TUBA, Benguet – Philex Mining Corporation is willing to share its various best practices to other companies to be able to create a conducive working environment for the workers in different workplaces.
Philex president and chief executive officer Engr. Eulalio B. Austin, Jr. said that in the Chamber of Mines, there is a program for mining companies to adhere to the Canadian standards that focuses on sustainable mining that will be mutually beneficial to both the workers and the investors.
He claimed that there is a committee in the Chamber of Mines that is in charge of ensuring the compliance of all operating mines to the Canadian standards of sustainable mining which is bounded by 3 major parameters on people, environment and profitability.
The Philex official disclosed that aside from the active participation of the communities and the implementation of environment preservation and protection programs, there is an internal audit on the various activities, programs and projects of the mines which is posted in a common social media platform for the consumption of concerned stakeholders wanting to be updated on how the country’s operating mines are faring in terms of leading towards sustainable mining.
According to him, Philex officials are often invited to share its best practices on the management and operation of tailings pond, engagement of the communities, occupational safety and health among other mine-related activities which is part of the company’s commitment in sharing its best practices, especially after the 2012 tailings pond leak that nearly compromised the overall operations of the mines.
Austin pointed out that with the advent of the social media, people can easily get the necessary information on how the mines are effectively and efficiently managing their operations that is why the programs, projects and activities that should be posted are true and pursuant to established standards to prevent the companies from being subjected to criticisms by the concerned stakeholders.
He stipulated that Philex will continue to further improve its compliance to responsible mining with the implementation of more innovations to its existing standard operating procedures that will guarantee the overall practice of better occupational safety and health standards and the engagement of communities to be able to establish a solid partnership with its host and neighboring communities.
Philex is one of the country’s largest producer of gold and copper having established its mine site in Pacdal, Camp 3 here. The company was incorporated in 1958 and started its mining operations in 1960.
Austin assured concerned stakeholders that Philex will remain transparent on its operations, especially with the ongoing efforts of the Chamber of Mines to harmonize all the necessary aspects of mining so that it will be able to adhere to the prevailing standards leading towards sustainable mining in the country.
Tuba and Itogon towns host the ongoing operations of Philex Mining corporation where the two local governments are currently equally dividing the real property and business taxes paid by the company.
It’s true that the advent of social media will be helpful in informing people about responsible mining. But in the past socmed had also been used to spread disinformation about the industry. The responsible mining industry should start being proactive in informing the public about the benefits Mr. Austin mentioned instead of reacting only when the industry is attacked.