Four operating companies (OpCos) of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) bagged the most coveted Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the 67th Annual National Mine, Safety and Environment Conference last November 24-26, 2021.

The recognition of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC), Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) only proves their continued commitment to responsible mining.

Demonstrating its commitment to Responsible Mining, Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) affiliate Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) bagged the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for Surface Mining Category during the 67th Annual National Mine, Safety and Environment Conference last November 24-26, 2021.

PMIEA is the highest citation given to a mining company for exemplary programs pertaining not only to the environment but also to the safety and social development performance of a company's mining operations.

"TMC is very proud of this recognition as we feel that this reflects our efforts in making our organization one of the best in the mining industry," said Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso in his speech during the awarding ceremony.

Valeroso said the award was made possible by TMC's "partnership with the communities. The support of the people who have been part of the TMC team from the very beginning in achieving the sustainable development of the municipality of Claver."

This year's award is the fourth for TMC since PMIEA was launched in 1997; the company previously won the award in 2003, 2004, and 2008.

Established through Executive Order No. 399, PMIEA is conferred annually by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to deserving companies to promote environmental protection and raise awareness on the mining industry's best practices.

For the last two years, all shortlisted companies were also judged based on their initiatives and efforts in combating COVID-19 and providing assistance to their respective mining communities.

For TMC, social development funds have been particularly focused on easing the impacts of COVID-19 on its host and neighbouring communities, while fulfilling its mandates under the annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

For the current fiscal year, TMC has spent P71.8 million for health, education, livelihood, public utilities and services, socio-cultural preservation, information campaign, and mining technology.

Meanwhile, TMC also spent P199 million for environmental programs, such as land, water, and air quality management, rehabilitation and reforestation, and various eco-tourism projects.

Over 115,000 seedlings were planted in 41.9 hectares of mining and non-mining areas.

A total of 439,619 seedlings were also produced by its nursery operations for the fiscal year, which supported the company’s greening activities, the establishment of buffer zones, and support to the government's National Greening Program.

Moreover, TMC also spent P35.2 million for safety programs, of which PHP15.7 million was allocated for COVID-19 intervention programs from July 2020 to June 2021--the period covering the award.

A total of 8.3 million safe man-hours without lost time accident was also achieved by TMC during the period.