Dr. Walter W. Brown, president of the Philippine Mines Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), bared in a kapihan forum that 150 mining companies and suppliers and 135 exhibitors registered for this year’s four-day confab from November 19 to 22. The 126 companies participated last year.
The increase in the number of participants shows there are many who are interested and want to be part of the annual mining conference, Brown said.
The massive information campaign launched by the mining industry was a big help since the public is informed of activities of responsible mining and its big contribution not only to the economy but also in health, education and environmental programs, he added.
In the past, many of those who joined the exhibit were solely from the mining industry. But now the number of suppliers increased, meaning, they saw the big opportunity for their business due to the operation of responsible of miners, Brown explained.
With the challenges encountered by the mining firms like suspension of operation and closure orders, the industry did not show any sign that they are in the losing end instead they showed they are vibrant and have important role in the economy, he said as he reiterated that mining companies should comply to mining laws and practice responsible mining.
With this year’s conference theme of “66 Years of Responsible Mining, Culture, Care, Change,” PMSEA assures support and participation in government initiatives to bring about positive changes for the industry and more importantly to the Filipino people. (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)