ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office has recently conducted a capacity-building seminar-workshop for its technical people responsible for standardizing the methodologies for mineral reserve validation.

MGB technical personnel, who are mining engineers and geologists, assigned at the DENR provincial offices or PENROs and provincial environment offices in the region attended the seminar-workshop on March 1.

OIC-Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon underscored the importance of understanding the laws and policies governing the minerals industry, and having a standardized methodology in mineral reserve validation in her message during the opening activity.

Topics discussed during the seminar include Mineral Reserve Validation for sand and gravel and quarry projects by Engr. Kimberly A. Villa, Chief of MGB Monitoring and Technical Services Section (MTSS); Report Format for Mineral Reserve Validation by Engr. Ethylwyne Paran, Engineer II, and Mr. Khalil Shamir S. Bigtas, Science Research Specialist II of MTSS;  and Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 or the “Guidelines in the Conduct of Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation, and Disposition of Illegally Sourced Minerals/Mineral Products and By-Products, Tools, Conveyances and Equipment Used” by MGB 6 legal officer R’jay L. Pestaño.

Another topic covered was strengthening the capacity of the local government to oversee mining activities within their jurisdiction through the deputation of LGU personnel. (AAL/LAF/PIA6- Iloilo/MGB6)