Philex Mining Corp. said unit Silangan Mindanao Mining Corp. obtained an international certification for its pre-mining activities at Boyongan project in Surigao del Norte province.
Philex said SMMC received an International Organization for Standardization 14001: 2004 certification for environmental management system from Certification International Philippines.
SMMCI is currently completing requirements for the feasibility study of the Boyongan project.
“It is again a re-affirmation of our advocacy for responsible mining because we have raised the bar as our Padcal ISO certification is suited for an operating mine while that of Silangan is for the exploration stage which is a stage before actual operations,” said Philex Mining president and chief executive Eulalio Austin Jr., who also serves as chairman of SMMCI.
The certificate affirms SMMCI’s adherence to processes that comply with strict and internationally recognized environmental management system in all stages of project development, according to Philex.
“This follows Philex Mining’s own Integrated Management System certification, ISO 12001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 for environmental and safety management systems, respectively, obtained from TUV Rheiland in April 2015 and reflects the company’s overall commitment to environmentally-safe procedures across all its operations and exploration projects,” Austin said.
SMCCI president and chief executive Yulo Perez said the ISO certification was a proof of Silangan’s hard work in establishing the culture of responsible mining.
“This certification is a result of an actual audit done by an internationally accredited independent group. We are probably the first mining company who got ISO 14001 certification prior to the actual mining,” Perez said.
Perez said the certificate was in compliance with Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2015-07, which required mining companies to secure ISO14001 certificate to enforce environmental compliance and promote responsible and sustainable mining.
“We will continue to proactively develop the culture of responsible mining as we advance the project,” Perez said.