PMDC and Apex Mining representatives during the engagement, highlighting the strengthening of institutional partnership and knowledge-sharing for the BBSB initiative.
Date: August 17, 2026
Ortigas, Pasig City — August 17, 2026 — The Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), led by President and CEO Atty. Job Adrian M. Ambrosio, engaged Apex Mining Co., Inc. to learn from its experience in implementing the Big Brother–Small Brother (BBSB) Program. The engagement forms part of PMDC’s initiative to develop its own BBSB framework for appropriate mining projects.
Under the BBSB concept, established mining organizations provide technical, operational, safety and compliance support to qualified community-based groups, helping them develop the capability to participate responsibly in mineral development.
During the engagement, Apex shared practical lessons on mine development, drilling and blasting, hauling, supervision and safety controls. The discussions emphasized that proper training, competency, supervision and regulatory compliance must come before community participation in mining operations.
For PMDC, the program is intended to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, local communities and community enterprises to become capable and accountable partners in responsible mining. Participants may progressively build skills in governance, procurement, bookkeeping, safety, environmental stewardship and enterprise management.
Batong Buhay and Rogongon are among the PMDC areas being considered for possible site-specific applications of the framework. Lessons from these projects may help PMDC refine the program for possible application in other appropriate tenements.
Through the BBSB initiative, PMDC seeks to translate responsible mining into concrete opportunities for communities while maintaining safety, environmental protection, respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and compliance with Philippine mining laws and regulations.
Apex Mining shares the scope of work across the mining cycle, illustrating the operational activities and technical requirements that can inform PMDC’s site-specific BBSB framework.
Apex Mining presents its experience in working with small-scale mining associations under the BBSB approach, illustrating the potential of structured technical support and community partnership.