NICKEL ASIA SHINES IN NATIONAL MINE SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AWARD

BAGUIO CITY – Nickel Asia Corporation subsidiaries took the spotlight in the recently-concluded 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) here, with one affiliate taking the most coveted Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA).

Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC), based in Valencia, Dinagat Islands province, bagged the top Presidential award and the 2 highest safety performance awards – the Safest Surface Mines and the Overall Safest Mine Operations. These awards are given to operating mines that have shown exemplary performance in the area of environment enhancement and protection, safety, health, and social development and corporate social responsibility.

CMC’S Archie Sierra also won the best surface safety inspector award during the November 19-22 ANMSEC, the largest annual gathering of the country’s minerals sector that also feature safety competitions, mining equipment exhibits, and a symposium tackling industry issues.

Likewise, other NAC affiliated also harvested awards. Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) based in Tagana-an town, Surigao del Norte, took home the Platinum Award in the surface mining category and as first runner up in the Best Forest Award.

Two of HMC’S miners, James Wilkins Asio and Angelo Cañada, were conferred the Best Mine

Supervisor Award and Best Miner Award, respectively.

Meanwhile, NAC subsidiary Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) captured the championship crown Mine Safety Field Demonstration and Field Competition on First Aid held during the last day of the conference.

It was the second time in a row for the Bataraza, Palawanbased RTNC to win the title, demonstrating the unrivaled competence of its emergency response team.

Receiving the major PMIEA award, CMC resident mine manager, Engr. Arnilo Milaor, said the recognition further strengthened their resolve to operate well beyond the regulatory standards.

“This Presidential award only solidifies our zeal, conviction, commitment, courage, and readiness to face future challenges and respond to the ever-evolving regulatory environment,” Milaor said.

“More than that, the honor that has been bestowed to us this evening will only strengthen our determination to improve the lives of our community stakeholders, protect and preserve the environment, and make Cagdianao Mining the healthiest and safest mine in the entire country,” he added.

Milaor echoed the call of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu at the start of the awarding ceremony for the institutionalization of the “culture of care” in all aspects of mining operations.

“Through various programs being implemented by mining companies, which include the social development and management program, support and services have consistently been provided to ensure sustained improvement in the living standards of host and neighboring communities,” Cimatu said in a speech delivered by Environment Undersecretary

Analiza Teh.

The annual mine safety and environment conference is organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM).

The PMIEA, meanwhile, is pursuant to Executive Order No. 399, series of 1997, which recognizes outstanding levels of dedication, initiative and innovation in various aspects of operations in the country’s minerals sector.