OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI) is teaming up with Holcim Philippines Inc. to explore the feasibility of utilizing mine tailings in cement production.
OGPI president Joan Adaci-Cattiling said the mining firm looks forward to a potential breakthrough in sustainable mining practices in the Philippines.
She cited Holcim’s established “circular economy” program that incorporates waste materials into cement. She said the company is continuously in search of means to put the mine waste into good use and reduce its mine footprint.
Holcim is set to acquire some tailing samples from OGPI’s facilities for testing to conduct initial assessments.
While the mining firm and the cement company commit to do their share for the study, they are yet to formalize their partnership.
“We’re just waiting for the permit. Right now, we’ve found a way to put plan tailings to good use,” she said.
Cattiling said OGPI utilizes 30 percent of its tailings as backfilling within the mines. The practice not only supports mine infrastructure but also minimizes its environmental footprint.
The company was the first mining firm to establish a paste-backfill plant. The plant produces the backfill used to fill voids created by blasting, reducing the volume of recovered tailings while increasing the company’s compliance to sustainability.
OGPI said environmental sustainability is a key priority as a newly-listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Its annual sustainability reports will reflect on its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and waste production, Adaci-Cattiling said.
She said the partnership could lead to a more sustainable approach to mine tailings management industry-wide, reducing environmental impact while potentially creating a valuable resource for cement production.