Mines Bureau participates in JOGMEC conference

By: LRB

With the theme:”Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation for the Mining Sector of the Philippines”, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the technical division chiefs from its Regional Offices participated in the seminar spearheaded by the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) held last January 23, 2017 at New World Hotel, Makati.

JOGMEC is a Japan-based company on minerals and energy that was established last 2004 to assure a stable supply of oil, natural gas, mineral resources, coal and geothermal energy of Japan and the Philippines.

 The said conference aimed to share information on exploration and environmental conservation for the mining sector, building good working rapport between the public and private sectors Japan.

Discussed during the conference were: Philippines’ Policy for the Development of Mining Sector; Japanese Policy for Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector in Asia; Philippines’ Investment Promotion in the Mining Sector; Overview of JOGMEC Exploration Activities; Pollution Prevention Measures of Abandoned Mines in Japan; Current Status and Futures Prospect of the Mining Sector in the Philippines; and Mining Business in the Philippines.

“ Since I assumed office last August 1, 2016, as Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary and Concurrent MGB Director, news and headlines highlighted the alleged environmental violations of miners, suspensions of mining operations and show cause orders, audit of mining operations pursuant to memorandum order 2016-01 of Secretary Gina Lopez,” said Mario Luis J. Jacinto in his keynote address.

He added,” I have always been inclined to believe that the responsible mining firms have nothing to fear from the conduct of the audit. I see the audit as in fact a blessing in disguise to responsible miners who have religiously followed and are compliant of mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations.”

Engr. Rommel L. Amogan, Chief, Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD); Engr. Raymond D. Carreon, OIC Chief of Mine Management Division (MMD); and Ms. Felicitas V. Piligan, Chief of Geosciences Division were the participants of Region 02 during the JOGMEC conference.

“ The mining industry will continue to be a potent force in the total effort for nation-building,” Jacinto expressed in his closing message.