Monitoring and evaluation geared towards coveted PMIEA and ANMSEC accolades, exemplifying quality standards in the mining industry
Surigao del Norte / February 2024 – Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC), a wholly-owned affiliate company of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), successfully passed the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) validation for the fourth quarter of 2023. The on-site inspection was recently conducted at the company’s Siana Gold Project in Tubod Municipality of this province in order to monitor improvements since the most recent MMT validation last December 2023.
The monitoring team was comprised of representatives from several key organizations, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XIII (MGB-XIII), Environmental Management Bureau XIII (EMB-XIII), Municipal Environmental Resource Office (MENRO), delegates and barangay officials from the host municipalities and neighboring communities, along with a representative from the religious sector.
A stable environment
Greenstone is committed to upholding the highest standards in mining and takes measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Meantime, the MMT’s role is to ensure that the company complies with these standards.
Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Superintendent Amelito Salas emphasized, “Greenstone’s environmental management approach is anchored on its core value of Environmental Excellence, which reflects its commitment to take good care of the environment where it operates. We believe that by doing so, we are also taking care of the people.” The MEPEO Team leads the implementation of the company’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program in accordance with government regulatory agencies.
One of the highlights of the activity is the validation of GRC’s Annual Environment Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP), Annual Social Development and Management Program (ASDMP), and Annual Safety and Health Program (ASHP). These programs represent significant efforts by the company to achieve both physical and financial milestones in the past business year.
Indicating strong progress in meeting their objectives, the Greenstone Community Relations Office (CRO) and Safety and Health Department both attained a remarkable 100% accomplishment rate, while the Mine Environment Protection and Enhancement Office (MEPEO) achieved a commendable overall rate of 97%.
Safety above all
“There’s no distinction between big or small issues when it comes to the safety and health of the people in Greenstone. A risk is a risk, and it should be managed properly in every way possible,” stressed Safety and Health Manager Aldrin Arieta.
The MMT also conducted an ocular inspection to monitor the upgrades and changes implemented in response to previous monitoring activities, particularly in the mine pit, settling ponds, waste rock dump sites, and tailings storage facility. The company is confident that its efforts will continue to yield positive results in the future as these improvements align with the company’s preparations for its upcoming commercial operations scheduled to commence this year.
In the year 2023, Greenstone showcased its commitment not only to environmental sustainability, but also to the safety and well-being of its beneficiary communities. Part of maintaining a meaningful relationship with the community involves livelihood training that dovetails with both the workers’ needs and the company’s long-term plans for the area.
Notably, GRC and sister company Agata stand out as the first-ever mining companies in the region to collaborate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) together with the local government units (LGUs) to eventually transform the mine site into an eco-tourism hub in the future.
A thriving community
During their inspection, the MMT also paid a visit to Mahucdam Water Nature Adventure Park in Barangay Capayan, Tubod Municipality. This tourist attraction, jointly established through the collaboration between the allied Alegria-Tubod-Mainit-Greenstone (ATMG) and the Department of Tourism, is integral to the ATMG’s initiative to promote mining eco-tourism within the host and neighboring communities across the three municipalities. The MMT commended the company for its exemplary efforts and continued dedication to this endeavor.
“Aside from the safety and well-being of the beneficiary communities, ensuring their growth through sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities is our focus,” expressed Community Relations Office Manager Khalil Pope Tabernero. “The ATMG program, focused on highlighting potential tourist spots within the three host municipalities, is a key initiative to promote community development and foster tourism-based employment and livelihood,” he said.
Impressed by Greenstone’s outstanding implementation of the AEPEP, ASDMP, and ASHP throughout 2023, the MMT recommended that the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) issue the company a certificate of commendation, acknowledging its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being, thereby setting a standard for responsible mining practices in the industry.
******