In their quest to uncover and share responsible mining stories across the Philippines, 12 members of a national youth-led organization composed of students in the fields of geology, engineering (mining, metallurgical, materials), and other related professions embarked on a three-day visit to Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) from March 31 to April 2, 2023.

The visit of YAMAN Philippines is part of its Biyaheng Yaman series, an educational tour and campaign that aims to promote responsible mining by featuring different mining and quarry sites.

As standard protocol, measures against COVID-19 were observed upon their arrival in the camp site. A short welcome program was led by TMC’s Administrative Group Manager Agnes Sabijon followed by the company briefing on Safety, Environment, and Community Relations.

The group first visited the rehabilitation areas in the different ridges which are all geared towards ecotourism, namely: Mines View Deck and Umahan sa Minahan at Taga 2 ridge; Botanic Garden, Rock Garden, Lantaw Bay Garden, and Biodiversity Nursery at Urbiztondo ridge; and Mangrove and Beach Forest Nursery in Brgy. Hayanggabon.

For the community tour, the group visited established livelihood projects in the host and neighboring communities, such as the Cagdianao Forest Seedlings and Pineapple Producers’ Association in Brgy. Cagdianao that grows pineapples and supplies forest seedlings for TMC’s greening activities; the production building of Hayanggabon Association of Tailors in Brgy. Hayanggabon that supplies TMC’s uniforms; and the TACPECCO Water Refilling Station and Agrivet Supply in Brgy. Taganito, a cooperative composed of 60 Taganito residents.

These projects are all under the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

On their official Facebook page, the team shared videos and accounts of their visit to TMC.

Giving TMC a glowing review, they said: “We witnessed how Taganito Mining Corporation complies with Philippine government standards and even goes above and beyond. Their social and environmental commitment is epitomized in their close connection with the environment and their neighboring and host communities. Truly, TMC is a company worth emulating in leading responsible mining practices in the Philippines. No wonder the company is a consistent awardee of various environmental awards and citations, bagging multiple awards in the 2022 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards for Surface Mining Category, Best Mining Forest - Metallic Category, and Most Improved Safety Performance - Safest Mines Awards.”

Based on their observations of the TMC mine site, several students made the following testimonies:

“Taganito Mining Corporation really showcased a lot of projects that gave us information on how the company practices beyond compliance and project implementations. The company highlights the advocacy towards environmental awareness, protection and preservation.”

I do believe TMC really proved that responsible mining is already being done and we must transition to a more responsive and sustainable mining from SDMP, CSR and mining operations. I do hereby say that TMC has the best mining practices among all the mines I’ve been to,” said Cirilo C. Detalla.

“Una kong napansin po sa visit namin is yung system po talaga, from lowest positions to management, napaka-sistemado po. Pagpasok pa lang namin, sinalubong po kaagad kami ng napakagandang sistema. Marami pong impression bago palang ng mine tour at nag exceed talaga lahat sa expectations ko. Masasabi ko talagang napaka-responsible mining si TMC,” said Maria Rosario D. Narit.

“It is really a good opportunity to visit Taganito Mining Corporation. As a mining engineering student, it gave me a better impression and perspective since we saw the actual operations, activities and what they are actually doing. They not just focused on mining but they also established a livelihood center and education support under SDMP that helps a lot of the workers,” said Michael A. Bacasmo, Jr.

Mine and community tour is part of the company’s Information, Education, and Communication Program under its SDMP. This program aims to be an avenue for experiential learning of how responsible and sustainable mining can be done – the TMC way.