BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya (May 29)—A London-based mining company operating in Quezon town in Nueva Vizcaya was recognized for its safe mining operations from the Philippine Mines Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) for the year 2020.
The announcement was made through a letter from lawyer Wilfred Moncano, Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office, to FCF Minerals Corp.
Darren Bowden, FCF Minerals Corp. president and chief executive officer, said this recognition shows the tremendous cumulative record of accomplishment of the company as it was awarded Safest Surface Mining Operation, Safest Mining Operations, and 2nd Runner Up for Best Mining Forest.
“As a company, FCF Minerals is not focusing on winning awards, but it is gratifying when third parties recognize the efforts of the employees,” Bowden said.
Around 300 kilometers north of Manila, FCF Minerals operates in Runruno village its Gold-Molybdenum Project under a financial or technical assistant agreement or FTAA with the Philippine government.
“As developments continue to unfold, we will remain vigilant and commit ourselves to maintain the safety and well-being of our people. We will draw strength from the values that tell us who we are and what we stand for,” Bowden said.
Meanwhile, PMSEA also awarded engineer Lester Mangliwan of FCF Minerals as the Best Surface Mine Supervisor for 2020.
James Carmichael, FCF Minerals country manager, said while the company is showing strong principles and commitment to sustainable development on environmental protection and conservation towards responsible mining, FCF is conducting rehabilitation while undertaking its mine operations.
“Our rehabilitation includes three stages which include stage one involving slope stabilization, protection and erosion control measures,” Carmichael said.
He explained that while stage two is planting pioneering and fast-growing species that serve as shade and curtain trees for an immediate vegetation cover, stage three is the climax planting of regenerants from endemic, premium and dipterocarps species.
“At stage three, we collect these species from superior and healthy mother trees being identified at special tree cutting and earth balling permit areas,” Carmichael said.
He said among the rehabilitated areas of the company that already completed the three stages of rehabilitation were the Tayab Dumpsite 1 and Malilibeg Dumpsite while other areas are currently on stage two and stage three of rehabilitation.
Carmichael said more than 392.783 hectares were planted under the Mining Forest Program (MFP) of the company.
“As against the total disturbed areas to date, which is 182.52 hectares, with regard to the compliance obligation of two hectares replacement for every hectare of area cleared or disturbed, FCF is now at 107.60-percent compliant,” he said.
Carmichael said more than 175 surface owners have already benefited from their maintenance program for plantation areas.