The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Mimaropa held a workshop to standardize the Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP) unit of work measure of nickel mining projects on November 3–4 at the Bayview Park Hotel, Manila.

Spearheaded by Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, this activity was participated by Resident-mine Managers, Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Officers, and personnel from the Mine Engineering Department of Berong Nickel Corporation, Calmia Nickel Incorporated, Citinickel Mines and Development Corporation, Ipilan Nickel Corporation, and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation-- all nickel mining projects based in Palawan.

During the activity, the MGB and the participating companies agreed on the unit of work measures and the basis for setting the targets for nickel mining projects.

The AEPEP is a yearly environmental management work plan based on the approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) which details the environmental impact control and rehabilitation activities during the life-of-mine period.

The EPEP provides the operational link between the environmental protection and enhancement commitments under the Department Administrative Order No. 2010-21 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995), and the conditions stated in the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued to a mining or mineral processing project. (MGB MIMAROPA)