Mining Philippines 2011 opens today

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon JP Paje Jr. opens today this year’s Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, and will also deliver a presentation on the formal opening of the conference on Sept. 14, Wednesday, on “Instituting Policy Reforms in Mineral Resource Development”.

The annual event, which will run until Sept. 15, has adopted the theme “Driving Progress, Communicating Results.” It will showcase the successes and contributions of mining ventures to the country’s economy as well as discuss the future of the industry as a major driver to national progress.

Keynoting the event is Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa on behalf of President Aquino.

The Aquino administration maintains a policy of full support to the development of the mining industry.

Rep. Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas Sr., the chairman of the House committee on environment and natural resources, will also grace the conference.

Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez, president and chief executive officer of Benguet Corp. and concurrent head of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, will lead discussions on industry policy reforms for progress.

Representatives of foreign governments will also be giving talks, including Ambassador Roberto Mayorga of Chile who will discuss “Mining – A Vital Partner for National Progress: The Chilean Experience”, and Ambassador Liu Janchao of China who will discuss the “Highlights of the State Visit of H.E. President Benigno C. Aquino to China”.

Discussions on the mining landscape in the Philippines and Southeast Asia – including copper, gold, nickel and downstream projects – will be chaired by Dr. Elmer Billedo, assistant director at the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau.

Artemio F. Disini, chairman of the Chamber of Mines will captain discussions on mineral commodities outlook.

For the session on addressing issues in Philippine mining, among the speakers and their respective topics are: Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice-chairman and CEO World Wildlife Fund Philippines - “Integrating Biodiversity in the Mining Life Cycle”; lawyer Dennis Quintero, partner, Quisumbing Torres Law Office - “The Dynamics between the IPRA and the Mining Act”; Rafael C. Lopa, executive director, Philippine Business for Social Progress - “Meeting Society’s Social and Environmental Expectations: A Score Card” and Justice Alberto C. Agra, professor, College of Law, Ateneo De Manila University - “Understanding the Mechanics and Defense Strategies on the Writ of Kalikasan”.

There will also be a signing of a memorandum of agreement for the “Adopt A School Program” between the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and Secretary Armin Luistro of the Department of Education.