Amid the challenge of the industry for responsible mining, the Bohol Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) has embarked on the search for the Best Small-Scale Mining operations.

The recognition is to showcase Quarry and Sand and Gravel (SAG) Permit Holders who can show exemplary practices on responsible quarry and mining operations.

PMRB-Bohol envisions to motivate Permit Holders to strive beyond compliance of the terms and conditions set in the issued permits, and pursue excellence in safety and environmental protection and enhancement.

The announcement was made during the Stakeholders Forum and PMRB Provincial Consultation in the Province of Bohol last November 25 in Tagbilaran City.

The first awarding ceremony is set next year, November 2017.

The event was attended by permit holders of quarry and sand and gravel operators and MGB-7 accredited traders and dealers.

The forum was organized by PMRB-Bohol in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Central Visayas and Bohol’s Provincial Environmental Management Office (PEMO).

Meanwhile, it was also agreed during the stakeholders’ forum to organize Multi-Partite Monitoring Teams (MMT) to monitor operations based on the locations of the clustered Quarry and SAG operations.

Under the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (RA 7076), An Act Creating a People’s Small-Small Mining Program and for Other Purpose, the PMRB is the implementation arm of the Environment Department for small-scale mining. The chairman of the PMRB-Bohol is MGB-7 regional director Loreto B. Alburo and co-chaired by Provincial Gov. Edgar Chatto with representatives from large-scale and small-scale mining sector and a non-government organization as members.