Philippine Resources Journal - Issue 2, 2021

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CONTENTS MINING 20 DENR ‘STILL STUDYING’

LIFTING OF OPEN-PIT

MINING BAN 22 PH MINING SUPPORT

IN TIME OF COVID-19

– AND BEYOND 27 MONCANO PRESENTS

PHILIPPINE MINING

INDUSTRY UPDATES 36 MAKING MINING

SMARTER THROUGH

VIRTUAL TWINS

CONSTRUCTION

COMMENTARY RENEWABLES AND MINING

By Fernando Penarroyo / page 6

40 MEGAWORLD UNIT

EYES COUNTRY’S

LARGEST REIT IPO 41

COMMENTARY GOING BACK TO NORMAL

AC ENERGY STARTS BUILDING PH’S LARGEST WIND FARM

By Patricia A.O. Bunye / page 16

42 SAVING LIVES

THROUGH EXCELLENCE

IN INFRASTRUCTURE

COMPANIES 45 THE MANITOU GROUP:

A KEY ACTOR IN

MINING SECTOR 48 GOOD DECISIONS

DURING NICKEL, BASE

METAL MINING PROCESS 51

MAJOR CARBON REDUCTION WORKS IN GLOBAL MINING

52 GLOBAL STUDY

ON MENTAL HEALTH

REMOTE ‘MINEFIELD’

4

MINING

CONSTRUCTION

President Duterte signs EO 130 in April / page 21

Value down to P80 billion in Q1 / page 39

MINERAL PACTS GET GREEN LIGHT

INDUSTRY OFF TO A SLOW START

ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

Cert. No. 67125-27 EAC Code: 02/35

HINATUAN MINING CORPORATION Mine Site: Hinatuan Island, Brgy.Talavera, Tagana-an, Surigao Norte Surigao Liason Office: NAC Bldg. Km3, Brgy. Luna, Surigao City Tel. Nos, (086) 826-6113 Head Office: 29F, NAC Tower, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 1634, Tel. Nos. (623) 7987-626

RESOURCES COMMENTARY

Renewables can make mining a sustainable PHILIPPINE industry RESOURCES THE MAGAZINE FOR MINING AND CONSTRUCTION Philippine Resources is published independently for executives in Philippine mining, construction, resources and associated business sectors.

Publisher Elizabeth Galura Consulting Publisher Greg Brimble Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle Sales and Marketing Manager Matt Brimble +63 927 721 6622 Matthew@philippine-resources.com Account Manager Merian Jay Fallan +63 955 738 0266 merian@philippine-resources.com Kevin Lewis kevin@philippine-resources.com Administration Cecilia Pamular +63 917 308 1971 cecille@philippine-resources.com Design/Production Elizabeth Galura Journalist Marcelle P. Villegas Contributors Patricia A.O. Bunye Fernando Penarroyo Manila Publishing Office Suite 6, 2nd Floor Corinthian Plaza Building 121 Paseo de Roxas Legaspi Village Makati City, Philippines 1226 Phone +632 8251 5599 Digital Online Edition www.Philippine-Resources.com ON THE COVER:

The first ever Atlas Copco portable engine driven compressor acquired in the Philippines, used by ABI Interior Hardware in Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental.

Photo courtesy Atlas Copco

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T

here is no doubt that public perception of mining is that of a dirty, hazardous, and ecologically-destructive industry.

Sustainable mining is nonexistent to critics because of the industry’s perceived large carbon footprint brought about by deforestation and large contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

By its very nature, mining is also energy-intensive starting with the development and production processes requiring fuel for heavy equipment and machinery, up to the processing stage where metallurgical plants consume a huge amount of electricity. Energy expenses constitute approximately 30 percent of cash operating costs as majority of mining operations continue to rely on fossil fuel-based grid power or off-grid diesel-generated power. While accounting for up to 11% of global energy consumption, the industry is responsible for 22% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite the pandemic, the mining index has now recovered by an astonishing US$636 billion thanks to a boom in spending brought about by the current green and digital transition, and unprecedented infrastructure-focused stimulus packages initiated by many governments. The Philippines also benefitted from this development.

According to a report by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, metallic mineral production value ended 2020 on a positive note with a 1.13% gain from PhP130.74 billion in 2019 to PhP132.21 billion, a PhP1.47 billion increase.

As mining operations need a consistent and reliable source of power, and renewables becoming a mainstream energy source, mining companies have a material opportunity to lower costs and improve safety, reliability, and sustainability. The regulatory and risk mitigation landscape is also changing with many governments enacting legislation to bring their economies in accordance with the 21st Conference of the Parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or Paris Agreement goals of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and maintaining planetary warming

below 2°C of preindustrial levels.

The industry and its investors need to urgently promote less carbon-intensive energy consumption to address future pressures on the climate in order for the public and stakeholders By Fernando Penarroyo to be more receptive and appreciative of the contributions of mining. This article discusses how mining and innovative renewable energy technologies can combine to achieve the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

Attracting Investors’ Appetite Back to the Mining Industry While demand for renewable energy continues to grow, investors and lenders’ appetite in mining is shrinking. The sector is facing a market that is smaller, pricier, and subject to an increasing regulatory oversight to help manage its exposure to environmental and social risks.

On the other hand, the cost of producing renewable energy has dropped dramatically making it more competitive with fossil fuels with technological innovation and huge investments from China pushing down its costs. The opportunity lies in companies focusing on clean metal production and investors supporting cleaner and greener minerals extraction.

While mining companies see the opportunity, they are in a catch-22 situation. According to an Ernst and Young report, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are getting in the way of the green transition because how the needed minerals are produced is under more scrutiny from governments, investors, and end consumers. Institutional investors have pledged to completely remove fossil fuels from their portfolios by

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< Page 6 2030 and banks have priced their loan products in correlation to the environmental risks of the borrower. BloombergNEF confirms the change in investor perspec-tive most notably with the move by BlackRock – the world’s largest asset manager with $7.4tn on its books – to divest from companies not aligned with the policy goals of the low-carbon energy transition.

Investors, governments, and top companies like Amazon to JPMorgan Chase are injecting billions of dollars into sustainable projects.

In addition, corporate directors are required to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulation and consumers are demanding sustainable business practices, persuading hundreds of major companies to issue net zero emissions commitments.

Clients of institutional investors are also pushing fund managers to create sustainability-focused portfolios and banks are requiring more rigorous covenant packages in their loan agreements with extractive industry businesses. Mining companies have no choice but to engage in decarbonization in order to access capital.

How Renewable Energy is Transforming the Mining Industry Minerals are critical to the clean, green, and digital transition. The growth of renewable energy is heavily reliant on commodities like copper, gold, lithium, cobalt which are used in the manufacture of new technologies that could one day replace fossil fuels in the global en-

8

ergy mix.

Copper supplies, for example, need to increase by as much as six percent (6%) per year to meet the goals laid out in the Paris Agreement. Copper is needed for wind farms, solar panels, and electric vehicles, and generally essential to all power generation infrastructure. Solar power, expected by the International Renewable Energy Agency to reach 8,519 GW of capacity worldwide by 2050, relies on the supply of aluminum, copper, and certain rare earth elements (including indium and cadmium) to produce photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Wind turbines are made from steel and is therefore dependent on the production of iron. Certain rareearth elements such as neodymium are needed for the magnets used inside turbine generators, as well as electric vehicle (EV) technology.

Zinc and titanium are used mostly for wind and geothermal energy.

Metals are also used in high tech devices like aircraft engines, rockets, and other military equipment, hence, the label of critical minerals.

Driven by the demand for EV batteries and renewable energy infrastructure in battery storage, the need for lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, platinum-group, and rare earth elements is primed to explode. The World Bank predicts that production of these minerals could increase nearly five hundred percent (500%) by 2050. For cobalt, lithium, and nickel, projected demand is greater than known reserves. As the demand for renewables continues to grow, the mining industry indeed faces a bright future in becoming a recognized vi-

tal contributor to the clean energy transition.

With advancements in renewable energy technology and the commitment of some key industry players, there are many benefits for mining companies to switch to renewables. In addition to the financial bottom line, renewables also offer important social, health, safety, and environmental benefits that are harder to quantify, which can potentially include: • Stability in power price, increased energy security, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels that are vulnerable to global price fluctuations - Solar and wind facilities have high upfront costs to build but input costs drop to near-zero when operational. The cost of battery production is also predicted to halve in the next decade, making large-scale energy storage capable of powering a mine’s operations even in the absence of a consistent supply.

• Sustainable development support - Satisfaction of environmental and social criteria used to measure the sustainability and green credentials of a given project will be a pre-requisite for off-takers, investors, and lenders.

Debt and capital markets will shift towards sustainable and green investments.

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced carbon liabilities.

• Energy efficiency in mine sites by synchronizing peak load with cheaper renewable energy sources, thus bringing down the overall cost of mining operations and maintenance; and

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RESOURCES COMMENTARY MINING COMPANY < Page 8

Anglo American

• Additional revenue from selling excess generation capacity and providing ancillary services to grid operators.

RE Projects at Mine Sites Around the World Realizing the benefits from efficient energy management systems, some miners are now driving down their energy costs by up to 25% in existing operations and 50% in new mines. Renewables, whose levelized costs have achieved parity with traditional fossil fuels, is a major component. These developments in the mining sector are part of a larger, global trend toward greater procurement of renewables by corporations.

A report by Fitch Solutions Macro Research revealed that around 1 GW of renewables was already built at mining sites across the world, and that another 1 GW is in the pipeline. Solar PV and wind are leading the way in installed renewables generation among mining companies, with thirty percent (37%) and fifty-nine percent (59%) share in 2017, respectively.

By one estimate, investment in renewables just for mining will reach nearly US$4 billion by 2022, which represents more than a ten-fold increase from a decade before.

Several large mining companies have been integrating renewables at progressively higher ratios, and all four of the world’s biggest miners plan to source more of their energy needs from renewables. (See Table 1A and 1B above -- Editor).

While energy management practices using renewables are becoming more prevalent in the sector, some have yet to integrate renewable energy sources and enabling technologies. This may be due to the existing perceptions of renewables in terms of complexity, cost, reliability, and performance. Many miners still think of renewables like solar and wind, as the higher cost option for mines operat-ing both on and off the grid.

In addition to cost, reliability is another often-cited reason for not considering renewables.

However, these concerns have largely been addressed. When speaking of renewables, there are two facets to reliability. The first relates to the efficacy of the technology itself, while the second relates to intermittency. Intermittency is being addressed and demonstrated to be manageable since the viability of battery storage is now enhanced by new technologies and the cost of utility-scale batteries is

10

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT Signed a deal to run its Quellaveco copper mine in Peru 100% on renewables, effectively allowing the miner to deliver on its promise of powering all of its Latin American operations by green energy by 2022. The facility is expected to provide 150 MW for an initial eight-year period to Anglo’s Quellaveco, located in the Moquegua region.

Also inked a 15-year contract in Brazil to buy 70 MW of solar power from Atlas Renewable Energy as of 2022 for its iron ore operation in Minas Gerais.

Rio Tinto

Announced that it would reduce the annual carbon footprint associated with its Kennecott Utah copper mine by as much as 65%, by purchasing renewable energy certificates and permanently shutting its coal power plant. The mine’s electricity needs will now be supplied with 1.5 million megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy certificates supplied by energy company Rocky Mountain Power, primarily sourced from its renewables portfolio in Utah and including wind power from Wyoming.

Supported a 9MW wind farm in the Arctic near its mine.

Added an additional 5MW of solar panels, and advanced battery storage, to an existing solar/ diesel microgrid to further decrease diesel use at a bauxite mine.

Gold Fields

Announced plans to predominantly operate its Agnew gold mine in Western Australia (WA) using renewable energy in partnership with global energy group EDL and involving an AUD112m ($77.59m) investment in an energy microgrid combining wind, solar, gas and battery storage.

In February 2019, Aggreko was contracted to create a hybrid solar-battery generation system to power the Granny Smith mine. The hybrid system will be integrated with the 24.2MW already generated by the natural gas engine station.

Antofagasta

starting to decline.

Incentivizing RE Technologies Various factors are influencing the optimal electricity generation at mining sites. Some of these are external factors such as sun and wind conditions, grid-availability, or grid stability, while some are directly related to the mining company like environmental sustainability policies and availability of capital. Other factors are related to the mining site, among which are the remaining lifetime of the mine,

Signed an agreement in June 2018 with utility company Colbún to make the Zaldívar mine the first Chilean mine to operate with 100% renewable energy. From 2020 the mine will be powered by a mix of hydro, solar and wind power producing 550 gigawatt hours per year, which is expected to remove emissions equivalent to 350,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year. the load-profile, or the need of process-heat.

Depending on several internal or external factors, a mining company may apply various business models for renewable energy: 1. Plant Ownership • Self-consumption (plant ownership). The power plant is constructed on-site, and the mine consumes the energy (electricity or process heat). An added option is selling excess electricity to the grid or to adjacent consumers.

Table No. 1A. Renewable Energy Projects at Mine sites Around the World

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RESOURCES COMMENTARY MINING COMPANY < Page 10 • Co-ownership (joint venture). The mining company and a third-party investor create a joint venture, which then acts similarly as an IPP and sells electricity to the mine.

• Leasing or rental agreements.

The mine has no investment costs, but instead pays a leasing rate, operates the renewable energy plant, and consumes or sells excess electricity that is produced from the leased power plant.

2. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) • Standard PPA. The mine purchases the electricity at a predefined price from an independent power producer (IPP).

The IPP can be off-grid or gridconnected and the PPA may contain flexible mechanisms such as link to diesel price or spot market price.

• Synthetic PPA. Even if it is not viable for a mine to establish its own renewable energy source in close proximity to its operations, the rise in so-called synthetic or virtual PPAs provides an incentive for mining companies to invest in renewables.

The IPP sells at market price and power marketers provide a guaranteed price and compensate for certain deviations. This business model requires a gridconnection and a functioning spot-market. A mine enters into an agreement directly with a renewable energy producer at a fixed price but pays a fee to the utility, via which electricity will pass through to cover the cost of managing the grid.

• Energy-metal Swap. Basically, it is a PPA, but the electricity is paid with mining products, which may eliminate some of the metals market price risk.

3. Hybrid Microgrids.

A key advantage of renewable energy is that it can power the energy needs of mining operations in remote areas, where the cost of building the infrastructure required to hook the mine up to the grid network or building a conventional power station will be significant.

By having a dedicated offgrid renewable power source, a mining operation can meet all its energy requirements from green sources and make significant cost savings in the price it pays for electricity.

Micro-grids involve a combi-

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RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT

Newmont

In September 2018, UK-based solar company Cambridge Energy Partners (CEP) announced that American mining corporation Newmont had deployed CEP’s Nomad mobile solar power array at the Akyem gold mine in Ghana.

Zijin

In May 2017, UK-based power generation company Aggreko announced that it had signed a ten-year deal to provide solar-diesel hybrid power to the Bisha mine in Eritrea owned by Chinese mining group Zijin. Aggreko provides 22MW of diesel and 7.5MW of solar-generated power for the Bisha mine’s copper and zinc operations.

Sandfire Resources

Added a 10.6MW solar power plant at the DeGrussa mine in Australia.

B2Gold

Added 7MW of solar panels to its Namibia mine to complement existing heavy fuel oil generators.

Caterpillar

Began marketing hybrid microgrids that incorporate solar, diesel and natural gas generators, and advanced storage options. Target customers include remote mines and drill sites.

nation of power sources, usually diesel or natural gas generators combined with some renewable resources. Several mines have started down this path, integrating wind or solar PV generation with short duration lithium-ion batteries that produces 10-25% of a mine’s total electricity needs.

The microgrid continues to be controlled by the diesel gensets with renewables acting as a reduction to the overall mine load.

Fortunately, battery technology has advanced rapidly in recent years to keep up with the need to store increasingly large amounts of renewable energy at a lower cost and lesser physical footprint.

One of the keys to this relationship is the rapid development of suitable renewable power supplies to both existing and new mining operations. The sooner mining operators adapt their models to accommodate this development, the sooner they will be able to persuade investors, lenders, and off-takers to support them. Miners must soon decide whether to push forward in the direction of renewables or else they risk becoming high-cost producers in their respective commodities as renewables are increasingly becoming factors for competitiveness. Renewables should also be examined as part of a broader social and environmental agenda in addition to their financial proposition as a replacement for existing

traditional energy sources.

Legacy Mines as RE Sites Mine site conversion can provide ongoing and long term value in the form of an alternative income stream well after mining operations have ceased. Specific benefits can include reusing infrastructure, reduced cleanup and decommissioning costs, re-employment of a skilled mining workforce and/ or new local employment opportunities, and a clean after-use for a mine site that can also create a potential source of carbon credits with tradable value.

Mine sites may prove to be ideal locations for the generation of renewable energy because they often cover extensive areas where wind and solar power structures will have less environmental impact and are therefore less likely to meet opposition.

In addition, mine sites often already have the necessary electricity transmission lines and transport infrastructure in place, avoiding extra capital costs. Other forms of redevelopment may not be an option due to the remoteness of the site, or environmental conditions may rule out residential or commercial use without significant extra development cost. Although interest is increasing, the re-use of mine sites for alternative energy generation remains at a small scale but already in place in some sites. (See Table 2 next page -- Editor) If not done responsibly, re-

Table No. 1B. Renewable Energy Projects at Mine Sites Around the World

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RESOURCES COMMENTARY TECHNOLOGY < Page 12 searchers have found that the mining necessary for producing more metals and creating the required renewable energy infrastructure could exacerbate threats to ecosystems. While they fully support the move away from fossil fuel production as an essential part of the fight against climate change, alternative energy production must not happen at the expense of biodiversity, rainforests, and the livelihoods of indigenous peoples.

In response to increasing corporate demand for clean energy, industry associations and coalitions have sprung up to make it easier for mining companies to enter into power PPAs with developers and utilities, or to self-generate their own electricity. There’s an optimal point in any proposed mining project where a decision needs to be made to integrate renewables, or else the mine life will expire before the full benefits of renewables can be realized.

Conclusion If the mining and renewable energy industries pursue a strong symbiotic relationship, both will benefit in cost savings, reduced emissions and more importantly, preserving their social license to operate. This will be a very long transformation process but with new technologies in commercial development especially in battery storage, the mining industry has an incredible opportunity to drastically curb climate change impacts in its operations. Investors and lenders will also need to be part of the solution by revisiting

Wind Power

In the largest wind farm planned in Virginia, 166 turbines will be sited on over 4000 hectares of land disturbed by coal and hard rock mining activities.

99% of the land remains usable for other activities including farming.

In Scotland, Black Law Wind Farm near Forth covers 1850 hectares of abandoned coal mine land, grazing land and commercial forestry, with 42 wind turbines generating 97 MW, and plans for expansion potentially increasing the total generating capacity to 193 MW. At the Hazlehead Wind Farm site in West Yorkshire, wind power is now being generated on the site of a former clay quarry spoil tip and landfill site, with three turbines and a proposed installed capacity of 6 MW.

Solar Power

The Geosol solar plant at Espenhain, Leipzig, constructed on a former lignite mine ash site, generates 5 MW and saves around 3700 tonnes of CO2 every year.

UK’s first large-scale solar PV farm developed by Lightsource Renewable Energy is located on the south-facing site of the former Wheal Jane tin mine near Truro in Cornwall. The solar farm houses 5680 panels with a peak generating capacity of 1437 MWh.

the mining industry as an investment opportunity.

They have to work with mining companies to implement ESG improvements and transition to sustainability. Instead of dismissing these efforts as industry “greenwashing”, critics and skeptics must exercise open mindedness in giving a chance to mining that, whilst historically perceived as dirty, is essential for the global aspiration of a clean and green energy transition.

References Ali, Umar, Going green: renewable energy projects at mines around the world, Mining Technology, April 15, 2021, https://www.mining-technology.com/features/going-green-renewableenergy-projects-at-mines-around-the-world/ Better fit for mining and renewable energy, THEnergy, 2020, https://www.th-energy. net/english/platform-renewable-energy-andmining/business-models/ Cormack, David and Wood, Michael, Renewables in Mining: Rethink, Reconsider, Replay, Deloitte, 2017, https://www2.deloitte. com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/ Energy-and-Resources/gx-renewables-inmining-final-report-for-web.pdf Fawthrop, Andrew, Why the mining industry must continue to embrace renewable energy, NS En-ergy, 20 March 2020, https://www. nsenergybusiness.com/features/renewableenergy-mining-bnef/#:~:text=Financial%20 incentives%20for%20mining%20industry%20to%20embrace%20renewable%20 energy&text=%E2%80%9CThis%20means%20 miners%20can%20negotiate,the%20volatility%20of%20energy%20markets.

Gracey, Kyle, How can renewable energy technologies support mining and drilling?,

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FORMER MINE SITES

Fernando “Ronnie” S. Penarroyo specializes in Energy and Resources Law, Project Finance and Business Development. He may be contacted at fspenarroyo@penpalaw.com for any matters or inquiries in relation to the Philippine resources industry.

Atty. Penarroyo’s commentaries are also archived at his professional blogsite at www.penarroyo.com.

Prescouter, October 2017, https://www. prescouter.com/2017/10/renewable-energymining-drilling/ Jamasmie, Cecilia, Anglo American to run South America mines 100% on renewables, MIN-ING.COM. April 15, 2021 https://www. mining.com/anglo-to-run-south-americamines-100-on-renewa-bles/#:~:text=Anglo%20 American%20(LON%3AAAL),by%20green%20 energy%20by%202022.

Kostigen, Thomas M., The might of metals in the clean energy transition, GreenBiz, 10 February 2021, https://www.greenbiz.com/ article/might-metals-clean-energy-transition#:~:text=Here's%20why%3A%20Minerals%20are%20critical,in%20the%20Paris%20 Climate%20Agreement.

Maisch, Marija, Mining sector to rely increasingly on renewables, report finds, PV Magazine,11 September 2018, https://www. pv-magazine.com/2018/09/11/mining-sector-torely-increasingly-on-renewables-report-finds/ Mining & Renewable Energy – A Greener Way Forward, Watson, Farley, and Williams, 23 Novem-ber 2020, https://www.wfw.com/ articles/mining-renewable-energy-a-greenerway-forward/ Sonter, Laura, Watson, James and Valenta, Richard, Renewable energy can save the

Table No. 2.

Renewable Energy Technologies at Former Mine Sites

natural world – but if we’re not careful, it will also hurt it, The Conversation, 02 September 2020, https://theconversation.com/renewableenergy-can-save-the-natural-world-but-ifwere-not-careful-it-will-also-hurt-it-145166 Thomas, Tobi, Mining needed for renewable energy 'could harm biodiversity’, The Guardian, 01 September 2020, https://www. theguardian.com/environment/2020/sep/01/ mining-needed-for-renewable-energy-couldharm-biodiversi-ty#:~:text=The%20mining%20necessary%20for%20producing,to%20 biodiversity%2C%20researchers%20have%20 found.&text=The%20scientists%20found%20 mining%20potentially,used%20in%20renewable%20energy%20production Whitbread-Abrutat, Peter and Coppin, Nick, Wardell Armstrong International, Renewables Revive Abandoned Mines, Renewable Energy World, 13 April 2021, https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/baseload/renewablesrevive-abandoned-mines/#gref Zuliani, Jocelyn and Guilbaus, Joel, Renewable energy in mining: A practical application for active operations, Canadian Mining Journal, 01August 2020, http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/features/renewable-energyin-mining-a-practical-application-for-activeoperations/

ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

RESOURCES COMMENTARY

What does ‘going back to work’ look like for mining?

I

By Patricia A. O. Bunye

16

n Issue 4 last year of Philippine Resources, I recapped how much of my 2020 was spent on Zoom calls and webinars. A year and a half into the pandemic, and after 15 months of working from home, the situation has not changed, and it looks like this will be our way of life for some time to come.

Major online events were conducted recently by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). First was the Consultative Meeting on May 19 on the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Executive Order No. 130, with Day 1 being attended by mining companies and Day 2 by NGOs and the academe. Second was the MGB’s Stakeholders’ Forum on Recent Policy Issuances Relating to Mining, also held over two days on June 8 and 9.

The introduction to the Consultative Meeting was an opportunity to review the issuances of the DENR and MGB from 2015 to 2020, the more significant of which were discussed in greater detail in the MGB’s Stakeholders’ Forum.

In the open forum that followed the Consultative Meeting, MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano confirmed that, although EO 130 does not explicitly refer to the lifting of the ban

on open pit mining, the intent is to lift it since Section 11, or the repealing clause of its proposed IRR, explicitly refers to Department Administrative Order 2017-10 on the ban on open pit mining.

The MGB’s Stakeholders’ Forum offered a deeper dive into the following issuances, with the formal presentations being followed by Q&As with the participants both on Zoom and Facebook:

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (seated left) and MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano during the firstday session of the meeting on EO 130.

MGB Photo

Mining Tenements: 1. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-001 (Clarificatory Guidelines on the Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit) 2. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 19-08 (Clarification on the Definition of the Open Pit Mining Method as per DAO No. 2017-10 and other Surface Mining Methods) 3. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 20-010 (Harmonizing the Mining Production Capacity Threshold or Limit of a Mining Permit/Contract and the Pertinent Environmental Compliance Certificate) 4. DENR Administrative Order (Guidelines on the Automatic Renewal of the Exploration Period and the Timely Declaration of the Mining Project Feasibility under the EP, MPSA, FTAA, and Similar Mining

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RESOURCES COMMENTARY

< Page 16 Tenements) [For Publication, as this column was being written] Environmental Protection 5. MGB Memorandum Order No. 20-01: Care and Maintenance Program for Mining Projects 6. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2020-04 (Clarificatory Guidelines for the Establishment of the Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund for Dredging Projects/Activities pursuant to DPWH-DENRDILG-DOTR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2019) Online Filings 7. Memorandum Order No. 2020007 (Policy on Online Filing of Application and Payment) Enforcement 8. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-002 (Supplemental Guidelines to MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01) • MGB Memorandum No. 2018-01 (Guidelines in the Conduct of Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation and Disposition of illegally sourced minerals/mineral products and byproducts, tools, conveyances and equipment used) Appeals 9. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-006 (Clarificatory Guidelines on the Rules of Appeal) Dredging and Offshore Mining 10. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-07 (Clarificatory Guidelines on Section 5.1.2.c of DPWH-DENRDILG-DOTr JMC No. 2019-01) 11. MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2020-008 (Revised Guidelines on Offshore Mining - Revision to MGB Memorandum Circular 201605 “Guidelines on Offshore Mining”) While the aforementioned webinars with the DENR/MGB are illustrative of government’s engagement and cooperation with its stakeholders, on the same day, June 9, in another time zone, the World Association of Mining Lawyers (WAOML) was conducting a webinar on the international arbitration of mining disputes against governments. The global panel described an upward trend in mining arbitration against

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governments and government entities, i.e., since 1990, there have been around 100 recorded mining arbitration cases against governments, 73 of which have been brought in the last 10 years. Within the last few days before the WAOML webinar, 4 new ones were brought against the governments of Colombia, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon and Turkey.

International arbitration against governments is usually resorted to when mining projects, which are typically long-term and complex, and depend on a stable legal, fiscal and political environment, experience major shifts such as resource nationalism, and/or unexpected changes in financial/tax/royalty regimes.

In 40% of the cases that have been brought, the mine could not start operating, and there was government action or inaction that led to the investment dispute. in more than half of the cases, the projects were operating, but the mine had to close down, because the license was not renewed, or the investor lost control because of an expropriation.

Interestingly, Latin America leads the way with the greatest number of international mining arbitration cases filed, with Asia and Africa following.

From the perspective of the mining companies that file the cases, international arbitration is just one tool in their arsenal, and often it is, as expressed by one speaker, an “absolute last resort” because, once the arbitration is instituted, it will inevitably lead to the breakdown of the relationships that have been built. It will also take time and resources to complete, and even assuming that the company obtains the desired award, it still needs to have the award enforced.

On the lighter and brighter side, the International Women in Mining (WIM) Alliance, which I have written about previously, recently held the first of new series of global calls via Zoom which was attended by the counterpart organizations of Diwata-Women in Resource Development from just about every corner of the globe. It was gratifying to hear how diverse yet similar our experiences are, and how much common ground there is for us to start from.

This is significant as the Alliance is about aligning the interests of these international women’s mining groups through multilateral, mutually beneficial relationships and leveraging their collective strength to pursue a common agenda, without integra-

tion, control or affiliation. For me, the fact that, through technology, it is so much easier now to reach out to other “sisters in mining” is a plus in itself. Pre-pandemic, it would have taken attendance in an international conference to meet even a quarter of this group.

With technology allowing me to be as, if not more, productive, than being at my office, am I looking forward to going back? Even with more people being vaccinated, the discussion is less about “going back to work” than what “going back to work will look like,” i.e., how to implement a hybrid workplace.

For the mining industry, which certainly is not predominated by desk-bound jobs, there is already a trend worldwide to see how certain repetitive tasks can be automated versus those which need analytical skills, and therefore a demand for individuals with such capabilities. Part of this shift is for artificial intelligence, machine learning and process-automation experts to oversee new ways of working.

In this regard, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report identifies leadership and social influence as a main focus of mining companies’ reskilling or upskilling programs. In any industry, empathy is vital to mitigating the potential negative impact of remote working on mental health, and managers need superior communication skills to manage isolated teams. Thoughts to further ponder on in a future column!

Draft IRR of EO 130 presented to stakeholders in a consultative meeting.

MGB Photo

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.

ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

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MINING NEWS

DENR ‘still studying’ lifting of open-pit mining ban

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is still studying the possible lifting of the ban on open-pit mining, Malacañang said on June 17.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that Executive Order No. 130, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 14, does not include a lifting of the ban on open-pit mining.

EO 130, which lifts the nine-year moratorium on mineral agreements, is to spur economic growth and support projects and programs of the government, the Philippine News Agency reported.

“There is nothing in the executive issuance on mining which is EO No. 130 which lifts the ban on openpit mining. I have conferred with [DENR] USec. Benny Antiporda and he says the matter is still being studied by the DENR,” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

The spokesman, however, reiterated that open-pit mining remains “unacceptable” for Duterte.

In November 2017, Duterte said he agreed with the open-pit mining ban given the environmental damage it causes.

However, the head of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) expected a ban on open-pit mining to be lifted soon, following a government decision to welcome new mining agreements after a long moratorium.

“I can’t speculate, but I hope soon,” Wilfredo Moncano, whose bureau comes under the environment ministry, told Reuters on May 20.

The government imposed the open-pit ban in 2017, when the DENR, which oversees mining, was led by an anti-mining advocate who had blamed the sector for extensive environmental damage.

“The constitution and the Mining Act do not prohibit open-pit mining.

So, why not lift the ban?” Moncano said.

He did not elaborate on why he believed the ministry would soon lift the ban. The DENR undersecretary in charge of mining, Juan Miguel Cuna, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Allowing new open-pit mining projects would be the second landmark measure this year by the government to revitalize an industry that has stagnated from years of restrictive policies.

In April, President Rodrigo Duterte lifted a moratorium on new mineral agreements imposed in 2012, reopening the door to investments but dismaying environmentalists, as the government seeks to boost state coffers.

Mining is a highly contentious issue in the Philippines, the biggest supplier of nickel ore to top metals consumer China, after past cases of environmental mismanagement fueled a strong multi-sectoral lobby against the industry. The country is also among the top producers of copper and gold.

More than a third of the Philippines’ total land area of 30 million hectares (300,000 sq km) has been identified as having “high mineral potential”, according to

the MGB, but only less than 5% of the country’s mineral reserves is estimated to have been extracted so far.

Open-pit mining is a globally accepted method and one of safest, Moncano said. Lifting the ban will pave the way for several big-ticket projects to take off, such as the $5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold mine development in southern Philippines, the country’s biggest stalled mining project.

Tampakan failed to start after the provincial government banned open-pit mining in 2010, an obstacle reinforced by the 2017 nationwide ban, prompting commodities giant Glencore to quit the project in 2015.

Duterte, in his third State-of-theNation Address (SONA) on July 23, 2018, warned the mining industry not to destroy the environment, saying environmental protection is one of his government’s priorities.

“To the mining industry, I say this once again and maybe for the last time, do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources; repair what you have mismanaged,” Duterte said.

Roque reiterated Duterte’s call to the mining industry to find other ways to extract minerals without destroying the environment.

“But I understand from USec. Benny Antiporda that both the President and Secretary [Roy] Cimatu agreed that the mining industry must reinvent mining in a manner that would ensure that it is sustainable and would cost the least damage to the environment,” he added.

GOV’T UPDATES MINING ASSET LIST AHEAD OF SALE

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he Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is updating the mineral resources and mineral reserves database on state-owned mining assets in preparation for their sale.

About P21 billion in revenue can be generated by 100 mining projects in the pipeline, which can be used to help support economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, the MGB said in a BusinessWorld report.

Updating the list of stateowned mining assets for sale will support government revenue, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said.

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“This is in preparation for the bidding and sale of mining assets to gain revenue and help the country recover from the economic devastation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,” Cimatu said.

MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano said some assets under the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) of the Finance Department have sufficient data and can be put up for auction soon.

The PMO and the Philippine Mining Development Corp. are responsible for the sale of the government-owned mining assets via auction.

PMO mining assets include Pacific Nickel Philippines, Inc. in Surigao del Norte; North Davao Mining Property in Davao del Norte; Maricalum Mining Corp. in Negros Occidental; and Marcopper Mining Corp. in Marinduque.

Moncano identified Basay Mining Corp. in Negros Oriental, which ceased operations in 1983, and the Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corp. in Samar, which was foreclosed by the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine National Bank in 1984, as some of the idle government mining assets to undergo the review.

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MINING

Duterte lifts moratorium on mineral agreements

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) lifting the nine-year moratorium on mineral agreements to spur economic growth and support projects and programs of the government.

Duterte signed EO No. 130 on April 14, amending Section 4 of EO No. 79, s. 2012 that prohibits the grant of mineral agreements “until a new legislation rationalizing existing revenue sharing schemes and mechanisms shall have taken effect”.

“The moratorium on mineral agreements under Section 4, EO No. 79 is hereby lifted,” Section 1 of the amended EO 130 read, the Philippine News Agency reported.

Under the new EO, Section 4 of EO No. 79, which was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2012, shall be amended to read as follows: “Section 4.

Grant of Mineral Agreements. The Government may enter into new mineral agreements, subject to compliance with Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and other applicable laws, rules, and regulation.”

“The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) may continue to grant and issue Exploration Permits under existing laws, rules, and guidelines. The grantees of such permits shall have the rights under

the said laws, rules, and guidelines over the approved exploration area and shall be given the right of first option to develop and utilize the minerals in their respective exploration area upon the approval of the declaration of mining project feasibility,” it added.

The new EO also directs the DENR to “formulate the terms and conditions in the new mineral agreements that will maximize government revenues and share from production, including the possibility of declaring these areas as mineral reservations to obtain appropriate royalties, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.”

“The DENR shall likewise undertake a review of existing mining contacts and agreements for possible renegotiation of the terms and conditions of the same, which shall in all cases be mutually acceptable to the government and the mining contractor,” the EO read.

The DENR and the Department of Finance are directed “to undertake appropriate measures to rationalize existing revenue sharing schemes and mechanisms.”

EO 130 also directs the DENR to strictly implement mines safety and environmental policies.

“It shall ensure strict implementation of and compliance with the recommended

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measures of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council involving all mining operations, including other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, and the terms and conditions of the mineral agreements,” the EO read.

Duterte issued EO 130 to usher significant economic benefits to the country.

“The mining industry can support various government projects, such as the Build, Build, Build Program, by providing raw materials for the construction and development of other industries; and the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, by increasing employment opportunities in remote, rural areas where there are mining activities thereby stimulating countryside development,” the EO read.

According to the new EO, the country has tapped less than 5 percent of its mineral resources endowment to date.

On Dec. 19, 2017, Duterte signed Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration an-d Inclusive (TRAIN) Act. Section 48 of the law has doubled the rate of excise tax on minerals, mineral products, and quarry resources from 2 percent to 4 percent.

Duterte has repeatedly urged the mining industry to observe stricter environmental rules or risk getting shut down.

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MINING NEWS

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PH mining gives communities full support in time of Covid-19 – and beyond

fter mining firms heeded the government’s call last year to help ease the nation’s burdens from the Covid-19 pandemic, over a million families and hundreds of thousands of front liners nationwide felt the industry’s all-out support in addressing their most pressing needs. From food, medicines, and PPEs in the early months of the lockdown, to healthcare infrastructure, education, and livelihood assistance, host and neighboring communities of mining projects continue to find solace in the industry amidst the lingering contagion.

All told, the industry spent over P380 million in 2020 for Covid-19 initiatives from mining companies’ Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds, realigned to buttress the government’s pandemic response.

A total of 1.1 million households and nearly 300,000 front liners all over the country benefitted from the effort.

The SDMP is a 5-year budgeted plan for development programs in mining communities, which the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has allowed to be realigned during this pandemic. Some companies even complemented their SDMP spending with Corporate Social Responsibility funds to ensure greater positive impact and to reach more beneficiaries.

RELIEF, MEDICAL and LOGISTICS SUPPORT According to the MGB, the industry distributed nearly 390,000 relief packs and goods, over 6,000 boxes of medicines, some 1,600 hygiene and medical kits, 11,000 PPEs, 194,000 face masks, 5,000 face shields, 3,000 gallons of alcohol, 2,000 gallons of disinfectant and other cleaning supplies, as well as 4,000 units of other medical supplies. Mining firms also provided isolation units for communities, as well as food and logistics support for

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medical front liners, checkpoints personnel, rescue personnel and volunteers, Indigenous People (IPs), senior citizens, solo parents, and other vulnerable sectors.

In the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino, for instance, almost 19,000 households received medicines, PPEs, and food supplies from OceanaGold Phils., Inc., whose Didipio copper-gold project has not been operating since July 2019 as it awaits the renewal of its contract with the government. Also in Nueva Vizcaya, FCF Minerals Corp. provided food supplies to 10,500 households in the towns of Quezon and Kasibu, Filminera Resources Corp. and PhilGold Processing and Refining Corp., for their part, capped their Covid-19 efforts in their host province of Masbate with a Christmas food distribution drive in nearby Albay for some 400 families – about 100 of them IPs – who were among the hardest hit by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.

The companies also donated P5 million to help rebuild damaged houses and distribute relief goods following the 6.6 magnitude earthquake in Masbate.

In Benguet, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp.

(LCMC) and Far Southeast Gold Resources, Inc. opened their Casubigan camp to serve as the town’s temporary Covid-19 quarantine facility following the request of town mayor Frenzel Ayong. In addition, the company equipped its Lepanto hospital staff with complete PPEs, isopropyl alcohol, disinfectants, vitamin C, and other medical supplies. With the help of Lepanto weavers, LCMC provided all its 1,600 with face shields and 3-ply face masks. To stem the transmission of the virus, LCMC rolled out mass testing to over a thousand mine employees. Those who were found positive were sent to the company’s temporary isolation facilities, with free meals for the entire quarantine duration.

Also in Benguet, Philex Mining Corp. (PMC) lent support for the purchase of medicines by several barangays and to augment the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP). Aside from the SAP, the company gave cash assistance to families in Barangay Camp 3, Tuba. PMC, via its subsidiary Silangan Mindanao

Crew members of Filminera Resources Corp. and PhilGold Processing and Refining Corp. unload relief goods for thousands of residents in Baracay, Albay.

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MINING NEWS

< Page 22 Mining Co. Inc. (SMMCI), likewise allowed the use of Silangan’s stockyard in Barangay Macalaya as temporary isolation facility of Placer town in Surigao del Norte.

Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC) bankrolled the cost of materials and labor for the “KatreKarpintero” program of Dinagat Islands Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao who sought to address the need for more beds in the province’s quarantine facilities in the province. “Equipped with sufficient materials,” she said, “150 beds were completed in record time (5 days). Of course, this also provided extra income for our (21) carpenters.”

The industry likewise supported the establishment of two molecular technology laboratories and a COVID-19 testing center, as well as the procurement of over 17,000 rapid test kits. Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. (THPAL) partnered with Nickel Asia Corp. and its affiliates CMC and Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) in donating P18 million to the Philippine National Red Cross that, in turn, will build a P28-million molecular testing lab in Caraga. The lab can help boost pandemic response in the region through faster diagnostic results, rapid identification of infected patients, and faster contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus.

TMC donated some 5,000 rapid anti-body test kits (RATs) to Surigao del Norte to help detect possible cases of Covid-19 throughout the province. THPAL, on the other hand, provided the Claver town LGU with RATs, antigen test kits, a multicab and motorcycle, and an iChroma II antigen device, which has a higher accuracy rate in detecting Covid-19 than the standard rapid diagnostic equipment. Moreover, THPAL joined the Army 30th Infantry Battalion in providing relief goods to 489 IP families in Gigaquit town.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Villarosa, 30th IB commander, said the effort will help save the IPs from exploitation by rebel groups.

Meanwhile, Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC) provided 6,000 RATs and PPEs to the Caraga Regional Hospital, Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital, Surigao City Health Office, and Claver Rural Health Unit. TVI Resource Development

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To stem the transmission of Covid-19, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. conducted mass testing among over a thousand mine camp employees. Those who tested positive were sent to the company’s temporary isolation facilities with free meals for the entire quarantine duration.

Phils., Inc. (TVIRD) turned over several boxes of PPEs to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital, while PMC donated PPEs as well to at least 5 hospitals in Baguio and 3 in Benguet.

Face masks, face shields, disposable gloves, isolation suits, and goggles were turned over

by PMC to Benguet governor Melchor Diclas and Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong.

The same equipment was also distributed to the municipalities of Tuba, Itogon, Sablan, and Tublay for use by front liners. At the PMC corporate office, face masks were distributed to medical front liners at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. Drums of alcohol were donated to the Philippine National Police – Cordillera Autonomous Region and washstands were provided for the Benguet provincial government as well as to Barangay Ampucao in Itogon. Food assistance was also given to Barangays Ampucao and Dalupirip in Itogon. Various cash and rice donations were also given to the municipalities of Tuba, Itogon, and Sablan.

While SMMCI’s copper and gold project is currently placed on extended pre-mine care and maintenance status, the company still donated PPEs to medical front liners within its host and neighboring communities. It also distributed surgical PPEs to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City, the Provincial Hospital in Placer, and the Municipal Health Offices of Placer, Tagana-an, and Mainit.

To improve the Cagdianao

town’s emergency response and speed up relief operations, CMC provided the LGU here an ambulance unit and a service truck. For its part, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), which has not even extracted minerals in Tampakan, South Cotabato since the company’s inception in the 1990s, turned over a four-wheel drive truck to the LGU for its relief efforts in remote mountainous barangays. LCMC also donated a service vehicle to the Mankayan municipality. Local officials who received the donations for their respective towns said the transport equipment would drastically improve their logistics capabilities.

PMC, on the other hand, provided funds for diesel fuel used by barangay emergency vehicles in hauling goods and ferrying medical patients and front liners to and from Baguio.

Over in Cebu, Carmen Copper Corp. distributed health kits to 175 journalists from different media outlets in recognition of their contributions to the fight against Covid-19.

[Photo above] Philippine Red Cross chairman and Senator Richard Gordon (center) receives from Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp. president Masahiro Kamiya (inner left) and Nickel Asia Corp. vice president for communications Jose Bayani Baylon (inner right) the amount of PHP18 million for the establishment of Molecular Testing Laboratory for the coronavirus disease in Surigao del Norte.

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MINING NEWS

< Page 24 LIVELIHOOD and FOOD SECURITY Mining projects also distributed some 92,000 sacks of rice to communities all over the country.

Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp.

(RTNMC) and Coral Bay Nickel Corp. (CBNC), for instance, donated P30 million worth of rice for Palaweños following the call of Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez for a joint publicprivate sector effort to address the food security threat posed by the pandemic. PMC, meanwhile, distributed sacks of rice to families in Barangays Camp 1, 3, and Ansagan in Tuba, Benguet, as well as in Barangays Ampucao and Dalupirip in Itogon.

PGMC allocated P12 million of its P31-million Covid-19 assistance initiatives for the company’s Food Security Project, which aims to provide food on the table and, at the same time, a livelihood source for partner communities. Portions of the workforce that were displaced since the onset of the pandemic compelled the inception of this project, which is jointly funded

by PGMC’s SDMP and Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program budgets.

Most of the produce from the project’s communal gardeningcum-organic vegetable farming, egg machines, and aquaculture components are bought and consumed within the community; some are bought by PGMC and its employees. The project, implemented in close coordination with the Claver municipal government and the Surigao del Norte Agricultural Office, has been lauded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as “one of a kind”.

On the other hand, a bangus farming project sponsored by Hinatuan Mining Corp. – another Nickel Asia Corp. subsidiary based in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte – yielded more than 1700 kilos of bangus in the project’s first harvest ever.

Lilibeth G. Becera, President of the 90-strong United Fisherfolk Association of Bagong Silang said the harvest “is a big achievement for us small fisherfolk because the lockdown has limited our movement in the community and the bangus helped many of us during this quarantine.”

Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. (AMVI), a subsidiary of TVRD, distributed more than 5,000 relief

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packs that included over 11,000 kilograms of organic vegetables from AMVI’s Mabakas Farm School – certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – and some of its 1,300 graduates. The recipients included the company’s employees in its Agusan del Norte mine site and Mamanwa IPs, many of whom are farmers themselves who would have otherwise faced the risk of spoilage of their produce due to quarantine restrictions on transportation.

In Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, meanwhile, Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. distributed vegetable seeds to urge residents to start their home garden and grow their own vegetables amid the ongoing health crisis. Dubbed “Gulayan sa Panimalay,” the program is part of the municipality’s food sufficiency strategy, where residents are encouraged to produce fresh and healthy food from their backyard to their tables, save on food expenses during the pandemic, while enjoying a steady supply of fresh produce from their own backyard. A project of the Department of Agriculture, the program also supports local rice farmers through financial assistance, free hauling services and direct purchase of their rice products at a competitive farm gate price.

EDUCATION and SKILLS TRAINING SMI helped procure 642 transistor radios for students of Columbio Central Elementary School in Sultan Kudarat as part of the LGU efforts to promote the Department of Education’s distance learning program during this pandemic. Columbio town mayor Edwin Bermudez said the local radio station that SMI also helped establish is now being utilized for distance learning.

Barangay Datalblao chair Bai Naila Mamalinta likewise attested that SMI has been providing support not only in the area of education, but also for the health and socioeconomic well-being of her Blaan constituents for many years now.

Back in Surigao del Norte, Taganito Mining Corp. recently turned over some 7,172 workbooks worth P2 million to the provincial government for the use of public schools in the province. The workbooks were handed over to Governor Francisco Matugas.

Looking beyond the pandemic,

Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. and Coral Bay Nickel Corp. are poised to provide residents of Bataraza in the southern part of Palawan the opportunity to shape a brighter future when the company’s P42 million state-of-the-art training center opens after Covid-19. Once fully operational, the center will offer training courses, such as driving, scaffolding, welding, bread and pastry production, among others. The new facility will have audio-visual rooms and dedicated areas for various workshops, and will be equipped with conveyor belts, overhead cranes, vertical structure platforms, and electrical simulators for the training sessions. It will host classes for skills education and jobpreparatory training based on the courses that TESDA offers.

VACCINE In 2021, mining firms have been allowed again by the MGB to realign their SDMP and Safety and Health Program funds to procure Covid-19 vaccines for critical stakeholders.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines welcomes the MGB decision as this will help support the vaccination of employees and members of host communities.

More significantly, this will provide a big boost to the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program and help hasten the nation’s recovery from this pandemic.

[Photo on top] A bangus farming project sponsored

by Hinatuan Mining Corp. in Sitio Bagong Silang, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, yielded more than 1700 kilos of bangus in its first harvest ever, which happened during quarantine.

[Photo above] Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. employees pack vegetables for relief distribution in Agusan del Norte as part of the company’s Covid-19 initiatives. The company sourced vegetables from farmers in host town Santiago to support local livelihood.

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MINING NEWS

Moncano presents PH mining industry updates

By Marcelle P. Villegas

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tty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Acting Director, presented through a video some mining industry updates during a webinar that was hosted by Philippine Mining and Exploration Association (PMEA).

PMEA President, Joey Nelson Ayson provided general updates on the PMEA activities as well.

Due to the global pandemic and in compliance to the government mandated pandemic guidelines, PMEA will continue to have virtual meetings until physical gatherings are allowed again.

On Moncano’s industry updates, he started by giving a rundown of the current regime on mining in the Philippines.

Current Regime on Mining in the Philippines • Republic Act No. 7942, Mining Act of 1995 and DAO No. 2010-21, its IRR • Republic Act No. 7076, People’s Small Scale Mining Act of 1991 and DAO No. 201503, its IRR • Executive Order No. 79 (July 6, 2012) regarding the Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector Proving Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources (see Status of Mining Rights Table, next page -- Editor) Amending Section 4 of EO No. 79, S. 2012 -- Executive Order No. 130, Section 1. Lifting of the Moratorium on Mineral Agreements.

The moratorium on mineral agreements under Section 4, EO No. 79 is hereby lifted.

As a review on EO No. 79, this was issued by former President Benigno Aquino III. It has the following salient features: • Identification and mapping of additional areas closed to mining • Enforcement of upgraded environmental standards

[File Photo] Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, Director, DENR-MGB Photo by M. Villegas, Philippine Resources Journal, Nov.2018, Baguio City

• Review of performance of mining operations and cleansing of non-moving mining rights • Rationalization of mining rights/contracts • Development of value added and downstream industries • Creation of a Cabinet-level Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) • Ensure consistency of local ordinances with the national laws and the Constitution • Promotion of transparency in the mining industry Moncano enumerated that we currently have this existing regulatory framework: • Exploration Permit is the initial mode of entry to acquire mining rights for large-scale mining • MPSA/FTAA are the mining tenement instruments for those ready to develop and commercially operate. MPSA require 60:40 ownership (60% for Filipinos; FTAA may be 100% foreign owned).

• MPSA require Php100 million capitalization • Production sharing may be in the form of simple Mineral Production Sharing, Joint Venture Agreement, or Co-Production Sharing Agreement.

• FTAA requires USD 4 million capitalization during exploration stage, and USD 50 million during the start of development.

• National tax and local taxes, 4% Excise taxes, RPT, LBT, etc.

• Small-scale mining is done inside “Minahang Bayan”. Smallscale mining is limited to Filipinos

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only.

Current mining policies now face some challenges. Moncano mentioned that one of them is the misconception that mining is pervasive, but he stated that it is only in the media because in reality, actual mining occurrence is small (0.56% of the country’s land area). Secondly, he mentioned that mining contributes less than 1% to GDP and employment and so it can be stopped without harm to the country.

Moncano also discussed the industry reforms and what has been done so far.

• DENR Audit and Review • Use it, Lose it Policy; (1,200+applications denied, 12 approved, MPSA cancelled) • Faster approval of competent mining applications • Establishment of satellite MGB Office in mineralized provinces; (Dinagat Island) (implemented in 2017) • Embedding of MGB personnel in the CENROs and PENROs; (148 personnel) (implemented in 2017) • Use of high-tech equipment for monitoring and volume surveys (drones, RTKs); (starting in 2017 and continuing) With regards to environmental standards, we have the DENR Administrative Order No. 2018-19 - Guidelines for Additional Environmental Measures for Operating Surface Metallic Mines. This was issued on 17 August 2018.

DAO No. 2018-19 Provides for the following additional environmental measures:

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MINING NEWS

< Page 27 • Topsoil and subsoil management - Topsoil and subsoil collected from stripping activities shall be stockpiled for revegetation and rehabilitation purposes.

• Buffer zone management - A 20-meter buffer zone shall be established inward from the mining tenement boundary, and outward from the edges of the normal high waterline of rivers and streams within the tenement area.

• Maximum disturbed area for nickel mines - The maximum disturbed area for extraction of ore at any one time shall depend on the scale of mining operations.

MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2018-02 - Guidance for Compliance Monitoring and Rating/Scorecard of Mining Permits/Contracts (Issued on 3 July 2018) • Provides for a Standard Monitoring System that ascertains compliance with the terms and conditions of mining permits/contracts and laws, rules and regulations • Provides a performance rating system, thru scorecards to determine the compliance level of mining contractors/ permittees/permit holders • Includes exploration projects • Serves as tool in determining compliant and noncompliant mining contractors/ permittees/permit holders Additionally, Moncano provided an update on OceanaGold (Phils.), Inc. FTAA Renewal. The Philippine Negotiation Panel was convened in December 2020 and continued until February 2021 discussed the supplemental terms and conditions of the possible renewal of OceanaGold (Phils.), Inc. under FTAA No. 01. The Negotiation Panel is composed of the MGB, DENR, DOF and NEDA. The output of the negotiation was signed by all members of the panel and was submitted to the Secretary of DOF and DENR for their comments and recommendations.

Meanwhile, he noted that OceanaGold (Phils.), Inc. agreed to the additional terms and conditions in the proposed supplemental FTAA Contract. The

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supplemental contract provided an additional 1.5% of the gross revenues for the development of the host Local Government Unit.

Moncano also provided an update on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of EO No. 130.

He mentioned that “The Policy Technical Working Group of MGB is now in the third revision of the draft. The previous two drafts were commented to by the Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary of DENR as well as the Offices of Forest Management Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau and the DENR Legal.” Tentative date of Stakeholders Consultation was set last 18-19 May 2021.

Additional key points from Moncano regarding IRR of EO No. 130: • There are provisions in the draft IRR on who are qualified to apply for a Mineral Agreement, provision on possible declaration of Mineral reservations, possible royalties and who are exempted.

• Issue on the possible redundancy of a law passed

by Congress imposing mineral royalty outside mineral reservation with the provision in the IRR to declare mineral reservations is included.

• There is also a provision on the lifting of open pit mining ban.

• The draft IRR revolves around Section No. 4 of Executive Order No. 130 and the PTWG tried to limit discussion on this provision.

Priority Projects - Phase 1 • Phase 1 includes 26 mining projects out of 36 originally listed. The 10 originally listed has slide to Phase 2.

• Phase 2 includes 68 mining

projects including those that were moved from Phase 1.

DAO Limiting the Maximum Number of Operating Agreements in One Tenement: • Due to the DENR experience of several disputes/ conflicts involving Contractors and Operators, the Secretary thru the Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining Concerns and Muslim Affairs has instructed the MGB to draft a DAO Limiting the Maximum Number of Operating Agreements in One Tenement.

• The Secretary has pointed out that a Mining Permittee/ Holder/Contractor upon applying for a mining tenement they have manifested that they have the Financial and Technical Capability to develop and utilize a mine.

• When the Contractor executes Operating Agreement with several operators, it shows that he misrepresented himself and therefore violated the terms and conditions of the Contract.

Finally, at the end of his report, Moncano gave some updates of movement of some Regional Directors.

MGB Regional Office No. XIII is now headed by Engr. Larry M. Herades, former Division Chief of the Mining Tenements Management Division, Central Office. MGB MIMAROPA Regional Office is now headed by Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble, former Regional Director of MGB Regional Office No. XIII. Engr. Roland A. De Jesus has been promoted by the President as the Assistant Director of MGB. He is the former Regional Director of MGB MIMAROPA. ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

MINING NEWS

Updates and revisions on PH Mineral Reporting Code

By Marcelle P. Villegas

T

he Philippine Mineral Reporting Code or the “Code” was created to set out minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for Public Reporting in the Philippines of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves.

Last 29 April 2021, the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code Committee (PMRCC) had a virtual briefing titled “Philippine Mineral Reporting Code: What’s in it for the Philippines?”

Webinar was hosted by Juancho Pablo S. Calvez. Welcome remarks were given by Gerard H. Brimo, Chair, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

The other speakers present were Ciceron “Jun” A. Angeles, Jr. (Chair of PMRC Committee), Atty.

Dennis Quintero (Chair of Philippines-Australia Business Council), Atty Roel Refran (Chief Operating Officer at the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc.), Martin Antonio G. Zamora (President and CEO of Nickel Asia Corporation) and Armand L. Malicse (Chief of Mining and Environment Section, Mines and Geosciences Bureau).

A message from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director, Atty Wilfredo G. Moncano, was presented during the webinar.

Open Forum was moderated by Joey Nelson R. Ayson, President of Philippine Mining and Exploration Association.

In his opening speech, Brimo said, “Allow me first to congratulate the officers and members of the PMRC Committee composed of seven institutions that spearheaded the revisions to the Philippine mineral reporting code of 2017. These are the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, the

Geological Society of the Philippines, The Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines, the Philippine Mining and Exploration Association, and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. Your efforts will go a long way in advancing the level of trust and confidence in our industry among investors and the financial community which is hugely necessary to underpin our industry’s activities.”

Brimo also noted that the revision to the PMRC is timely after the lifting of the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects after the signing of the EO No. 130 last 14 April 2021.

“The revision of Philippine mineral reporting code, to make it at par with globally accepted minerals reporting standards, is a most welcome development and clearly falls by the multi-disciplinary initiatives that had been going on in our industry in partnership with other stakeholders in the last several years.”

As a review, “The Code was formulated with the intent of setting minimum standards for public reporting on minerals that is compatible with global standards. The formulation of the PMRC relied on the international codes from Australia, South Africa, European Union and Canada,” according to the Philippine-Australia Business Council (PABC).

“The idea of having a Philippine Mineral Reporting Code started during one of the mining roadshows in Australia, participated in by representatives from the PhilippineAustralia Business Council. Back then, the Chairman was Atty.

Leo Dominguez and the delegation was composed of the various mining industry stakeholders like the Chamber of Mines and also the Philippine Stock Exchange. And the

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idea came up that if Australia has its JORC (Australasian Joint Ore Reserves Committee), and [thought of] the idea for the Philippines to have its own as well. And that’s how the idea of having PMRC came about,” said Atty Quintero in a 2019 focus group discussion on the PMRC. Organizations that were involved in the promulgation of the PMRC back in 2007 were Philippine Minerals Development Institute Foundation, Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, Geological Society of the Philippines, Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Philippine Stock Exchange, Board of Investments, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and Philippine-Australia Business Council.

From Refran’s report, “PSE Implementation of PMRC” he gave these key points on the PSE implementation background: • The PMRC was adopted by the PSE as part of its listing and disclosure rules upon SEC approval on 19 August 2008.

• The PMRC sets out the minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for public reporting in the Philippines of the following: exploration results, mineral resources and ore reserves.

• The PMRC IRR was approved by the SEC on 21 October 2010.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations adopted the PMRC principles of materiality, transparency and competence, provides the guidelines in complying with reporting standards provided in the PMRC and aims to protect the investors by requiring full disclosure of material information from covered companies, invalidating misleading information and preventing fraudulent practices.

Refran said that the proposed 2020 changes in the 2007 Philip-

(Clockwise from top left: Ciceron “Jun” A. Angeles, Jr. (Chair of PMRC Committee), Gerard H. Brimo, Chair, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Atty Roel Refran (Chief Operating Officer at the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc.), Atty. Dennis Quintero (Chair of PhilippinesAustralia Business Council)

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MINING NEWS

PH Nickel Industry Association celebrates women in mining

By Marcelle P. Villegas

W

hen we think of mining, one might hardly imagine women who are operating heavy equipment in a mine site.

It is a male-dominated industry basically. Even the word “engineer” has a masculine affinity with it. But our modern times has brought to our awareness that women also have a place in the mining industry as engineers, planners, and other important roles.

Perhaps the iconic Hollywood movie star from the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe, was thinking ahead of her time when she said, “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.” Her words reflect women empowerment which is not only about the entertainment and fashion industry, but rather, in any career path that a woman chooses to pursue.

Although Women’s Month in March is over, the role of women in the mining industry is a daily reality that needs more awareness, sensitivity and acceptance.

Last 30 April 2021, Philippine Nickel Industry Association presented their third episode of the Nickel Initiative Talks and Webinars Series with the title “Promoting Sustainable Development by Advancing the Role of Women in Mining” “It is a program that seeks to promote dialogue and learning among nickel development players, stakeholders and experts through the sharing of information, insights and best practices. Through this forum, we hope to promote informed discussion on industry initiatives and enhance cooperation and collabo-

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ration between the industry and its stakeholders,” according to PNIA’s announcement.

“Within the mining industry, the role of women continues to gain traction in international discussions consistent with the industry’s support to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting gender inclusion policies of nations. We now see more and more women actively participating in the advancement of the mining sector from the mining fields to the boardroom.”

“This webinar will look into the participation of women in mining, particularly in the nickel development sector, and how the industry and stakeholders can collectively work towards increasing women’s participation and inclusion in mining.”

The speakers in the webinar included: • Engineer Nonita S. Caguioa, Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns, DENR • Ms. Maya Muchlis, Executive Director of Women in Mining & Energy Indonesia • Zara Grace C. Lugo, President, Kelly Construction and Supply Corporation • Rofely “Pia” M. Saldajeno, Hydraulic Excavator Operator at Berong Nickel Corporation • Deborah Agas Arquio, Officer-in-Charge, Community Relations Department at Berong Nickel Corporation The webinar was hosted by Charmaine Olea-Capili, Executive Director, Philippine Nickel Industry Association. Her guest speakers for the webinar are mostly out-

standing women in their field with inspiring stories about their struggles and triumphs in their careers in mining while being a mother or wife as well.

Engineer Nonita S. Caguioa is the Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns at Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

ASec Caguioa is a mining engineer by profession. She graduated from Cebu Institute of Technology – University. ASec Caguioa has been with DENR for more than three decades since she joined in 1990. Since then, she has held various positions in the national and regional offices of DENR and the MGB particularly in areas that involved her in the creation and implementation of policies, programs and regulations for the mining sector. With her extensive knowledge and experience in the field, she is a sought-after resource person in international and local stakeholder fora.

From Indonesia, the webinar featured Maya Muchlis, founder and Executive Director of Women in Mining & Energy Indonesia. Muchlis has over 13 years of extensive professional experience in Mining, Oil and Gas industry. Her work focuses on environmental and biodiversity best management practice, and environmental planning and sustainability management.

During her talk, she gave some insightful background on the traditional culture in Indonesia (or Asia in general) where a married woman may not always have the freedom to choose her career. For example, women usually quit their jobs or college studies just because their

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ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

MINING NEWS

Transitioning to webinars from face-to-face luncheons

By Marcelle P. Villegas

F

or several years now, Philippine Mining Club (PMC) has served as a professional networking forum that brought industries together and created opportunities for its members and guest speakers. PMC brings together mining executives, government officials, academic societies in geology and mining engineering, stakeholders and other groups in the Philippine minerals industry.

More recently, the Philippine Infrastructure and Construction Club (PICC) was established. As a professional business forum, it aims to lift the profile of the Philippine construction industry. Through their webinars, they highlight the contribution of the infrastructure industry in nation building and promoting progress in the Philippine economy.

Both PMC and PICC are organized and managed by Second Chance Events & Consultancy Inc. The two clubs are independent from each other and have different forums to promote their respective industries.

“Second Chance Events & Consultancy Inc. is an organization that

< Page 29 pine Mineral Reporting Code (PMRC) will be fully implemented within the year in order to comply with the international standards in the mineral reporting. “We are already in discussions with the SEC on the finalized version. We are just going to finalize a couple of regulatory issues as they pertain to PSE,” he added. [1] PSE’s additional revisions include sustainability considerations,

works with a variety of businesses and individuals within the Philippines to promote the development of the Philippines through different modes of events. These events primarily take the form of luncheon meetings and webinars with a main presenter and accompanied by various industry updates.” [1] Kevin Lewis, General Manager of Philippine Mining Club and Marketing Manager Philippine Infrastructure and Construction Club, expressed his thoughts on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their events and operations.

“This global pandemic and the nationwide lockdowns have an impact on our business luncheons.

While webinars are effective means to stay connected with each other, this new normal setup has somehow removed the human connection and warmth that we experience during luncheons. There is nothing that compares with the face-toface interactions and the personal connections we get from direct networking while having lunch or drinks. This kind of warm connection is lost during webinars despite our efforts to communicate. The lost warmth of human interaction is somehow a difficulty and challenge

in our business operations.”

“We are grateful for all the guest speakers and attendees who continue to support and connect with us in our events for both PICC and PMC. We aim to bring you more engaging and interesting topics in the months to come.”

PICC presents their 3rd webinar for the year on 11 June 2021 with the topic “Davao Bulk Water Supply/ Power Nexus”. This event will have two keynote speakers from Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., namely: Anna Lu (President) and Shake Tuason (Operations Head). Webinar will take place at 2:30PM Manila time.

On 18 June 2021, PICC brings you the topic “Clean Earth Technologies - Clean Mining - for a richer earth”. Then also this June, Philippine Mining Club will feature B2Gold and Bamboo Summit for their upcoming topics.

“Due to the Covid 19 virus, we have suspended Luncheons until further notice and have switched to Webinars until mass gatherings are allowed once again. Hopefully, this will happen in the third quarter of 2021. In meantime stay safe and social distance and network via our still remarkably interesting, relevant, and informative webinars.”

“Public Reports should discuss environmental, social and health and safety impacts that are expected during development, operation and after closure, and the mitigation and remediation plans to address such impacts.”

MGB Director Moncano noted that “Mr. Cimatu said the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) should be issued soon and he is ready to sign it. We shall soon be inviting stakeholders as part of due process to hear

their comments, suggestions, and inputs to this draft IRR… The MGB will strive to have this IRR forwarded to the Office of the Secretary for his signature as soon as possible. This IRR will come in the form of a department administrative order” Mr. Moncano said. [1] Additional reference: [1] Ochave, Revin Mikhael D. (29 April 2021). “New mineral reporting code seen implemented this year”. BusinessWorld.

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For more information about Philippine Infrastructure and Construction Club, please visit the https:// picc.com.ph/, and Philippine Mining Club at https:// www.philippineminingclub.com/.

Reference [1] Philippine Infrastructure and Construction Club website: Retrieved from https://picc.com. ph/ Photos – past mining events by Philippine Mining Club Luncheon Photo credits: Philippine Mining Club Facebook page

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MINING NEWS

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Mining firms set vaccine donations to Masbate LGUs

wo Masbate-based companies -- Filminera Resources Corp. and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp. -- are poised to donate thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the workers of local government units in Masbate province, and will proceed further to vaccinate all Filminera and PhilGold employees.

This is the latest of the firm’s set of resolute responses, which had already allocated P38 million wholly for anti-COVID-19 health defenses for their workers and residents of local government units in Masbate province.

Earlier this year, Filminera and PhilGold had turned over two sets of CMAC video laryngoscope to the Masbate Provincial Hospital to enable the health facility to enhance the hospital’s success rate in treating patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, leading to the patient’s recovery.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Luisito Co acknowledged the firm’s community commitments, saying: “The Filminera and Phil Gold medical equipment donations have made the Masbate Hospital the only medical facility in the entire Bicol region that has the CMAC laryngoscope.”

A total of P38 million was reallocated from the two firms’ 2020 Social Development and Management Program funds for Covid assistance

< Page 30 husbands are against it. This is because women are expected by their parents and spouse to stay home and take care of their children.

Zara Grace C. Lugo is the President of Kelly Construction & Supply Co., Manager of Kelly Logistics, Manager of Kelly Trucking Services & General Merchandise and owner of Farmacia Surigao. Lugo is one of the few women who heads a company engaged in the mining industry since 2012. She is from Surigao City and graduated from National University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

In her personal sharing of difficulties, she mentioned her struggle being a non-engineer in an industry where most of her colleagues and clients are engineers. She also mentioned that the harsh environment

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meant for the province of Masbate, municipality of Aroroy, and selected institutions in the Bicol Region.

Of the P38 million total budget, P11.2 million was taken from Filminera’s SDMP funds, while P21.9 million was from PhilGold’s SDMP funds, and P5 million from PhilGold’s CSR funds was allocated to buy the ambulance unit, including the equipment. It will be recalled that an ambulance unit plus more medical equipment were donated to Masbate.

At the height of the lockdown last year, the frontliners in the medical field, as well as the police force and municipal risk reduction and management office, received two months’ worth of food support through the mine site’s catering services, PPEs, and disinfectant materials.

A total of 21,320 families in the eight impact barangays and the 33 neighboring barangays in Aroroy received food packs. Weekly supply of food packs was given to those within the impact barangays, and two tranches of food pack distribution were donated to families living in the remaining 33 neighboring barangays.

Other municipalities in Masbate province received 800 sacks (containing 50 kilos each sack) of rice to augment their relief food packs distribution. Medical supplies and disinfectants were also given to the Rural Health Unit of Aroroy.

Filminera is the holder of the mining tenements and environmental compliance certificate, while PhilGold, wholly owned by Vancouverbased gold producer B2Gold, operates the processing plant.

in mine sites is also a difficult work scenario.

Pia Saldajeno, is a hydraulic excavator operator at the Berong Nickel Corporation. She was recognized as 2021 Most Empowered Women in Mining in the MIMAROPA REGION by MGB “for her fearlessness and grit in rising above her circumstances to succeed in a demanding and male-dominated profession”.

Another lady from Berong Nickel Corporation is Deborah Arquio. She is the Officer-in-Charge of Community Relations department. Her main responsibility is to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the communities in which the company operates. Arquio is also responsible in implementing projects, programs and activities identified by the community, coordinates with various

local government units in promoting Company’s interest and preserving good relationship with them.

They shared their stories of difficulty in the past as a young mother who is pregnant while in a mine site. Another story was about struggling to overcome her fear of operating heavy machinery while her male colleagues were often judging her as someone weak and incompetent just because she is a woman.

In a nutshell, what is nice about hearing the stories of these women is the happy ending where eventually they were able to master and excel in their work. Also, most of them shared stories where eventually, being a woman was no longer a hindrance for success and worklife balance. They were also able to gain acceptance and respect from their male colleagues in the end.

The Masbate Gold Project in Barangays Amoroy, Balawing, Bangon, Capsay, Lanang, Panique, Puro, and Syndicate in Aroroy town, Masbate.

ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

MINING NEWS

GAMAWA is a 21-strong fishermen’s cooperative in a mining community of barangay Wanke, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Photo courtesy TMC

R

epublic Act 11535, creating the position of a Cooperatives Development Officer (CDO) mandatory in all local government units (LGUs), was signed into law last April 9. This directs the LGUs – from the municipal, city, and provincial levels – to appoint its own CDO. In Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), a CDO is a regular job description – someone in charge of identifying promising groups in different sectors in the communities to guide and assist them to organize their own cooperatives.

Edelina E. Peraz is the Community Development Coordinator at TMC and she says “as a mining company, TMC is tasked by law to ensure social and economic development of the communities and we have long acknowledged the significance of a successful cooperative to achieve this” says Peraz.

One of the organizations that Peraz has been assisting since its inception is the Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Wangke (GAMAWA), a cooperative of small fishermen in barangay Wanke, in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Last month, GAMAWA recorded another big harvest – a total of 4,270 kilos of bangus that converted a total sale of P480,238.00 pesos. But their biggest record was last December when they harvested 7,928 kilos of bangus that sold for a whopping P889,292.00.

The success of GAMAWA also showcases the effective leadership of its president, Felix Saranza.

“It is important to understand the interests of the individual member and of the whole group, to keep the organization intact, until everyone gets the taste of the fruits of everyone’s labor,” says Saranza.

“It is a democracy, I cannot decide until everyone involved agrees, so it can be very hard sometime, but in the end, it is all worth it because members actively participate when they know they have a say in decision making,” Saranza adds.

Mining community harvests 12,000 kilos of bangus in 4 months The leadership style of GAMAWA President Felix Saranza (center) is key to the success of the organization.

CDOs Urbiztondo (right) and Peraz (left) express that his success is TMC’s success as well.

Photo courtesy TMC

“We owe all our accomplishment to the support of TMC,” Saranza declares.

Since 2017, TMC has inputted an accumulated fund of some P5.5 million pesos from the mining company’s Social Development Management Program to help GAMAWA build state-of-the-art fish cages in a 450-square meter area with 3 chambers that can handle 30,000 bangus fingerlings in a single cropping.

“In a cooperative where you have members with different personal quirks, different economic challenges and demands, different issues, you need a strong leader respected by everyone to keep things together, and Mr. Saranza is perfect for the role” explains another CDO, Judy B. Urbiztondo, Senior Community Development Specialist for TMC Urbiztondo says the Co-op of GAMAWA has gone through a lot of challenges and sacrifices that taught the members valuable life

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lessons that got them to what they enjoy today – a strong cooperative and a sustainable livelihood.

But success, according TMC’s CDOs, means the cooperative will be able to grow the fish farm bigger to better the lives of its 21 members for years and years to come.

“Taganito Mining’s partnership with GAMAWA aims to prove the strength of a collaborative effort between the mining company and its communities toward a shared goal of empowering cooperatives,” explains Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso, Resident Mine Manager at TMC. Valeroso adds that another worthy take away from the success story of GAMAWA are the information from the members that help define how communities can actually take active part in the success of societies.

Taganito Mining is located in Claver, province of Surigao del Norte. Its area of operations is within the Surigao Mineral Reservation.

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Communities at the heart of Agata COVID-19 initiatives

UBAY, Agusan del Norte – It has been more than a year ago since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as global pandemic.

This deadly virus triggered devastating economic and social disruption as it shuttered business establishments and affected millions with death and disease.

By the end of the first quarter in 2020, the Philippines was likewise left vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

In active response to the needs of the community, Agata Mining Ventures Inc. remained committed more than ever to serving its stakeholders by rolling-out projects that aimed to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic.

COVID-19 initiatives At the onset of the pandemic, the company distributed various Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) from Manila as part of its immediate response to the needs of medical frontliners in the Mindanao region.

Along with mother company, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), Agata distributed critical PPEs: N95 face masks, face shields and surgical and examination gloves to protect frontliners, including local government personnel, medical workers, police, civilian volunteers and checkpoint personnel.

It also provided relief to more than 10,000 families in its respective areas and sourced majority of its fresh vegetables from farmers and other goods from local establishments. The company’s initiative did not only address food shortage but also provided a source of income for local producers.

Aside from directly supporting the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolks, Agata also aided its communi-

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ties by capacitating its people with new skills. The company’s Mabakas Techno Demo Farm provided scholarships and trainings for the locals, bringing its total number of scholars since 2018 to almost 4,000.

The National Certificate courses at Mabakas are funded by the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds and conducted in partnership with the country’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These courses also aim to help the graduates obtain alternative livelihood and tap economic opportunities despite the pandemic.

Agata extended additional assistance to displaced students by providing school equipment to enable them to study from home. The company distributed heavy-duty photocopiers and paper supplies to partners Barangay Tinigbasan National High School and Elementary School, Barangay Lawigan Elementary School and Kauswagan De Oro Elementary School in Barangay E. Morgado.

A reliable partner Today, Agata continues to performs its role in building communities as it creates employment opportunities for the general welfare of its stakeholders. During the pandemic, the company

recruited a total of 78 new personnel – majority of whom are from Caraga. “I am thankful that despite COVID-19 I am able to get a new job. I know it is not easy to be employed, given our situation now,” stated Precious Erap, resident of Butuan – a newly-hired purchaser at Agata.

Dareem Angob, a resident of Santiago Municipality of this province, expressed that her ‘acquired knowledge’ from the Mabakas Organic Farming course, which she took during the pandemic, is very useful and that she now has a vegetable garden right at her doorstep.

Agata likewise promotes organic backyard gardening as an alternative source of food and income during the lockdown. It also conducts regular information and education campaigns on COVID-19 to keep the communities abreast of health protocols.

Driven by its philosophy of “Starting it right, keeping the end in mind,” Agata continues to operate responsibly throughout the pandemic while ensuring the integrity of both the community and its natural environment. It also continues to create new innovations that conserve natural resources as well as pave the way for the people’s progress – all for a sustainable future.

[Photos from top left] 1. Community Relations Manager Jonathan Bañez leads Agata’s COVID-19 relief operations and distributed organic vegetables as well as rice, noodles, and canned goods.

2. Jessie Robas, Head Teacher of Kauswagan De Oro Elementary School, is assisted

by Agata personnel in unboxing the photocopy machine and other supplies for the school.

3. Agusan del Norte PDRRMC receives COVID-19 Kits.

4. Ailene Ruaya is one of the scholars of Agata who graduated in the middle of pandemic. The company supported youth scholars to complete their respective bachelor’s degrees in Mining Engineering, Forestry Science, Geodetic Engineering, and Environmental Science.

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MINING NEWS

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Imelda residents: ‘Help came when we needed it most’

MELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay – “It was a touching gesture.

The assistance provided to us came when we needed it most.

Thank you so much, TVIRD,” said Imelda Town residents who were provided with food packs by TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD). The assistance came after the devastating storm battered the town and hit Barangay Poblacion the hardest.

Danny Gamil, leader of a barangay purok (a subset of a barangay) and neighbor Nolyn G. Palme said the arrival of the food packs helped their families survive for days after Storm Crising brought heavy flooding.

Gamil is one of the town’s earliest settlers. He said all the residents of his purok, and others of this barangay received the food packs delivered by the company’s Community Relations personnel who were led by Khalil Pope Tabernero. The company’s efforts provided immediate relief to an estimated 400 families in the municipality.

Earlier, TVIRD aided some 250 families from Barangays Dimalinao, Kahayagan and Dipili directly after Crising battered these barangays with strong floods and extraordinary rainfall. PAGASA warned of “isolated to scattered flooding, including flash floods and rain-induced landslides” in vulnerable areas.

Specifically for Zamboanga del Sur, this is not the first time that a natural disaster of this magnitude brought savage destruction to homes and farmlands.

A touching gesture “I was really touched, seeing all those goods delivered to us

by TVIRD. Its arrival comforted us, made us see the goodness of men,” said Palme, 29-year old wife of a fish vendor and mother of

three. She said that their family had no income for days and that she and her husband have been clearing their house of debris after it was submerged by flood water.

“Everything was washed away by the flood. We only salvaged our TV set and a cooking utensil.

We are hard-up and do not have income. Adding to our misery was the lockdown imposed on us again – we cannot even go out.

But thanks to TVIRD’s food packs, which sustained us for several days,” Palme said.

Farmer and tricycle driver Gerson F. Bacleta, said TVIRD’s help was unexpected, especially since Imelda is located almost 50 kilometers from TVIRD’s facilities in Bayog Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur Province.

“We did not expect it, but I am grateful because the assistance helped feed my family for three days. It was the only assistance that we received after the storm,” he said. “Sadly, my rice land is buried with mud and can no longer be salvaged,” Bacleta shared. He would have harvested about a month after the storm.

Devastating flood Gamil said the May 14 flood was “devastating.” However, he also refuted reports that it was the first time Imelda town experienced this kind of flooding.

“Jesus! I am 47 years old already. This is not the only flood that brought so much destruction to our town. There were floods before that also submerged houses here,” he said.

Imelda is a fourth-class municipality situated along Sibugay River, which is considered the longest body of water in Sibugay Province.

During the May 14 flooding, a huge volume of water from the river found its way to Imelda and other towns of the province.

Some locals from Imelda supported TVIRD’s relief distribution activity, including local businessmen who also contributed funds to help the flood victims.

WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM • ISSUE 2 2021

TVIRD’s Community Relations team led by Khalil Tabernero distributed food packs to Imelda Town’s flood victims who were lining-up alongside the company’s service vehicle.

TVIRD Community Facilitator Crisel Guilingan hands-over food packs to flood victims, assisted by Meriam Embate during the activity in the town center.

Flood victims line-up as Crisel Guilingan distributes food packs. Residents of Barangay Poblacion in Imelda were the hardest hit by the flood brought by Storm Crising.

TVIRD’s Diana Baro and Meriam Embate (left and right, respectively) delivered food packs directly to homes of some residents, especially to the elderly and disabled.

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MINING NEWS

Making mining smarter through virtual twins

By Engr. Jeffrey Q. Geronimo

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n the recently concluded 2021 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, global leaders in mining have all agreed that the key to reduce risks and create more value in mining is by testing everything in the “virtual world” first. This is particularly done by taking risks, failing, and learning from mistakes -- not just digitally but also virtually.

DIGITAL TWIN VS VIRTUAL TWIN “Digital twin” is not a new concept to the mining sector as computer-aided programs such as 3D CAD models have already been existent and utilized for several decades. However, while we have experienced vast improvements and upgrades, these models are still isolated from the real world and remains to be just digital models.

This is where the concept of “Virtual twin” experiences come into play. It is a great leap beyond the digital twin experience wherein more accurate and scientific real-world models are taken into consideration such as time, environment, and behaviors in varying conditions and scenarios. This will enable problems and solutions of the company to be communicated faster to different teams across the mining value chain -- thereby increasing the company’s un-

derstanding, collaboration, and participation.

TAKING THE GREAT LEAP Mining companies may already have the fundamental data, processes, and infrastructure they need to begin the shift. What they may be lacking is the state-of-the art connectivity, contextualization, and collaborative platform that will integrate all of its people, processes, and data. This will be their portal to the virtual twin experience. This is where the GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform may bridge the gap. It provides users with an overall view of their mining operations with ultra-fast access to information on top of easy and sophisticated analysis.

THE INTELLIGENCE NEEDED BY A SMART MINE

The 3DEXPERIENCE Platform connects GEOVIA users with role-based applications to connect people, ideas, data, and solutions in real-time. It enables centralized control and viewing of mine data, providing a single source of truth on your business operations.

Moreover, it allows efficient collaboration with traceability across the mining value chain.

The GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite, consisting of Production Intelligence and Geology Intelligence functions, extends the promise and collaborative power of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by allowing users to reveal, measure and analyze mining data so that they may deeply understand and improve mining operations.

Chart 1: An overview of a geological data analysis using the Geology Intelligence function.

GEOLOGY INTELLIGENCE “Geology Intelligence” is part of the Mining Intelligence offer-

Chart 2: A dashboard of Equipment Performance: Drill Meters, Scheduled Hours and Availability displayed by Production Intelligence.

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ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

MINING NEWS Chart 3: Material flow showing locations, quantity, material type and more using Production Intelligence.

< Page 36 ing. By simple configuration, it can show block model data in a graphical and tabular format.

In addition, it gives emphasis on important information by using graphical techniques and drilldown into information to see more detail. Moreover, it analyzes these geological data and plot these as a chart (see Chart 1).

PRODUCTION INTELLIGENCE Monitor equipment performance: Many mining companies measure their equipment performance metrics through spreadsheets and creating charts manually. While it gets the job done, this tedious process does not easily permit detailed analysis or comparison with historical performance to aid decision making. With the “Production Intelligence” function bundled with the GEOVIA Mining Intelligence suite, equipment performance metrics can now be configured around the mine’s specific Time Allocation Model that enables detailed analysis of Equipment Performance (see Chart 2).

Monitor production actuals against targets: GEOVIA Mining Intelligence aggregates collected

data into a more manageable visual representation that assists in making decisions. This will improve business performance and increase profitability. The proprietary 3DEXPERIENCE platform reporting technology uses index files to ensure very quick and responsive reporting.

Production KPI and material flow key performance indicators: With a single glance, material flow and KPIs can now be aggregated and presented for an overall view of the mining operation. This is not exclusive to production departments as any other data related to the mine operation such as the mill plant may be displayed. Mine and

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Mill Plant data are generally always separated from each other due to their information differences. However, with Production Intelligence, it bridges that gap (see Chart 3).

MINING SMARTER TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY As a step towards virtual twins, we enable a more sustainable mining environment by making it possible to do unlimited iterations, better operational insights, and greater flexibility. It simulates all these value-added services to model complex systems -- making it easier to analyze, test causes-and-effects, and significantly reduce risks faced by mining operations.

Let Paramina Earth Technologies, Inc. be your partner towards your virtual twin experience journey. Contact us at paramina_ solutions@paramina. com or reach us through our website www.paramina. com for more information.

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MINING NEWS

HMC SUPPORTS COLLEGE SCHOLARS DURING PANDEMIC

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ontributing to a brighter future for its communities is one of the commitments of Hinatuan Mining CorporationTagana-an Nickel Project (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC). One way to uphold this commitment is by providing investments to support education programs.

“The commitment to provide support to education is not hindered by the current pandemic, HMC continues to provide assistance to education programs such as: provision of basic school supplies, basic school fees and matriculation, monthly subsidy to day care workers and teachers and support for college students continue,” said Ms. Myline G. Becera, NAC-HMC Community Development Coordinator.

“To date, HMC has a total of 19 college scholars. 16 are funded by the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of HMC and 3 are funded by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” said Ms. Becera.

Reaping the Rewards of World-Class Innovative Technology

By John-Eric Taburada

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Educational Support to College Scholars For Shaina G. Gemparo, 2nd year student taking BS Fishery at Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) Malimono Campus, the support given by HMC to her education is important. “There are many benefits I get as a college scholar from HMC. First of all, the monthly allowance I receive is crucial for me as a fisheries student studying in Malimono since we have school projects which require me to spend.

“Secondly, I am thankful for the boarding house allowance since we need a place to stay in Malimono. Our mode of learning is not entirely remote, from time to time, we are required to meet at school for assignments and projects that require face to face interaction. The support provided by HMC has lessen the burden shouldered by my parents. They no longer need to spend money on my education,” she added.

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AGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands -Good communication is the key to a harmonious and lasting relationship, not just in our homes but also in our working environment.

History tells us that because communication and information are both essential to the foundation of all businesses, paving way to the birth of the world-wide-web.

The arrival of the internet made the world smaller and made things easier, especially how communication works for many businesses and industries on the entire planet.

Surprisingly, some people are still not keen on “high-tech” stuff because they are afraid to go out of their comfort zones, or they are hesitant to invest on unknown grounds. And most of them will just rely on a “wait-and-see” attitude to avoid the possibility of the unknot.

This is understandable, to some degree, because jumping to the next curve is viewed as a risky move. This is where Cagdianao Mining Corporation differentiates itself from the rest: it has the courage to take calculated risks and explore the possibilities.

In the IT field, CMC -- a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation -- is the pilot for the Point-to-Point (PtP) technology, which is used to connect the internet to remote locations from areas already connected. In deploying this technology, CMC uses Ubiquiti to connect wireless gadgets to other wireless gadgets -- making it the FIRST in the mining industry to utilize this magnifi-

cent technology.

Some telecommunications or data transfers today still rely on cables and wires.

To make the connection accessible to a distance, one still needs cabling resources.

The PtP technology increases the company’s communication reach further, even if it is located in a remote mining area. This increasing first-rate connectivity is a great help to the success of the organization.

Thanks to the vision of our leaders who think more of the company’s future.

CMC’s ICT Team is proud to work hand in hand with the improvement of CMC’s work environment, and its members take pride in the fact that they work for a technologypioneering company in the mining industry.

As Dave Packard (one of the founders of HP–Hewlett-Packard Company) once said: “I don’t think it’s useful spending much time looking at the past. I think we ought to spend most of our time looking at the future because that’s where we’re all gonna be.”

Indeed, this technology is envisioned to provide employees more motivation to work with confidence as they are assured of enhanced productivity, leading to the fulfillment of targeted goals. These are but a few of the rewards that this new technology brings -- and we’ll keep reaping more as we discover the efficiencies and other advantages as we move forward.

The CMC ICT Team always works in the background among all departments, and its members sometimes feel invisible. Nevertheless, their passion and commitment are felt all around the campsite as they toil in silence. Their mindset and work ethic can be expressed in their slogan: “Our team is MANY HANDS but ONE MIND.”

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CONSTRUCTION

Construction works down to P80 billion in Q1

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onstruction activities remain weak even as the domestic economy is slowly reopening, as building costs during the traditionally active first quarter declined, the Philippine Star reported June 11.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Construction Statistics from Approved Building Permits, the total value of constructions went down by 12 percent to P80 billion during the period from P91 billion in the comparative period in 2020.

The number of construction projects during the January to March period only inched up by one percent to reach 33,627 projects.

The Philippine economy was slowly reopening in most parts of the first quarter only to be placed under the strictest quarantine measure toward the end of March.

Still, the appetite for construction activities has yet to fully resume as worker availability remains limited due to lockdown-related mobility restrictions.

By type of construction, residential projects totaling 23,364 made up 70 percent of the total number of constructions during the period.

This type of construction, majority of which were single-type houses, improved 6.2 percent annually.

Total value also increased almost 20 percent to P46.22 billion.

Non-residential projects, mostly commercial buildings, declined 13.5

percent. It comprised 16 percent of the total constructions during the period.

Value of non-residential constructions dipped by 38 percent to P29 billion during the period.

The rest were additions and alterations and repairs of existing structures.

Building activity was still strongest in CALABARZON with 7,288 constructions, accounting for 22 percent of total. It was followed by Ilocos and Central Luzon.

By value, however, the National Capital Region made up 34 percent of total at P27.4 billion. It was followed by CALABARZON with P14.2 billion and Central Luzon with P8.2 billion.

The total floor area of constructions for the quarter was recorded at 6.4 million square meters, which indicated a decline of 23 percent annually.

As the economy reopens, the average cost of construction in the first quarter expanded by 14.3 percent to P11,908 per square meter, with residential buildings being the most expensive at P12,128 per sqm.

Among residential constructions, condominiums had the highest average cost at P20,258 per sqm.

Construction statistics are generated from approved building permits as well as from the demolition and fencing permits collected every month by PSA field personnel

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from the offices of local building officials.

Confidence is growing that the Philippine economy will rebound in 2021 despite the pandemic’s economic impact and the P16 billion damage and losses to infrastructure and agriculture wrought by Typhoon Ulysses in Luzon.

The government’s “Build, Build, Build” program and the private sector’s rebuilding efforts will help fuel next year’s economic growth.

This is good news for the country’s construction industry, which saw a 33-percent contraction in the second quarter due to strict quarantine controls implemented to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine construction industry was seen growing 18 percent this year. Recent projections, however, see the industry suffering a 10-percent decline in 2020. But experts said the industry will bounce back in 2021 if the government can win its battle against the pandemic.

Fitch Solutions, a unit of the Fitch Group, earlier said: “We have made an upward adjustment to our growth forecasts for real growth of the Philippine construction industry in 2021 to 9.5 percent year-onyear, with the major assumption that the country is able to contain the spread of Covid-19 and that normal construction activity can be resumed.”

The Metro Rail Transit-7 (MRT7), as seen from Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City in June, will have 14 stations from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to MRT-3 North Avenue in Quezon City. The construction of the 23-kilometer railway will be 54-percent complete in December 2022.

PNA photo

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS

M

Megaworld unit eyes country’s largest REIT IPO

egaworld Corp is launching a share sale up to 27.3 billion pesos ($567.8 million) for its real estate investment trust (REIT) unit, a company official told Reuters on June 16.

A slew of initial public offerings (IPO) and REIT listings that could top $4 billion could see the Philippines claim the top spot in Southeast Asia in terms of capital market fundraising this year.

MREIT Inc is seeking regulatory approval for the country’s largest REIT IPO, to sell up to 1.4 billion shares, including an over-allotment option, at a maximum price of 22 pesos ($0.46) apiece, Kevin Tan, president of MREIT and chief

< Page 38 Debbie G. Gemparo, a teacher by profession, is also thankful for the educational assistance provided

by HMC to her daughters. Aside from Shaina, her other daughter Nikki also studies at SSCT Malimono taking up Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) is also a scholar of HMC. “I am grateful to HMC for supporting the tertiary education of 2 of my daughters. This is a very big help to our family. Our expenses are lessened since we no longer have to spend much for the educational needs of my daughters since they are scholars of HMC. All they need in school such as basic school fees, place to stay, and food are provided for by HMC.” Support to Remote Learning “As a student during this pandemic, the support provided

by HMC is crucial since majority of our classes are conducted online. I use the monthly allowance I receive from HMC to buy WIFI and internet load. Our classes are mostly online, though there are some which require us to meet face to face. I am also thankful for the boarding house allowance of HMC, we do not have to worry where we will stay in Surigao City for classes that we are required to be present physically,” said Angelica P. Laspoña, 1st year student taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED)at SSCT Main Campus in Surigao City.

Jessa R. Gemparo, 1st year student taking up BEED at SSCT

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strategy officer of Megaworld, told reporters.

Without the greenshoe, the IPO will raise up to P23.7 billion, Tan said, adding that listing is targeted for September.

A greenshoe option allows the group of investment banks that underwrite an IPO to buy and offer for sale 15% more shares at the same offering price than the issuing company originally planned to sell.

REITs manage real estate assets such as hotels, office buildings and malls that regularly generate profits and hand out dividends to stockholders.

MREIT will own 10 office build-

ings catering to outsourcing firms and a hotel with a gross leasable area of nearly 225,000 square meters (2.4 million square feet), equivalent to 31 soccer pitches.

Proceeds from the share sale will be used to fund Megaworld’s construction of office buildings, malls, and hotels, Tan said. Megaworld, the Philippines’ biggest office landlord, owns 70 buildings with 1.4 million sqm of leasable space.

It would be the largest REIT in the Philippines thus far, topping the up to 26.7 billion IPO planned

by Robinsons Land Corp for its subsidiary.

To date, there are two REIT firms listed in the Philippines.

Malimono Campus, also expressed her gratitude for the support provided by HMC to her as a scholar. “We use the monthly allowance we receive as scholars for internet to participate in online classes. Some of the allowance we also use as expenses when we need to attend classes in school since not all of our classes are conducted online. Our study is a mix of online and module learning. As of now, the lockdown imposed in Malimono restricts our movement as students, but does not hinder us from improving our knowledge through online learning.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity provided by HMC for having me as their scholar. I do not need to ask for assistance from my family to spend for internet connection since HMC provides me with a monthly allowance. Our classes are fully online, we only go to our campus when there are projects and assignments that cannot be sent online,” said Rynelyn Diaz, a 2nd year student of Bachelor of Arts in English Language at SSCT Main Campus in Surigao City.

Rodofo Diaz, a fisherman by profession and father of Rynelyn is also grateful to HMC for the scholarship given to her daughter, “The support given by HMC is a big help not only to my daughter but also to my family, Rynelyn is one of my 5 children and she is the only one

studying in college.”

Lester Plaza, 2nd year student taking BS Fishery at SSCT Malimono Campus, is also appreciative of the support provided by HMC. “Being a scholar of HMC has a lot of benefits, specially financially which is important in remote learning for internet connection to stay online.

The monthly allowance I receive from HMC is not only advantageous to me but also to my family. I remember in the past when there was a lockdown imposed in our community as part of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) due to local transmission of CoVID-19, we were able to buy food using the monthly college scholar allowance I saved” “I am thankful to HMC for their support, they are always there. They are our guide to help us reach our dreams,” he added.

College scholars getting their monthly allowance.

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS

DMCI EYES MORE ‘BUILD, BUILD, BUILD’ PROJECTS

AC Energy starts building PH’s largest wind farm

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onstruction firm D.M. Consunji Inc. intends to participate in building more projects under the infrastructure program of the government, optimistic about the construction staging a strong bounce-back with the start of coronavirus vaccines rollout in the country.

“Yes, we intend to participate in the ‘Build, Build, Build’ projects but as a joint venture partner and/or as a subcontractor considering that these projects will not allow DMCI to participate as a single entity,” DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji said during the engineering conglomerate’s virtual stockholders’ meeting last May. In a Philippine News Agency report on May 18, Consunji cited Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) requiring Japanese participation while the pre-qualifications requirements of Asian Development Bank (ADB) will necessarily involve foreign partners.

Consunji said he is bullish about the recovery of its construction business unit “if we win some of the big-ticket items” in the government’s infrastructure program.

“This year, we expect a strong bounce-back from DMCI given its substantial order book, additional workers, and increased barracks capacity.

Productivity is also higher because unlike last year, essential and priority infrastructure projects are allowed to continue even during ECQ (enhanced community quarantine),” he added.

Consunji said the firm’s order book reached PHP58.7 billion while workers hired hit 1,938.

It is currently participating in the construction of “Build, Build, Build” projects including the North South Commuter Railway (depot and viaduct), Skyway Stage 3 Section 1, NLEx-SLEx (North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway) Connector Road Section 1, Cavite–Laguna Expressway, and LRT (Light Rail Transit) Line 2 Masinag Extension.

Meanwhile, as part of its pandemic response, Consunji said the conglomerate ordered over 30,000 jabs for its employee vaccination program.

“Taking into account the unfortunate manufacturing and shipping delays, we expect our vaccination rollout to start sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. In the meantime, we have been encouraging our employees to avail of the government vaccines, should it become available to them,” he added.

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yala unit AC Energy Corporation has started construction of the 160-megawatt (MW) Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, which would be the country’s largest wind farm.

In a disclosure to the local stock exchange, AC Energy said its capacity in the country will be doubled once the wind farm is completed.

“We are very excited to begin the construction of the Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm, which will be the largest and lowest-cost renewable energy producer in the country,” said AC Energy chief development officer Jose Maria Zabaleta.

The Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm is AC Energy’s third wind project, along with the NorthWind project in Bangui and North Luzon Renewables wind farm in Pagudpud.

AC Energy will be working with its longtime partner UPC Renewables for the P11.4-billion project, Rappler reported on May 19.

The wind farm is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2022 and would be operational by 2023, in anticipation of tighter supply in the Luzon energy market.

“The site of the Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm has one of the best wind resources in the country and its construction marks the culmination of over 10 years of development work,” said UPC Renewables Philippines chief executive officer David Sutton.

Global wind engineering firm Siemens Gamesa will supply, install, and commission a total of 32 wind turbines, with a capacity of 5 MW each.

AC Energy aims to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.

Once the infusion of AC Energy International into AC Energy

WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM • ISSUE 2 2021

is completed, the latter’s total renewables capacity will be over 2,000 MW, moving closer to its 2025 goal of achieving 5,000 MW. As the wind farm takes shape to eventually provide clean energy to the grid, AC Energy also aims to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth to its host communities in Ilocos Norte. This wind development is set to bring significant value to the community by creating job opportunities to help reignite the community amidst the pandemic.

The Balaoi and Caunayan wind farm will be another living example of AC Energy’s efforts to create shared value in the communities where it operates – ensuring renewable energy supply while strengthening community vitality, the company said.

Spread across a 625-hectare mountainous terrain in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the 81 MW North Luzon Renewables wind farm, together with the 52 MW NorthWind wind farm, makes up AC Energy’s 700-hectare Conservation Estate in Northern Luzon.

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Saving lives through excellence in infrastructure

By Marcelle P. Villegas

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t the start of 2020, it was tragic to hear how our medical frontliners were subjected to a work environment where they are vulnerable to sickness and death due to the COVID-19 threat.

One of this writer’s childhood friends was the team leader of a COVID-19 ward in a large government hospital in Manila. Before she died in March 2020, she shared in a chat how afraid and exhausted she was to come to work daily as she and her team face an invisible enemy. Their stress level at work was so high.

Her story is just one of many stories of fallen heroes during this pandemic. It is also traumatizing for medical workers to witness their patients’ great suffering while under their care. While our medial heroes risk their lives daily to save others, who will save them in return?

In the midst of the depressing wave of sad news in 2020, there were private companies in the infrastructure industry that rushed and made a commitment to make things safe and comfortable for both frontliners and patients. This is where infrastructure companies play the role of saving lives and taking strong measures to win this war against COVID-19. They are also our modern-day heroes, just like our medical frontliners.

It was on 30 January 2020 when the Philippines logged its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The patient is a 38-year-old Chinese national who travelled to the Philippines from Wuhan via Hong Kong.

Due to the rising numbers in cases, the Philippine government had to declare a nationwide lockdown. On 12 March 2020, President Duterte announced Enhanced Community Quarantine that restricted movement of people and halting all forms of transportation. Then by April, hospitals were already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.

This situation placed all hospital staff in danger. The most practical solution was to create field hospitals to expand the medial service and to create a safer workplace for the frontliners. [1] On 7 April 2020, Prime BMD, an affiliate of Prime Infra of the Razon Group, announced that they are

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In April 2020, the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex started accepting patients. The instant hospital was completed only within five days that houses 112 hospital beds, manned by the AFP Medical Corps and built by private partners Prime BMD and Bloombery Cultural Foundation, Inc. of the Razon Group. It was designed by Architect Dan Lichauco. Photo: Prime BMD & BCDA

converting the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex into a Level 2 COVID-19 facility. “Within 15 days, they were able to retrofit 2 indoor arenas and a cruise ship terminal into ‘instant hospitals’ with 530 beds for COVID-19 patients, nurses’ stations, storage facilities, covered outdoor dining areas, and shower and toilet facilities.” [1] Prime BMD’s achievements as a company were highlighted last 3rd of May 2021 when the Australian Embassy in the Philippines hosted a Virtual Media Briefing. In this online media event, Prime BMD was one of the main presenters. This annual media briefing is a forum where Australian companies from various industries present their report on how they help the Philippines.

On their company profile, Prime BMD is a construction company that builds roads, bridges, ports, buildings, and other infrastructure. Prime BMD is a partnership between the Philippine holding company Prime Metroline Infrastruture Holdings Corporation (Prime Infra) and Australia’s largest family-owned contractor BMD Group with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Prime BMD is known for their expertise in in engineering

services and project management.

The Australian Ambassador, His Excellency Steven J. Robinson AO, mentioned in his speech that the detailed design for the New Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; tunnelling for New Clark City as well, are done by BMD Construction.

Going back to the pandemic response projects, Prime BMD was the first private sector partner to build quarantine facilities called “We Heal as One Centers”. The company led the conversion of several facilities in Manila into Mega Swabbing Centers to help the Philippine government in reading its testing capacity.[1] The mega quarantine facility has 600 patient cubicles, clean lavatories, a clinic and triage tent, kitchen and mess hall, staff lounge, and other support tents. A team of 160 worked 24/7 to immediately ramp up isolation capacity in Manila.

By end of 2020, Prime BMD was able to put up nine COVID-19 quarantine and swabbing facilities to help meet the communities’ immediate healthcare needs. [1] “When they started planning to build the facilities to address the urgent needs in the fight against COVID-19, we volunteered right away.

References: [1] Video presentation of Prime BMD on their COVID-19 response [2] Prime BMD Company Profile [3] Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines) Facebook page

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Chart 1: Optical televiewer images

Dams and tunnels site investigation

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Downhole test using Borehole Televiewers and Pressuremeter

rojects involving dams and other hydroelectric infrastructure, such as shafts and tunnels, have a high geotechnical risk and are often located in remote, mountainous terrain so that application of high resolution, portable geotechnical equipment offers highly effective solutions to help de-risk a ground engineering project.

RDCL’s experience is that the use of these tools always improves the accuracy in the interpretation

of ground conditions and very often provides a much more accurate representation of ground conditions over conventional drilling. This is because the tools measure the drillhole wall which is undisturbed relative to the core which might be highly disturbed due to drilling mechanics. The advantages are more accurate design, better understanding of ground and often a better project price.

RDCL’s wireline geophysics

equipment is highly portable and well suited for these projects, which include the identification of suitable hydroelectric sites, and fracture detection, prior to tunnelling (vertically and horizontally).

Our acoustic and optical televiewers create incredibly detailed imagery of rock structures which combined with our high capacity pressuremeter for in-situ measurement of rockmass modulus, greatly assists design and the evaluation of ground risks.

< Page 42

accept our individual responsibility for improvement of our safety and environmental systems and methodologies.” [2] With regards to their safety milestones, as of July 2020, PrimeBMD has completed more than 5 million consecutive man hours lost time injury (LTI) free. Since the establishment of the Zero Harm goal, they were able to achieve a 1.91 overall total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR).

From the report of the Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines), Prime Metro BMD Corporation (a construction arm of Razon Group) was also responsible for the building of the quarantine facilities in Solaire-PAGCOR Mega Quarantine Facility in Parañaque City. “The said facility was built with the help of Razon Group, Prime Metro BMD Corporation at Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. This is the 9th facility that was built by the construction firm.” [3] On 29 September 2020, the Solaire-PAGCOR Mega Quarantine Center was inaugurated, along with a newly-constructed access road that was completed by Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The

facility has a 525-bed capacity, the biggest mega quarantine facility in Metro Manila.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar said, “We’d like to recognize the private sector in continuously assisting us in the government vs COVID-19.” [3]

We remain ready if there are groups or institutions or agencies that are willing to work with us to develop such facilities,” said J.V. Emmanuel A. “Jocot” De Dios, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Metro BMD.[1] While they were constructing these COVID-19 facilities, the company made sure that all workers were safe. This was done by implementing strict protocols and isolation measures at the sites.

They were all regularly tested for COVID-19.

“Because of the workers’ dedication, Prime BMD was also able to build the biggest mega quarantine facility in the capital.”

Prime BMD has a Zero Harm goal that promotes safety for their people, the communities and the environment. “Through our Zero Harm goal, Prime BMD aims to ensure each and every person who comes into contact with our business remains safe and in good health whilst in our care… Our Zero Harm goal encourages us to constantly strive to improve our Workplace Health and Safety standards. It allows us to remain vigilant and

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COMPANY NEWS

Y1300 key features and benefits.

The first Atlas Copco High-Pressure Portable Engine-Driven Compressor Y1300 in the Philippine market

Atlas Copco Philippines - Home of industrial ideas

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tlas Copco is an industrial company based in Stockholm, Sweden, with approximately 40,000 employees and customers in more than 180 countries. Atlas Copco is a pioneer in technology and engineering, with expertise relied upon by all industries, all over the world. With market-leading products, solutions, and services help ensure the customers’ reliable operations, optimize their productivity, reduce their costs, lower their CO2-emissions, and help them achieve their own sustainability ambitions.

Atlas Copco (Philippines), Inc. (ACPI) is a world-leading provider of industrial productivity solutions.

It was established on March 30, 1967 in Metro Manila with more than 50 years presence nationwide. The head office is located at Laguna Technopark, Biñan, Laguna, and have branch offices in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, ready to respond around the clock to the customers’ needs.

ACPI serves various industries including electronics, semiconductors, construction, cement, agriculture, mining, automotive, food & beverage, and general manufacturing segments. Some of the products include construction equipment, portable compressors, light towers, dewatering pumps, compressed air systems, vacuum pumps, gas equipment sales and rental, industrial

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tools, and assembly systems.

DrillAir range - reliable and efficient power The Atlas Copco DrillAir range of portable engine driven compressor is built scientifically around the principles of pressure and flow. The focus of the range is the relationship between these two variables and for the compressor to find the combination which is right for the application.

DrillAir is all about putting the operator in control.

Thanks to innovative design and unique performance management solutions, such as Atlas Copco PACE and DrillAirXpert, the new DrillAir Model will deliver better performance in smaller and lighter package applicable to vast industries such as construction, mining, and oil and gas.

Atlas Copco’s screw element has low energy consumption over a wide range of pressure and flow settings which helps in covering fluctuations without the need to boost fuel injection. Combination of efficient screw compressor, DrillAirXpert and high pressure help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.

All Atlas Copco machines are engineered, not assembled. The innovative design that makes the machine results to better performance and smaller package while the top located exhaust system will reduce

the potential risk of fire. On top of it, the standardized design makes the management of big fleet easier.

First in Philippine market The first ever Atlas Copco portable engine driven compressor acquired in the Philippine market was by ABI Interior Hardware, a company based in Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental.

ABI Interior Hardware was established in 2001 at Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental with its main office at Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur, initially established in 1997 under the name Alvin Bazaar Incorporated with business focused in hardware and paint industry.

In 2002, it diversified its business and opened the Executive Hotel in Ozamiz City, with a clear vision to provide comfort and service to guests at an affordable price. It expanded in 2006 and 2011 when

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COMPANY NEWS

D

The Manitou Group: A key actor in mining sector

istributed in 140 countries through a network of 21,050 dealers, Manitou is recognized worldwide as the maker of superior machines for construction, agriculture, and mining.

The mining sector is particularly important for Manitou, with a 30-year history of developing specific solutions for mine sites in 10 countries all around the globe.

A dedicated production plant: Castelfranco In 2014, the group opened a “Mining Competence Center (MCC)” within its production plant in Castelfranco, Italy. This center houses 10 R&D experts who are constantly conceiving dedicated telehandlers and accessories for mining usage. Machines are configured to cater perfectly to the needs required by each mine site, for open-pit mines or underground mines. Among the adaptations realized: reinforcement of electrical wiring, emergency braking systems, protection grids on the whole cabin, emergency stop buttons.... this list is far from being exhaustive!

This expertise is particularly valuable in an increasingly com-

petitive environment. Cedric Augereau, Sales Director for the Southeast Asia region, explains: “Thanks to this competence center, we are able to bring real added value to our users. We offer our users tailor-made machine-accessory solutions capable of significantly increasing their productivity while providing them with optimal safety on sites that are particularly exposed to risks.”

Seven models of telescopic forklifts dedicated exclusively to mining are produced in Italy, with a global offer of over 30 accessories.

These machines have a lifting capacity of up to 33,000 kg for heavy duty applications on the largest mining equipment.

Basket attachments in underground mines When extracting ore from underground mines, the risks are many and varied. In order to overcome these eventualities, the group is setting up very robust basket attachments to get as close as possible to the walls, while benefiting from great stabil-

< Page 44 the company acquired a property in Cagayan de Oro City and Cebu City, respectively, and opened the Executive Pension and Food House.

It was in 2007 when ABI Interior Hardware ventured into water-well drilling services with nine units of drilling rigs at present.

In 2019, with the mission to provide quality industrial, commercial, and residential water-well drilling services as well as pump and well-system repairs to ensure customer satisfaction, ABI Interior Hardware expanded their drilling services with percussion method. It is during this time that the owner, Mr. Mervin Ang, searched for a specific machine that can satisfy their requirements for the pneumatic and hammer drilling applications – a 1300-CFM, 35-bar portable engine-driven compressor. Atlas Copco’s high-pressure portable engine-driven compressor model Y1300 is the perfect candidate for

Mr.MervinAng,ABIInteriorHardware

such requirements.

In the height of the pandemic situation in the country in 2020, the first ever Y1300 in the Philippine market was delivered to Misamis Occidental with direct support from Mr. Junior Mangatong, Atlas Copco Philippines’ Product Engineer in Mindanao.

When asked about why they chose Atlas Copco for their biggest

WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM • ISSUE 2 2021

ity. These baskets can carry up to three people.

The group also offers a standard range of mobile elevating work platforms or basket attachments compatible with telehandlers for all maintenance applications in tunnels or underground mines.

A complete range of tire handlers for underground and open-air applications Thanks to the all-terrain telescopic handlers and a range of 7 tire handlers, Manitou offers the possibility to perform tire changes in complete safety. The “radio

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project, Mr. Mervin Ang said, “The Atlas Copco Y1300 really boosted our productivity as we can finish a project within two months, unlike with our previous percussion method that normally takes us six months to finish. The advantages are not only directly correlated to financial savings, but also to customer satisfaction as we can fulfill our commitment and deliver above expectations.” More than the features and benefits the equipment can provide, Mr. Ang also elaborated that the technical expertise and 24-hour service hotline are keys in the decision of choosing Atlas Copco. “Machine has a good performance, easy to operate, has a good protection, and most of all why I chose Atlas Copco is the aftermarket support”, he added.

To know more about Atlas Copco’s range of products and services, visit https://www.atlascopco. com/en-ph/construction-equipment or email powertechnique.SEA@ atlascopco.com.

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COMPANY NEWS

< Page 43 Why and What are Borehole Televiewers?

Televiewers provide a continuous, orientated, high-resolution image of the borehole wall, often superior to conventional core logs, which offers many advantages to geologists and geotechnical engineers. The data provides repeatable, checkable information about geology, structure, fractures, stress orientation, provides depth control where core recovery is poor and importantly allows orientation of structures even where ground conditions are poor.

How Borehole Televiewers Work The acoustic televiewer logs the borehole wall in terms of hardness, measuring the amplitude of a high frequency sound wave. Hard rocks reflect high-amplitude signals and soft rocks, and fractures reflect low amplitudes. The individual measurements of reflected amplitudes are made continuously by a rotating a 360° transducer. The result is a map of the borehole wall with an individual resolution of about 2mm in ideal conditions. Acoustic Televiewer (ATV) data is aligned with magnetic north. Fractures and bedding planes appear as sinusoidal lines where the deepest point on the line is the direction of dip.

Tool centralization is important to ensure similar travel time and signal strength in all directions. Data resolution reduces with wider diameter boreholes, and in some cases thick drilling mud due to signal dispersion.

Because the acoustic televiewer is sensitive to rock hardness and can measure fracture orientations and apertures (lost in drill core), it has become an important geotechnical tool in both sedimentary and hardrock formations. Acoustic televiewers most often in fluid filled holes to ensure the sound wave can travel through medium.

If data is required from dry

< Page 45

boreholes (above the water line), the Optical Televiewer (OTV) should be employed. It measures the color and shade of reflected light, basically a 360°camera. The borehole wall is lit by a ring of diodes on the tool and reflections are directed to a light-sensitive sensor via a conical mirror. Resolution is extremely high, with pixel sizes down to well below 1mm at HQ borehole diameter.

The optical televiewer provides an orientated photograph of the borehole wall at high resolution and without perspective. The system does not offer a travel time image, and log quality is dependent on clean borehole fluid if it is run below the water table. In slim holes, optical televiewer images can be of such high quality and value that it is usually worth flushing the borehole to remove mud from walls and replacing dirty fluid before logging (see Chart 1).

Subsurface Data Output and Characterization using Televiewers • Characterize ground conditions in terms of condition, stiffness, fractures and lithology • Gain an understanding of the groundwater conditions • Investigate the condition of existing structures associated with dams and tunnels Borehole Televiewers + Pressuremeter Test The Pressuremeter provides an indication of rockmass deformation modulus by inflating a bladder in a borehole to pressure the walls, with strain measured by strain gauges.

The tool is suitable for soft rock and hard rock. These characteristics are for the design of important structures such as underground openings, and pile foundations for bridges and high-rise buildings.

Pressuremeter tests provide parameters to assess stability, rock mass deformability (creep, rebound and permanent characteristics) that all

control” option allows these operations to be done remotely, with an optimal view of the operation.

The maneuver is made safer and easier for the operator even on slippery or rough terrain.

replacement of the largest cylinders (diameter > 60 cm / weight up to 10.5 tons) and ensures a safe, simple intervention without suspended load. The radio control provides precision to the maneuver, avoiding any damage to the cylinder and the machine.

2 solutions for cylinder handler With a capacity of 4,000 kg, the CH 4-cylinder handler is simple and robust, it ensures the efficient replacement of cylinders in mining equipment.

The CH 10 clamp, with a capacity of 10,500 kg, allows the

A wide range of rough terrain forklifts Manitou has rough terrain capability ingrained in its DNA. For more than 60 years, we have been offering solutions to handle the load in tough applications. Our M and MC forklifts are

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feed into designs for tunnel linings, concrete dam foundations, bridge supports and lateral deflection analysis shafts (see Chart 2).

Borehole televiewers and pressuremeters are cost effective portable systems that provide onsite geological and geotechnical data in real time outputs and processed outputs. RDCL’s downhole technologies provide effective rapid deployment for engineering design, works during construction and monitoring throughout the structure’s life.

Chart 2: Pressuremeter test and corrected readings.

Battle-Proven Technology The Philippines are one of the leading countries in the development of dams and tunnels in the Southeast Asian region. RDCL are based in Manila with staff and equipment. This means we can respond fast, mobilizing for domestic projects effectively and safely during a time when the world is restricted by global travel.

From Run-of-River hydroelectric systems, concrete dams, bulk water storage, pumped storage, mine tailings dams, subway tunnels and regular geotechnical applications, both the televiewer and pressuremeter has proved to be reliable and invaluable tools. adapted for mine sites. With a high ground clearance, 4-wheel drives, and stable mud tires, these machines will help you increase the productivity of your mine sites.

A strong representative dealer in the Philippines For more than 6 years, Pinnacle Parts Company, Inc. has partnered with Manitou as their official dealer in the Philippines. They are now accumulating expertise with Manitou products, and they offer efficient and reliable service all around the Philippines.

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COMPANY NEWS

Gold mine in Indonesia installing KREBS UMD Pumps to raise safety

By Rachel Johnson

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large gold mine in Indonesia set a goal to increase safety.

As part of the goal, they evaluated the frequency and risk of site maintenance procedures to find areas where they could make changes. They found that their mill discharge pumps had shorter periods between maintenance events than planned and researched further to find that the wet end components were not reaching the target wear life.

Every maintenance shutdown carried a low level of risk, but in a facility that processes 240,000 tons of ore per day, the frequent maintenance tasks added up to be significant. Site management decided that the time had come to investigate other pump options. The conditions the pumps were operating under were highly abrasive and severe, but management was hopeful that a safer and longer-lasting solution was possible. Safety would remain the top priority in any pump conversion plan, but if the downtime caused by pump maintenance could safely be reduced, the increase in production would be welcome.

The mine reached out to FLSmidth to ask if they had any solutions. FLSmidth responded with a proposal for a side by side comparison between the existing pumps and the KREBS Ultimate Mill Discharge (UMD) pump. For the comparison, FLSmidth would install a UMD pump at the discharge of one ball mill. The remaining mills would continue to operate with the existing pumps. During this same period, FLSmidth would set up a trial of different material combinations for the suction liner and wear ring in the UMD pump to make sure that the final recommendation would minimize maintenance events as much as possible.

The gold mine agreed to the proposal and FLSmidth installed a UMD 650×550 mm (26×22 in) pump at the ball mill discharge. The pump fed the highly abrasive discharge to a cyclone, but it was designed for severe duty applications such as this. A trial was planned in phases to test different combinations of the suction liner and wear ring, with the materials for the impeller and casing remaining constant. At the same time as these materials were to be tested, all components would be

compared with the wear experienced by the remaining discharge pumps.

Before starting the first phase of the trial, FLSmidth established targets that the life of the suction liner assembly would be 200% of the competitor pump, the life of the impeller would be 220% and the life of the casing would be 102%.

At the end of the first phase of the trial, the UMD pump was stopped to evaluate wear. Even wear was seen across the wear ring, but the suction liner showed little wear and could have been used longer. At this point, the suction liner assembly (which includes the wear ring) had already run 306% of the competitor’s suction liner life and with a new wear ring the suction liner could have lasted significantly longer. Regardless of remaining wear life for the suction liner, it was decommissioned to prepare for the second phase with a new wear ring and suction liner material.

After the first phase, the impeller and casing had significant life remaining, as expected. These parts had not reached the end of their wear life for the UMD or competitor pumps. New materials would not be tested in the trial, so they were left in the pump to continue the comparison.

At the end of the second phase of the trial, the UMD pump was stopped again to evaluate wear.

Significant uniform wear was seen on the suction liner, but the wear ring showed no signs of wear and could be used longer. The suction liner assembly had run 233% of the competitor’s suction liner life and the wear ring could last longer with a new suction liner. The suction liner assembly was decommissioned to prepare for the third phase with a new wear ring and

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suction liner material.

After the second phase, the impeller and casing still had significant life remaining, so they were left in the pump to continue the comparison. At this point, the impeller had already lasted 270% of the life of the competitor’s impeller. The casing had so far lasted 90% of the life of the competitor’s casing, and with the wear seen it was anticipated that it also would reach or surpass the target wear life.

Phase three of the trial is ongoing and a fourth phase is planned, so the successes presented here will be surpassed as the best material combination for the UMD wear components is determined. Yet, the existing data shows that the UMD suction liner assembly lasts more than three times the life of the competitor’s liner and the impeller lasts more than 2.7 times the life of the competitor’s impeller.

The gold mine is pleased with the results they have already seen from the pump comparison and the added safety that they can expect when the trial is complete, and they can proceed with converting the remaining discharge pumps.

The added financial benefit of an increase in production due to the decrease in maintenance is also appreciated.

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COMPANY NEWS

Be confident to make good, timely decisions during your nickel and base metal mining process With new smart, easy and affordable XRF elemental analysis

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ith extensive mining across the world, many mining companies are challenged with decreasing ore grades. “Geologists need not only reliable but frequent monitoring of the elemental composition of ores; so that they can make snap decisions to accurately predict and optimize recovery rates. This in turn making the extraction and separation of base metals - whether nickel, copper, zinc, a profitable process,” shares Dr Uwe Konig, global mining manager and geologist at Malvern Panalytical.

Increase your process efficiency and recovery rate That is exactly why Malvern Panalytical offers comprehensive suite of material characterization tools, a safe, quick, and nondestructive method of elemental analysis known as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). XRF and in particular Malvern Panalytical’s Epsilon range of benchtop spectrometers are widely used by global to small and mediumsized mining companies across the world.

Delivering reliable high throughput analysis, so you can be confident to make good decisions Malvern Panalytical’s R&D team has designed a revolutionary model, the Epsilon 4. We are proud that Epsilon 4 combines high analytical performance with low running costs. One of our customers, Ms. Monica Velasco of Berong Nickel Corporation shared, “The Epsilon4 is easy to use. It consistently delivers results according to set standards and is reproducible across different analysis methods.

Initial cost is justifiable for the quality of the product. “ Fast and sensitive Fast measurements are achieved by using latest silicon drift detector technology that produces significantly higher intensities.

Unique detector electronics enable a linear count rate capacity to

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over 1,500,000 cps (at 50% dead time) and a count rate independent resolution typically better than 135 eV for better separation of analytical lines in the spectrum.

This allows the Epsilon 4 spectrometer to run at full power, resulting in higher intensities and therefore, giving better data quality, better limits of detection, lesser interference from overlapping elements and a much higher sample throughput compared to traditional EDXRF benchtop instruments.

(See comparison with earlier model in Figure 1) Figure 1 (above): Notice the significant improvements in sensitivity with the Epsilon 4 spectrum (yellow) compared to our earlier model the Epsilon 3 (blue spectrum).

Case study: accurate & repeatable measurements of nickel in as fast as 5minutes 25 secondary nickel ore standards containing Ni, Co, Mg, Mn, Zn, Al, Cr, Ca and Si were used to set up the calibration. All elements were measured in air medium.

On the left (Figure 2), note that the calibration plots demonstrate good correlation between the given concentrations and the measured intensities. On the right, notice the low standard deviations and high repeatability (Repeatability data missing) achieved.

Combining the latest excitation & detection technologies and smart design, this data demonstrates how the analytical performance of Epsilon 4 approaches that of more powerful and floor-standing spectrometers.

High throughput analysis with unattended operations of Epsilon 4 The combination of a 10-position removable sample changer with spinner enables the automatic processing of sample batches without

the need for operator attention.

Continuous rotation of the sample during measurement minimizes any errors caused by non-homogeneity or surface irregularities within individual samples and provides more accurate results.

Automatic transfer of data to a central location gives you access to the latest results. Did you know that you can even link the Epsilon 4 to an automation arm for continuous sample loading?

Figure 2 (left)

Reduce expensive running costs with smart Epsilon 4 technology

Little or no expensive sample preparation. Unlike other traditional elemental methods like

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COMPANY NEWS

< Page 48 ICP or AAS which require long durations of samples digested in acid.

Reduce overheads without comprising on performance.

The high performance of Epsilon 4 enables many applications to be operated in air atmosphere, without longer overhead time and costs involved for helium or maintenance of vacuum system. Even when measuring in air, Epsilon 4’s smart built-in sensors compensate for temperature or pressure variations. Hence ensuring excellent results whatever the weather.

Save on calibration maintenance thanks to our new low-drift X-ray tube and automatic drift correction. Especially for high throughput environments, this en-

sures no downtime for calibration maintenance. You can be confident of your results always.

We take care of your needs from instrumentation to CRMs to tailored standards For the mining and minerals industry, Malvern Panalytical has specially developed a unique set of 15 synthetic, multi-element wide-range oxide known as the WROXI standards. Together with Epsilon 4, WROXI can be used for the analysis of major and minor elements in fused beads.

Added benefits!

Did you know? WROXI-CRM is manufactured under ISO 17034 accreditation which means the traceability is guaranteed. Being synthetic, WROXI standards

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will be available forever, and that means there is no risk of the requested CRM being sold out or otherwise unavailable.

All of this is possible because of our accredited Nottingham laboratory, in the UK. Through our Nottingham lab, you have easy access to expert knowledge, accredited reference standards and tailored custom applications and standards.

Global outreach with strong local support Malvern Panalytical is proud of its strong network of service support. All instruments undergo rigorous checks and comply with the latest radiation safety norms like the Machinery Directive, CSA, IEC standards.

Global, regional and local training hubs have been established for all service engineers and application specialists to be ready to support your demanding requirements. In addition, we also established cutting edge technology and software for remote support. This is much appreciated by clients who are in remote minesites. Malvern Panalytical is the only X-ray analytical instrumen-

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COMPANY NEWS

T

Miragrid GX Geogrid Segmental Block Retaining Wall application at Davao City Coastal Road

he Davao City coastal road bypass project will traverse from Roxas Avenue to Bago Aplaya, cutting through NHA Kadayawan Homes, Matina Aplaya and Bolton Isla. Three roundabouts or rotundas will be installed in the 35-kilometer coastal stretch at Roxas Avenue, Times Beach area, and Matina Aplaya.

Increasing population and continuous development of the Davao Region leads to worsening traffic congestion within its major roads. The coastal road project will definitely abate and address the traffic congestion within the city.

Case Study – Project Data Project: Davao City Coastal Road Bago-AplayaSection -Segmental Block Retaining Wall Year of construction: 2017–on going Client: Department of Public Works and Highways –Region XI. Material: TenCateMiragrid® GX Geogrid

Problem The Bago Aplaya Section facing Davao Gulf going to Talomo is an elevated highway with a 90-degree vertical slope on both sides. The contractor thus needs to stabilize and reinforce the embankment effectively.

Solution Segmental block wall reinforced with TenCate Miragrid® GX Geogrid was chosen for the final design of the project for its fast, durable, aesthetic, and costeffective construction. The reinforced segmental block

wall system consists of precast concrete blocks stocked to form the wall facing, with the soil/ sand backfill behind reinforced with Miragrid® GX Geogrid.

The blocks are molded with an interlocking mechanism that allows them to be firmly interconnected. The geogrid reinforcement laid horizontally in the soil backfill is connected to the concrete blocks via the interlocking mechanism at specific design heights of the wall.

The construction of the reinforced segment block wall system provides a relatively flexible structure that can tolerate differential settlement without causing distress to the structure.

< Page 49 tation company that has its own X-ray tubes factory. That means no unnecessary downtime waiting for the delivery of your tube.

Also no unnecessary middle-man expenses.

Great performance, versatile usage The Epsilon 4 has been proven in offering accurate, reliable and fast results. While having the benefits of smart technology to eliminate any unnecessary operational costs and downtime. Global mining companies are using the Epsilon 4 either in their laboratory or next to their site. We hope that the below illustration gives more ideas in terms of its versatile applications.

Why you consider the Epsilon 4 from Malvern Panalytical for

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your mine site: • Easy, non-destructive analysis with X-ray fluorescence • Widely embraced among global mining companies • Accurate and repeatable analysis in as fast as 5 minutes • Malvern Panalytical, a

trusted supplier • We provide end to end solutions from calibration reference materials to reliable and smart service support.

For more information, visit www. malvernpanalytical.com/Epsilon4 ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

COMPANY NEWS

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New report identifies major carbon reduction opportunities in global mining

he global mining industry must move away from legacy systems and processes if it is to meet the challenge of decarbonisation, according to a new report released today which calculates mining’s share of global energy consumption and identifies ways the industry can aid the transition to net zero emissions needed to limit temperatures in line with the Paris Agreement.

The report, commissioned by the Weir Group plc, analyses mine energy data from over 40 published studies to give a comprehensive understanding of where energy is consumed in mining and minerals processing. It shows that the total amount of power used by the mining industry – which plays an essential role providing the metals used at the heart of the modern economy – is equal to c.3.5% of global energy use.

The metals produced by mining are critical for enabling the global transition to low-carbon infrastructure. But without action, energy use in mining itself is set to trend higher in the coming years as demand increases for metals like copper, nickel and zinc. The report suggests there are technologies available today that could make a significant difference to this trend. For example, it highlights that comminution – i.e. crushing and grinding processes – is the single biggest user of energy at mine sites, typically accounting for 25% of mining’s final energy consumption. This is equivalent to the power used by 221 million typical UK homes, or c.1% of total consumption globally. Comminution is therefore a natural target for the most impactful energy savings opportunities.

Small improvements in com-

minution technologies can lead to relatively large savings in both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, a 5% incremental improvement in energy efficiency across comminution could result in greenhouse gas emissions reductions of more than 30m tonnes of CO2-e. The replacement of traditional comminution equipment with new grinding technology also reduces indirect emissions in the mining value chain, for example by removing the need for the manufacture of emission-intensive steel grinding balls.

Of the remaining energy consumption by the mining industry, diesel in varied forms of mobile equipment accounts for 46%, electricity in mining (ventilation) 15% and “other electricity” 14%.

Other significant opportunities identified by the report for reducing mining’s energy consumption include optimisation, big data and artificial intelligence. In addition, if zero emissions energy sources are deployed for mining equipment – e.g., renewable energy, energy storage and alternative fuels – then the industry may well be able to achieve zero emissions, leaving a relatively small role for offsets and carbon credits to play.

The report comes as the mining industry is under ever-greater pressure to produce essential minerals that support some of the biggest global structural trends, from population growth to urbanisation and decarbonisation. Copper, nickel, steel and lithium are core components of electricity transmission and storage, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. The move to a decarbonised

WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM • ISSUE 2 2021

• New analysis lays out the scale of the mining industry’s energy use and identifies ways it can be reduced using currently available technologies

• Materials such as copper, lithium and nickel play an essential role in the technologies like electric vehicles and renewables that will help the world meet its decarbonisation targets • As demand for these metals increases, the mining industry must itself become more efficient and environmentally sustainable economy will result in increased primary consumption of these mined commodities, even after factoring for recycling, so it is important that mining itself becomes more sustainable.

Download the independent Mining Energy Consumption 2021 report here: www.energysavingsinmining.com

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COMPANY NEWS

Ground-breaking global study unveils mental health minefield of remote rotational workforce

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hether on or offshore, the work and lifestyle of a remote rotational worker is unique. While lucrative for some, it has long been associated with a high impact on mental health and wellbeing. A groundbreaking global report from the International SOS Foundation and Affinity Health at Work, ‘Mental Health and the Remote Rotational Workforce’, provides in depth insight into the psychological impacts of this unique mode of working.

The new study highlights evidence of the high level of suicidal thoughts, clinical depression, impacts on physical health (such as diet) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this workforce.

Dr Rodrigo Rodriguez-Fernandez, Medical Director Wellness and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) International SOS, commented, “There is an urgent need for increased focus, understanding and strategies to mitigate mental ill health and promote better mental health of the remote rotational workforce. This is highlighted in our survey, which uncovers significantly high levels of critical mental ill health issues, including suicidal thoughts and depression. The COVID-19 environment has also added increased stress on this already pressured working arrangement.”

Key study findings: • 40% of all respondents experienced suicidal thoughts on rotation some or all the time (compared to average of 4-9%). 1 in 5 are feeling suicidal all or most of the time.

• 29% met the benchmark for clinical depression whilst on-rotation.

• 52% reported a decline in mood, and their mental health suffered whilst on rotation.

• 62% had worse mental health than would be the norm in a population. While off rotation, this remains at a high of 31% experiencing lower mental health than the general population.

Burn Out The study also exposed that almost a quarter (23%) of the remote rotational workers surveyed experienced emotional exhaustion on a weekly basis. 46% experienced higher stress levels while on rotation and over half (57%) were not engaged in their work. 23% reported that they received no psychological support from their employers.

Dr Rachel Lewis commented, “We would expect burn out to be between 2-13% in the general population, so the almost quarter that we see from the survey is particularly high. Burn out can have a serious impact both personally and professionally, on the ability of an individual to carry out their role. Remote rotational work may come with the perks of higher pay, but with its propensity to be isolating at the best of times. On and offshore, working pressures and varying shift patterns also add their weight. And this is not to mention the impact of the current pandemic,

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which has seen may remote workers unexpectedly away from family and friend networks for longer than anticipated.”

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic • 65% experienced increased job demands.

• 56% increased working hours stress, anxiety • 49% concerned for personal safety (before pandemic?)

• 1/3 became increasingly lonely • 23% had more negative physical symptoms (such as headaches and stomach issues) The Tip of the Iceberg Dr Rodriguez-Fernandez continues, “Mental and physical health are intrinsically linked. Organizations and individuals with a Duty of Care to their remote rotational workers should have visibility and a plan of support for their workforce encompassing both.”

• Over a third exercised less (35%) • 38% experienced worse-quality sleep (38%) • Over a quarter (28%) were less able to eat a nutritious diet whilst working On the flipside, the majority of respondents felt that their health and safety was prioritized. They report a strong sense of community and support among co-workers and from managers. Many also felt that they could share their mental health concerns with colleagues.

Closer to Home In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported an increase of calls on mental health and suicide through the National Center of Mental Health (NCMH) hotline, with over 3,000 individuals supported during the first quarter of 2021. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s supplemental guidelines on workplace prevention and control of COVID-19 issued last year has mandated establishments to implement all necessary safety and health programs at no cost to employees.

Dr. Carrianne Ewe, Medical Director at International SOS Philippines shares, “Mental health has been an area of concern for organizations as we continue to navigate through this crisis. We have been supporting our clients with rotational workers by incorporating mental health support into their health and wellness programmes.

This has become essential to support employees who are experiencing mental stress and pandemic fatigue. It is important to message that they are not alone in their journey and support is within reach through the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) which can help them with sessions on mindfulness and tips on improving one’s mental wellbeing. This approach helps organizations build the resilience of their employees, ensuring that they are healthy and productive during these challenging times.”

The full report, including practical recommendations on mitigation measures for companies is now available at https://www. internationalsosfoundation.org/ remote-rotationalworker-survey.

ISSUE 2 2021 • WWW.PHILIPPINE-RESOURCES.COM

Custom reports can be created to help data mine your company's archive.

Users can create custom indices by document type. Reports generated can be exported to Excel and PDF for submission.

COMMUNITY NEWS

< Page 56 pandemic. In fact, Australia’s development program in the Philippines is one of our largest in the world. Our development partnership is focused on achieving a more prosperous, stable, and resilient Philippines.”

The Ambassador stressed that while trade is an important factor to develop, economic growth is vital as well to creating sustainable prosperity. “There are encouraging signs, for example, in our commercial ties even through the pandemic.

As you know, there are over 300 Australian companies employing 44,000 Filipinos operating here in the Philippines, mainly in business processing outsourcing area (BPOs), mining and services sectors.”

He further enumerated on his speech the various infrastructure projects of Australian companies in the Philippines. “And it may interest you to know that Australian companies have been responsible for major developments in the Philippines including the interior design of the new terminal at the Clark International Airport as well as designing the Philippine Arena and that was a company by the name of Populous; the construction of the four-lane Cavite-Laguna Expressway that was done by Leighton Asia; the engineering and architecture for the Manila Clark Railway Project, North South Railway Project, Now that was done

by SMEC. The value engineering design for the NLEX and the SLEX Connector Road Project, that was also done by SMEC. And the detailed design for the New Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; tunnelling for New Clark City as well, also done by BMD Construction; and providing advice to most PPP transactions in the Philippines, now that’s Macquarie Capital.”

Additionally, he mentioned other Australian companies here in the Philippines such as: Austal, a world-class ship builder; Crone which provides worldclass architectural services; Prime DMB, experts in engineering services and project management; Qantas which connects people to Australia; Site Skills in Clark which supports Philippine skills development; Telstra, provider of first class global telecommunications; QBE, one of the world’s top insurance companies, and Orica, known for its world class mining operation.

During the Q&A portion of the briefing, Business Mirror and Philippine Resources Journal both asked the Ambassador about his views on the Philippine mining industry, particularly on the Philippine Government’s lifting of the 9-year moratorium on new mining agreements.

He replied, “So we think that the lifting of the ban is a really positive step forward for the Philippines because we think that the mining industry, done responsibly, using firms that have the most modern equipment, the most modern techniques that subscribe to world’s standards of mining, can really benefit the Philippines. The Philippines is a natural resource-rich country, and there’s much that could be done here that would really benefit the Philippines’ recovery.”

“And Australian firms know that the

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miners that we already have here - Orica, Oceana Gold, Red Nine - there’s a number of them -- They’re already thinking about what the future hold for them as a result of that ban being lifted, and they’ve started to reach out to us just in recent times to express interest in mining across the Philippines. So, I think that was a very, very positive step for the Philippines and good for Australian mining here, in cooperation and partnership with the Philippines. So, I’m very optimistic about what’s going to happen in the next couple of years about mining, and Australian mining here in the Philippines.”

Defense, maritime issues The issue on defense and maritime border protection were some of the major topics discussed during the briefing. The Ambassador said, “Through the AustraliaPhilippines Defence Cooperation Program, Australia is the Philippines’ second largest counter-terrorism and defense cooperation partner. Australia and the Philippines have a long history of Defence Cooperation that dates back to World War II. 4,000 Australians fought here during WW2 of which 92 died.”

“We have had an MOU on Defence cooperation since 1995 and the SOVFA was enacted in September 2012.”

“Though limited by COVID, we continue to cooperate and with strong focus on education and training both in the Philippines and in Australia with an emphasis on counter-terrorism, in the aftermath of the Marawi siege.”

“We will continue to work closely with the Philippine Government to address the ongoing threat of terrorism.

We also support modernisation efforts and maritime security engagement. Our defense program is also active in the humanitarian space – from assisting with the post-Haiyan typhoon response to most recently with a 3 million dollar, that’s Australian Dollars that we’ve donated to AFP hospital system to assist COVID-19 relief efforts.”

“We also cooperate in the areas of aviation and maritime security, as well as border protection. For both our countries, secure and reliable transportation networks are crucial in helping business and people trade and travel safely. Our Aviation and Maritime Security Division collaborates with the Philippines to improve transport security and enhance operational efficiency. We do this together by improving compliance with international standards and exchange views on transport security best practice.”

“Australia’s expanded engagement on maritime cooperation with the Philippines will be a key element of our commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of bilateral relations this year, through a new Philippine Civil Maritime Security Program (PCMSP) which aims to support the Philippines to strengthen its civil maritime security. Australia supports the adherence to international law, particularly UNCLOS, and other norms and laws that govern our international waterways.”

He stated that their civil maritime cooperation will focus on: • Maritime governance systems,

processes, and interagency coordination.

• Maritime or Marine natural resources management and environment protection.

• Technical assistance, research, and workshops.

“And through this program, the Australian Embassy intends to work with several government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police – Maritime Group, and National Coast Watch Council.”

Mateship and Bayanihan Mateship and Bayanihan are shared values of Australia and the Philippines.

The two countries have a long history of partnership and friendship that dates back even during the Spanish colonial times in the Philippines. Their diplomatic bond was tested and strengthened during World War II in the Pacific.

One remarkable part of their shared history dates back in the late 1800s when Australia opened its doors to migrant Filipino workers to support the pearling industry in Northern Australia. These Filipinos were called the “Manila Men” and they worked as pearl divers. These Filipino migrant workers played an important role in the development of the pearl, trochus and beche-de-mer (processed sea cucumbers) industries in Northern Australia. A large number of indigenous Australians are descendants of these Manila Men. [1] Other than shared values and history, the Australia-Philippine relations include political, economic, development, defense, security and cultural relations. Australia has an embassy in Manila while the Philippines has an embassy in Canberra and a consulate general in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. [2] Australia’s first Consulate General in Manila was founded on 22nd of May 1946.

There are over 250,000 people of Filipino heritage living in Australia, and there are more than 10,000 Filipino students enrolled in Australian universities and vocational institutions. [3] In celebration of Friendship Day last May 22, the Ambassador launched an online campaign to inspire people across the Philippines to join the celebration by sharing their stories of friendship.

“This month of May, I invite everyone to join the celebration on social media by reflecting on our deep relationship and sending messages of friendship using the hashtag #mateshipandbayanihan and #FilAussieDay.” [4] References: [1] https://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/ medrel161018.html [2] https://www.escapemanila.com/2021/02/ philippine-embassy-consulate-australia.html [3] https://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/ relations.html#:~:text=Formal%20relations%20 commenced%20with%20the,in%20Manila%20 in%20May%201946.

[4] https://mateshipandbayanihan.com/ media-statements/dfa-and-australian-embassy-light-up-manila-for-75th-anniversary-ofdiplomatic-relations/

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By Marcelle P. Villegas

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (left) and H.E. Steven J. Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, witnessed the commemorative lighting of the iconic SM Mall of Asia (MoA) Globe with the commemorative logo and images of Australians and Filipinos showing mateship and bayanihan.

Photo credit: Australian Embassy in the Philippines

E

very year, the Australian Embassy in the Philippines hosts the Annual Journalists’ Reception in Makati with the purpose of bringing together the Australian companies in the Philippines and the local journalists in a business briefing.

Last year’s Journalists’ Reception was cancelled due to the sudden nationwide lockdown as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year, the month of May had a good start with the launch of their first Australian Embassy Virtual Media Briefing last May 3rd.

The briefing was led by Christopher Lim, Senior Trade and Industry Commissioner of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

Australian businesses representatives provided reports and updates of their industries’ development, latest projects and trends. For this, they had two speakers: Dave Shiner, Regional Director – Asia for Austal; and J.V. Emmanuel A. “Jocot” De Dios, Chief Executive Officer of Prime Metro

Australian Embassy highlights shared values with Philippines

BMD. Members of the Philippine press also had a Q&A session with the Australian Ambassador.

His Excellency Steven J. Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, gave an inspiring speech that focused on the shared values and history of Australia and the Philippines. He covered the topics on Australia’s support for the Philippine’s sectors in agriculture, food industry, education, infrastructure, finance, defense, COVID-19 vaccine supply, disaster preparedness program, and more.

He said, “Over the past several decades, we have witnessed the bond between Australia and the Philippines grow stronger and develop into an enduring friendship. We launched the 75th Anniversary celebration on Australia Day in January including the unveiling of the commemorative website mateshipandbayanihan.com.” The special website of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines contains stories of friendship and partnership over the years.

Last May 22nd and 23rd was PhilippinesAustralia Friendship Day. “Now, we are very pleased to be one of only five countries with an annual friendship day celebration, in our case set by Presidential Proclamation 1282.

The Embassy aims to bring the celebration around the Philippines to a different city each year.”

Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 community quarantine rules, the Australian Embassy launched some online programmes to reach out to everyone across the Philippines. The Embassy hosted an online “Stream and Sip” festival highlighting Australian films, music and food last 22nd

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and 23rd of May. They also featured Australian Music on Spotify and Australian films on Netflix.

During the briefing, the Ambassador also expressed his admiration to the Filipino people for their fortitude throughout the lockdowns. He mentioned that Australia has committed 500 million Australian dollars to support access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to promote health security in the Indo-Pacific, including in the Philippines.

“Australia is committed to providing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for the Pacific and Southeast Asia, including through contributing 80 million AUD to the COVAX Facility Advanced Market Commitment to deliver vaccines to the most vulnerable.”

“As vice-chair of the Gavi Vaccine Alliance Board, Australia successfully advocated for the Philippines to be eligible for COVAX AMC doses and has advocated for the earliest possible access for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. So, we are pleased that the Philippines has received two shipments totaling 525,600 doses through the COVAX Facility. Now, this is the second highest number of doses delivered in Southeast Asia.”

Moreover, he discussed about the development cooperation program of the Australian Government for the Philippines.

“And I am also really pleased that Australia was able to redirect our 80-million-dollar development cooperation program to reinforce the Philippine response to the

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