MINERAL RESOURCES are of great importance. Almost all the things that we are using are extracted from the mine. From spoons to forks, from a simple machine to a very luxurious car, from bulletproofing gears to protective glasses, from cosmetic products to expensive jewelries, the mineral industry has provided the people with their daily needs. It is, likewise, a common ground in producing raw materials for technological advancements and innovation.
Mineral on Focus
Since the earlier time up to the present, Gold is one of the most popular mineral because of its value. Gold has traces of copper, silver, and iron. The rareness, resistance, beauty, and ability to be used in different aspects have sealed gold’s reign in the history of mankind.
Today, gold is mined by large companies around the Philippines and in the world. One of the gold producing companies is the Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC), a former private company (now merged with Medusa Mining Limited).
The Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC)
Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC) started its operation in 1989 and is located in the province of Agusan del Sur, Caraga Region. It is a three-hour ride from Davao City going north. Philsaga is the only remaining underground mine in the Philippines. PMC’s line of activities include: a) mine operation; b) mill operation; and c) environment protection in compliance with the Philippine mining law.
Personal Experience
It was in the first semester (I forgot the particular month) when it was announced that we are going to a mining company. I was excited knowing that this is just my second time in going to a mining company (first was in Apex). I always feel like I’m still a neophyte in the terms that are used in mining. Well, forgive me, I spent my on-the-job-training in a government agency (and that made me sealed my decision to work in the government agency, if given a chance, soon). But, I’m always open to learn something new. Going back, it was scheduled that we are to go in PMC on the 5th of December, 2015. Everyone’s excited. Who wouldn’t? It’s a packaged deal – learning something new and the very famous side trip.
On the other hand, going to the site was not that easy. Our professor, chairman, and mayors dealt with serious problem with regards to the signature of approval from the school authorities. Thank God, everything went well after series of convincing.
Philsaga – We were briefed about their company the moment we arrived to the place. Speakers from the company presented their assigned sector, the Mine Division, Mill Division, and Environment Division (and the Food Division… JOKE!). I was actually amazed by the company’s organized operation.
The company’s stage-by-stage mining operations were shown, including videos about their initiative to transform and develop a community. PMC gets their gold mineral through underground mining. It was said that it’s the only remaining underground mine. Its current operation is now working on the eighth level (50 meters per level) going down and is planning to extend their operation into the sixteenth level underneath. Sixteenth level. Sixteen times fifty (16 x 50)? Imagine.
Furthermore, the company produces favorable amount of gold. We were toured to the mill area and to the area where we could have a closer look at their tailings pond.
Seeing the organized operation in Philsaga, I learned that any company could actually do the same, except that accidents are unavoidable. A mining company is not just about all the destructions. I think the public must be informed about some misinformation. It’s a different story with my experiences in PMC. Communities enjoy the benefits of the company like livelihood programs, social development initiatives, building of school, scholarship programs and other benefits. And there’s nothing to worry about, because responsible mining is about following rules on the laws of mining, including the rehabilitation and eco-friendly initiatives. Overall, it was a great experience. There are still a lot of stories that will be presented beneath the surface. As what we told the company as we bid our farewell, again, I say, “Salamat, Philsaga!”
