Miners say government’s cooperation crucial in improving safety

BAGUIO CITY — Miners and the government need to work in close coordination to improve mine safety regulation, an industry official said at a conference here.

Speaking on the sidelines of the four- day Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC), Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association President Louie R. Sarmiento said: “If the government can continue to improve on its expertise in regulation it would be great. It needs to cooperate with the ones being regulated. They cannot always be at odds.”

He noted the steps adopted by the South African government in minimizing mine deaths, saying: “The risk is always there, but because they managed the risk, mine deaths fell dramatically over the years. Industry cannot do it alone, we need the government, and the South African example proves this.”

He proposed that the government help mining firms “in seeking mine safety technology advances” to adopt, adding to the technologies currently in use at some mining firms.

“It will cost money but the focus is to makes sure that the mine workers are protected,” he added.

Under existing laws, Mr. Sarmiento said that mining firms are mandated to provide personal protective equipment, assure a safe working environment, and grant hazard pay to their employees.

He added that he has sought a meeting with the Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez, who holds the view that working conditions at mines are generally unsafe.

Mr. Sarmiento said his proposed meeting is intended to lay out in detail the protective measures mining firms have in place. —