Acknowledging the significance of mining in the economic, social, and environmental domains for both Sweden and the Philippines, Business Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden in Manila organized the Pioneering the Green Transition: Advancing Sustainable Mining forum. This event focused on socio-economic sustainable mining practices, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovative and clean mining solutions.
"Mining is a pivotal industry supporting different sectors. It is key to sustaining the global action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions wherein electrification has been identified as one of the solutions. The availability of metals and minerals remains crucial today as economies commit to meet internationally agreed climate goals," said H.E. Annika Thunborg, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines.
The forum included sessions on sustainable mining operations and the future of mines, in which both Swedish and Philippine companies discuss greener, safer, and more sustainable mining solutions.
Sweden's Ambassador for Sustainable Business, Cecilia Ekholm, kickstarted the forum by sharing Sweden's approach to sustainable mining and the country's mining ecosystem.
Ambassador Ekholm mentioned key initiatives from Sweden such as "Mining with Nature," including a biodiversity management plan and ecological compensation guidelines, and the "Roadmap to Fossil Free" which aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045.
"This is not just Sweden's problem, but a global problem. We all need to work in the green transition, and we all need a partner to do that. We are really looking forward to the collaboration, and I think this is such a great initiative because we need to work together and share our best experiences to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement," said Ambassador Ekholm.
She also discussed Sweden's triple helix model which allows the country's mining cluster to keep sustainable and environmentally friendly practices while maintaining global competitiveness. The triple helix model involves close collaboration between the government, private sector, and academe in mining research and innovation.
Swedish Best Practices in Sustainable Mining Operations
Swedish company ABB shared its experience working in the Philippine mining sector promoting efficient energy supply and driving circular mining activities. A panel discussion delved into the crucial role of technology adoption and collaborative partnerships in driving sustainable growth. Key industry players including Atlas Copco and Volvo Construction Equipment participated. For the Philippine side, the panel was represented by Executive Director Charmaine O. Capili of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association. Mr. Ronald Recidoro, Director of the Philippine Chamber of Mines moderated the panel discussions.
The panelists highlighted the importance of the role of technology such as the use of renewable energy and carbon capture in driving the mining industry's reduction of environmental footprint and contributing towards a more sustainable community and environment.
Building the Mines of the Future
The forum looked into the future of mining, zeroing into the role of digitalization, connectivity, and automation in boosting efficiency, productivity, and more importantly, safety in mining. A session led by Thomas Aiglsperger, Program Director of the Centre of Advanced Mining and Metallurgy and Associate Professor at Luleå University of Technology, and Assistant Prof. Christian Arranz from the University of the Philippines discussed the role of the academe in fostering innovation in the mining industry.
The professors shared that partnerships between mining companies and the academe and research hubs are essential since they enable knowledge exchange and innovation in mining. For example, Swedish mines allow students and researchers to conduct tests and experiments in their mines, and Swedish mining companies fund initiatives to promote research.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions and Ericsson both presented case studies with Sandvik sharing their experience working with a local mine and how their technology – telemetry, remote monitoring, and semiautomated underground machines – help in increasing efficiency and safety in a gold mine in the Philippines. Ericsson on the other hand, shared their unique experience working with the world's largest gold producer and the mine's journey to a smarter and safer mine through data and connectivity.
A second panel discussion was held wherein the panelists from Ericsson, Hexagon, and Axis Communications discussed the transformative role of digitalization and automation in improving safety protocols in mining. Engr. Luis Sarmiento, President of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, represented the Philippines on the panel.
The panelists emphasized the crucial role of stable digital connections when it comes to the safety of the miners. Digital and wireless innovations, such as 3D mapping and remote-controlled machinery, can help survey the safety of mines.
Representatives from the Philippine government and private sector reaffirmed their commitment to a strengthened collaboration with Sweden in the green transition.
Atty. Mike Toledo, Chairman of the Chamber of Mines, mentions that "Responsible mining compels us to carefully thread a balancing act extracting the minerals that are critical for energy transition while mitigating the effects of a tremendous amount of energy and other impacts of the environment required to extract those minerals."
"We must leverage our natural wealth responsibly and equitably, while ensuring that the socio-economic benefits of mining extend to all Filipinos, especially to the communities that host mining operations," says Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonio "Toni" Yulo-Loyzaga. "In this regard, we have a very keen interest in learning today from Sweden's long history and experience in promoting scientific advancement, transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the mining sector."
About the Embassy of Sweden in Manila
Sweden has had diplomatic relations with the Philippines since 1947. The Embassy’s main task is to represent Sweden in the Philippines and to strengthen the relations between the two countries. Its focus is on promoting trade and investment and building partnerships including security policy.
Website: swedenabroad.com/manila
Facebook: facebook.com/SwedeninManila
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/swedeninmnl
About Business Sweden
Business Sweden is the trade and invest council of the government of Sweden, with operations in more than 40 markets globally. Jointly owned by the Swedish government and the private sector, it has a unique mandate to help Swedish companies grow global sales and international companies invest and expand in Sweden.
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