OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI) has secured approval from the government, through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), to continue operating the Didipio Mine while completing its renewal process.
The multinational mining company said this development proves that they have remained 100-percent compliant with the government’s strict environmental, community development and safety standards.
“We are grateful that MGB continues to see the importance of this industry to the Filipino people,” OGPI general manager David Way said. “Their enduring trust motivates us to maintain the conscientious mining practices that we have been recognized for, since we started our operation in the country.”
OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. (OGPI) maintains that its responsible practices are proof that the industry could grow sustainably. Specifically, fulfilling tax obligations, complying with ISO standards for mining, and exceeding its reforestation commitment have all contributed to Didipio Mine’s growth in the past years.
OGPI recently turned over to the local government of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino PhP 240 million in local taxes for its 2018 operations.
This year, the Didipio mine renewed its certifications for IMS 14001(Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001.These certifications are awarded to companies with improved environmental and safety performance through proactive environmental compliance, prevention of pollution, as well as creation of excellent safety culture.
In May 2019, Didipio Mine secured its ISO 45001 Energy Management System (EnMS) certification. Didipio Mine is committed to promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with RA 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Law, recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. On top of their existing efforts, such as connecting to the national grid to reduce their carbon emissions and diesel consumption by as much as 89 percent, the operation, OGPI aims to cut 3 percent of its energy consumption by the end of 2019.
“We are one with the Filipinos who are aware of climate change’s impact on our way of life, and who are working proactively to shelter the next generation from its effects,” Way said. “We welcome the Philippine government’s commitment to renewable energy, and our operations will continue to improve in this aspect.”
Going beyond compliance and sticking to international standards, OGPI also ensures that the natural resources around it thrive along with its operations. Through their Mining Forest Programs, the Company has already planted 1.6 million trees in its rehabilitation areas within the Didipio Mine area, covering a total of 1,258 hectares. The reforestation survival rate is 92 percent, well above the country’s 80-percent benchmark.
To top off the reforestation efforts, it had progressively rehabilitated almost 95 percent of the site, which is no longer used in Didipio Mine’s activities.
“The resources we are mining, we know we’re just borrowing them; thus, we strive to give back to the environment around us and keep it sustainable,” Way said. “We urge the rest of the mining industry, and the residents living in our areas of operation, to help us in this endeavor.”