Philex Mining Corp. has identified 250 hectares for this year’s expansion of its reforestation program, which is geared toward agro-forestry, or the integration of fruit-bearing trees and lowland hardwood, at its Padcal mine site in Benguet.

At least 54 employees of Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) participated in a fun run held recently in Surigao City, in order to raise awareness on the need to save Surigao River from environmental ruin.

Polling at a remote barangay in Benguet went smoothly despite the lack of electricity and the extension of voting time, owing to the new solar power system installed by Philex Mining Corp. in a school far from its mine site.

Eulalio B. Austin, Jr., president and chief operating officer of Philex Mining Corp., is now the company’s chief executive officer.

Acknowledging that water is a shared supply, Philex Mining Corp. has been implementing water management systems that address not only its own needs but also those of its host-communities.

Tuba Mayor Florencio Bentres said it was about time local government units (LGUs) had direct access to revenues derived from royalties paid by mining companies, as he expressed support for the resumption of operations at Philex Mining Corp.’s Padcal Mines.