MACO, DAVAO DE ORO – PMDC successfully organized a benchmarking activity focused on responsible mining practices taking place at the Apex Mining Company, Inc. (AMCI) minesite in Maco, Davao de Oro. This initiative is part of PMDC’s broader commitment to enhancing the Philippine mining industry’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting responsible, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable mining operations.
The benchmarking activity, which was held last July 7, 2025, was a cornerstone of PMDC’s advocacy to integrate best practices from industry leaders. Participants from PMDC’s top management, technical personnel, and community relations team, gathered to gain firsthand insights into AMCI’s responsible mining practices. AMCI’s approach to mining operations emphasizes safety, environmental protection, and community development, positioning it as a leading model for the extractive industry.
The event kicked off with a safety induction session and a short overview of AMCI’s Mine Operations. Additionally, participants were introduced to AMCI’s stringent occupational safety and health (OSH) protocols, including mandatory health examinations, PPE requirements, and emergency response preparedness prior to a visit to AMCI underground mine site, where participants observed various operational protocols in action.
One of the key highlights was the Mine Refuge Chamber, pictured above. It is a secure, self-sustained emergency shelter capable of housing up to 20 people for 24 hours during a crisis. This innovative feature ensures the safety of personnel in hazardous situations, embodying AMCI’s “Safety Comes First” philosophy. The team also witnessed the operation of boomer drill rigs, while preparing a tunnel face for blasting and excavation. Rock reinforcements were visible on the ceiling above the drill rig, another safety feature which ensures ground support.
Following the tour, AMCI presented additional best practices through audiovisual presentations and demonstrated their commitment to various aspects of responsible mining.
In 2023, the company’s Labor Management Cooperation was recognized by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) for its outstanding Labor Management Cooperation and Grievance Machinery. Their AMCINERO Labor Management Cooperation Committee was lauded for fostering harmonious relationships, dialogue, and effective communication, rooted in the Filipino value of “malasakit.”
AMCI is ISO 45001:2018 certified, an international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. With over 3,800 employees, AMCI consistently emphasizes that “safety comes first before business,” embodying the principle that “No task is so important and no service so urgent that it cannot be undertaken safely.” Their comprehensive Safety and Health Plan, exceeding 50 million pesos, was detailed to the team.
In relation to AMCI’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management, the safety department conducts daily weather monitoring due to the susceptibility of access roads and areas within the mine site to rockfalls, landslides, and flooding. Pertinent safety information, such as precipitation warnings and area restrictions, is immediately disseminated to personnel via centralized group chats in social media.
Another noteworthy innovation was AMCI’s partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide heavy equipment training on driving and operations. AMCI trainers use Epiroc simulators which enable trainees to gain hands-on experience in operating underground mining machinery in a risk-free environment.
Beyond technical innovations, AMCI’s commitment to community development and environmental conservation stood out. The company operates reforestation programs and has invested heavily — around 500 million pesos, as of 2025) — in social development initiatives that prioritize the well-being of host and neighboring communities. These programs ensure that AMCI’s mining operations benefit both the environment and local residents, preparing them for self-sufficiency after mining activities conclude.
The visit allowed the participants to see how the safety and health, environment, and social development plans, programs, and activities are integrated to form a cohesive and effective responsible mining framework, which PMDC can use as a blueprint for future implementation efforts in its tenurial properties.
As part of its continued commitment to improving mining operations across the country, PMDC is considering a follow-up visit to AMCI to dive deeper into their environmental enhancement and social development programs. Through this benchmarking initiative, PMDC aims to implement applicable best practices to ensure that in PMDC, mining operations not only meet regulatory standards but also foster economic, environmental, and social growth.