By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Mining has been one of the opportunities for investment in the Philippines given the vast mineral resources that the country has. But the challenge remains is the call for sustainable mining and it stands at the forefront for a transformative phase in the mining industry that will ensure that any possible adverse impact on the environment, economy, and community affected by mining activities would not be compromised as this has been the issue in the entire mining sectors across the world.
Orica is one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers and has been providing products, services, and technology to the Philippines mining sector for over 50 years ago, leading the sector by expanding and diversifying its local operations through Orica Philippines, reiterate how they make sure that they adhere to their commitment of sustainable mining.
Optimized operations
Gordon Wallace, Country Head of Orica Philippines, emphasized the organization’s global strength, stating, “With the support of a vast network of over 12,500+ professionals worldwide, we are ready to enhance operations and present an extensive portfolio of solutions and technology that drive productivity for our valued customers across the Philippines”.
Smarter solutions
Orica Philippines leverages its global expertise to pioneer safer and more sustainable mining solutions. The company produces and supplies explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals, and geotechnical monitoring, in addition to our cutting-edge digital solutions and a comprehensive range of services. Orica introduces innovative products such as BlastIQ™ and WebGen™ 200. BlastIQ™ Platform is a cloud-based platform that provides effective storage, management, sharing and referencing of all blast-related information. While the WebGen™ 200 signals a step-change in in-hole initiation and offers versatility for blast planning and design, it is also a decisive step on the path towards full automation of drill and blast operations in the future.
Partnering for progress
Collaborating with stakeholders for progress, Orica Philippines aligns with the government’s economic vision. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the local mining industry contributed PHP 102.3 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2020. Under the current administration, the sector looks to continue its upward trajectory, with metal production surging over 30% in 2022.
Acknowledging the delicate balance between economic growth, environmental stability, and community interests, Orica Philippines fosters collaborative partnerships at the corporate, regional, and local levels. Wallace highlights, “Our success is intertwined with the prosperity of the communities we operate in. The community of Limay in Bataan exemplifies our commitment to long-term development through strategic investments in education and infrastructure.”
Driven by responsible business operations, technological expertise, and a focus on community safety, Orica Philippines stands ready to collaborate with customers and stakeholders. By mobilizing materials and minerals essential for transitioning global economic to net-zero emissions, Orica Philippines charts the course towards a lower-carbon future for all.