Regional Minerals Dev’t Council 8 conducts Mining Forum on Aug 18

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
August 11, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Regional Minerals Development Council 8 is scheduled to hold a Mining Forum for all stakeholders in the mining industry on August 18, 2010 from 8:00 o’clock in the morning to 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City.

Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau Region 8 Director Roger de Dios, Vice-Chair of the Council, informed that also included in the Mining Forum are the Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, Church and academe.

Director De Dios said that the Forum hopes to provide information on the updates and developments in the mining industry of the Region. It also aims to present the mineral potentials of Eastern Visayas and to discuss the salient features of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its revised implementing rules and regulations.

The Mining Forum also hopes to address mining issues and concerns besetting the mining industry in order to erase any doubts and misconceptions on mining.

As a backdrop for better enforcement of mining laws, such engagement is necessary to involve all stakeholders in order to make the conduct of the Forum, more meaningful, Director De Dios said.

“It is our belief that the promotion of the mining industry has to be won intellectually, environmentally, socially and economically,” Director De Dios added.

No less than DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, Jr. has been invited to give the keynote address. A short message will also be given by MGB Director Edwin G. Domingo.

Among the topics included to be discussed during the Forum are The Salient Features of the Philippine Mining Act by Director Roger de Dios; Minerals Endowments in Eastern Visayas by Mr. James S. Leones, Chief Geologist of MGB-8; the Situationers of Mining in Easternn Visayas by Ms. Nonita Caguioa, OIC, Mining Operations Officer of MGB-8; and The Exploration Program of PMPCI by Mr. Jose S. Garda, vice president for exploration.

A Press conference is set to be conducted at 10:00 o’clock in the morning at another venue within the Ritz Tower de Leyte, Director De Dios said.