The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA), the largest group of nickel miners in the country, proudly announces that 9 of its member companies have received multiple prestigious awards at the 2024 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) ceremony, held during the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City. This recognition underscores the leadership and commitment of PNIA members to responsible mining practices, environmental stewardship, and safety of operations.
The PMIEA is the mining industry’s most prestigious awarding ceremony, conferred by the national government and the industry’s regulatory bodies. The awards recognize outstanding dedication, initiatives, and innovations in environmental protection and safety and health management. These accolades carry significant weight as they are conferred by the very agencies that regulate the mining industry, setting the standards for safety, environmental protection, and corporate responsibility.
PNIA members achieved significant recognition at this year’s PMIEA, winning a total of 19 major awards across 8 categories, affirming their commitment to the highest standards of mining excellence. These accolades highlight the companies’ dedication not only to compliance but also to initiatives that go beyond regulatory requirements, advancing sustainability, and fostering social responsibility.
6 of the 7 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards were presented to 6 PNIA members: Cagdianao Mining Corporation, Carrascal Nickel Corporation, CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, and Taganito Mining Corporation.
The PMIEA Selection Committee Platinum Achievement Award went to Platinum Group Metals Corporation, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation, while Dinapigue Mining Corporation received the Titanium Achievement Award and Most Improved Safety Performance.
PNIA members bagged all of the awards under the Mining Forest Program’s Best Mining Forest Contest as Cagdianao Mining Corporation claimed the top award for Best Mining Forest, with Platinum Group Metals Corporation as 1st Runner-Up, Taganito Mining Corporation as 2nd Runner-Up and Carrascal Nickel Corporation as 3rd Runner-Up. This distinction emphasizes PNIA members’ commitment to environmental stewardship, land rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation through sustainable reforestation efforts.
Awards in safety were also given to PNIA through Cagdianao Mining’s Best Mine / Plant Supervisor award, Hinatuan Mining’s Best Miner / Operator Award, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining’s Best Safety Inspector Award, Dinapigue Mining’s Most Improved Safety Performance Award, and Carrascal Nickel Corporation’s Award for Runner-Up in Safest Surface Mining Operations.
PNIA President Atty. Dante R. Bravo said, “PNIA members winning awards for safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence highlights our commitment to responsible mining and sustainability. In the face of increasing climate-related risks and challenges, it’s vital to remember that responsible mining practices contribute to resilient communities through effective social development, risk management, progressive rehabilitation, early disaster response, and sustainable land use practices that help communities adapt to the changing environment.”
“Our success as an industry is built on strong partnerships with our employees, host community, technical partners, local government units, national government stakeholders, and other stakeholders. These collaborations are essential for ensuring that mining not only adheres to the highest environmental, operational, and safety standards but also creates tangible benefits for communities through job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth,” Atty. Bravo added.
Meanwhile, PNIA Chairman Antonio Co said, “As a vital sector of the Philippine economy, the mining industry must be seen not only for its economic contributions but also for its role in achieving national development goals. We stand firmly in our commitment to responsible mining practices that contribute to sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation. By prioritizing both environmental and social impacts, we aim to be a model for industries across the country, showing that responsible practices can drive long-term growth while contributing to national prosperity.”
Co further underscored the importance of excellence in environmental stewardship towards reaching global sustainability goals. “This is a long-standing commitment of nickel miners and the mining industry for our communities and for our country; to promote the practices of Philippine nickel miners of being dedicated stewards of the environment”.