SURIGAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES - The Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Mining Engineering visited three mining companies in Surigao del Norte for the scheduled inspection and monitoring last April 3-5, 2023.

The inspection team composed of Hon. Ramon N. Santos, Chairman of the PRB of Mining Engineering, Hon. Rufino B. Bomasang, and Hon. Augusto C. Villaluna, Members of the PRB of Mining Engineering and a representative from PRC Regional Office XIII visited the establishments of Greenstone Resources Corporation, Platinum Group Metals Corporation and Taganito Mining Corporation.

The team visited the mine sites and facilities while looking into the companies’ compliance with professional, ethical, and technical standards of the mining engineering practice.

The conduct of inspection and monitoring is one of the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the PRBs pursuant to Section 9(b) of Republic Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Modernization Act 2000”. Likewise, this activity is primarily aimed to observe, assess, and make recommendations resulting from the review of compliance in accordance with RA 8981 and RA 4274 or the Mining Engineering Law of the Philippines. Whereas, the Commission issued PRC Resolution No. 1471 (s. 2021) prescribing the Revised Guidelines on the Conduct of Inspection and Monitoring of Educational Institutions and Establishments to serve as a guide in the conduct of inspection and monitoring.

The Board especially noted the increasing number of women mining engineers involved in the mine operations as well as the implementation of progressive rehabilitation programs to ensure responsible mining in their respective areas of operation.