SANTIAGO CITY (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 2 conducted a stakeholders forum entitled Green and Sustainable: A Forum on Responsible Mining at Casa Jardin, Santiago City on June 27, 2023.

MGB Regional Director Mario Ancheta said the stakeholders' forum aimed to update the participants on the development of the mineral industry and to give a report on what transpired in the past years as well as to envision where the mining industry is heading.

“A lot is expected from us in the industry and we know very much that we managed to surpass the challenges brought to us. We are here today to discuss matters concerning recent policies of the department. We also intend to listen to our partners, our stakeholders and to make sure that all of our concerns are properly addressed and all insights are well taken care of,” Ancheta said

Ancheta likewise stressed that the forum is an opportunity for both miners and non-miners to learn about the best environmental practices of mining companies here in Cagayan Valley region.

Resource speakers from other national government agencies like the Bureau of the Internal Revenue to discuss about mining taxes, from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to discuss on gold buying by the BSP since there are two gold producing companies in the region.

Topics on biodiversity conservation and protection in mining sector as well as information on geo hazards and the institutionalizing and implementing reforms in mining sector were also discusses by some DENR experts from the MGB Region and Central Offices

Rommel L. Amogan, chief, Mines Safety, Environment and Social Development Division of MGB Region 2, green mining refers to the increase in the ability of developing countries to draw economic benefits from their mineral resources through improved mining efficiency and reduced environmental impact coupled with better government regulations.

Sharing his observations in the successful rehabilitation activities in Rio Tuba in its 52 years of operation, Amogan expressed hope that the mining firms in Region 2 will do the same as they are also very responsible in observing and complying with environmental laws.

“In the part of the DENR, we have seedlings for replacement of the destructed forest land or forest trees,” Amogan assured.

The stakeholders' forum was participated by mining companies of Region 2, academe, national government agencies, media and other stakeholders.

During the forum, the resource persons and the mining companies answered queries and clarifications from the participants. (OTB/Kel Morian Abenoja/TCB/PIA Quirino)