SMI showcases responsible mining practices to USeP geology students
Tampakan, South Cotabato - Geology students and teachers from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) received a first-hand lesson on best mining practices during a recent on-site trip to Sagittarius Mines, Inc.'s world-class facilities at Barangay Liberty, in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
On April 11, 2024, SMI hosted a whole-day information, education, and communications (IEC) activity to some 27 students and teachers from USeP.
During the tour, the group were able to gain an appreciation of the mining company's Core Sampling Storage Warehouses, Plant Nursery, and Mine-Lay Out Scale Model.
SMI’s own geologist Victor Jamio pointed out that the world-class Tampakan deposit was extensively studied with more than 700 drillings conducted within the proposed mine area and then comprehensively evaluated by technical experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geoscience Bureau and other government agencies.
SMI is the holder of a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement with the Philippine Government to explore, develop and operate the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.
"We believe that the participation of our students in this activity will not only complement their target academic learning competencies but also allow them to gain invaluable insights about the best practices and processes of Sagittarius Mines, Inc.," said Christian Paul F. Escarian, Instructor II of USeP's College of Engineering-BS in Geology Program.
With all major approvals and permits from the national government secured, SMI is ready to start construction this year and produce its first copper concentrate in mid-2027. (30)
2024-04-16
