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The implementation of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995

In the Philippines, mining remains to be one of the crucial industries that work towards the country’s industrial development. By allowing opportunities to provide mineral resources that can be utilized as raw materials for manufacturing and construction, the mining industry proves to be useful to other sectors as well.

Not only that, but the mining sector in the country has also become a major contributor of foreign currency through the exports of mineral ore and other processed and semi processed mineral products. This was able to give sufficient employment to communities in far flung areas where the only source of economic activity is mining operations.

Although mining activities produce materials and provide employment, it also causes environmental harm as it alters the land in a way that causes loss of vegetation and biodiversity. There is also the impact of cyanide and other chemicals needed in mining cycles that can affect humans in the long run.

Because of this, the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 was passed and enacted as the main legislation that governs all mining operations in the country. This includes all kinds of measures to protect the environment and defines areas in which mining can be allowed.

According to Raymundo (2014), the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 also controls finalizing mining contracts through the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) and the Foreign Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) which permits the foreign ownership of mining operations.

With these in mind, it is important to think about the implementation of the law in terms of achieving industry growth, foreign investment, and environmental protection. A discussion made by Raymundo involved the environmental impact of several major mining projects and the research presented initial results wherein further reforms will be necessary in order to improve the effectiveness of the Philippine Mining Act.

In addition, there remains a need to address the chosen process by which regulation is implemented. Transparency and accountability amongst stakeholders should also be revisited in order to better serve the interest of local communities, industry and the government.

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CPC passes Government’s 2nd Industry Audit

According to the interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council, no mining firms covered by its second industry audit received a failing mark as officially confirmed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed.

Furthermore, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones has confirmed that the findings of the audit translated to the need to implement minor reforms on the part of the mining companies and their implementation of their operations.

Based on the MICC’s audit, the companies were evaluated in terms of the legal, technical, environmental, social and economic considerations.

Some of the companies that passed the audit are Century Peak Corporation, Techiron Resources Inc., and others. The audit resulted in a few recommendations, including the DENR needing to learn from international standards in order to improve the criteria to measure miner performance.

President Duterte already issued Executive Order No. 130, effectively lifting the prohibition on the issuance of new mining permits and it’s implementing rules and regulations have taken effect as of August 2021.

After the second round of the mining industry audit, the interagency council is set to begin its third round of audits sometime early 2022 and will cover quarry operations and four mines within the Bangsamoro region.

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Learning from experience: Employee Safety Measures

Employee and labor welfare pertains to the various services, benefits, and facilities offered to employees. Proper working conditions and liveable wage are also some of the factors that count into employee welfare.

A research paper made by Reshma and Basavaraj (2013) discusses the employee welfare measures in the mining industry and how this can be applied in an actual site as studied in the Donimalai Iron Ore Mine in India. The study highlights not only the concept of welfare measures but also sheds light to the employee’s perception on what good employee and labor welfare means to them.

Welfare measures, if implemented correctly and efficiently, will be able to improve the physical and psychological health of employees, which in turn will enhance their efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, welfare measures can promote loyalty among the employees.

According to the study, there are ten (10) areas in which employee welfare can be considered and improved, as follows: (1) a clean and well-maintained canteen or a designated place where the employees can have their refreshments during leisure time, (2) clean shelter and restrooms where workers can relax during their break or meals time, (3) medical and first aid box in case of small accidents while on duties or service are to be provided for both minor injuries and serious injuries, (4) clean work environment including the overall maintenance, (5) good ventilation and temperature in mines for the circulation of fresh air, (6) dust and fumes should be controlled in mines so it is also necessary to install appropriate devices near the site, (7) sufficient lighting, either natural or artificial or both, should be provided in the workplace, (8) enough supply of clean drinking water is vital for all workers employed, (9) washing facilities is also necessary to supply water, soaps and clean towels in the mines, and (10) facilities for sitting arrangements shall be made for workers’ rest and relaxation.

In the end, the study conducted in Donimalai Iron Ore Mine in India resulted in the conclusion that a mine’s greatest asset remains to be their employees as the most important factor in the production process. If employees are not given enough care in order to stay healthy while rendering work, it will be impossible for an organization to achieve their goals. Donimalai Iron Ore Mine, according to the study, should take necessary steps in order to improve their canteen, medical aid, and cleanliness facilities. Other organizations can follow the same examples to improve their employee welfare and provide better care so employees are able to do their jobs more efficiently.

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Safe Mines Make Happy Miners

A conducted survey utilized 30,000 various professionals hailing from different industries apart from mining with regards to their self-assessment of time spent on task happy and time engaged while energized.

Apparently, according to Australia Mining, miners are happy with 49% of their time spent working. Miners are spending 62.1% of their time at work happy on their tasks and this allows them to be highly productive with consideration of other industries.

On the other hand, construction workers were found to be happy only 40.5% of the time and they only feel “motivated” at work 39.7% of hours spent working.

Because of the data presented, it can be concluded that miners can be proud of achieving such high industry scores. Not only that, but also Australian workers across industries rated as one of the highest scorers for productivity, with 63.3% of time on task.

This position is earned and attributed by the Australian mining industry as they preserve the safety of the mines to keep happy miners and to keep an eye on industry developments in other countries such as China, Japan, Netherlands, and others.

The Australian mining companies decided on putting their energy into keeping mines safe enough for their happy miners to be productive in the present, given the uncertainty of the regional future.

By keeping safe mines and their miners happier, is one of the ways the Australian mining industry can be a good example to other mining companies in the world.