BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) recognized the key role of both large-scale and small-scale mining in the country’s overall economic growth, especially in the ongoing efforts to gradually and safely revive the sectors that were heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
PMSEA President Louie Sarmiento pointed out that mining does not only concern financial stability but it also covers social, environment and political issues which must be addressed by concerned government agencies, the local governments involved and the private sector.
He claimed that large-scale mining had been doing its part in the country’s growth and development because of its enormous contribution to the national and local taxes, the employment that is provided to the people, the benefits accruing to the host communities, among other direct and indirect benefits.
However, the PMSEA official stipulated that although small-scale mining is considered illegal, there are ways by which both large and small-scale mining could co-exist to be able to significantly contribute in the development of host communities which should be replicated by operating mines around the country.
Sarmiento disclosed that in the case of Apex Mining Company, Inc. (AMCI) in Maco, Davao de Oro and in its subsidiary Itogon Suyoc Resources, Inc. (ISRI) in Itogon, Benguet where he serves as the president, a partnership between the large-scale miner and some small-scale mining groups had been established through the big brother-small brother project where the company serves as the big brother mentoring and assisting their small brother small-scale mining associations.
According to him, the big brother will provide the small brother with the appropriate trainings on safety, among others, and equip them with the needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safely materials for them to safely pursue their mining activities within the company’s tenement area.
Further, he added that the big brother will be periodically buying the ore being mined by the small brother at the prevailing metal prices which will be beneficial to both parties.
Sarmiento emphasized that the PMSEA wishes that other mining companies will replicate this modality of partnership in their respective areas of operation to provide small-scale miners the opportunity to legalize their operations and to guaranty their sustainable source of income and which will also contribute in spurring the economic activities and sources of livelihood in the rural communities.
PMSEA is a volunteer organization of responsible mining companies which is the frontrunner in occupational health and safety, sound environmental management and social development.
He asserted that large and small-scale mining can actually co-exist that is why efforts are being done by concerned government agencies, concerned local governments and the private sector to harmonize their operations for the welfare of those involved in the mining industry.