http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/05/30/news/mindanao.business.group.lauds.government.support.to.mining.html

The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) has lauded government’s renewed support to the mining industry, as the organization remains bullish on the prospects of how a revitalized minerals industry can help uplift the socio-economic conditions of the country, particularly Mindanao.

The affirmation of support was declared by Director General Romulo Neri, socioeconomic planning secretary and director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, who said the growth of the mining industry is vital to economic development.

The MinBC has vigorously pursued the revitalization of the industry for being a potential growth driver both in investments and in job generation. Considering the past performance of the industry and the renewed interest in mining activities, it is expected that mining can generate roughly $5-7 billion in foreign exchange yearly and could provide 240,000 jobs for the next six years, the MinBC said.

The Neda chief added that there should be strict environmental and social compliance of mining companies through consultations and mutual sharing of benefits with local stakeholders.

MinBC chair Romeo Serra has earlier disclosed plans to organize a tripartite minerals council that will monitor the strict compliance of mining companies with environmental and social laws.

Serra stressed that MinBC remains firm in the practice of corporate social responsibility.

The MinBC is now embarking on a comprehensive series of mining information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives to come up with a common understanding and consensus on mining issues among government, industry, and communities. The IEC campaign is envisaged to lead to the creation of the industry association of mining in Mindanao, dubbed as Mindanao Minerals and Metals Council (MMMC).

For phase 1 of the IEC program, MinBC will conduct workshops for constituency building in Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City, and will be co-convened by the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) and the Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference (BBC) for Human Development.

The program will then proceed to hold regional industry stakeholders forums in key cities in Mindanao. The activities lined up are scheduled on June 2006. (Yolly San Pedro)