BAGUIO CITY- Philippine Mining Safety Environment Association (PMSEA) president Louie Sarmiento said safety practice by large scale mining companies in the country have progressed and has created a strong safety culture.
‘I think it has progressed to the point where industry members already internalized that safety is very important,’’ Sarmiento told reporters during a press conference to mark the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held on Tuesday (Nov. 19) at the Baguio Country Club (BCC).
‘Endurance and Innovation for Sustainability’ is this year’s theme, gathering some 123 mining companies across the country and actively supported by 39 sponsors.
‘Safety is No. 1 when it comes to any mining operations especially in underground mining,’’ said Sarmiento, who is also the president of Apex Mining Corp.
‘’Example our experience in underground mining … you can see a strong safety culture is practiced by the industry,’ Sarmiento added.
‘’That is why as management, we have to make sure that we provide them (miners) necessary training and equipment to bet able to work safely.
In doing so, Sarmiento said a lot of safety initiatives had been applied and adopted by all mining companies both in metallic and non-metallic.
Based on the association’s validation and PMSEA finalists, safety statistics have improved.
Regarding the impact of typhoons that hit the country in the past days, Sarmiento reported that PMSEA has responded on dispatch, referring to the assistance they provided in the three towns of Batangas.
PMSEA Board Member Angelita Lee, for her part said, quick emergency teams from their non-metallic group also responded. By Primo Agatep
