In Agusan Norte, ISO certification becomes gauge for responsible mining

DAVAO CITY—Agusan del Norte Gov. Angel Amante-Matba expressed support for what she said are mining operations that could serve as examples of responsible mining practices in her province.

The governor, in a statement, cited the case of San Roque Metals Inc. (SRMI), which operates in Tubay, Agusan del Norte as a study in responsible mining.

SRMI, said the governor, holds an International Standards Organization (ISO) 14001 certification which is a badge of honor among mining companies.
SRMI had renewed the certification this year, according to Amante-Matba.

“They have complied and continue to comply with all government requirements and standards both for mining processes and environmental management,” she said.

Amante-Matba said SRMI is one of only four mining firms that hold an ISO 14001 certification many years before the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) even required the certification.

“It is a fact that SRMI is the first nickel mine and the third metal mine in the country to have secured ISO 14001 certification,” she said.

On top of the ISO certification, SRMI is also recipient of the Platinum Award for Surface Mining Operation given during the 61st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in 2014.

It is also recipient of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award (PMIEA) for Surface Mining Operation in 2015.

PMIEA is given only to mining firms that meet the award criteria set by a selection committee composed of representatives from the Chamber of Mines, DENR, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Health and the Department of Science and Technology.

The award gives a weight of 50 percent for rehabilitation and environmental protection, 20 percent for safety and health, 20 percent for social and community development and 10 percent for information, education and communication. Inquirer Mindanao