THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines has adopted a sustainable mining model developed by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). Adoption of Toward Sustainable Mining (TSM) is in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to the industry to be more responsible in doing business.

“There is so much that minerals’ development done responsibly can contribute to the economy of a nation and to the welfare of mining communities, as shown by numerous examples in the Philippines,” Chamber Chairman and Nickel Asia Corp CEO Gerard Brimo said.

“The adoption of TSM by members of the Chamber of Mines is intended to institutionalise practices that secure these contributions for the long term.”

The adoption is contained in a Mutual Cooperation and Licensing Agreement with MAC for implementation of the TSM initiative.

During a signing ceremony, MAC president and CEO Pierre Gratton lauded the chamber for its decision to partner with the Canadian association and adopt its sustainable-mining model.

“It is our privilege to share our tools and expertise in sustainable mining practices with the world. With the Philippines’s adoption of TSM, we’re proud to say that our made-in-Canada program is now in five countries on five continents. We applaud the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for taking this important step forward as it works to enhance its industry’s environmental and social performance.”

As well as Canada and the Philippines, national mining associations in Finland, Argentina and Botswana are also implementing TSM.

Launched by MAC in 2004, the implementation of TSM is mandatory for all Canadian operations of MAC members, but many voluntarily apply it to their international sites, according to Chamber executive director Ronald Recidoro.

TSM requires mining companies to annually assess their facilities’ performance in key areas, including tailings management, community outreach, safety and health, biodiversity conservation, crisis management, energy use and greenhouse-gas emissions management.

While the chamber will tailor its performance areas so that they reflect the unique aspects of its domestic mining sector, they will strongly align with those of Canada’s.

A second agreement is The Baguio Declaration, or a Commitment to Responsible Minerals Development in the Philippines. Ronald Recidoro said this would be signed by all existing operating mines.

This affirms the miners’ commitment to responsible mining and is in response to a challenge issued by environment secretary Roy Cimatu.