The big players in the country’s mining industry will gather various stakeholders for a conference on September 19 and 20 in Mandaluyong City to chart a path toward maximizing the potential of the mining sector while addressing market dynamics, industry trends, internal capabilities, environmental concerns, and economic impacts.
Organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), the Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition, which came after a four-year hiatus, is expected to reignite discussions on the future of mining in the Philippines.
With the theme “Seeing Green: Shaping a Sustainable Minerals Development Industry,” the event will bring together a diverse assembly of participants, including government officials, private sector representatives, academics, indigenous communities, and mining host communities.
Aside from mining executives, representatives from support companies, national and local government officials, and other stakeholders are expected to take part in the two-day event which will also showcase best practices in mining operations.
According to COMP, collaboration among the various stakeholders will be a key focus of the conference, with emphasis on the need for a holistic and sustainable approach to mining operations.
On September 19, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga will deliver her keynote address.
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman and Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, representing two of the world’s biggest mining jurisdictions, for their part, are expected to provide insights on the importance of mining to socio-economic development and their countries’ close relationship with the Philippines, particularly in improving mining’s ESG performance.
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual will likely discuss his department’s initiatives to attract investments in the mining sector.
DENR Undersecretary Annaliza Rebuelta-Teh’s presentation is expected to focus on strategies for measuring and mitigating the impacts of mining, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to mineral extraction.
The event will also serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices within the mining industry.
“If allowed to flourish, mining will bring about improvement in the quality of life in host communities,” said Michael Toledo, COMP chairman.
“A robust mining industry will undoubtedly help our country overcome the lingering economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in a good position to contribute in a big way to the global energy transition in response to climate change, and we look forward to discussions on this subject during this conference.”
COMP Vice Chairman Gerard Brimo underscored the industry’s commitment to sustainability: “We’ve embraced the principles of ESG for more than a decade now. Our adoption of the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative manifests our commitment to align further the environmental protection and social development efforts of our members with global standards.”
On September 20, the sessions—to be headlined by Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Philex Mining Corp.—will be directed on topics such as ESG, strategic communication, and fiscal mining policy.
Image credits: www.philexmining.com.ph
