years to come.
“Soon, it will be capable of accommodating 48 flights per hour, servicing our ever-increasing local and international flight routes, and catering to more than 62 million passengers per year.”
“More than 70 airport and seaport development projects across the country have been completed, and another 350 ongoing projects are set to be completed by 2028.”
“Notably, the capacities of the Passenger Terminal Buildings of the General Santos Airport and the Bicol International Airport have been expanded by 300 and 500 percent, now catering to 2,000 and 1,600 passengers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Batangas Port PTB, our popular marine gateway to MIMAROPA, the Visayas and to Mindanao, can now accommodate 8,000 travelers at any given time.”
“Thanks to Congress, the Public-Private Partnership, as a crucial funding mechanism for big-ticket projects, is now institutionalized by force of law. PPP is seen to facilitate strategic investments and the timely development of projects under our Build Better More program, especially since around one-fourth of our flagship projects have been envisioned to be funded through this modality.”
He emphasized that the NAIA PPP will go down in history as being the largest and fastest approved PPP, as well as setting the standard in terms of transparency and competitiveness of the process.
“Through this partnership, our foremost aerial gateway is now primed for a revitalization. Once considered among the worst and most stressful airports in the world, it will soon be a world-class international airport that we can be proud of.”
Trenchless Asia 2024 Concludes with Success in Manila
written by: MARCELLE P. VILLEGAS
The Trenchless Asia 2024 conference and exhibition, a premier international event for trenchless technology professionals, took place over two days at the World Trade Center Metro Manila last July 16 and 17. This annual gathering serves as a valuable platform for experts to converge and discuss the latest trends and developments in the trenchless technology industry.
Focused on advancements in the Asia-Pacific region, this year’s event provided a forum for professionals, practitioners, and experts to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore the forefront of trenchless technology.
The conference attracted a diverse audience, including engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, academics, and government officials. Attendees engaged in discussions about the industry’s current challenges and future opportunities, aiming to shape the direction of trenchless technology.
Trenchless Asia 2024 was marked by its rich array of presentations, showcasing innovative technologies, and offering networking opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to access a comprehensive conference program and had the chance to visit world-class exhibitors displaying cutting-edge trenchless techniques. Additionally, free Trenchless Technology sessions were offered by JBP Trenchless Training, further enriching the experience for attendees.
IMPORTANCE OF TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY
During their free lectures, attendees experienced an intensive discussion and insightful sharing of knowledge and experiences from the speakers who are experts in their field. Here are some of the interesting things they shared about trenchless technology: Trenchless technology, a rapidly expanding field within the construction and civil engineering industry, involves subsurface construction work that requires
minimal or no trenching. This intelligent approach allows for the installation of pipelines and other infrastructure without disturbing the ground or pavement surface, except at specific entry and exit points. There are numerous advantages to this type of technology in construction and road repairs, for example. Two of the most important benefits are safety and efficiency that it offers, with good end results.
The term “trenchless” refers to methods that avoid breaking the ground, such as jacking, boring, horizontal directional drilling, coring, plowing, pipe ramming, pipe bursting, and micro-tunneling. These techniques make it possible to repair or to replace existing pipelines without the need to excavate and remove the old ones. How is this done?
Before commencing a trenchless sewer repair, a camera is inserted into the pipes to assess the damage and determine the best repair method. Two primary techniques are used: pipe bursting, which replaces the old pipe by breaking it and pulling a new one into place; and pipe lining, which involves inserting a new liner into the existing pipe.
In trenchless construction,
underground tunnels are created slightly larger than the pipeline or conduit to be installed. The pipeline is then placed within these tunnels, leaving the surface above undisturbed.
Trenchless construction is particularly advantageous in areas where traditional open-trench methods would cause significant disruption, such as beneath busy highways or in locations where traffic impacts must be minimized.
TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY FOR MANHOLE, PIPE AND SEWER REPAIRS
Municipalities facing issues like inflow and infiltration in their sewer mains are prime candidates for trenchless technology. These issues place additional pressure on wastewater treatment facilities, forcing cities to spend more on treating excess water that enters the sewer system, ultimately driving up costs for residents.
Industrial facilities with subsurface infrastructure, such as sanitary sewers, pipelines, and manholes, also face increased costs and safety risks due to inefficient or damaged pipelines. Corrosive chemicals used in industries like food production, chemical processing, biofuels, and manufacturing can degrade process pipes, leading to internal infiltration problems.
To tackle these infrastructure challenges, companies specializing in trenchless sewer repair offer comprehensive solutions. These include pipe lining technologies and specialized liners for manhole rehabilitation and large-diameter pipe repair. Techniques such as cured-in-place pipe lining, slip lining, and UV-cured pipe lining are effective methods to reinforce the integrity of pipelines for both municipalities and industrial facilities. Homeowners can also benefit from trenchless technology, using epoxy liners to strengthen aging sewer laterals and enhance the reliability of their property’s plumbing system.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRENCHLESS REPAIR METHODS?
Trenchless technology offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to traditional excavation for sewer repairs, whether at work, home, or within your community. This method of pipe rehabilitation presents numerous advantages over conventional techniques.
1. Safer and Less DisruptiveTrenchless technology minimizes the risks from excavation near heavy industrial equipment. In municipalities or cities, traditional digging often means tearing up streets, disrupting public access, diverting traffic, and potentially interfering with essential utilities. Noise pollution and air pollution are also disruptive factors.
For industrial facilities, excavating the production floor can slow down
or stop operations and endanger the structural integrity of the building, especially if it compromises the floor’s ability to support heavy machinery. No-dig pipe lining technology preserves property and avoids exposure to hazardous chemicals or sewer gas during repairs.
In municipal projects like manhole rehabilitation, trenchless methods eliminate the need for confined space entry, making the process safer and less intrusive by avoiding the disturbance of underground utility lines and structures.
2. Faster Completion - Excavation is often time consuming as it prolongs pipe rehabilitation projects, requiring days or even weeks to secure the area, access the pipeline, and restore the site afterward. On the other hand, trenchless pipe lining solutions can often be accomplished much faster. Some projects may even be completed in just a few hours. This swift process restores sewer functionality with minimal disruption to traffic or industrial production.
3. Cost-Effective and AffordableThe quicker turnaround of trenchless repairs translates into lower labor costs, as technicians can complete the work more efficiently. Rapid project completion also means damaged pipelines are restored to full capacity sooner, promoting more costeffective operations for businesses and municipalities. Additionally, trenchless technology removes the need for expensive excavation equipment and restoration services required to repair the landscape that was disturbed or altered during the operations.
4. Environmentally FriendlyTraditional excavation can damage the environment by killing grass and vegetation, destroying topsoil, and disrupting natural drainage. Trenchless technology avoids these issues, preserving the greenery and plant life that communities value. Moreover, it reduces the risk of exposing areas to harmful chemicals or sewer gas during the repair process, safeguarding both people and the environment.
5. Proven Durability - Trenchless pipe lining technology is designed to withstand harsh conditions and prevent corrosion and rust, extending the pipeline’s lifespan. When performed by a reputable sewer repair company, these pipe liners
can last over 50 years, matching the durability of brand-new pipes without the risks and costs associated with excavation.
KUALA LUMPUR TO HOST TRENCHLESS ASIA 2025
Mark your calendars for May 21-22, 2025, as Kuala Lumpur becomes the epicenter of trenchless technology with the 14th International Exhibition and Conference on Trenchless Technology. This prestigious event, renowned as Asia’s premier forum for trenchless professionals, will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Trenchless Asia 2025 promises to be an exceptional gathering, showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in trenchless technology. This fourteenth edition of the highly acclaimed international conference and exhibition will bring together experts, practitioners, and industry leaders from across the region to explore cutting-edge solutions and discuss the future of the field.
Photos by: Marcelle P. Villegas
Calibrating for Safety, Productivity, Higher Yield Rates in PH Mining Industry
written by: WEI WEI, PRODUCT MANAGER, AND RICKY CHUA, SALES MANAGER, FLUKE
Calibration plays a pivotal role in the mining industry, ensuring safety, enhanced productivity, and adherence to regulatory compliance standards. As the Philippines mining sector strives to meet increasing demands, accurate calibration of equipment becomes more critical than ever. This article explores the importance of calibration, the essential tools and maintenance practices required to support calibration, the benefits of digital documentation, and best practices for control systems maintenance, providing expert insights to help mining companies optimize their operations.
KEY BENEFITS OF CALIBRATION
Safety is paramount in mines, where workers are often exposed to high-risk environments. Properly calibrated equipment, such as pressure wells and temperature switches, function accurately, thereby safeguarding workers. This is essential in the high pressure and high temperature environments of mines. Regular calibration helps prevent accidents, making the mining environment safer for everyone involved.
Calibration also plays a crucial role in reducing unplanned operation downtime, optimizing operations and lowering costs, which leads to higher productivity and better resource management. Yields rates are significantly boosted as the ability to take accurate measurements improves control over processes such as crushing, grinding, and flotation, essential for maintaining a high production yield.
Mines must comply with predetermined regulatory standards, both in terms of environmental protection and quality. Failure to comply can result in the shutdown of the mine. Environmental compliance requires the accurate monitoring of emissions. The calibration of instruments ensures the reliable reporting of accurate data that supports compliance with industry standards.
This is all important because,
with mining being at the top of the supply chain, disruptions in mining operations has a knock-on effect throughout the downstream supply chain, with concerning economic consequences. It is essential that mines optimize processes to minimize downtime, and the key to this is to apply a predictive maintenance framework.
MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR ENSURING CONSISTENT OUTPUT
Predictive maintenance is an advanced approach that uses historical data and regular inspections to predict potential equipment failures before they occur. The first step is to schedule regular equipment checks. Over time, data is collected to establish benchmarks and detect patterns that can signal potential equipment failure before any physical signs become evident. This early detection of symptoms allows for the implementation of proactive measures, lowering the cost of repairs and extending the equipment lifecycle. Ultimately,
CALIBRATION, FLUKE SOUTH EAST ASIA PTE LTD
Open pit mining with several processes.
the collection and analysis of this rich pool of data not only prevents unplanned downtime but also optimizes calibration intervals, ensuring equipment is always operated at peak efficiency.
Continuous training and development of the workforce are also essential practices to employ to maintain calibration standards. Regular training sessions keep workers updated on the latest techniques and technologies, enhancing their ability to perform calibration tasks accurately. Cross-training workers in multiple disciplines further increases operational flexibility and ensures continuity during shift changes.
THE MOVE TO DIGITAL DOCUMENTATION
The manual recording of calibration data is impractical as it is highly labour-intensive and involves the collection and physical storage of high volumes of data. Digital documentation has become increasingly important with the rise of automated sensors in mining operations. This method involves electronically recording and storing the information collected within the calibration tool itself. Information captured includes the reading results, date of calibration, operator’s details and records of adjustments made. Digital documentation also removes the risk of human error as data collection is automated.
Digital records also support compliance with industry standards such as ISO 17025, which specifies the requirements for the general competence of testing and calibration. Maintaining a complete calibration history for each instrument across its lifecycle is crucial for traceability and audits, especially when investigating accidents. Being able to audit and identify causation leads to better practices baked into the mining operations moving forward.
SUPPORTING A “CARRY LESS, DO MORE” MINDSET
The introduction of multifunction calibrators has revolutionized the calibration process in mining operations. These devices combine the capabilities of several single-
function instruments into one, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing the physical burden on workers. An example is the Fluke 754 Documenting Process Calibrator with HART communication, which can measure pressure, temperature, and electrical signals with a single handheld device weighing only 1.2 kg and can be easily carried in a bag. The battery-powered device with its built-in interface is designed for portable use and actually performs better in its battery-powered mode.
Multifunction calibrators like the Fluke 754 enable workers to perform various calibration tasks with a single device, reducing the need to carry multiple pieces of instruments. This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also improves overall productivity.
“In the past, workers had to carry multiple devices, each weighing up to 1 kg,” explains Wei Wei, Regional Product Manager, Fluke Calibration, Fluke South East Asia Pte Ltd. “Now, with multifunction calibrators, they carry just one instrument which can be up to a third of the weight of the multiple devices they had to carry previously. This makes a huge difference when factoring in the time and distance these devices need to be carried.”
BEST
Routine Testing - Regular testing
of control systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, is vital for smooth operations. These systems act as the brain of mining operations, and their failure can have significant impact. Routine testing is crucial to ensure control systems don’t break down.
Emergency Handling - An upto-date emergency response plan is essential for handling unexpected system failures. This plan should be in continual development, based on lessons learned, and should include detailed steps for troubleshooting and restoring operations quickly.
The Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter is an example of a tool that aids in both routine testing and emergency handling. It can measure signals without shutting down the control system and acts as a loop power source during troubleshooting.
Calibration is fundamental to the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of mining operations in the Philippines. By investing in modern calibration tools, implementing predictive maintenance practices, and adopting digital documentation, mining companies can optimize their operations and ensure consistent delivery of essential materials. Prioritizing calibration not only enhances productivity but also positions companies as leaders in the industry, ready to meet the demands of a growing market.
Engineer measuring pressure signals with Fluke 754 Documenting Process Calibrator.
Weir Introduces ENDURON® Orbital Vibrating Screens with All-Bolted Construction for Longer Service Life
Weir, a global leader in innovative mining technology, has launched the all-new ENDURON® Orbital range of vibrating screens. Engineered for sand and aggregate, construction, and small tonnage mining operations, the new screens are designed to meet the most demanding of applications.
Featuring an all-bolted construction, the screens significantly improve reliability by eliminating welding in highstress areas, removing the leading mode of failure in vibrating screens. Locking bolts ensure structural integrity and durability, facilitating easy maintenance with quick replacement of individual components without the need for extensive downtime.
The ENDURON® Orbital range is available in two screen types: the E series: Elliptical Motion Horizontal Screens and the C series: Circular Motion Inclined Screens. Both screen types are designed with a commitment to innovation and quality, incorporating the latest technologies to deliver exceptional performance in a broad range of sand and aggregate and mining duties.
A wide operating window provides flexibility to adjust screen settings in line with changing applications or feed conditions, without compromising the equipment’s structural integrity and minimising the risk of structural failure related to harmonic resonance.
The modular screen construction ensures that individual components can be easily replaced. Common interchangeable screen parts reduce inventory overflow and simplify maintenance. Both screens are digitally enabled, including our modular exciter technology, which senses and reports on the condition of the exciter. The exciter itself features a bolt-on/bolt-off design, meaning they can be easily
changed on site and refurbished in a mechanical workshop.
All ENDURON® products are fully supported by the Weir service network, offering unrivalled service, support, and local expertise across the globe. Weir continues to lead the industry in providing cutting-edge, high performance solutions that are tailored to meet the unique requirements of our customers.
Corné Kleyn, Global Product Manager for Vibrating Screens said:
“We at Weir are excited to bring this revolutionary new screening technology to the market. The team has worked hard for the past two years to bring our customers a product that is reliable with the lowest total cost of ownership. Our first screen has been successfully installed and commissioned at a large global customer and we are gaining momentum with more units planned for both the European and North-America markets”.
Streamlining Civil Engineering with Civil WorkSuite
Introducing Bentley’s Civil WorkSuite—an integrated suite of infrastructure-specific solutions tailored for road, bridge, site, and tunnel design. Bentley’s Civil WorkSuite offers a comprehensive collection of top-selling applications for civil engineers, including OpenRoads™ Designer, OpenBridge® Designer, OpenSite® Designer, OpenTunnel® Designer, and more. Infrasys, as Bentley’s dedicated channel partner in the Philippines, provides not just access to this advanced software but also expert services, mentoring, and customized training to ensure a smooth transition and optimal utilization.
Bentley’s civil design and engineering tools are model-centric, allowing project stakeholders to collaborate seamlessly across disciplines while working with up-to-date data. For the Philippine civil industry, this means enhanced efficiency and accuracy in managing large datasets, reducing crashes and downtime. Infrasys’s partnership ensures that Filipino engineers can leverage these tools to anticipate and resolve design clashes, visualize subsurface utilities, and achieve comprehensive project collaboration.
REDUCING DESIGN TIME BY 20%
In the competitive landscape of the Philippine civil industry, time and cost efficiency are crucial. Civil WorkSuite’s automated infrastructure-specific modeling features eliminate the need for extensive scripting and workarounds, accelerating design to documentation processes. By incorporating dynamic change management, the suite helps reduce manual repetitive tasks, enabling local engineers to complete projects faster and more economically.
ENHANCING DATA SHARING AND COLLABORATION
Civil WorkSuite’s capabilities facilitate seamless data sharing across different disciplines, boosting productivity and minimizing errors. Engineers in the Philippines can now easily work with large data files, including LiDAR, point clouds, and drone imagery. Infrasys supports this capability, ensuring that all project stakeholders are equipped to handle and analyze complex datasets effectively.
PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS
Infrasys’s role goes beyond just providing software. The firm offers a straightforward purchasing process through Bentley’s e-commerce site, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. The standard package includes expert services, custom training, and ongoing support, reducing project downtime and maximizing efficiency.
TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR THE PHILIPPINE MARKET
Civil WorkSuite for Roads: Design and engineer road projects in the Philippines with end-to-end capabilities. Whether for urban streets or major highways, Civil WorkSuite—including OpenRoads— provides all necessary tools for plan and construction documentation, surveying, stormwater management, and more.
Civil WorkSuite for Bridges: Streamline bridge design workflows with OpenBridge Designer, a complete solution supporting all levels of detail required for various bridge projects. Civil WorkSuite ensures integration with road, tunnel, and other infrastructure design elements, essential for the interconnected nature of Philippine projects.
Civil WorkSuite for Site and Land Development: Transform site design from concept to detailed planning with OpenSite. This tool, central to Civil WorkSuite, supports land development projects from initial ideas to final documentation. For more complex projects involving roads, bridges, and tunnels, the suite offers integrated solutions that work together seamlessly.
EMPOWERING THE PHILIPPINE CIVIL INDUSTRY
With Infrasys as your channel partner, accessing Bentley’s Civil WorkSuite has never been easier. This partnership is committed to advancing the Philippine civil industry through innovative technology, expert support, and tailored solutions. Embrace the future of civil engineering with Infrasys and Bentley’s Civil WorkSuite, and elevate your project capabilities to new heights.
Higantis’ On-Site Tire Management: How We Help You Save Costs and Boost Efficiency
Managing tires in mining and construction sites is no easy task. At Higantis, we’ve made it our mission to help you get the most out of your tires while keeping your operations safe and efficient. We do this best by working right on site with your team, using practical strategies that make a difference in how your fleet performs and how much you spend on tire-related costs.
MANAGING TIRE COSTS THROUGH EFFECTIVE ROTATION
One of the most effective ways to get more life out of your tires is through rotation. By rotating your tires, we make sure they wear evenly, which helps prevent any one tire from wearing out faster than the others. This means you’ll replace tires less often, lowering your overall cost per hour (CPH). It’s a process that requires planning and discipline, but it’s one that can save you a lot in the long run.
ADDRESSING TIRE CUTS EARLY WITH DAILY INSPECTIONS AND PROACTIVE REPAIRS
Catching tire problems early can save you from bigger headaches down the road. In our projects, our team is on site daily, inspecting tires for signs of trouble like cuts, punctures, or unusual wear. If we find something, we call it out, schedule removal, and fix right away. This not only prevents small issues from turning into premature failures but also keeps your vehicles up and running safely.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIRE FOR THE JOB: SITE SURVEYS AND PRODUCT SELECTION
Not all tires are built for the same operating conditions, and choosing the wrong one can lead to problems or accidents. That’s why we start with a thorough site survey to understand your specific challenges. For example, if your hauling routes are full of hard, sharp rocks, you’ll need a tire with a cut-resistant compound. On the other hand, if
your operation involves long hauls in high temperatures, a heatresistant tire is the way to go. We help you pick the right tire for the job, so you get the best performance without unnecessary wear.
MAINTAINING THE RIGHT PRESSURE: A SIMPLE WAY TO EXTEND TIRE LIFE
Tire pressure is something that’s easy to overlook, but crucial for tire health. Tires that are either over-inflated or under-inflated wear out unevenly, and they can even cause accidents if not properly managed. We keep a close eye on tire pressure on site, adjusting it as needed to match your load and road conditions. This small step can make a big difference in how long your tires last.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GAUGE CALIBRATION TO ENSURE ACCURATE PRESSURE READINGS
However, maintaining the correct tire pressure is only as reliable as the tools you use. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that all your pressure gauges are regularly calibrated—at least once a year. Over time, even the best gauges can become inaccurate, leading to improper inflation levels that
could compromise tire performance and safety. By keeping your gauges calibrated, we make sure that the pressure readings you rely on are accurate, helping to maximize tire life and prevent avoidable issues.
PROTECTING YOUR TIRES WITH MANAGEMENT OF LOAD AND SPEED
Overloading vehicles or pushing them too fast can put a lot of strain on your tires, causing them to wear out quickly or, worse, fail unexpectedly. We work with your operators to ensure they understand the importance of sticking to recommended load limits and speeds. By keeping your tires within optimal range, we help prevent unnecessary damage and keep your operations safe.
COMPANY
USING DATA TO DRIVE DECISIONS: TIRE TRACKING AND ANALYSIS
To further optimize tire performance and cost-efficiency, we utilize a tire tracking system that monitors usage, wear patterns, and performance metrics. By collecting and analyzing this data, we can make informed decisions about tire rotation schedules, replacement timing, and product selection. This data-driven approach allows us to fine-tune our tire management strategies, ensuring that every tire in your fleet delivers maximum value.
RESPONSIBLE TIRE DISPOSAL
When your tires reach the end of their life, we can help ensure they’re disposed of responsibly by
downsizing, repurposing them or partnering with recycling facilities that turn old tires into useful products like tire-derived fuel. This not only keeps tires out of landfills but also supports sustainability efforts, which is becoming more important for companies across all industries.
CONCLUSION
At Higantis, our tire management program is designed to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of your operations. By integrating strategies such as tire rotation, daily inspections, proper site surveys, inflation management, load and speed control, and data analysis, we help you maximize tire life and reduce overall costs. Let us help you keep your fleet running at its best, daily.
Customized Solutions for Efficient Material Handling: Chief Industrial Conveyor Systems
In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, efficient material handling is crucial for operational success. Chief Industrial Conveyor Systems is at the forefront of this sector, offering conveyor systems that are not only versatile but also meticulously engineered to meet the unique demands of various industries. Our commitment to customization ensures that each system we provide is tailored to fit your specific needs, whether for long-distance transport or high-capacity operations.
CUSTOM ENGINEERING FOR DIVERSE APPLICATIONS
Chief Industrial Conveyor Systems are designed to handle a wide range of applications, from port facilities to coal mining and biomass operations. Our conveyors are engineered for both overland and short-distance transportation, allowing for seamless integration into your existing infrastructure. Whether you need a conveyor system for transporting coal, minerals, or bulk materials, our designs can be customized to meet the exact requirements of your application.
UNCOMPROMISED SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Safety and efficiency are paramount in our design process. Chief conveyors are built with rigorous safety standards in mind, ensuring reliable operation even in the most demanding environments. Our systems are environmentally friendly, minimizing impact while maximizing performance. We understand that operational efficiency can make or break a business, which is why our conveyors are designed to handle capacities ranging from standard widths of 18 to 96 inches and can load up to 10,000 metric tons per hour.
RELIABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON
Reliability is the cornerstone of Chief Industrial Conveyor Systems. Every product undergoes comprehensive testing to meet our stringent quality standards and ensure consistent performance. Our advanced design and engineering practices result in equipment that simplifies installation and maintenance,
saving you valuable time and reducing overall costs. With Chief, you can be confident that your material handling system will perform reliably, day in and day out.
OUR MISSION: PERSONALIZED SERVICE WITH INTEGRITY
At Chief, our mission extends beyond just providing conveyor systems. We are dedicated to offering unparalleled personal attention to each client’s needs while treating all stakeholders with the utmost dignity and respect. This commitment ensures our strength and stability as a company and fosters long-lasting partnerships with our clients. By choosing Chief, you partner with a company that prioritizes your specific needs and provides solutions that enhance your operational efficiency and safety. Trust us to deliver a conveyor system that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, helping you achieve your business goals with confidence and ease
Johnson Screens Experts Bring Innovation and Tradition to Manage and Protect Groundwater Resources
THOM HANNA, PG, HYDROLOGIST AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR JOHNSON SCREENS, DISCUSSES KEY ASPECTS
AND OWNERSHIP OF
AOF THE DESIGN
WELLS FOR MANAGED AQUIFER RECHARGE (MAR) AND AQUIFER STORAGE RECOVERY (ASR) PROJECTS.
s the natural aquifer replenishment process becomes too slow to cope with society’s growing groundwater demand, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) projects have become an important part of the long-term management of our hydric resources. Following that technique, water supply aquifers can be used for storage to mitigate water shortages and changes in wet and dry weather patterns.
During periods of water abundance, water can be stored in aquifers and later extracted in times of need, providing more water resilience. MAR is becoming an important practice for water management due to its minimal use of above-ground space and prevention of water loss by evaporation. With many years of proven performance supplying water in confined and unconfined aquifers, MAR applications can maintain operational standards at less than 1/3 of the footprint of traditional reservoir storage.
The design of wells used for MAR is similar to that of production wells. However, wells used for injection and extraction (Aquifer Storage and Recovery, ASR) require additional design considerations for their successful long-term operation. Inefficient wells used for MAR are more expensive to own and operate and require more maintenance, resulting in downtime. One of the biggest challenges for MAR systems is efficiency losses due to clogging wells. Water quality needs to match that of the aquifer, and materials used in the construction of the well should include only those that do not increase the rate of clogging or geochemical reactions in the aquifer. Selected well equipment should resist corrosion to ensure that water chemistry and/or biological corrosion agents do not lead to aquifer degradation due to physical clogging or chemical reactions between aquifer water and materials. Additionally, carefully selecting filter pack size and material will improve production
efficiency and bacteriological resistance.
Additionally, controlling the flow of recharge water requires careful consideration and selection to prevent cascading water from entraining air and pushing it into the well casing, bore, and aquifer. The entrained air can block water flow and is a source of oxygen that may increase corrosion and biofouling. As part of the flow control, pumps and motors require careful selection and application to allow for long-term reliability and adequate backflushing of the aquifer.
The design shall include instruments for measuring flow, water levels, and water temperature. Pump and motor data, including motor amperage, voltage, KW, KWH, and rotational speed, provide the means for calculating pump efficiency and energy usage and facilitate the calculation of wire-towater overall efficiency. That data set should be stored and charted for study and comparison over time, providing well owners with means to optimize operations and maintenance.
JOHNSON SCREENS PROVIDES INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS FOR MAR/ASR WELLS
MAR and ASR are among the most demanding applications in the Water Well industry and require comprehensive solutions to provide reliable wells while balancing expenses. By combining the tradition and knowledge with which we have led the Water Well industry for 120 years, Johnson Screens provides complete solutions designed specifically for these applications. These solutions are supported by technical and construction experience in some of the world’s most demanding projects, resulting in the most reliable equipment in the industry.
Our stainless-steel rod-based screens for water well applications rely on our signature Vee-Wire® construction to offer the highest open area to flow and lower energy requirements in both injection and production cycles. The continuous slot design promotes efficient sand control and lowers the entrance velocity of the water, reducing encrustation rates and plugging risk while preventing sand from damaging pumps. Lastly, the high open area also promotes better access to the entire formation around the screen, allowing fast and effective fines and drilling
Johnson Screens
fluid removal, leading to better well development.
Johnson Screens’ Muni-PakTM Pre-Packed Screens eliminate the need for a larger borehole, shorten the time required to drill a well, and drastically speed development time. The MuniPak’s dual-screen construction is four times stronger than standard rod-based screens, allowing for more aggressive development and better resiliency to unexpected hole problems, continually driving down installation and operational costs.
Gravel packing is a common industry practice that introduces additional costs and considerations to well construction. Shur-PakTM Glass Beads are an upgrade from traditional filter packs for water wells. They are easier to install than conventional filter packs, chemically inert and eliminate bridging risks during installation. Shur-Pak is easy to handle and can be sized and installed using similar methods and techniques. International organizations also certified Shur-Pak to be used as a drinking water system component.
ABOUT THOM HANNA
Thomas “Thom” M. Hanna, PG, is Hydrologist and Technical Director for Johnson Screens with over 35 years of experience in well design, construction, rehabilitation, and development. His experiences include hydrogeologic investigations and the design and optimization of well efficiencies for mine dewatering and water supply investigations.
Hanna has authored or co-authored many publications, including The Operational Stage of the Well, the third edition of Groundwater & Wells, and numerous technical papers. He has been an instructor and invited lecturer for many groundwater organizations and universities in different countries.
ABOUT JOHNSON SCREENS WATER WELL SOLUTIONS
Johnson Screens, a brand of Aqseptence Group, is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. For 120 years, we have provided the innovation the Water Wells industry requires with the tradition customers want. Our complete portfolio of water well solutions include screens and casing, drop pipe, chemicals, filter packs and accessories.
Learn more about our solutions for the most challenging water well applications by visiting our website, www.johnsonscreens.com/waterwells, or contact us at info.au@ johnsonscreens.com
Sandvik Unveils New Factory in Malaysia
Sandvik is establishing a new production unit in Malaysia for manufacturing underground loaders and trucks, which is expected to be operational by late 2023. Its primary focus will be meeting the growing global demand for batteryelectric vehicles (BEVs), but it will also manufacture conventional
loaders and trucks.
“Demand for our loaders and trucks is exceeding our current production capacity at our existing factories,” says Patricio Apablaza, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Load and Haul division. “The establishment of our new production unit in Malaysia will enable flexible
manufacturing of both conventional diesel and batteryelectric mining equipment.”
The newly constructed factory, situated 70 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, will cover an area of over 8000 square meters. Its annual capacity will gradually increase to 300 loaders and trucks, and 500 battery cages by 2030.
Thom Hanna
Orica Celebrates 150 Years of Innovation and Excellence
Orica, one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers is proud to be celebrating 150 years in operations in June 2024.
Founded in June 1874, a small company named Jones, Scott and Company emerged to supply explosives to those who sought fortune in the Victorian goldfields in Australia. Quickly expanding, the company merged with Nobel Explosives and later Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Dulux meanwhile began supplying paint to the Australian market in 1918 as part of the British Australian Lead Manufacturers (BALM) company which was partly purchased by ICI in 1928. ICI gained majority control in 1947 and 100 per cent control of Dulux in 1986. In 1998, ICI was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as Orica and has grown to be one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers with a market capitalisation nearing $9 billion.
Orica’s international presence includes the Philippines, a hub for Orica Global Business Services. For over 50 years, Orica Philippines has supported the mining and civil construction sectors and now operates a major manufacturing facility in Limay, Bataan, exporting products worldwide.
Reflecting on the company’s rich and impactful history, Orica Chairman Malcolm Broomhead said:
“From our explosive beginnings to our global presence in more than 100 countries today, Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life. As we celebrate 150 years, we look back at a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our people.
“Over the years, Orica has expanded its footprint, embracing new categories, businesses, capabilities, end markets, and geographies, becoming a multibillion-dollar global organisation.
Orica’s 150th milestone is a testament to the company’s strength, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.”
Innovation has been a part of Orica’s DNA since Alfred Nobel’s pioneering days and its commitment to research-led innovation remains unwavering, helping to shape the industry while providing essential support for its people, customers, and communities in which it operates. Some of Orica’s innovations include the creation of Perspex, the build of Australia’s first skyscraper, the world’s first wireless blasting solution WebGen™, Exel Neo TM the world’s first lead free detonator and most recently, the first blast using low-carbon ammonium nitrate in partnership with Fertiberia.
Orica’s commitment to safety,
the environment, and community engagement has been pivotal to its success. Partnering for progress with customers and stakeholders to find solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges and enabling the global transition to a lower carbon future.
Today, Orica’s team of more than 12,500 engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, business specialists and on-site crew support customers in surface and underground mines, quarry, construction, tunnelling and oil and gas operations in over 100 countries around the world.
Orica is focused on mobilising the materials, metals and minerals required to help the global economy grow and transition to net zero emissions, advancing technology and innovation across the mining and infrastructure value chains while accelerating its own decarbonisation with an ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Orica Board of Directors and Executive Committee at Orica’s 150th Anniversary Gala
Gordon Wallace, Country Director Orica Philippines gave a speech during the 150 celebration at Orica Philippines
Hilton Manila Hotel - Philippines
Geotechnical Site Investigation for Digital Development
This article urges the use of technology and well proven methods to improve ground investigation outcomes and to facilitate digital geotechnical information to target risk. The benefit is well proven to ground engineering project cost and schedule.
This third in our series concerning ground investigation, talks about using digital data gathering methods and techniques to improve on ground investigation schedule and reduce contractor risk. Geophysical methods being digitally based can be deployed to improve the speed of investigation, quality and relevance of information for use in digital models.
DIGITAL INFORMATION
For Developers and Contractors, repeatable, quality assured digital datadatsets provide an unequivocal record of conditions, readily stored in digital platforms accessed from any number of Apps, and trainable to AI.
Geophysical and insitu measurements collated in digital format, together provide factual information not reliant on qualitative observations open to interpretation. Digital data can be readily integrated into design models for efficient ground modelling and 3D mine and civil design.
For Asset Owners the same datasets serve as repeatable measurements of baseline conditions for contract management and asset lifecycle tracking.
FAST MOVING CHANGE
In an ever increasing technological world moving at faster rates but with a generally shrinking pool of skilled and experienced technical practioners, there is a looming significant difficulty to execute on projects in a timely manner.
In addition, current generation geotechnical data gathering in the Philippines with the exception of a selected few contractors, remains negatively affected by poor performance in recovery and schedule. The data is analogue and requires interpretation of description and data gaps to use with any degree of confidence.
Industry thinking of the traditional approach of drill + test needs to change.
NOT ALL INVESTIGATORS ARE EQUAL
RDCL are experts in ground investigation and modelling. The selection of the appropriate technique and the sequence of ground investigation deployment has a big influence on cost, suitability of information, early use of preliminary data, and efficiency of investigation.
Early engagement with specialist contractors offer significant benefits to the client.
Specialist contractors have special skills and experience to benefit the job. Ground investigation involves well proven technique, but which are often poorly understood outside of specialist geotechnical practitioners.
Ground investigation budgets at Planning phase can be better targeted using digital ground data integrated into asset or project models, to allow realistic assessment of risk. This means correct techniques and methods can be deployed on a targeted basis to control cost and schedules.
AN EXAMPLE REMOTE ROAD ALIGNMENT
RDCL was able to fast track option assessment and mitigation using geophysical techniques applied and modeling during disaster response to Cyclone Gabrielle damage within the Tararua District, New Zealand. The work enabled rapid road condition risk assessment,
investigation targeting and remediation design.
Professional developed the investigation plan through a structured approach beginning from geomorphological overview and large-scale evaluation of risk. Site investigations were chosen beginning with Geophysical Survey including Resistivity and Seismic methods. Both methods are excellent for screening and importantly produce digital data.
Geophysics data interpreted with leading software Leapfrog against the digital terrain model including the road alignment, revealed areas with soft (blue)
PrixMax: Beat the Heat
PrixMax is a market leading developer, manufacturer and global supplier of long life and environmentally sustainable engine coolants, corrosion inhibitors and transport chemical solutions for heavy duty, commercial and automotive applications.
Since 1996, PrixMax was the first 100% Australian owned coolant company to introduce Organic Additive Technology (OAT) coolants meeting key OEM specifications into the automotive, transport, oil & gas and mining industries in Australasia and Southeast Asia. PrixMax long life coolants are considered an industry benchmark for extended service products, and have been used in many of the largest transport and heavy industrial operations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
PrixMax’s range of engine coolants and corrosion inhibitors
provides complete cooling system protection for all types of on-road and off-road heavy duty vehicles and equipment, regardless of fuel type. Extensive field performance has proven that PrixMax’s heavy duty engine coolants can extend service intervals, cut equipment downtime and reduce service and maintenance costs.
With complete technical, laboratory testing and research and development capabilities, PrixMax has the ability to offer tailored product solutions to suit any engine and any application, making it one of the most experienced and trusted locally owned full service providers of engine coolants in Australia.
PrixMax offers world class products to suit any application and has a wide distribution network throughout Australia, Southeast Asia and New Zealand. All PrixMax products are manufactured from ISO 9001 and
ISO 14001 accredited facilities in Australia.
PrixMax coolants have been successfully used in the field, with thousands of hours of proven performance in major OEM equipment fleets operating in the harshest conditions imaginable. PrixMax has been trusted by some of the largest mining and heavy industry operators in the world to supply engine coolants for their entire fleets.
PRIXMAX is exclusively distributed by Uptime Earthmoving Solutions, Inc. in the Philippines.
For product inquiries, you may reach us through the following:
Office: Unit D 10th Flr., CyberOne Bldg., 11 Eastwood Ave., Bagumbayan QC
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and hard (red) foundations and previously unrecognized landslides.
The Engineering advantage is to enable appropriate preliminary scoping of likely remedial works and to target further investigation to meet those demands.
A deliberate digital ground investigation has the potential to search for previously unrecognized unknowns, allows informed decision making in a timely manner to infill gaps in project knowledge. Digital sharing drives Collaboration which leads to speed and efficiency.
GEOPHYSICAL AND INSITU TESTING
Surface and downhole geophysical surveys can cover large areas and penetrate below surface to provide a valuable insight into potential ground conditions and risk. All
of the information is digital, repeatable and Quality Assured.
Surface geophysics provides rapid, repeatable measurements of geotechnical properties including, ground strength, density, modulus of deformation, Vs30 and groundwater conditions. These parameters are relevant to design and physical evaluation of landslides, mitigation solutions subgrade modulus and seismic site class.
Downhole geophysics including accurate measurement of geological structures and identification of geological and geotechnical zones of influence by televiewers, shear wave velocity, density and other techniques drastically improve the value of drilling.
Critically, downhole logging significantly reduces the need for manual drilling supervision, subjective core logging and processing by capturing digital data within a tailored database for geological and geotechnical
modelling using modern 3D interpretive software. The outcome is deeper insight into clients’ needs, and options to improve outcomes.
TALK TO US
Partner with us and take action at the time when it is most impactful to your project. Contact us today. info@rdcl.co.nz
Cam Wylie, Director, RDCL
Cam Wylie is the Managing Director, CEO & Principal Engineer at RDCL Limited. With 30 years in the industry, Cam is a Chartered Professional Engineer with extensive overseas experience, working on major projects in the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. His expertise includes Project Management, Geotechnical/ Dam Engineering, Mining, Roading, Infrastructure, large subdivisions, and Residential Dwellings, and he is a contributor to the Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Gabrielle Engineering Leadership Group.
Championing Eco-Friendly Practices: TMC’s Commitment to Responsible Waste Management
written by: AGAPITO S. CUADRA JR.
In the serene landscapes of Barangay Taganito, a mining company-Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) stands as a beacon of sustainable development, spearheading initiatives to revolutionize waste management practices.
At the forefront of this endeavor is TMC’s Ecological Solid Waste Management Orientation, a program meticulously crafted to educate and empower community members in the art of responsible waste handling.
The cornerstone of TMC’s initiative lies in knowledge dissemination. Through immersive orientation sessions, participants gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of ecological solid waste management.
From the significance of waste segregation to the adverse effects of improper disposal, every aspect is meticulously covered, ensuring a holistic understanding among attendees.
Armed with this knowledge, the community is empowered to make informed decisions that positively impact the environment.
Central to the orientation program is the promotion of sustainable practices, with a spotlight on composting.
By showcasing the simplicity and efficacy of composting techniques, participants are inspired to embrace this eco-friendly solution for managing organic waste.
Through practical demonstrations, the benefits of composting are vividly illustrated, laying the groundwork for its widespread adoption as a practical waste reduction strategy.
In essence, TMC’s commitment to responsible waste management extends far beyond mere compliance with regulations.
It embodies a profound ethos of environmental stewardship, rooted in the belief that every individual has a role to play in preserving our planet for future generations.
Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, the company is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Barangay Taganito and beyond.
Hinatuan Mining Corp. Cultivates a Brighter Future for Host Communities Through School Support
Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) has been recognized for its dedication to workforce development and its commitment to empowering Filipino communities with specialized skills. HMC has been awarded the prestigious 2024 TESDA National Kabalikat Award in the Industry Category, a testament to its outstanding contribution to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Philippines.
The National Kabalikat Award, presented annually by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), recognizes exceptional partners who actively support and promote TVET initiatives nationwide. HMC was selected for its significant contribution to empowering the local workforce through TESDA-aligned programs, specifically its community-based training for Heavy Equipment Drivers and Operators.
This program has been instrumental in providing locals with
the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a high-demand industry, contributing to both individual economic growth and community development. HMC’s dedication to building a skilled workforce is reflected in its ongoing collaboration with TESDA, ensuring the program aligns with national standards and industry needs.
“HMC has worked with and is supportive of the programs of TESDA, specially when it comes to providing technical skills for our host community residents. We have worked with TESDA since 2013 for National Certification Level II (NC II) on technical skills that include Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Consumer Electronics Servicing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Dressmaking, Refrigeration and Airconditioning and Driving among many others,” stated Antonio B. Resuera, Jr., ComRel Manager.
“For this year, we have been awarded the 2024 TESDA National
Kabalikat Award due to our partnership with TESDA that produced 47 NC II holders from our host communities earlier this year. The collaboration conducted a specialized training program on Heavy Equipment Operation that focused on Dump Truck Driving and Hydraulic Excavator Operation”, said Romen John J. Libaste, ComRel Supervisor.
“The acquisition and accreditation of technical skills will both benefit our host communities and our company. The number of professionals will increase in our community and our company will have a nearby source for manpower”, he added.
“The award stands as a testament to HMC’s dedication to sustainable development, encompassing not only responsible mining practices but also community empowerment through education and skills training. This recognition highlights HMC’s role as a responsible corporate citizen, actively contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Philippines”, said Mr. Resuera.
Uniroc—The Innovative Path of the ‘Small Cross-Section Roadway Development Expert’
Uniroc focuses on the research and development, manufacturing, and sales of complete sets of intelligent equipment for drilling and blasting tunnel construction and mining. Its business covers railway tunnels, highway tunnels, underground mines, water conservancy and hydropower, pumped storage power stations, underground caverns, and other fields. We serve over 4000 projects worldwide and have established deep cooperative relationships with numerous enterprises. Our products are exported to nearly 20 countries and regions including Europe, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Central East.
Since its establishment, we have been constantly focusing on the field of special-purpose equipment, specializing in the research, development, production and sales of complete sets of intelligent equipment for tunneling and mining. Many of the tunnels or hydraulic projects we have participated in are the ‘world’s largest’, such as the world’s first tunnel in Qinling Tiantai Mountain Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel project Wuwei Highway, Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the world’s super-projects Sichuan-Tibet Railway, etc., as well as the world-class hydropower stations, such as Baihetan, Wudongde, Xiangjiaba, Xiluodu, etc. ......
The face drill rig WD561 we are promoting is a compact and adaptable drilling equipment, with its height of 1.6 meters, width of 1.3 meters, and can meet the minimum working section of 1.9m×1.9m. The drilling speed is fast, the highest drilling speed can reach 2.5m/min; the personnel adaptability is strong, the first remote control operation, the operation is simple and easy to learn. Face drill rig WD561 shows excellent performance in Zijin Mining gold mine, in the roadway section size of 2.6m×2.6m, rock hardness coefficient reaches the bad
environment of F10-12, WD561 with φ45mm hole diameter, realized 2.8m drilling depth, and the whole drilling process can meet the minimum working section of 1.9m×1.9m, and it can meet the requirements of 2.8m drilling depth, and it can meet the requirements of 2.8m drilling depth. The drilling depth of WD561 is 2.8m with a hole diameter of φ45mm, and the whole drilling process takes only 75 seconds. The blasting footage in a single day stably stays above 5m, which fully proves its high efficiency and stability. Another star product, WD581, is suitable for drilling and anchor holes in mine roadways, pumped storage power stations, hydropower stations and reservoir irrigation holes, with a minimum working section of 2.4m×2.9m. It adopts electro-proportional hydraulic control, which makes the operation easier and the drilling positioning more accurate. Meanwhile, it has the functions of automatic drilling, automatic retraction, automatic antijamming and automatic stopping of impact, which effectively improves the service life of drilling tools and drilling depth. It is equipped with self-diagnosis and safety voice alarm system, which realizes real-time monitoring and fault detection on the construction site.
From the manual mining operations in the pitch-black mine shafts to the intelligent unmanned mining, we are assisting small and medium-sized mines in moving towards intelligence. In the future, we will continue to focus on research and innovation, ensuring the ‘technical key’ for the construction of smart mines, promoting the application of intelligent mining technology, and contributing to the global mining industry’s intelligent transformation and upgrading.
Bernabe “Abe” Almirol joined our editorial team in Philippine Resources Journal (PRJ) in August 2021. This September 17th marks his first death anniversary for which we would like to honor his memory as one of our finest writers.
As a skilled writer, researcher, and public relations practitioner with technical background, he provided our publication with relevant and informative articles that reflected his passion for environmental issues. Having past work experience at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and in mining companies like OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. and FCF Minerals Corporation, Abe’s journalistic work for PRJ conveyed much of his expertise in reporting technical details with clarity and accuracy.
Abe showed serious dedication in investigative writing and commitment to truthful journalism which are evident in his articles about mining companies and environmental rehabilitation.
He has over two decades of experience in journalism, research, social media, and communications.
Back in November of 2020, he was an Assisting Professional for Information, Education and Communication for the DENR Forestland Management Project in Nueva Vizcaya. In this line of work, he provided technical assistance and training to DENR field implementing units for the Forestland Management Project. This project was funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In May 2017, Abe established the Bernabe Almirol PR and Writing Services. His company is a public relations, communications, and research consultancy based in Nueva Vizcaya.
In the recent past, he worked as a Freelance Correspondent for The Manila Standard, and for GMANews.TV.
His past work experience also includes being the Senior Communications Advisor, Communications Specialist and Community
Relations Supervisor at OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc., Didipio Mine in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
Additionally, he was formerly the Community Affairs and Land Acquisition Manager for FCF Minerals Corporation (Metals Exploration PLC).
Earlier in his career, he served the local government with various roles such as: Political Affairs and Networking Officer at the Office of Senator Manuel Villar and Villar Foundation, Inc., Administrative Officer IV at the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, and as Public Relations Assistant at the Office of the GovernorProvince of Nueva Vizcaya.
Abe graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature/Letters at Aldersgate College, Nueva Vizcaya. His first attempt to finishing a college degree is when he took up Electrical Engineering at Adamson University which was not successful due to financial difficulties.
Other than being a seasoned journalist, Abe was also a graphics artist, photographer, mountaineer, and a chess player.
In 2022, he worked as Secretary to the Mayor in of Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya.
The Local Government Unit of Dupax del Sur wrote:
We mourn the untimely demise of one of the brilliant minds in the Local Government Unit of Dupax del Sur, Secretary to the Mayor, Sir Bernabe K. Almirol.
Sir Abe was a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Dupax del Sur. He was known for his intelligence, integrity, and compassion.
His passing is a great loss to our community. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We are one with you in praying for his soul.
Sir Abe, thank you for everything that you have done for us. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
