PhilexPadcal cited ‘Best Mining Forest’ in PMSEA Awards

By Rochelle Hilario

TUBA, Benguet --Philex Mining Corporation (PSE:PX), the country’s largest producer of gold and copper, reaffirmed its commitment to the environmental conservation after winning the ‘Best in Mining Forest’ awards for the 7th time at the recently concluded Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held in Baguio City.

Since the launching of the awards for Best Mining Forest in 1989, the Padcal Mine, on which Philex Mining has reforested 2,000 hectares with over seven million trees, has been champion for the years 1991, 1994, 2000-2002, 2004, 2007 and 2008.

The Best Mining Forest Award is given annually by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) to the mining project that has excelled in development plans, nursery operations, extent of planted areas (total planted area, previous and new plantations or expansions), disturbed areas affected by the operations, maintenance and protection (plantation activities/survival rate, number of persons involved), and other environmental factors (species diversity, research/studies, Information Education Communication on reforestation, services to the community, other conservation measures, wildlife, and faunal migration).

Environmental Quality Monitoring and Enhancement Department assistant manager Rudy Saguid, PMC’s aggressive nursery operations was able to consistently produce around 300,000 to 500,000 seedlings of various speciessince it started operations in 1987. As of June 2011, the number of seedlings produced for the year is at 529,619.

“Our reforestation program is not only one of the key success factors of this company; it benefits the people, community, schools, local government,” he noted. “Most importantly, it is all about bringing back the gift that Mother Nature has given us.”

Mr. Saguid says the company’s reforestation program also creates jobs. Apart from the foresters, deputized forest guards and regular reforestation personnel, the company also taps additional manpower for forest protection and seedlings propagation maintenance, grasscutting, and fireline construction.

For the forest maintenance and protection, the company has ensured consistent control of forest fires by construction of fireline, firebreaks, and fire towers; brushing, weeding, mulching, and pruning; fertilizer/lime/pesticide/chemical application; water spraying; control of forest pests and diseases, and patrol work; forest law enforcement.

Meanwhile, PMC’s Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) also bagged the Platinum Achievement Award in the 2011 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards-Mineral Exploration Category during the said awards night. The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award recognizes outstanding levels of dedication, initiative, and innovation in the pursuit of excellence in environmental management by exploration, mining, and other related entities involved in various aspects of mineral utilization. The company also placed as a runner up at the Safest Mines Award – Safest Exploration, Category A.

Philex Mining Corporation was incorporated in the Philippines in 1955 and is listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The Company, Philex Gold Philippines, Inc.(PGPI, a wholly-owned subsidiary through a holding company and incorporated in the Philippines), and Silangan Mindanao Exploration Co., Inc. (SMECI, a wholly-owned subsidiary through a holding company and PGPI, and incorporated in the Philippines) and its subsidiary, Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) are primarily engaged in large-scale exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources.

The Company operates the Padcal Mine in Benguet. PGPI operated the Bulawan mine in Negros Occidental until the second quarter of 2002. SMECI, through SMMCI, owns the Silangan Project covering the Boyongan and Bayugo deposits which are currently under the pre-feasibility stage.