OceanaGold Philippines Inc. won five mining awards during the 63rd Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City.
The awards included the prestigious 2016 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award, the highest award conferred by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association.
The PMIEA recognizes outstanding levels of dedication, initiative and innovation in the pursuit of entities involved in various aspects of mineral utilization. The award was established in compliance with the policy that mineral exploration and mining operation shall be pro-environment and pro-people in sustaining wealth creation and improving quality of life.
OceanaGold Philippines also won the 2016 safest mining operation (metallic category), safest surface mining operation, safest mineral processing (concentrator category) and 3rd runner-up for best in mining forest program.
“We are grateful for these awards for recognizing our efforts in establishing high standards in environmental protection, safety and health management and community development, but what’s more important than public recognition is our continuous improvement and approval from our communities where we operate in that we’re getting it right and doing it the right way,” said Chito Gozar, senior vice-president for communications and external affairs of OceanaGold Philippines.
OceanaGold Philippines’ Didipio Mine in Nueva Vizcaya continues to operate without interruption and continues to be a partner of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in promoting responsible mining.
“OceanaGold’s recognition with the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award and four other mining awards are reflective of the deep roots in the company founded on 25 years of successful mining operations in New Zealand, one of the most environmentally sensitive countries in the world,” Gozar said.
“OceanaGold has brought these same principles to the Philippines, where it has built a strong social license to operate based on the endorsement of the local communities,” he said.
Gozar said the company was strongly committed to working closely with its many stakeholder groups to continue providing significant benefits and leaving a positive and long legacy.