Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), the operating arm in Surigao del Norte of conglomerate Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI), received the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) Platinum Achievement Award – Surface Mining Operation Category and was voted 1st Runner-Up in the Best Mining Forest Contest – Metallic Category at the 70th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City. Established under Executive Order No. 399 (1997), the PMIEA honors the “exemplary efforts of the mining groups and companies in the country in achieving environmentally and socially responsible mining operations.”
“These awards reflect our strong commitment to align our operations with the highest standards of environmental protection, social inclusivity, and workplace safety,” said FNI President Dante R. Bravo.
PGMC strictly adheres to best practices and works closely with regulators to ensure compliance with all legal and environmental requirements. It holds an Environmental Compliance Certificate with an approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan (FMR/DP), Annual EPEP, 5-Year Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), Annual SDMP, and Safety and Health Program (SHP), among others.
PGMC mitigates its impact on the land ecosystem through various initiatives. These include progressive rehabilitation wherein 29.57 hectares have been reconstructed and planted with indigenous flora. As a major supporter of the Mining Forest Program and the National Greening Program, PGMC has planted as of June 30, 2024 nearly four million trees with a 92.26% survival rate across 1,400.38 hectares within and outside its contract area. To support the reforestation efforts, it has produced 1,242,652 seedlings of forest and fruit-bearing trees. Additionally, 208 hectares of untouched areas within the tenement have been identified as biodiversity conservation areas and supported by the regular conduct of biodiversity assessments.
To safeguard water resources, PGMC constructs sedimentation ponds to prevent river siltation. It regularly spearheads river cleanup drives that have so far removed 13,971 cu.m. of sediments in the Kinalablaban river. Other environmental protection and enhancement efforts include proper waste management, dust suppression, and the implementation of conservation initiatives notable of which are the adoption of the Lambason marine sanctuary and active participation in the government’s Rivers-for-Life Program.
“We will continue to strive for excellence because we understand that mining, if done responsibly, can help uplift the lives of many Filipinos and contribute to nation-building while safeguarding the environment,” said Mr. Bravo.
PGMC has won the highest Presidential Award in 2021 and 2022, and placed 1st runner up in the Best Mining Forest Contest last year. For more information on PGMC, visit www.gfni.com.ph.