The Rushurgent Working Group (RWG) of the National Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines-Diliman organized the symposium entitled “2016 Hunt for Ore Deposits: Emerging Trends” last January 25-26, 2016 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. The School of Environmental Science and Management of UPLB was one of its collaborating institutions, along with the USAID-STRIDE as the funding agency for the UP Diliman Project, and APEX Mining Co., Inc. represented by its Chairman, Dr. Walter W. Brown and Executive Vice President for Exploration, Dr. Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., for the two-day event that brought together international and local experts who presented their researches on the various aspects of mineralized districts of the Philippines. Geoscientists from the academe, industry and government sectors presented developments, cutting-edge techniques and new schools of thought in the exploration of various ore deposits. In addition, environmental and social science researchers likewise discussed social, environmental and disaster risk management concerns as they relate to various stages of mine development and operations. More than 35 scientific papers were presented as plenary talks and poster presentations during the two-day meeting. Engineers and geologists from different mining corporations presented updates on their mineral resource exploration activities, including concerns with quality control measures and other issues that influence a mine’s outputs. This symposium was also a tribute to one of the pillars of Philippine Geology, Dr. Rudy Obial, an expert in the field of economic geology and in the exploration of various ore deposits. Dr. Obial was a key figure in the formulation of the Philippine Mineral Reporting Code and the Competent Person Accreditation System for Geology. Both regulatory systems have been crucial contributions in setting the practices of the minerals industry in the Philippines to be at par with those of international standards. Dr. Obial also contributed to human resource development in the earth sciences through his unselfish sharing of time, knowledge and resources in mentoring students and young professionals in the field. The Philippines is rich in mineral deposits, due to its geographical location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. “Our country ranks fifth in the world in terms of mineral deposits,” said Atty. Wilfredo Moncano, Director, Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) Region XI, who delivered a keynote address. Aside from the abundance in mineral deposits, the country should also take pride in the quality of its human resources that is truly world class in their skills, experience and innate ability to understand complex systems. In his keynote address, Dr. Walter Brown emphasised that Filipino geologists and engineers are one of the best in the industry. “You should be very proud, Filipinos are truly world-class,” said Dr. Brown. Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Research) of the UP System was the Chair of the symposium’s organizing committee. She encouraged students and young professionals to take advantage of the event as it is a good opportunity to link up with and seek new knowledge from the experts in the mining industry. Around 200 geologists, mining practitioners, policy makers, students, researchers, faculty members and representatives from different government institutions attended the symposium.
