Accomplishment in the promotion of safety and health in large and small scale mines in Bicol bared

For calendar year 2007 and 2008, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Bicol (MGB-V) bared on August 17, 2009 its accomplishment in promoting safety and health in the workplaces of large and small scale mines in Bicol.

Large Scale Mines

For 2007, MGB-V Conducted 12 mines inspection and investigation, 2 trainings/seminars and 2 emergency response preparedness drills; verified 2 safety records; evaluated and approved 2 safety and health programs; acted on at least 3 explosive utilizations, namely: 2 license applications for purchaser’s license and blasters foreman, 4 permit applications for purchase and to move explosives and 5 annual and routinary inspection; and issued (87) permits: for the installation of mechanical/electrical equipments, to operate mechanical/electrical equipments, and for Safety Inspector and Safety Engineers and for 2008, 16 mines inspections and investigations; 3 verifications of safety records; 2 evaluations and approval of safety and health programs; 2 trainings/seminars; 2 license applications for purchaser’s license and blaster’s foreman; 7 permit applications to purchase and to move explosives; 7 annual and routinary inspections; 4 emergency response preparedness drills; and (133) permits: to install and operate mechanical/electrical equipments and for safety inspector/engineer.

These activities were accomplished through the regulation of at least 6 large scale mines in Bicol, namely: Filminera in Masbate; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project, Goodfound Cement and UBS in Albay, and United Paragon and Johson in Camarines Norte. The accomplishment is said to be satisfactory.

Small Scale Mines

Exercising its oversight function in coordination with the Local Government Units, MGB-V conducted 4 safety inspections/investigations and 1 training/seminar for calendar year 2007 and for 2008, 5 safety inspections and investigations and 1 training seminar.

The activities covered small scale mining operating in the Provinces of Masbate and Camarines Norte. Reference FORESIGHT VOL. 11 No.2 July-Dec 2009 issue