In a significant collaboration aimed at fostering dialogue and innovation in the mining sector, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Holy Cross of Davao College successfully organized a forum focused on “Future Mining in the Philippines” on August 2 at the 7F Sedes Sapientiae Auditorium.
The forum is intended to facilitate a constructive dialogue between major stakeholders, including environmentalists, indigenous peoples, and religious leaders, as well as the government and the mining industry, providing a platform for shareholders to articulate and share their visions to advance open discussion on issue areas regarding mining.
Featuring keynote speakers from the mining industry, including from the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Atty. Ronald Recidoro, Chief Sustainability Officer of Nickel Asia Corp., Jose Bayani D. Baylon, MDGI Philippines, Inc. General Manager, Daniel Paradis, and Chairman of Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp, Johannes M. Raadsma, shared insights and visions with a wider interested public about the benefits, challenges, and risks associated with future mining in the Philippines.
Additionally, the speakers also openly emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in mining operations and the great potential for mining to contribute significantly to economic expansion and industrial advancement. Through this, economic growth is possible with mining, along with how we can harness the potential of mining in a sustainable way.
Furthermore, the event also featured speakers from major non-industry stakeholders, including Armando Dura from Holy Cross of Davao College and Geologist Dana Gabrielle B. Tautho of Ridge to Reef Environmental Consultancy Inc. Davao, and Regional Director of NCIP XI, Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, who delved into the stance of the Catholic Church on mining, as well as the protection of the interests and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, and the environmental sustainability assessments involved in mineral resource exploration and extraction.
Recognizing the various stakeholders’ differing visions, Mr. Julian Payne, CEO of the Canadian Chamber of the Philippines, said the forum serves as a vital step towards a robust dialogue anchored on sharing and goodwill as stakeholders work toward a common vision for future mining in the Philippines, one that is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.