Gets first-hand experience of TVIRD’s environmental protection programs.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Christopher Thornley visited the Canatuan Mine project of TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. in Siocon Zamboanga del Norte. Canadian Trade Commissioner Alex George accompanied him during the visit.
A number of Subanons – the indigenous peoples in Canatuan – warmly welcomed the Canadian Ambassador. TVIRD officers and staff were also present to thank the Ambassador for his visit.
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(top) Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley and Vice-President for Operations/COO Yulo Perez share a moment with the students of Canatuan National High School during the Ambassador’s visit to TVIRD, which is operating a copper-zinc mine in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. (bottom) High school girls warmly welcome TVIRD’s Chairman Clifford James to the school.
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Other guests who appreciated the Ambassador’s visit included Siocon Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Ceasar Soriano, Gawad Kalinga Partnership Head Reynaldo Cajulis and top officials of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forced of the Philippines.
Company officials, led by TVI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Clifford James and TVIRD Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Yulo Perez, toured the ambassador around the 31-hectare open pit area, as well as the Sulphide Dam — the tailings’ impoundment facility – part of the project’s reforestation area, the aviary, the company-supported schools and the minesite clinic that provides free 24-hour health services to the community and its workers.
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(top, from left) Alex George, Canada’s trade commissioner, Engr. Ed Nercuit of TVIRD Civil Engineering Services (CES), Engr. Shaun Persaud, and Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley take a look around the Sulphide Tailings Dam. (2nd photo) Canadian Ambassador Thornley and TVI VP/COO Yulo Perez visit the reforestation site of TVIRD. (3rd photo) Dr. Ulysses Silorio (in white) shares with Lt. General Raymundo Ferrer, Commanding General of WESMINCOM and Canadian Ambassador Thornley, the medical services offered by the company clinic. (bottom, from left) General Manager Ely Valmores, TVIRD Chairman Cliff James, and LT General Ferrer share the same enthusiasm as they converse about the benefits the community has been receiving from the medical services.
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During the tour, the guests were impressed by the clear waters of the dam built between two valleys. More than 25 water locations around the project are the subject of daily, weekly and quarterly water quality monitoring, including monitoring by third party professionals, and are consistently tested to be well within the regulatory limits for all substances.
The guests were also impressed by the company’s progressive rehabilitation and reforestation programs when they toured the reforestation site, just a few meters from the mine pit. More than 200,000 trees have been planted since 2004; and 50% of mining area remains in original habitat condition.
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(top) Canadian Ambassador Thornley, together with TVIRD Chairman Cliff James mark the ceremonial ground breaking for the Subanon Resettlement Project in Tanuman. (bottom) Subanon young ladies proudly wear their Subanon garb as they prepare garlands for the visitors.
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“Everyone who sees our mining operations and resulting social benefits to the indigenous people realizes that they are benefitting hugely from our work here” stated Mr. James. “It would be a real shame if we are not able to continue to enhance their lives with our social and environmental projects. So. I hope the decision makers will continue to keep the best interests of their constituents front and centre” concluded Mr. James.
