BAGUIO CITY(PIA) — United States Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson lauded the Philippine Mines Safety and Environment Association(PMSEA) for gathering the different mining stakeholder in the country and promoting the practice of safe, smart, and sustainable mining practice during the recent 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City.
“A big congratulations to the PMSEA on your 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference. You are making important contributions to the Philippines through your work promoting safe, smart, and sustainable management of the mining sector,” Carlson said in her message to the thousands of attendees from the mining industry of the country.
Carlson, who was among the guests during the week-long event(Nov. 14-17), also commended the collaboration between Filipino and American companies for responsible mining and assured the support of the United States government in this partnership and endeavor.
She stressed that the increasing collaboration between the two countries on sustainable mining practices is very much welcome. And the efforts of both the Philippines and the USA have driven economic growth, fueled innovation and provided much – needed jobs in rural communities.
“Many of the Filipino companies in this room have close ties to American partners. That’s what I love to see – we are genuine partners in prosperity, making a positive difference in the lives of the people of both of our nations,” she said.
“The US government continues to support efforts aimed at strengthening Philippine transparency and accountability in natural resource governance. For almost a decade now, our mission through the USAID, has supported the implementation of the extractive industries and transparency initiative (EITI), both at national and local levels,” Carlson said.
She stressed that it is critical to balance the demands for mineral resources with environmental and economic sustainability and PMSEA has championed this important intersection for decades.
“Your resolve to demonstrate that responsible mining is possible is crucial for the expansion of this industry,” she said.
Carlson also bared that the US Department of State and US Department of Interior have helped through the energy resource governance initiative, promoting sound mining sector governance and resilience energy mineral supply chains.
“Our work has enhanced environmental compliance, reviewed the fiscal practices, and provided analyses for priority sectors including nickel and copper,” the official said.
She also mentioned of the US government’s investment of US$ 5 million or PHP280 million to support increased production of minerals and expand the downstream mining industries in the country.
The Ambassador together with PMSEA President Louie Sarmiento and Mines and Geosciences Bureau OIC-Director Atty. Dailo Uykieng visited the exhibit of US Pavilion which was part of the ANMSEC Mine Exhibit featuring various technology and equipment that is being used in the mining industry in the Philippines today.(JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)
