DENR looks into Australia for best mining practices

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are currently in Australia, one of the world’s leading mineral resources nations, as part of government efforts to adopt to the global standards in mining.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director Wilfredo Moncano led the Philippine team together with assistant director Danilo Uykieng.

“We did a mine visit in Ballarat to observe Australian mining best practices and know their mining standards,” Moncano said in a text message to The STAR.

“We will adopt what is applicable to Philippine conditions,” he added.

Moncano has yet to expound on the guidelines and standards the Philippines may adopt and implement in the country.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was supposed to join the trip but got sick last week.

He was represented by head executive assistant Mario Chan and DENR Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Ernesto Adobo Jr.

Mining sources earlier said Cimatu was invited by the Australian government, alongside 35 other environment ministers worldwide.

The supposed meeting coincided with the International Mining and Resources Conference, the largest mining conference and exhibition in Australia from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

The DENR, MGB and the country’s mining industry continue to look into global standards that may be adopted, including that of Australia and Canada.

Australia is the world’s largest refiner of bauxite and largest producer of gem and industrial diamonds, lead and tantalum, and other mineral sands.

It is also the largest exporter of black coal and the world’s largest resources of low-cost uranium.

Studies showed Australia has the potential to remain among the world’s leading mineral nations as new deposits have been discovered and developed as demand for mineral products grows.

Australians enjoy one of the highest living standards in the world as its minerals industry is one of the biggest contributors to Australia’s export trade.