`Remarkable’ feat for first timer in competition
TVIRD was conferred a Platinum Achievement Award, Surface Mining Category, by the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) Selection Committee, composed of cabinet secretaries from five government departments and three line agencies led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as of officials from three industry organizations composed of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), and the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association.
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The TVIRD delegation, headed by TVIRD Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Ridsdel (with trophy, seventh from left) and TVIRD Vice President for Philippine Operations Yulo Perez (eighth from left), are joined onstage by DENR Undersecretary Jeremias Dolino (far left) and PMSEA officials led by Louie Sarmiento (third from right, back row) after the company was conferred a Platinum Achievement Award for TVIRD’s outstanding level of dedication, initiative and innovation in the pursuit of excellence in environment, safety, health management and community development.
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TVIRD was also named first runner-up in the Safest Mines Awards, Concentrator Category, by the PMSEA and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; and third runner-up in the Mining Forest Award, Metallic Category, by the DENR.
PMIEA – established under an Executive Order from the President of the Republic of the Philippines — recognizes outstanding levels of dedication, initiative, and innovation in the pursuit of excellence in environmental management by exploration, mining and other related entities involved in various aspects of mineral utilization. The scope of environmental management includes, among others, programs/projects being implemented for the environmental protection and enhancement of mining areas, development of the host and neighboring communities, land use improvement, exploration and mine site rehabilitation, and final decommissioning.
The Safest Mines Award, on the other hand, supports the multi-sector campaign against occupational and environmental hazards in mining and its related operations. This collective effort for greater consciousness among government, mine management, and labor minimizes, if not totally eliminates, disabling injuries to the thousands of workmen, while simultaneously protects and enhances mining environment.
Meanwhile, the Mining Forest Award recognizes mineral firms’ excellence in the management of mining forests, specifically in the areas of development, nursery operations, maintenance and protection, biodiversity consideration, as well as other environmental factors.
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Above, TVIRD Canatuan Safety Manager Arturo Abad (center), Safety Engineer Rey Jimeno, Jr. (second from left), and Safety Inspector Toto Maude (far left) pose with their Safest Mines Award trophy with Perez (second from right) and Ridsdel. Below, it’s the turn of TVIRD’s Environment team to savor their moment of triumph, holding their Mining Forest Award. From left, TVIRD Canatuan Environment Manager Nilda Callora, Environment Supervisor Rowena Inion, and Forester Gemma Tolentino, with Ridsdel and Perez. “These awards show that we really do believe and practice responsible mining, says Cliff James, Chairman of TVIRD and President and CEO of TVI Pacific Inc (TVIRD’s Canadian affiliate).
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In a separate program sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment, TVIRD was presented with the Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (“GKK” or Health and Safety Award). This national award is in recognition of outstanding achievements by establishments and individuals in responding to the safety and health needs of workers, workplaces and communities. The GKK seeks to encourage institutions/companies to implement their own safety, health and environment programs and, at the same time, achieve higher levels of productivity and zero accidents in the workplace.
The GKK award is the first to be given to a safety practitioner in TVIRD’s operating region, taking first place over fifty-one other nominees in the country. The award is given every two years to the establishments, institutions and individuals who advocate, uphold and sustain best safety and health practices.
“These awards speak volumes of the commitment, loyalty and expertise of everyone at TVIRD in all areas of our operation,” stated Clifford James, President & Chief Executive Officer. “It shows that we really do believe and practice responsible mining.”
Jay Nelson, TVIRD Vice President for Environment and Civil Works, adds: “These are remarkable achievements for us, especially since this is the first time we have entered the competition.”