Mining companies plant .5M trees in one year
The government’s program on responsible mining resulted to the planting of almost 500,000 seedlings by 29 mining companies in one year.
In a report of the Mines and Geo Science’s Bureau’s Mining Forest Program from July 2006 to June 2007, a total of 29 mining companies were evaluated for the Best Mining Forest Awards.
These companies planted a total of 442,570 seedlings in over 206 hectares of land, including mined-out areas, slopes of decommissioned tailings ponds, causeways, waste dumps and vacant lots within mining areas and adjoining communities.
The Best Mining Forest Awards is part of the MFP, which aims to establish mining forests within specified areas, plants and quarries throughout the country.
It is consistent with the provisions of the Mining Act of 1995 and its implementing rules and regulations, which mandate rehabilitation to include reforestation of areas disturbed by mining activities.
Since 1988, the Mining Forest Program has reforested some 3,123 hectares of land with about 6.9 million trees such as agoho, gemelina, acacia, narra, molave, pine, mahogany and fruit-bearing trees.
In the recently held 54th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference 20 mines and quarries were cited by the government for responsible mining.
The citations, according to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, were meant to highlight the government’s effort in building a minerals industry that would be known not only for its economic benefits but also for its best practices in environmental management and social development.
The DENR chief handed out the trophies for this year’s recipients of Titanium Awards under the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards to Holcim Cement Corp.-Bulacan plant, Cagdianao Mining Corp. and Taganito Mining Corp.
Titanium Award is the third highest honor given under the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association. There are no presidential and platinum awardees for this year.
Philex Mining Corp. – Padcal Mine and Holcim Philippines, Inc. – Lugait plant, were awarded as the
Another category is the Safest Mines Awards, which is a joint effort of the MGB and the PMSEA as part of the national campaign against occupational and environmental hazards in mining and its related operations.
The safest Mines Awardees for various categories were: Safest Mining Operation Award – Cagdianao Mining Corp.; Safest Surface Operations – Cagdianao Mining Corp.; Safest Cement Plant Operation – Fortune Cement Corp. – Batangas plant; Safest Quarry Operations – Rapid City Realty and Development Corp.; Safest Mineral Processing Award, Cement Category – Taiheiyo Cement Corp.; Safest Mineral Processing Award, Extraction Category – Coral Bay Nickel Corp.; Safest Mineral Processing Award, Crushing Plant Category – Globo Rocks Mining Corp.; Most Improved Safety Performance – Northern Cement Corp.
Atienza commended the winners for their efforts, which he also described as the best way for the industry to help government in its effort to promote and revitalize the minerals industry.
ANMSEC is the biggest mining event in the country held annually under the auspices of PMSEA, a non-stock, non-profit sectoral organization of exploration, mining and quarry companies, cement plants, service contractors, and suppliers of mining equipment and machineries.
The organization advocates active participation in meeting the challenges of sustainable development through responsible minerals development fully cognizant of the attendant occupational safety and health, environmental protection and community development concerns. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP
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