Mining meet kicks off

MANILA, Philippines – Senior mining officials and ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are in Manila today to kick off the country’s biggest mining activity this year.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will host the gathering with the 9th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Minerals (ASOMM), 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin), and the private-sector-led ASEAN Federation of Mining Associations (AFMA).

A consultative meeting on minerals cooperation with the ASEAN plus 3 nations that include China, Korea and Japan will likewise be held.

The three nations are the major consumers and investors in mining in the Southeast Asian region.

DENR Secretary Lito Atienza said the five-day meetings, which will take place from Oct. 13 to17 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, is aimed at drawing up regional policies to promote regional cooperation among ASEAN member-countries.

Among others, Atienza said the gathering aims to develop the ASEAN mineral sector as an “engine for economic growth and social progress.”

Atienza said the meeting is also expected to enhance trade and investments in the ASEAN mineral sector.