KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya—The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently cited Asia-Pacific miner OceanaGold for the Excellence for Ecology and Economy or E3 Award during the 43rd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel.
OceanaGold Philippines Inc. was cited for the use of green production technology in mineral processing and for the outstanding waste water management initiatives. The recycling of processed tailings water contributed significantly to conservation and at the same time, the innovation generated savings for the company, PCCI’s citation noted.
Jason Magdaong, Environment Manager, presented documentation of the firm’s best practices to the PCCI panel, along with other companies competing in the large enterprise category.
“We are very honored to be the recipient of this year’s Special Citation in E3 Award from the PCCI. It was a great privilege to be competing against other firms from various industries that have impressive environmental management systems in place,” Magdaong said.
David Way, Didipio Mine’s general manager, also expressed his appreciation after learning about the award. “As the government’s partner in development, we ensure that mineral extraction is carried out in the most responsible manner through our collective and dedicated efforts in improving our environmental performance,” he told Manila Standard.
OGPI’s flagship mine in the Philippines is using the “safest and most environmentally friendly mineral processing technology that is cyanide and mercury-free.”
Additional upgrades in its processing plant has reduced its use of freshwater by significantly improving the water recycling efficiency up to 90 percent. The company has built its own automated water treatment facility worth $6.1 million to further improve water discharge quality exceeding that of the receiving environment.
PCCI’s E3 Award was first launched in 2003 to recognize individual enterprises that have demonstrated the most innovative and outstanding environmental performance, as part of their sustainable development strategy thereby delivering business benefits.
This year’s conference theme, “Taking the LEAP Forward” proposes Leadership, Enterprise, Action and Performance as the necessary elements that will give birth to Asia’s New Tiger highlighting the role of PCCI as partner of the government in bringing about change for the country and its people.
