President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, October 16, told the mining sector to harness the country’s abundant resources responsibly as the global demand for critical minerals increases with the transition to clean energy.
Marcos made the call during the 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award Ceremonial Awarding, where he lauded the outstanding mining companies for their commitment to sustainable practices and community development.
“To truly harness this potential, we must invest in the infrastructure and the technology required to process these minerals domestically,” the President said.
He added that it is crucial to adopt mining practices that prioritize environmental protection and explore innovative methods of mineral processing that reduce waste and energy consumption.
Marcos also said that the mining industry should continue refining its practices to ensure that communities genuinely benefit from mining activities. He urged companies to act as ambassadors of responsible mining and share their best practices with future generations.
“I encourage you to be ambassadors of responsible mining. With the continued partnership among the government, industry, and local communities, there is no doubt that the Bagong Pilipinas will emerge as a global leader in responsible mining,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strengthen its regulatory capabilities and ensure that mining operations comply with safety and environmental standards.
He also reiterated the importance of the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime, a bill he had emphasized in his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), as a means to create a fair and equitable mining environment.
The President highlighted the government’s efforts to align mining activities with broader sustainability goals. The signing of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act in May 2024, he said, marks a significant step in balancing economic gains with environmental protection.
“This landmark legislation ensures that a robust system is in place to quantify and to integrate the value of our country’s natural assets into national economic planning and decision-making,” Marcos said.
“This will enable us (to balance economic gains with environmental protection better) and guarantee that the true cost of resource extraction is accounted for,” he added.
In the same speech, Marcos congratulated the 13 mining company awardees for setting the bar high in “embodying what it means to create value that extends beyond profit.”
The award, created under Executive Order 399, honors companies for outstanding performance in environmental protection, safety, health, and social development within the mining industry.
It represents the highest environmental recognition in the mineral sector, highlighting the Philippine government’s-dedication to sustainable development principles.
Among the awardees for the Surface Mining Operations Category are Cagdianao Mining Corporation, CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, Eramen Minerals, Inc., Hinatuan Mining Corporation – Tagana-an, FCF Minerals Corporation, Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation, and Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. – Batangas.
In the Quarry Operations Category, Eagle Cement Corporation, Helix Resources and Development Corporation, and Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc. – Teresa were recognized.
Additionally, Coral Bay Nickel Corporation and the Philippine Mining Service Corporation – Alcoy Plant received awards in the Mineral Processing Category. (TCSP)
