SMI opens hologram show on mining

MANILA, Philippines –  Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) unveils today an interactive mining information center (iMIC), featuring the first real hologram show in the country, at the Science & Discovery Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City today. It opens free to the public.

The center, a joint project by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), features five three-dimensional videos, with a “fly-by” look, featuring key topics associated with managing a mining project in a Philippine setting, such as mine life cycle, mine layout, forest management, water management, and community relations.

But the centerpiece of the exhibit is the presentation on “Life without Mining,” which utilizes Spectra Vision, a first in the country in terms of holographic technology.

The center aims to educate the public on the sustainable development policies and practices that are now being applied by mining companies around the world including global leader Xstrata, mother-company of SMI. Through this facility, SMI hopes to deliver the message that they will apply world-class sustainable minerals development standards for its project in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

SMI, a Filipino mining company that holds a financial and technical assistance agreement with the national government for the exploration, development, and operation of the Tampakan project, has been setting a new course in terms of its commitment to education and information programs.

Recently, it participated in the donation and distribution of 30,000 elementary textbooks in a province outside of its project area. SMI has also constructed at least two communication tower (GPRS) extenders benefiting remote communities with stronger mobile phone signals.

Based on an independent economic study, the project is estimated to cost at least $5.2billion. It is considered as the single largest investment in the history of the Philippines and is expected to provide employment to an estimated 9,000 workers in its construction phase and over 2,000 during its operation, among numerous other economic benefits.

Filipinos of all ages will undergo a special visitor experience when they go to the SMI iMIC, which will run until 15 January 2011. It is open between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.