Government tests new mining policy, sets national mining convention
Rocky Dimaculangan, vice president for communications of the CMP, said the convention theme, “Shaping the future of Philippines Mining,” is “a forward-looking perspective anchored on the framework of sustainable development.”
The event comes at a time when the Aquino administration’s mining policy will have to be translated into actions that balance economic and social growth with environmental concerns, he said.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte Jr. and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa will lead the host of key government officials that take will part in the annual conference.
The event is expected to pave way for discussion on topics such as the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), transparency in mining, harmonization of national and local mining policies.
John Miller, editor of The Asia Miner, will discuss the developments and prospects in gold, while Paul Rainbow, country manager of FCF Minerals Corp., will provide updates on the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project. Charles Nelson of Murdoc Capital, New York, will give insight on financing mining projects in emerging economies, while Joel Myuco of Philsaga Mining Corp. will showcase Philsaga Mining Corporation as an emerging gold producer in the Philippines.
Jose Leviste Jr., chairman of OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc., will give updates of the company’s gold project in Nueva Vizcaya, while Renato A. Claravall, senior vice president and chief finance officer of the Benguet Corp., will talk about the company’s experience of growth.
The event will also pave the way for a panel discussion and talks about mining perspectives in the Philippines, prospects and challenges ahead.
Raphael C. Lopa, president of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, will discuss the importance of corporate social responsibility in mining. —Jonathan L. Mayuga
Published in the Business Mirror, 13 September 2012 ; http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/32716-government-tests-new-mining-policy-sets-national-mining-convention