BAGUIO CITY – Collective investments to make the country’s mineral sector a much safer industry has improved, the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) said on Tuesday (November 20).
“Over the years, collective investments by mining and quarrying companies in environmental protection in order to make the country’s mineral sector a safer industry has improved and it’s on the rise,” PMSEA president, Dr. Walter Brown said.
Brown added, many mining companies especially those which are earning have sustained their investments also in social development and community development programs in the communities which they operate
The PMSEA senior official urged mining and quarrying companies to invest in environmental protection, or else face stiff fines.
Brown stressed, a good working relationship with local government units (LGU) and to other stakeholders is a key to the industry, adding as the industry continues to adopt new technologies to meet global standards.
PMSEA, which is holding its 65th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) from November 21-24 here, vowed to further intensify the campaign on responsible mining by highlighting the efforts being done to ensure safety within the industry.
The conference has adopted the theme “Industry and Regulator Together in Promoting and Advocating Responsible Mining.”
On the part of the government, Fay Apil of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera also observed the rise of investments in environmental protection by mining companies.
“We are very strict in the implementation of environmental protection and enhancement program,”Apil stressed.
She added, mining companies in the region are regularly subjected to environmental monitoring and audit by the bureau. Primo Agatep / ABN