Various stakeholders, mining companies and allied industries will gather for the annual national mining safety and environment conference in Baguio City this week.
Organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association for almost seven decades now, the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference is the forerunner in the promotion of occupational safety and health , environmental management and social responsibility in the mining industry.
The 66th ANMSEC will run from November 19 to 22 at the Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.
“We’ve prepared an array of activities that highlights mining’s best practices and commitment to mine safety and environment of member-companies,” said Walter Brown, president of PMSEA.
Brown said this year’s gathering will be an opportunity for mining companies and and mining-support industries to affirm their commitment to ensuring mine and environmental safety with the social responsibility to respond to disasters such as the recent Mindanao earthquakes in mind.
The four-day event will be capped by dinners, welcome night and cocktails, and mining night for guests and participants.
“It will be lots of fun, but also full of work, as we discuss issues and concerns in mine safety and environment,” Brown said.
The event will highlight the awarding of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award that recognizes the outstanding levels of dedication, initiative and innovation in the pursuit of excellence in environmental management in the mineral development and utilization.
This year’s theme, “Culture, Care, Change,” highlights the resilience of the industry to the challenges felt by the minerals development sector around the globe.
The first day will be highlighted by a bougainvillea planting activity by members of DIWATA, a non-government organization composed of women in mining advocating the responsible development of the Philippines' wealth in resources.
On Tuesday, there will be one-day sports fest followed by the 5th Yaman PH Student Congress on Wednesday.
The group will also be relaunching the #MineResponsibility, a nationwide information campaign to highlight the economic contribution of mining, as well as the important role played by miners in the conduct of rescue and relief operations in times of disasters.
