(A Documentation of the Successful Greening Practices of PGPI in Negros Occidental)
We have always been proud of Philex Gold Philippines, Inc. (PGPI) – Bulawan in Barangay Nabulao, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental for its best environmental practices, particularly in greening its surroundings. PGPI-Bulawan is one of the mining companies in the country who shows through example that mining is not altogether the antithesis to caring for and protecting the environment.
Take a look at the figures:
462.3959 hectares total area planted from 1995-2010
896,083 number of seedlings planted
871,760 number of surviving trees
97% rate of survival
(The figures is based on MGB-6 monitoring of June 2010)
PGPI has been a consistent awardee for Environmental Awards since 1998 both at the provincial and national levels:
Provincial Level:
Finalist Tag-Amlig Award (Industry category) 1998
Tag-Amlig Awardee (Industry Category) 2000
National Level:
Winner, Best Mining Forest 1998
2nd Runner Up Best Mining Forest 1999
1st Runner Up Best Mining Forest 2000
1st Runner Up Best Mining forest 2001
1st Runner Up Best Mining Forest 2002
Winner, Best Mining Forest 2003
2nd Runner Up Best Mining Forest 2004
Winner Best Mining Forest 2005
Winner Best Mining Forest 2006
2nd Runner Up Best Mining Forest 2007
2nd Runner Up Best Mining Forest 2008
Special Award in Adopt A Mountain Adopt A Mining Forest Program 2008
Winner Best Mining Forest 2009
PGPI has a mining claim of 2,268 has hectares under its approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) within the areas locally known as Korokan, Vista Alegre and Buri Daku that were once portions of the gold rush site of the early 80s. Although it has a mining claim of such breadth, the company’s operational area covers only roughly 486 hectares.
The company commenced commercial operations in January 1996 and in less than five (5) years, has made a remarkable accomplishment in the local mining industry in terms of total production, safety records and environmental protection and enhancement program.
It used to have a maximum production capacity of 3,500 tons per day. PGPI closed down on July 1, 2002 due to depletion of ore reserves and low price of gold. It is currently undergoing a care and maintenance phase as mandated by law.