Education and Research: Foundations of Responsible Mining

Anthony M. Penaso, PhD

“Our future depends to an ever increasing extent on new discoveries, expert

knowledge and highly trained people. Like it or not, universities are our principal source of each of these ingredients”

Derek BobFormer President Harvard University

Caraga State

University

www.carsu.edu.ph

Ampayon, Butuan City 8600

CSU’s Vision, Mission and Core Values

VISION

A premier university known for academic excellence in science and technology, agriculture, environment and natural resources, engineering, education and the arts towards the sustainable development of Caraga Region.

MISSION

In pursuit of academic excellence, Caraga State University shall endeavor to deliver the highest quality of instruction, research, extension, production, and administration to produce scientifically trained, technologically skilled, and morally sound individuals contributing to the creation of an eco–friendly and healthy environment.

CORE VALUES

CompetenceService; and

Uprightness

ENVIRONMENTAL

SOCIALECONOMIC

Viable Bearable

Equitable

Sustainable• SD Principles – enshrined in the

Philippine Mining Act of 1995• Responsible Mining:

TO BRING ABOUT NATIONAL GROWTH IN A MANNER THAT SAFEGUARDS THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF AFFECTED COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES.

What is Responsible Mining?• Responsible mining is a comprehensive and transparent

minerals activity respecting the rights of all stakeholders, especially of local people; environmentally friendly and free of human health impacts; embracing the best international practices and upholding rule of law while generating a sustainable stream of benefits.

• Principles of Responsible Mining :• Ensure multi-stakeholder engagement • Transparency and openness • Uphold law and its enforcement • Responsibility for the safety of people and the environment • Investment in future development • Ensure fruitful productivity and efficiency • Humane and ethical • Based on advanced and modern technology

(www.asiafoundation.org)

Education as a Foundation of Responsible Mining

• Higher Education is one sector of the society which tackles issues of mineral resources and environmental management.

• Our role is to educate people on the importance of effectively managing our mineral resources as well as protecting the environment for our own sake and for the sake of the future generations.

• Give students and stakeholders a solid understanding of the geologic formation and the location of economic rock and mineral resources, their importance to society, and the environmental impacts of their exploitation.

• Environmentally responsible mineral extraction • requires an educated, skilled,

and motivated work force, and • creates high-paying jobs in

resource extraction, regulatory agencies, and environmental consulting.

@CSU • Formation of highly skilled and ethically

responsible mining engineers and environment professionals• BS Mining Engineering• BS Environmental Science• Master in Environmental Management• Proposed:

–BS Geology–BS Metallurgical Engineering

• Raising public awareness of resource issues and building advocacy alliances on responsible mining through community engagement

• Continuing professional education and training for mining professionals and practitioners

• 2015 Mineral BabyThis graphic shows examples of the 3.11 million pounds of minerals, metals and fuels the average American will need in their lifetime. Calculations are based on a life expectancy of 78.8 years and mineral use data from the National Mining Association, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Energy Information Administration.

Research as a Foundation of Responsible Mining

QUALITY OF HUMAN LIFE

Among the most important protagonists

of research for knowledge and

technology generation

The main genesis of knowledge construction, utilization, and transfer

process

Knowledge is its most valuable and strategic

resource

Characterized by their professional identity and

knowledge-driven nature

HIGHER EDUCATION

Research as Foundation of Responsible Mining

• Research is the key to progress; progress is impossible without research

• Research is responsible for new knowledge, new products and services

• Products of research determine the future of our planet and the survival of the human race

• Research serves as basis for intervention programs, policy development and informed decision making.

QUALITY OF HUMAN LIFE

Ultimate Goal of Research

Desirable Quality of Life

Good Health and Nutrition

Good Education

High Income

Clean Environ-

ment

Equal Opportunity

Free Developing Individuals

Rich Cultural

Life

@CSU • S&T Program for Responsible Mining in Mindanao

(DOST-PCIEERD)

• The Role of ICT in Responsible Mining

• Preferred Habitats of Wildlife in Selected Key Mining Areas: Basis for Policy Reform and Biodiversity Conservation

• Aquatic Biodiversity in Selected Mining Areas and Environs in Mindanao

• Contamination Pathway and Pollution Management of Mining in Mindanao

• The Status of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Key Areas in Mindanao

• The Socio-Cultural and Economic Impacts of Mining in Caraga

• Progressive Rehabilitation of Mined-Out Nickel Areas in Caraga Region

@CSU: ICT Portal for Responsible Mining

@CSU • EMIERALD Research Project

(Eastern Mindanao Industry, Energy and

Emerging Technology Research Alliance for

Development):

• Assessment of Ground Water Resources Affected by Small-Scale Mining in Barangay Maibu, ButuanCity

• Proposed: Establishment of the Mindanao Research Center for Mineral Resources Management

CONCLUDING REMARKS

• Responsible mining is indeed possible, if we care enough!

• A reliable supply of mineral resources is essential to modern society, but mining activities often result in environmental degradation.

• Thus, it is essential to extract and process mineral resources in a responsible manner to reduce potential negative environmental impacts.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

To Make Caraga Region as the FAME (Fishery, Agri-forestry, Minerals and Eco-Tourism) Center of the Philippines:

We need to continually educate our people on the value of mineral resources and environmental conservation and protection;

We need to build partnerships and strategic alliances with agencies, organizations, the mining sector, and individuals

(bold and dedicated leaders from our community who will not only talk and analyze the problem but accept responsibility for achieving results and shared benefits) to take our best practices to scale.

Thank you very much for listening!