Compact enough for mining, but with power

Compact enough for mining, with power needed for heavy construction

Epiroc releases new Boomer E10 and E20 drill rigs

The new Boomer E10 and E20 from Epiroc offer great flexibility and coverage thanks to their small footprint and powerful, multi-purpose BUT 45-booms. As part of Epiroc’s Smart series, the drill rigs are equipped with automation features that increase operator safety and productivity, and come with an optional battery-electric driveline for reduced environmental impact and healthier underground conditions.

Suitable for both mining and construction Designed for great operator comfort and safety

In the comfortable and safe cabin, operators can enjoy low sound levels (<65 dbA) and less vibration, and a new panel interface for tramming. In addition, great visibility and multifunctional joysticks ensure that operators always keep their eyes on task.

Besides being compact enough for mine development, both drill rigs feature BUT 45-booms with telescopic feed beams. These powerful booms fit a wide range of applications and can tackle the requirements of heavy-duty construction work with ease.

“This is yet another automation break-through for face drilling where Epiroc leads the way to safer and more productive mining and construction operations,” says Sami Niiranen, President at Epiroc Underground division.

Safe productivity with outstanding operator assistance features

With features like teleremote drilling, auto level and setup assist, Boomer E10 and E20 strengthen productivity and safety for operators. The optional teleremote drilling feature lets the operator work at a safe distance from the face and enables drilling during shift changes.

“Thanks to teleremote drilling the operator can drill a full face from a control room. Naturally, this is a safer workplace. In addition, you can reach up to 25% increased productivity by drilling during shift changes and lunch breaks”, says Camilla Spångberg, Global Product Manager at Epiroc’s Underground division.

Furthermore, both drill rigs provide operators with setup assist. Thanks to the carrier being equipped with an advanced scanner measuring the distance to the walls and face, positioning the rig perfectly in the mine or tunnel becomes an easy task for the operator. “In combination with digital drill plans, setup assist eliminates time-consuming repositioning. It also ensures both productivity and great quality”, says Camilla Spångberg.

German-PH Chamber Reports Promising Economic Growth During 2022

By Marcelle P. Villegas

Aquick look at the future: • The Philippines is expected to join the free trade agreement -- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This would benefit the Philippine metals industry. • The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act will have a significant impact on business practices across the Asia-Pacific (including the Philippines, which lists Germany as its 10th largest export trading partner).

Looking at the numbers, the economic outlook of 2022 looks bright. According to a report presented by German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), the Philippine gross domestic products (GDP) showed favourable development and promising growth during the first half of 2022. From their report on “GPCCI Market Watch: Philippines Shows Promise in the 1st Half of 2022”, the Philippine GDP grew more than expected due to high public spending, relaxed COVID-19 mobility restrictions, and a rebound in investments and household consumption. Due to these factors, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its growth outlook for 2022 from 6.0% to 6.5%, halfway through the year. [1]

During the second quarter, the GDP growth decreased to 7.4% due to global headwinds like geopolitical tensions and inflation. This is lower than 8.3% growth during the first quarter. Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also forecasted that inflation rate of 5.4% and raised key interest rates to 4.0% from an initial 2.0%. Afterwards, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) revised their full-year 2022 growth forecast to 6.5% to 7.5%.

“Despite the slowdown of the second quarter growth, it is notable that the Philippines still had the 2nd highest GDP growth recorded for the second quarter in the ASEAN region. For the first half of 2022 overall, the Philippines’ GDP grew by 7.8% - the highest among the five biggest economies in ASEAN. The Philippine Central Bank stated that domestic economic activity is seen to be restored to its pre-pandemic level in the second half of 2022,” according to GPCCI.

Several changes in 2022 took place which gradually contributed to mobility in most sectors. “As the country continues its efforts in the transition to the new normal, the Department of Education implemented mandatory face-toface classes for the school year of 2022-2023. Aside from this, the mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors was also lifted. It was imposed for more than two years to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.”

“According to experts, the outlook of the country’s economy remains positive. The materialization of the initiated economic reforms and the continuation of key programs such as the infrastructure expansion by the new administration shall support the robust economic development for the 2nd half of the year and beyond.”

Looking at the Philippine international trade activities for the first half of 2022, both exports

“Although there is a seen decrease in the bilateral trade between Germany and the Philippines when comparing the first half of 2022 and 2021 data, it remains to be a major contributor to the latter’s trade relations with the EU.” – From GPCCI Market Watch

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and imports increased year-onyear with a growth rate of 7.09% and 26.69% respectively. “Imports grew much faster than exports by a significant margin with the Philippine trade deficit increasing by USD 11.84 billion as a result of this.” [1]

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that June 2022 marked the 17th straight month of import growth.

The export and import activities in 2022 include significant movement in the minerals industry. “Philippine exports are mainly composed of electronic products accounting for 55% of the total exports or USD 21.16 billion for the first half of the year. Other commodity groups that widely contribute to the exports of the country are (1) other manufacturers with 7%, (2) cathodes and sections of cathodes, refined copper with 3%, (3) coconut oil with 3% as well.” On the list of imported individual commodities, Electronic Products were also on the top of the list, comprising 24% of all imports or USD 16.3 billion in total. Minerals, Fuels, Lubricants and related materials, Transport Equipment, Iron and Steel had shares of 17%, 8%, and 5% respectively, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

For both exportation and importation, the top 10 trading partners of the Philippines include the neighboring countries of the Philippines in Asia. “In terms of its export partners, the United States and European Union (EU) countries such as German and the Netherlands have been its non-Asia partners that belong to the top rank. While for its import partners, the United States is the only non-Asia country that belongs to the list.”

More on the non-Asia trade partners of the Philippines, for the first half of 2022, the United States of America ranks as No. 1 in the list of international trade partners for Exports, with USD 5.94 billion. Netherlands is on rank No. 7 with USD 1.45 billion, while Germany is on rank No. 10 with USD 1.31 billion. For Imports, United States of America is on rank No. 5, with USD 4.40 billion.

“Although there is a seen decrease in the bilateral trade between Germany and the Philippines when comparing the first half of 2022 and 2021 data, it remains to be a major contributor to the latter’s trade relations with the EU. Exports of the Philippines to Germany, decreased by 8.46% as the previous USD 1.42 billion in 2021 went down to USD 1.30 billion in 2022. Similarly, imports declined by 9.15%, when the USD 1.06 billion in 2021 was cut to USD 960 million in 2022.” [1]

On a final note, what are we to expect in the future in terms of economic growth? GPCCI Market Watch listed down some trends and factors that can affect economic growth in the future. Here are the trends to look out for: 1) Global Inflation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently gave out unfavorable projections for the global economy in its recent report with inflation in advanced and developing economies projected to reach 6.6% and 9.5% respectively. As seen in the Philippines, the country experienced a 6.4% inflation rate in July of this year (the highest recorded inflation rate in 4 years) due to a rise in commodity prices. Experts also believe this rise in inflation will peak in the 4th quarter of 2022. Consequently, analysts say this bleak outlook on inflation for the rest of the year may lead to the Philippine Central Bank raising the key interest rate to 4.25% by the end of 2022. 2) CPTPP: The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or CPTPP is a free trade agreement currently comprised of 11 countries, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The Philippines, along with Thailand and South Korea, is expected to join the agreement within the next few years with Chile supporting their potential accession. By joining this free trade agreement, various sectors in the country such as electronic equipment, apparel, machinery, and metals would benefit. 3) Supply Chain Due Diligence Act: By the start of 2023, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act will come into force. Initially approved in 2021, the act aims to ensure that German businesses with more than 3000 employees will have no links in their supply chains that violate human rights or environmental laws. And by 2024, the size requirement will drop to 1000 employees. Hence, companies that wish to enter the German market or work with large German companies will need to have humane and stable business practices. Experts say this new legislation will have a significant impact on business practices across the Asia Pacific; including the Philippines, which lists Germany as its 10th largest export trading partner. Also, the EU is currently in the process of creating the EU Due Diligence Act, which aims to apply similar supply chain standards for companies across all EU member states and beyond. [1]

Reference:

[1] Ramos, Nicole (4 October 2022). GPCCI Market Watch: Philippines Shows Promise in 1st Half of 2022.

Acknowledgment:

Thank you to Ms Nicole Ramos, Senior Consultant at German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI)

8F Doehle Haus Manila 30-38 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro, Makati City Philippines, 1234

Telephone: +63 (2) 8519 8110 / Telefax: +63 (2) 5310 3656

Website: https://philippinen. ahk.de/en/

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By Marcelle P. Villegas

The expansion of the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) is a huge infrastructure project that is scheduled to be operational by 2028. The local government of Cavite province has chosen the SPIA Development Consortium last September to implement the USD11 billion project.

SPIA Development Consortium representatives were delighted for being chosen for the job, but they also said that the challenges ahead are great.

The project will also commence in association with South Korean and European companies. The Engineering, Procurement and Construction consortium will be headed by Cavitex Holdings and the local financier House of Investments Corporation. They will also work with Samsung C&T.

Munich Airport International (MAI) is known for their 5-star quality services and for their trademark best-practice solutions, thus they have the slogan “Trusted partner for smart money and ambitious airports”. MAI also offers services like airport management, consulting and training services around the world. For the past 30 years, Munich Airport Group has been a leading ORAT service provider and a global airport operator. (ORAT refers to Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer, the process of taking a newly constructed airport or part of an airport and turning it into an operational facility.)

Additionally for this project, Philippine MacroAsia Corporation will be responsible for the logistics and technical services. Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd. will be a development planner. More details of the structure of the consortium will be further defined in the future.

The consortium is set to sign the Joint Venture and Development Agreement this October. After that, they have 18 months to develop the project design and business plan. This will be followed by actual construction of the airport’s expansion design.

The SPIA is dubbed as the Philippines’ new “gateway to the world” and instrumental in boosting the country’s economy. SPIA is intended to reduce the dense activities in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila and the traffic congestion in the region. The airport project anticipates for the expected increase in passenger numbers for the next 30 to 40 years. The local government in the province hopes that the airport will generate around 50,000 jobs. [1]

Looking at the stages of the project, the first phase includes the construction of the runway which is targeted to be finished by 2028. The airport is designed to accommodate 80 million passengers per year.

Eventually, with the construction of additional runways, the airport could serve 130 million passengers a year. There are also plans to have a four-lane road, perhaps with parallel train routes to the airport. Experts said that good transportation connections to the previously less developed region are vital for the success of the airport.

They also see this airport project as a possible competitor for the airport in Bulacan. [1]

Back in February 2020, the existing regional airport in Sangley was reopened by the order of the former president Rodrigo Duterte. He ordered the transfer of some flights from NAIA to Sangley in order to lessen the air traffic in NAIA during the pandemic.

Eventually, the Sangley airfield was modernised due to the support from government funds of around US$ 25 million. The small terminal can handle 160 passengers. Although this project was not originally part of the government’s Build, Build, Build program, it was later on included in their list of projects, thus the SPIA now has this expansion project.

Munich Airport helps out with Sangley Point Airport expansion

Reference:

[1] Hirschle, Alexander (26 September 2022). “Manila expands airport with German participation”. Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI). Retrieved from - https://www.gtai. de/de/trade/philippinen/branchen/ manila-erweitertflughafen-mitdeutscher-beteiligung-897832

Photo credit:

Sangley Point International Airport - https://www.facebook.com/sangleypointairport/ Munich Airport - https://www. munich-airport. com/international/ about-us

Energy Transition for Oil, Gas and Coal Sectors

By Marcelle P. Villegas

Most industries are dependent on fossil fuels to operate. However, in response to climate change, there is a global trend that encourages countries to join in the energy transition of using green technologies. While in theory, this strategy looks promising and feasible. However, in some countries, like in the Philippines, this is a major challenge.

This was the scope of the roundtable discussion (RTD) last 4th of May 2022 during PH-EITI Conference with the Department of Finance and Department of Energy. The theme of the event was “Preparing the Extractives for Energy Transition”.

To tackle the issues behind energy transition, PH-EITI and the Department of Energy- Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (DOEEPPB) organised this RTD to provide energy stakeholders with information on existing policies and future government programs that will lead to the shift to a sustainable and low carbon economy. “Using the PH-EITI platform, the RTD intended to elicit stakeholder perspectives on energy transition and thresh out issues on the implications and effects of the transition on various sectors.”

Moreover, the of goal of the RTD this year is to inform the participants and involved industries about the Philippine’s progress in implementing transition plans, policies and commitments, as well as the rollout of government programs to sectors that will be affected by the shift.

In the RTD, the different presenters and speakers discussed how the various sectors intend to address the issue of climate change in order to prevent future environmental problems.

On our previous article about this event, we reported the views of the mining industry about the energy transition, where most mining companies are ahead in taking proactive steps to achieve environmentally friendly operations and proper waste management.

This time, we shall highlight the reaction of the oil, gas and coal industries about the global transition.

Dir. Dona Minimo, Director, International Finance Group, Department of Finance, reported that the Philippines greenhouse gas emissions are currently a minor contributor to global warming at approximately 0.33% of the world share of greenhouse gases (GHD) emissions. “However, due to its economic development and rapidly growing population, the Philippines is projected to have sharp increases in CO2 emissions over the incoming decades. GDP growth is expected to strengthen seven to 8% in the medium term.”

Dir. Michael O. Sinocruz, OIC-Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, Department of Energy, said that the Philippine Energy Plan 2020-2040 is connected with the goals of Ambisyon Natin 2040 which represents the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Philippines in the coming years. In support of these aspirations, he shared that the DOE formulated the 9-point energy agenda, among these are providing access to electricity for all Filipinos, promoting energy efficiency, and establishing a proconsumer framework.

According to the report in the RTD, “The mining, oil, gas, and coal industries are among industries directly affected by the global shift to net-zero emissions. As the energy transition progresses, fossil fuel producing or dependent communities and countries will face challenges sustaining revenues and the national economy in general. Communities that rely on revenues and jobs generated by fossil fuel production are among the most vulnerable to the transition.”

Therefore, in order to cope up with the difficulties that the transition will bring, producing communities and countries will have to find alternative revenue sources to replace the lost income.

“On the other hand, increased deployment of modern renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies also mean an increased demand for rare earth elements and other mined inputs. This will require a substantial ramp-up of existing production capacity. This means transition to a sustainable low carbon economy will definitely reshape the extractive industries.”

Director Arnulfo A. Robles, Executive Director of the Philippine Chamber of Coal Mines, Inc. (PHILCOAL) reported the perspective and achievements of the coal sector on the energy transition. He mentioned that Semirara has become the template for coal

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