Mining companies in Central Visayas received 10 awards in the recent Presidential Mine Safety and Environment Conference as conferred by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA).

PMSEA President Louie Sarmiento awarded the plaques to the mining companies who have excelled and went beyond just compliance in safety and environmental protection.

Apo Cement Corporation whose operation is in Naga City, Cebu received a Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (Platinum) for Mineral Processing.

Solid Earth Development Corporation is also recognized as the safest Non-Metallic Mining Operation in the country.

Apo Cement Corporation is awarded as the over-all winner for the Safest Mines Award in the Cement Plant category; second place is Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc.

The winner for the safest mine in the Crushing Category is the Bohol plant of the Philippine Mining Service Corporation.

On the search for the Best Mining Forest, Carmen Copper Corporation – Toledo Copper Mine Project won 2^nd runner-up in the Metallic category; and Solid Earth Development Corporation, 3^rd runner-up in the Non-Metallic Category. They stayed true to their commitment for progressive site rehabilitation thus they were bestowed the Best Mining Forest awards. Philippine Mining Service Corporation in Alcoy, south of Cebu is the 1^st runner-up for Best Mining Forest Awards in the Mineral Processing Plant category; 2^nd runner-up for the same category is the Apo Cement Corp.

The awarding ceremony was held at the CAP John Hay Trade and Convention Center in Baguio City last November 18, 2016.

“The awards garnered by Region 7 is a reflection of an effective partnership of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the operating mining companies in the implementation of programs on mine safety, environmental management and social development,” said MGB-7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.