Environment Undersecretary for Enforcement, Forestry, Mine and Muslim affairs, Jim O. Sampulna has hailed the best practices of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) during a visit in its mine site in Claver, Surigao del Nortre.

Sampulna visited TMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) on March 30 as part of his initiative to monitor mining companies all over the country.

Accompanied by MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo Moncano and the MGB-Caraga Regional Director Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble, the DENR Undersecretary inspected, assessed and validated the actual mining operations and environmental initiatives of TMC.

Sampulna and his delegation were warmly welcomed by TMC Resident Mine Manager Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso, who expressed his gratitude for the undersecretary’s visit.

“This visit provided TMC an opportunity to showcase how it continues to responsibly operate using best mining practices, in spite of the pandemic,” said Valeroso.

He added that TMC was honored to be one of the first mining companies in Caraga Region to be visited by Usec. Sampulna.

Sampulna said that as a Forester by profession himself and as an Environment undersecretary, the environment remains one of his primary concerns.

He said Caraga Region is foremost in his itinerary as it hosts many mining companies.

Having heard of the exemplary efforts of TMC, he emphasized that the party wanted to see for themselves how the company implements its environmental rehabilitation programs

After visiting other mining companies, he said he wanted to see other examples of responsible mining practices.

He also relayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s desire to know if TMC employees are happy working with the company despite the ongoing pandemic.

The company expressed that it continues to deliver the much-needed support for its communities, the barangays, the Municipality of Claver, and even the Province of Surigao del Norte.

“The company also continues to be a source of much needed regular income for its workers as well as a source of relief and other various forms of support for its other beneficiaries,” TMC said.

TMC presented a brief presentation containing videos on the history and profile of the company, its environmental initiatives that include a rehabilitation and reforestation program and its many social development thrusts, which the company implements within and outside its MPSA, in partnership with the members of its hosts and neighboring communities.

These were complemented with actual visits at TMC’s Mines View Deck and Biodiversity Area, in Taga 2 and Urbiztondo ridge, respectively.

The Mines view deck provided a quick 360⁰ view of the entire operation from mining to processing, courtesy of its affiliate company THPAL, and even until rehabilitation and reforestation.

The Biodiversity Area showcases the eco-tourism possibilities and environmental preservation of the natural mining environment.

Towards the end of their visit, Dir. Moncano expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome that they received.

He also offered words of encouragement saying that Nickel Asia Corporation, along with its subsidiaries, is recognized by the Central Office because of its exemplary and notable responsible and sustainable mining practices.

He went on to elucidate that the National Government, specifically the economic cluster of the cabinet, is looking to the mining industry to play a major role towards the country’s economic recovery especially with the tremendous negative impact of the pandemic (COVID 19).

Director Noble further shared that when informed of the visit of Usec. Sampulna and Atty. Moncano, he never hesitated in expressing confidence that mining companies in Caraga showcase and exemplify responsible mining practices.

He commended TMC for doing a good job and encouraged the company to keep up the good work.