Mining confab to tackle industry issues

Stakeholders of the mining sector will come together starting Tuesday for a three-day conference aimed at moving the industry forward amid the bullish world market for metals and lingering local issues that are hampering its growth.

Hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the event will bring together some 500 local and international delegates to discuss current and global mining opportunities, prospects and concerns and how these are being addressed by policymakers, government regulatory bodies and the mining industry.

Dubbed the “Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition,” the event will run from September 13 to 15 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

One of the speakers invited is Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Roberto Mayorga, who will discuss the experience of the Latin American country—a global model for a successful partnership between all stakeholders of the mining industry.

Benjamin Philip Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mines and president and CEO of Benguet Corp., will deliver the welcome remarks at the formal opening of the conference on September 14. The keynote address will be delivered by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III.

During the conference, the region’s top mining companies and suppliers will also participate at the exhibition to showcase their latest projects, advocacies, products and services.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje Jr. will formally open the exhibition Tuesday. Education Secretary Armin Luistro will sign a Memorandum of Agreement on “Adopt a School Program” with the Chamber of Mines on Wednesday.

Among the speakers in the plenary session, addressing mining issues, will be Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, vice chairman and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Philippines, who will talk about integrating biodiversity in the mining life cycle while another speaker, Rafael Lopa, executive director of Philippine Business for Social Progress, will present a scorecard about “meeting society’s social environmental expectations.”