RP needs more geologists, says DOST

BAGUIO CITY — While the government targets about $9 billion to $10 billion revenues from the mining industry by 2011, a top official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said the country should produce more geologists to meet the growing demand for skilled miners not only in the Philippines but worldwide.

“The thing is if we will not produce enough geologists other countries will produce their own geologists because of the big demand. Although right now countries like Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia prefer Filipinos as mining workers,” DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Graciano Yumul told Manila-based reporters during a media seminar on mining here.

The Arroyo government expects to generate some $9 billion to $10 billion from the mining industry and a growth in mineral exports of up to 6.5 percent by 2011.

Meanwhile, Yumul said the DOST has continued to provide science and  technology interventions to local mining operators in a bid to protect the environment while providing economic opportunities to the country.

Raul Sabularse, deputy executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD), of the DOST, said priority plans for the country’s mining sector are included in the National Science and Technology Program under the earth and marine science section.

Sabularse said there are alternative materials used in mining that are not harmful to the environment, adding the DOST is promoting sustainable and responsible mining.

He said PCIERD is currently studying new mining technologies which include technologies for mineral recovery from tailings; technologies for mine acid mitigation; abandoned mine land technologies; drilling and blasting optimization; technologies for underground monitoring and development of untapped offshore mineral resources.

Meanwhile, Edwin  Domingo, assistant regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), said the Philippines has one of the most advanced mining operations in Asia, adding local geologists are among the best in the world.

“We are not theorists because mining operations are just behind our back,” Domingo said.

Yumul cited Philex Mining Corp., which is operating its Sto. Tomas II copper-gold-silver deposit at Padcal, Tuba, Benguet, as one of the best mining firms when it comes to its environmental safety practices.