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Table of contents
Contents Page Nos.
Acknowledgement ................................... i
Letter transmittal .................................... ii
Objective of the report .................................... iii
Abstract .................................... iv
Introduction .................................... v
Part I – The Company .................................... 1
Site Location .................................... 1
Mission and vision statement .................................... 2
Core values .................................... 2
Corporate structure .................................... 3
Organizational structure .................................... 4
The Sto. Tomas II Ore Deposit .................................... 5
Location .................................... 5
Geology .................................... 6
Lithology .................................... 10
History and production .................................... 12-20
Mining method .................................... 21-32
Part II – Divisions and Departments .................................... 33
The administrative division .................................... 33
The human resource department .................................... 33
The safety department .................................... 33
The geology department .................................... 35
1
The Mine Division
A. Planning department .......................... 40
B. Mine development department .......................... 43
C. Mine production department .......................... 44
D. Mechanical/Electrical services Group ......................... 45
The Mill Division ........................... 46
A. Mill maintenance ........................... 46
B. Metallurgy department ............................. 46
C. Metallurgy test and research section ............................ 48
D. Mill Engineering section ............................. 48
E. Assay department ............................ 48
F. Tailings pond ........................... 49
2
Environmental and Community Relation
A. Environmental management ....................................
B. Labor relations ....................................
C. Community development ....................................
D. The security department ....................................
E. Major awards/citations ....................................
Part III-Appendix .......................................
A. Pictorials .......................................
B. Other documents ....................................
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The worth remembering experiences, the breath taking challenges, the learning
adventures - these would be nothing without the presence of the following persons whom I
awe a lot my thanks in allowing me to experience all of those first time and unforgettable
remarks in my life. Allow me to acknowledge the names of the following persons who serve
as my inspiration in accomplishing this terminal report. Without your presence, I would not
have a great on-the-job-training and this report would not have been written.
To our Heavenly Father, I am very much thankful for the ever burning guidance and
protection. Your presence serves as our provider of light when we are in darkness, our best
guide when we are lost and our savior when I am at risk.
To my family, Daddy Kid, Mamang Bon, Joy, Jr, and Jalal for their never ending love
and untiring support both in moral and financial aspects. You serve as my strength especially
when challenges come.
To Engr. Osita L. Catipay, Chair-Mining Engineering Department for giving us the
privilege to undergone the said Mine and Mill Practice in Philex. Even you are in difficulties
emotionally, your still always there for us as our second mother.
To Engr. Armando L. Malicse, for imparting his knowledge in safety and structural
geology. The lessons we took up give us an early overview on the different conditions in
underground.
To Engr. Ramon G. Roña, for the dedication in teaching the principles and theories
inside underground mining, rock mechanics and mineral exploration. Your teachings were
never been wasted as we applied it in underground duties.
To Engr. Samuel O. Tagsip, for sharing his knowledge in all metallurgical subjects.
Our discussions give us an edge from our fellows.
To Engr.Pepito T. Echavez, for imparting his knowledge in underground surveying. It
helped us to easily understand the activity procedures in the surveys underground.
To all the managers, supervisors, coordinators, miners, for all the knowledge and
information shared to us. Your enthusiasm and generosity are worth recognizing.
4
To Sir Cocoy and Ma’am Sherryl, for all the patience and in making this OJT
memorable.
To Mommy Julia, Mommy Julia, Mommy Louei, Mommy Weng, Mommy Marlyn
and Mommy Judith for the unconditional love and for the best effort you exerted just to meet
our wants.
To all my fellow OJTs, our bonding experiences, our cultural differences, our
exchange of laughter and unique individual characteristics made this whole training
unforgettable.
Especial mention to all my group mates whom I shared most of my time in my
underground duties, both in serious and funny moments. I will miss our stupid moments
underground. Thank you Joseph, Leomar, Vincent, Billy, Carol, Mark, and Earvin.
You will be always treasured and remembered.
5
ABSTRACT
The Mine and Mill Practices accomplished in Philex Mining Corporation in Padcal,
Tuba , Benguet, which lasted for 45 days was chiefly the application of the theories and
lectures studied from school. This report discusses the history of Philex Mining Corporation
and its ore body, which is the Sto. Thomas II and three main divisions of operation were
tackled.
In Mine Divisions, the paper focuses on the mine planning and design, development
and production of the mine with some figures, tables and plans.
In Geology Division, the district and regional setting of the ore body were presented
with the help of cross-sections, figures and maps. It also comprises of lectures regarding the
exploration, mineralogy and petrography, ore reserve, underground sampling and mapping,
diamond drilling and core logging and engineering geology.
In Metallurgical Division, the milling process undergone by the proper run of mine ore
from the primary crusher up to its concentrate and how the valuable metal contained in the ore
were treated to be able to separate from its gangue.
6
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING
To become green and responsible mineral extraction company is a greatest challenge
to all mining companies here in the Philippines. This is to answer the challenge given by anti-
mining organizations. Today is the best time for everyone in the mining industry to stand and
open the mine of those one sided individuals.
MINING, as one of the basic industry responsible for the development of the modern
civilization, is also held as the prime mover that leads man to technology advancement.
Since minerals, the basic raw materials for technological manufacturing, are nowhere to
found, explorations and development have always been found.
The prime purpose of this report is to acquire knowledge, information and skills in
different aspects based on the actual observation on the daily activities in mining operation
during the forty five days of training at Philex Mining Corporation. Through this training, the
student trainee were exposed and became aware to all actual events that occur in the field and
became motivated in pursuing the chosen careers.
Having enough knowledge in mining operations and became exposed in one of the most
known responsible mining company of the country, the trainees are assumed to be prepared
on their role as one of the prime movers and good ambassador for green mining.
This report aims to impart knowledge to the interested readers especially the Mining
Engineering students who wish and plan to undergo their Summer Mine and Mill practice in
Philex Mining Corporation.
7
INTRODUCTION
Mine and Mill Practice is a pre-requisite subject in compliance in the Bachelor of
Science in Mining Engineering course. This 6-unit subject undertaking is offered every
summer term intended to pre-senior student and served as the actual application of the
theories learned from school for it to be more effective. Its prime purpose is to expose the
students to the actual scenario of his/her profession.
And so this year, eight (8) of the Cebu Institute of Technology - University Mining
Engineering pre-senior students were sent to undergo their Mine and Mill practice at Philex
Mining Corporation in Padcal, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines.
Truly, Philex Mining Corporation is a “gift of God, a work of Man”, striving to
become a world-class mineral extracting company.
In order to share our experiences especially to the Mining Engineering students who
have not yet undergo their practice, the students consolidated all they had learned about the
company to generate this report. This is based on the students’ observations and evaluations
during the actual operation. This report will serve as guide to the succeeding trainees.
8
GENERAL TRAINING SCHEDULE
Area / Activity Duration Schedule Date
Processing of Papers 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM April 10, 2012
Policy Orientation
a. Philex (History, VMG, etc)
b. Security
c. Camp Administration
d. Community Development
e. Environment
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM April 11, 2012
Safety Policies / Productivity 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM April 12, 2012
Community Development / Forestry and
Tailing Pond Tour7:00 AM - 4:00 PM April 13, 2012
Geology / Exploration Exposure 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM April 14, 2012
Rest Day April 15, 2012
MINE PLANNING AND DESIGN
SECTION(c/o BS PALMA)
8 hrs.x 2 days
=16hrs.April16-17, 2012
MINE SURVEYING SECTION(c/o R.S
FIDELLO)
8 hrs. x 2 days=16
hrs.
April 18-19,
2012
DRAW CONTROL SECTION (c/o BL
Tamargo)
8 hrs. x 2 days=16
hrs.
9
April 20-21,
2012
April 22-23,
Rock Mechanics Section (c/o J.E AGUSTIN)8 hrs.x 2 days= 16
hrs.
Mine Development (c/o Shift Managers and
Development Supervisors)
Vertical Driving 3 daysApril 24 – 26,
2012
Horizontal Driving and Rock Bolting 3 daysApril 27 – 29,
2012
Rock Support Installation 3 daysApril 30-May02,
2012
Fanhole Drilling 4 daysMay 03 – May
06, 2012
Mine Production (c/o Shift Managers and
Production Supervisors)
Rock breaking 3 daysMay 07 – 09,
2012
Ore Extraction/Scooping/LHD 3 daysMay 10 – 12,
2012
Operation Ore Rehandling 4 daysMay 13 – 16,
2012
CHC and FBC Operation 3 daysMay 17 – 19,
2012
10
ASSAY Lab (c/o E.A Aquino)2 days x 8 hrs. = 16
hrs.
May 20 – 21,
2012
Mill Plant 1 day May 22, 2012
Terminal Report Writing 1 day May 23, 2012
Evaluation 1 day May 24, 2012
Panel Interview 1 day May 25, 2012
Home Sweet Home May 26, 2012
I. The Company
Company Profile
Name of Company: Philex Mining Corporation
Address: Camp 3, Tuba, Padcal, Benguet
Telephone Number: (0919)24208126 or (074)4427278
Fax Number: (0973)729161
Company Classification: Mining Company
Year Incorporated: 1955
Location of Mill Plant: Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet
Location of Mine Camp: The Mine Camp is 17 aerial kilometers southeast of Baguio City
Name of Orebody: Sto. Tomas II Orebody
Type of Mineralization: Porphyry Copper
11
Products: Copper (main), Gold and Silver (by-products)
Mining Method: Underground Block Caving using Load-Haul-Dump
Market: Pasar, Leyte/Centrotrade, Japan
Year Operation Started: 1958
Initial Ore Reserve: 18.0 million metric tons with 0.90%Cu and 0.977gram Au/ton
Initial and Present Production Rate: 800 tons per day and 26,000 MT per day respectively
Vision Statement
To be highly respected word-class natural resource company committed to
deliver excellent value to its investors, employees and other stakeholders.
Mission Statement
We are a responsible mining corporation that discovers and processes minerals
and energy resources for the use of society.
Core Values
Work Excellence
Produces work results in a timely accurate and safe manner
Constantly learns, innovates, amends, and improves services and processes
Consistently delivers superior quality of work
12
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Shows genuine concern toward its host communities to improve quality of life
Supports and practices the environment, safety, and health guidelines of Philex Mining
Corporation
rkActively participates in the company’s community development and environment
programs
Integrity
Practices honesty and sincerity in word and deed
Honors commitments
Speaks up when situations warrant commendation or correction
Teamwork
Listens to and considers ideas or points of view of others
Extends help while respecting the roles of others in doing the job
Acknowledges team effort in success and collective responsibility over failure
Respect for Individuals
Practices gender and cultural sensitivity
Shows an authentic concern to promote individual welfare
Examines own biases and behavior to avoid judgmental reactions
13
Corporate Responsibility
Advocates Philex as a responsible mining company
Manifests core values in both professional and personal circumstances
Upholds the Philex Code of Conduct
HISTORY OF THE MINE
Philex Mining Corporation was incorporated in 1955. It is one of ther elatively new
large-scale mining companies in Benguet. Lepanto Mining Corporation operating in the
Municipality of Mankayan, for example, has been in Benguet since 1936 while Benguet
Corporation (known as Benguet Consolidated Mining Company in 1906 and Benguet Gold
Mines in 1903) has been in Benguet for more than 100 years.
14
Figure 1. Incorporation and ownership of Philex Mining Corporation
From incorporation of Philex Mining Corporation in 1955, mill and mineconstruction
commenced. Mineral production started in 1958 at 800 tons per day.However, mill capacity
was at 2,000 tons per day. Company data reported to theSecurities and Exchange Commission
say that ore extracted and processed from1958 was 332.2 million tons by 2008 and produced
897.4 million kilograms ofcopper, 162.2 million grams of gold, and 177.9 million grams of
silver.
Company data say that, as of 31 December 2006, total ore milled reached311 million
metric tons and generated US$2.7 billion through exports. A 26February 2005 report of The
SunsStar says that from a deposit of 18 million tonsand after mine and mill expansion, Philex
Mines mined and milled a total of293.6 million tons of ore over 47 years, from 1958 to 2005.
Philex generated atotal of US2.6 billion through exports during the period. Further, during the
47years, SunStar also say that the company produced 3.248 million dry metric tonsof
concentrate consisting of 824 million kilograms of copper, 146.9 millionkilogram of gold, and
163 million kilograms of silver.
15
The main site of Philex mining operations, from its establishment until today, is the
Sto. Tomas II ore body in Pacdal, Tuba, Benguet. Pacdal Mine, as the mining site is also
known, used to be a completely logged-out old sawmill.
Figure 2. Production in 1958 started at 800 tons per day
16
Figure 3. Philex Pacdal area In 1958
Philex Mines is proud to be the first mining company in the Philippines to have earned
the International Standard Organization (ISO) 14001 certification, making Philex the first
Philippine mining company to earn the certification. Philex claims to have successfully
reforested watershed, open, denuded, and poorly stacked forestlands with an area of 1,540
hectares as of 2005.
SITE LOCATION
Philex Mining Corporation’s mine site is located at the southern tip of the central
Cordillera, straddling the municipalities of Tuba and Itogon, Benguet. It is about seventeen
(17) aerial kilometres south – southeast of Baguio City and lies at an elevation of 1500 meters
above sea level. Access from Baguio City is via thirty two (32) kilometers well – paved road
with a travel time of one hour. Philex Mining Corporation was incorporated in the Philippines
in 1955 to engage in mining activities. Its shares are listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange
while shares of its 81% - owned gold subsidiary, Philex Gold, Inc., are listed in the TSX
Venture Exchange.
The Company has operated the Sto. Tomas II copper-gold-silver deposit at Padcal,
Tuba, Province of Benguet for about 49 years. The Padcal mine was the first block cave
operation in the Far East. Total ore mined to year-end 2007 was 314.05 million tonnes, with a
metal production of 858.16 million kilograms (1,895.24 million pounds) of copper
concentrate, 153.05 million grams (4,923.80 thousand ounces) of gold and 169.26 million
grams (5,453.50 thousand ounces) of silver in concentrate and bullion form. The Padcal mine
is the only remaining copper-gold operation in the Philippines.
17
The total land area applied of Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) was
14,256 hectares, area covered by mining claims was 14,085 hectares, and an area lease
contract was 342.85 hectares. The developed areas affected by operations which include
subsidence, ore body, tailings pond, residential area, school, recreational and industrial areas
covered a total area of 580 hectares. The Philex Management is totally committed to the
protection of its environment and showed deep concern to the welfare of its employees and
dependents as well.
Physiography and Climate
The locale is very rugged, where the mine site lies at an elevation of 1,500 meters
above sea level and depicted by steep and gentle slopes varying in different parts. The climate
is cool and invigorating with the rains coming mostly between the rainy seasons of June and
October. Occasional typhoons occur in the area annually with 500 mm average rainfall.
Several tributaries of Agno River (Albian Creek) occurred. Bued River and Toboy River were
drained to the eastern, western, and southern areas respectively. Vegetation is mostly pine
trees.
Mining Claims
The total land area applied in Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) was
14,256 hectares, area covered by mining claims is 14,085 hectares and an area lease contract
is 342.85 hectares. Developed areas affected by operations which include the subsidence, ore
body area, tailings pond, residential area, school and recreation and industrial areas cover a
total area of 580 hectares.
18
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND STAFF
(As of February 15, 2012)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Manuel V. Pangilinan
Chairman
Juan B. Santos
Vice Chairman
Eliza R. Antonino
Eulalio B. Austin, Jr.
Emilio S. De Quiros, Jr.
Oscar J. Hilado (Independent)
Robert C. Nicholson
Wilfredo A. Paras (Independent)
Edward A. Tortorici
Marilyn A. Victorio-Aquino
19
OFFICERS
(As of February 15, 2012)
20
Manuel V. Pangilinan Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive
Juan B. SantosVice Chairman
Eulalio B. Austin, Jr. President and Chief
Operating Officer
Barbara Anne C.
MigallosCorporate Secretary
Guadaflor C. Malonzo Assistant Corporate
Secretary
CONSULTANT
Rogelio G. Laraya, PhDSenior Adviser
Renato N. MigriñoTreasurer
Chief Finance OfficerSenior Vice President
Denis Ricardo G. LucindoVice President for Business
Development
Enrique C. Rodriguez, Jr. Vice President for Legal
Libby R. Ricafort Vice President Resident Manager , Padcal Operations
Redempta P. Baluda Vice President for
Exploration
Edgardo C. CrisostomoVice President for
Administrationand Materials Management
Victor A. FranciscoVice President for Environment and
Community Relations
PASIG HEAD OFFICE AND PADCAL OPERATIONSSTAFF
21
PADCAL OPERATIONS
Vergel T. AgatepGroup Manager - Mine Mechanical
Eduardo M. AratasDivision Manager - Legal
Anselmo T. RangesGroup Manager - Central Mechanical
& Electrical Services
Jocelyn B. GalaponGroup Manager - Geology &
Exploration
Roy P. MangaliDivision Manager - Mine
Joel S. Son Group Manager - Safety
Geraldine B. Ateo-an
Group Manager – Internal Audit
Noel C. Oliveros
Division Manager - Exploration
Victor B. MaglambayanDivision Manager - Exploration
PASIG HEAD OFFICE
Paraluman M. Navarro
Division Manager - Corporate FinanceEdgar L. Prangan
Division Manager - Safety/Loss Control
Elisa R. DungcaDivision Manager - InformationTechnology & Investor Relations
Vicente L. Servidad
Group Manager-Corporate
Environment & Community Relations
Reynold V. YabesGroup Manager - Mill Operations &
Maintenance
Andres C. Zabala(11) Group Manager - Human Resources
Roselyn M. Dahilan Group Manager – Padcal Finance
Eileen C. Rodriguez
Group Manager – Corporate Treasury
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
As of May 25, 2010
22
PHILEX CORPORATE STRUCTURE (As of May 23, 2011)
100%
100%
10.31%
18.46%
51.24%
38.82%
25.63%
23
PHILEX MINING CORPORATION
SILANAGAN MINDANAO MINING CO., INC
(Philippines)
PHILEX GOLD HOLDINGS, INC.
(Philippines)
PHILEX GOLD PHILIPPINES
(Philippines)
SILANGAN MINDANAO EXPLORATION CO., INC.
(Philippines)
FORUM ENERGY PLC
(United Kingdom)
PHILEX PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Philippines)
PETROENERGY RESOURCES CORP.
(Philippines)
BRIXTON ENERGY & MINING CORP.
(Philippines)
FEC RESOURCES, INC.
(Canada)
PITKIN PETROLEUM PLC
(United Kingdom)
40%
100%
100%
60%
83.33%
16.67%
Corporate Structure
According to the 2009 report of independent auditors (SGV & Co/Ernst &Young) and
other documents of the Philex Mining Corporation:
Philex Mining Corporation (see www.philexmining.com.ph) was incorporated in the
Philippines in 1958. It is a parent company with thefollowing direct subsidiaries (the parent
company and its direct subsidiary are oftentimes referred to as the Philex Group):
1) Philex Gold Philippines, Inc.: PGPI is an 81%-owned subsidiary of theparent company
through holding companies and incorporated in thePhilippines. However, PGPI was
incorporated under the laws of Alberta,Canada and is primarily engaged in the exploration
and development ofoil, gas, and minerals.
2) Brixton Energy & Mining Corporation: BEMC is a wholly ownedsubsidiary of the parent
company and incorporated in the Philippines
3) Philex Petroleum Corporation: Philex Petroleum is a 51%-ownedsubsidiary of the parent
company and was incorporated in thePhilippines
4) FECR (formerly Forum Energy Corporation, see www.fecresources.comand
www.sedar.com): FECR is a 50.67%-owned subsidiary of the parentcompany and
incorporated under the laws of Alberta, Canada.
24
The parent company or Philex Mining Corporation, Philex GoldPhilippines, Inc. (PGPI) and
its subsidiaries, and Brixton Energy & MiningCorporation are primarily in large-scale
exploration, development, andutilization of mineral resources.
The parent company (Philex Mining Corporation) operates the Padcal Mine in Benguet.
Philex Mining Corporation and subsidiaries derived their income mainly from the Padcal
Mine. Income from petroleum operations and other sources are insignificant to Philex Mining
Company and subsidiaries asof March 2009. Padcal Mine is on its 51st year of operation
producing copper,gold, and silver as its principal products.
PGPI operated the Bulawan Mine in Negros Occidental until the second quarter of 2002.
PGPI appears to have its own subsidiaries and this is asubject for further inquiry. PGPI has a
number of mineral properties throughout the Philippines at various stages of exploration. Its
focus since2001, however, has been on its “North property” where the Boyongan deposit, a
major copper-gold porphyry in Surigao del Norte, was discovered in August 2000 through a
joint venture with Anglo American Exploration Philippines B.V. (Anglo). PGPI owns the
Boyongan deposit.
BEMC has a coal property under pre-development in Zamboanga del Norte.ATM/LGI a.
boquiren May 2009 [email protected]
Philex Petroleum Corporation and FECR are engaged in oil and gasoperation and
exploration activities. Both participate in oil and gasproduction and exploration activities
through investee companies.
FECR owns 29.78% of Forum Energy Plc or FEP (FEP can be searched in Google Finance
and http://investing.businessweek.com. FEP is a United Kingdom company incorporated in
April 2005 through the consolidation of the Philippine assets of Forum Energy Corporation
and Sterling Energy Plc(“SEY”) of the UK. FEP has just closed a US$6.2 million pre-IPO
financing
25
and a US$19.35 million IPO financing and is listed on the AIM market of the London stock
exchange. FEP has a portfolio of oil and gas exploration projects in the Philippines. The
portfolio includes contracts with existing infrastructure, production, and proven hydrocarbon
potential. FEP also holds coal operation contracts in Central and Southern Cebu.
Lascogon Mining Corporation (LMC) was incorporated in 2005 to engage inthe
exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources.
Philippine Gold Mining Company B.V. (PGMC-BV): incorporated in Netherlands. This
company has been the intermediary holding company ofPhilex Gold Inc (source: page 5 of the
SGV & Co/Ernst and Young Independent Auditors Report to stockholders).ATM/LGI a.
boquiren May 2009 [email protected] other subsidiaries of Philex Mining
Corporation are:
Philex Land, Inc. (PLI): engaged in the business of owning, using,developing, subdividing,
selling, exchanging, leasing, and holding real estateof all kinds covering buildings, houses,
apartments, and other structure
Fidelity Stock Transfer, Inc. (FSTI): agency firm for stock transfers.
Philex Insurance Agency, Inc. (PIAI): general agent for domestic and foreign companies in
the non-life insurance business. However, this company was reported to be dormant. In its
report to the stockholders of Philex Mining Corporation (the report was also forwarded to the
Securities and Exchange Commission in 2009), SGV & Co and Ernst and Young in early
2009 reported that the following constitutes the ownership of firms of the Philex group.
26
STO. TOMAS II ORE DEPOSIT
LOCATION
The Sto. Tomas II ore body of Philex Mining Corporation is deposited at the southern
tip of the Luzon Central Cordilleras about 17 aerial kilometres south-southeast of Baguio
City. It is located at Brgy. Padcal, Tuba, Benguet. Access to the mine site is a 32-km company
road of about an hour to drive. Within the Mine site is a private own community and it is free
in water and electric supply as one of the community development programs of the company.
27
GEOLOGY
The mountain ranges of Northern Luzon, of which the site of Philex mining operation
is part, belongs to a volcanic arc terrain. Gold and copper mineralization is often associated
with volcanic rocks as well as with faults in the earth’s crust. In fact, the location of the ore
body that is the main subject of mining operations by Philex is actually crissed-crossed by
fault lines. The most not able of the fault lines are the Albian and Sta. Fe faults.
Thus, it is not be surprising for Philex gold and/or copper production to be associated
with geo-hazard risks vis-à-vis volcanic or earthquake activity.
Figure 16. Site of Philex mining operations and fault lines
28
Figure 14 below gives us a close-up of the Sto. Tomas Ore body that is the main site
of Philex mining operation.
Figure 17. Philex Mining company illustration of Phlox ore body: Sto. Tomas ore
body is directly along the Albian and Sta. Fe faults
As indicated by the figure above, the Sto. Tomas Ore Body of Philex Mines lies
directly along the path of the Albian and Sta. Fe fault lines. A sharp movement along the fault
line can result to a geological disaster.
In the future, we will analyze Figure 14 further as we compare the map with ground
data. We will also analyze deeper all the figures in this work as they are probably indicative
of the risks to the environment posed by the Philex mining operations. The figures in this
work probably contain information more than what are obvious.
29
Figure 18 indicate the proximity of the Philex milling plant to the Sto. Tomas II ore
body. The ore body is actually the site of the old open pit mining of Philex. Underneath the
site of the old open pit mine, Philex underground mining continues.
Figure 18. Vertical section of Sto. Tomas II ore body and milling plant: blue blocks
are mined-out, red blocks are producing, and green block is virgin.
30
Figure 19. Location of Philex ore body: Philex Mines’ PowerPoint above suggest s
that the Sto. Tomas ore body is approximately at N16º16’ E120º32’. However, adiscussed in
Chapter 5, the ore body is likely at 16º15’45.62” North 120º37’18.87” East
31
LITHOLOGY
A. Rock Types
Host Rocks Age Radiometric Dating
Zircon Fission Track
Dating
(Dr. J.F. Lovering)
K-Ar Dating
(Teledyne Isotope
Ltd.)
Meta-andesite and Meta-
sediments
Paleogene - -
Intrusive
Andesite Porphyry Early
Pleistocene
1.4 + 0.4 Myrs
1.4 – 0.4 Myrs
1.9 + 0.5 Myrs
1.9 – 0.5 Myrs
Clear Diorite Late Pliocene 2.0 + 0.5 Myrs
2.0 – 0.5 Myrs
-
Dark Diorite Late Miocene - 3.8 + 1.1 Myrs
Description of Lithology
1. Andesite Porphyry: located within the center of the orebody and represents the “low grade”
ore. It is porphyritic in texture with diagnostic subrounded plagioclase phenocrysts, light gray
in color and weak mineralized.
2. Clear Diorite: light gray in color, fine to medium grained in texture with quartz, plagioclase
and as primary minerals. This rock unit is less mineralized as compared to dark diorite.
3. Dark Diorite: this is the oldest of the intrusive complex and the most mineralized and altered.
It is usually dark-colored, fine grained quartz diorite porphyry. The primary minerals are
quartz, plagioclase, hornblende and magnetite and secondary biotite disseminations.
32
4. Meta-sediments: this is the country rock unit belonging to the Zigzag-Pugo formations of the
Baguio District. It consists of regionally metamorphosed andesite and tuffaceous rocks with
intercalated sediments. The texture is variable ranging from aphanitic to porphyritic and
hornfelsic. It is usually dark in color. Mineralization near to a maximum radius of about 200
meters from the contract.
B. Geologic Structures
The orebody is pipe-like and almost vertical with lateral dimension of 500 meters and by
550 meters and a vertical column of 730 meters. At the top of the deposit had its outcrop at
the headwaters of Toboy River and Albian Creek with an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea
level.
The complex stocks of quartz diorite porphyries (1 – 2 million years by Fission Track
Dating) intruded into the Zigzag-Pugo Formation along the northeast trending steeply dipping
Albian Fault in four episodes of intrusion and associated mineralization. These intrusions are
classified from the oldest to youngest as dark diorite, clear diorite, andesite porphyry, and
hornblende andesite porphyry.
C. Orebody Geometry
Length : 550 meters
Width : 500 meters
Height : 730 meters
Shape : pipe-like
Altitude : Vertical, Tapers to the North
D. Ore Characteristics
Above 110 ML or Gypsum Line Fragmentation: RQD < 50
33
Below Gypsum Line Massive with RMR: 55 RQD > 75
E. Ore Reserve
Total since 1957 Remaining as of Jan. 1, 2001
MillionDMT 367.612 125,483
% Cu 0.310 0.282
gAu/DMT 0.626 0.674
F. Ore Distribution
Level M DMT % Cu gAu/ton Meta-volcanics Intrusive
975 ML 5.508 0.245 0.718 75% 25%
908 ML 29.869 0.284 0.593 65% 35%
863 ML 51.933 0.280 0.591 60% 30%
773 ML 38.173 0.290 0.843 75% 25%
745 ML 125.483 0.282 0.674
G. Dominant Alteration Minerals
Ore Zone Quartz, Secondary Biotite, Anhydrite,
34
Serecite, Magnetite
Fringe Zone Quartz, Chlorite, Epidote, Magnetite,
Pyrite
The host of mineralization is mainly the hornblende quartz diorite porphyry, the
Metavolcanics and, to a lesser degree, the other intrusive rocks. The K-Ar age of the
hydrothermal alteration and mineralization was estimated to be 1.5 ± 0.4 Ma. The orebody is
cylindrical/ pipe like and almost vertical with lateral dimensions of 400 meters by 500 meters
and vertical extent of 700 meters (Imai, 2001). Alteration is typical of porphyry copper
deposits. Main alteration assemblage associated with copper-sulfide mineralization is quartz -
biotite-chlorite. Hydrothermal alterations observed are silicification, biotization, sericitization,
propylitization, pyritization and sulfatization. Silicification, generally observed in the quartz
diorite porphyry and metavolcanics, occurs in the form of stockwork and fissure-filling
veinlets, and vug-filling quartz crystals.
H. Mineralogy and Petrography
Primary ore minerals are chalcopyrite and bornite (1 – 2%) with associated gold and silver
and trace of palladium-bearing carried by quartz and anhydrite stock works. Native gold
occurs mainly with copper sulfides either locked or along grain boundaries and also interstitial
to gangue minerals like quartz and anhydrite.
Alteration is typical to porphyry copper deposits. Main alteration assemblage associated
with copper-sulfide mineralization is quartz-biotite-chlorite. Orthoclase that is characteristic
of potassic zone is absent. Sericite is weak and actinolite is also noted.
5. Hypogene Copper Minerals – chalcopyrite and bornite
6. Sulfide Mode Occurrence – fracture fillings and stockworks associated with quartz and
anhydrite as disseminations.
35
7. Gold Occurrence – free gold associated with chalcopyrite and bornite; 80% recovered with Cu
concentrate; 20% from gravity.Altitude: vertical, tapers to the north
MINING METHOD/PROCESSING
The mining method applied in Philex Mining Corporation is Block Caving System.
Slusher’s winches and recently load-haul-dump (LHD) units are used for ore extraction and
feeder and conveyor belts for ore transport. This method is used to partly cut off thick block
of ore from surrounding blocks by series of drills, as one above the other, or by boundary
shrinkage stopes. It is then undercut by removing a slice of ore or a series of slices separated
by small pillars underneath the block. The isolated, unsupported portion of the block of ore
breaks and caves under its own weight. Gravity forces in the order of millions of tons act on
the rock masses, and successive fracturing occurs, affecting the entire block. As the rock
pressure increases at the bottom of the block, the ore crushes to a fragmentation that allows
removal through draw points. Philex adapted the block caving for it is suitable for the geology
of the site.
The mine operated for the first two years a small open pit and shifted to underground
block caving using slusher and LHD extraction system respectively.
1. Slusher System (1963 – 1996)
The method generally consists of driving a series of spaced openings called the slusher
lines and are laid out in a north-south orientation. At the upper level of 1020 ML, ore is drawn
by full gravity and slushed by 0.90 metric tons capacity buckets which are pulled by a 36 Hp
slusher winches through short transfer raises to 1015 ML. These are loaded into 0.80 cubic
meters bottom-dump mine cars and transported by 25-ton diesel locomotives along the 3 km
stretch to the dump bin. However, the railroad hauling system was placed out last February
1997 as all the slusher blocks at 1020 ML have been depleted. Ore from the slusher blocks at
908 ML is slushed through long transfer raises and loaded into the feeder belts and eventually
to the dump bin via CHC system
2. Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) System (1996 – present)
36
Due to the increasing hardness of the ore at depth and water-related problems that
adversely affected the operation, the company has emerged in terms of mechanization. With
this, hydraulic jumbo drills for development activities and LHD units for ore extraction
replaced the conventional rock drills. This method can draw coarsely fragmented ore at high
production rate. The ore is drawn from draw points with wider openings by LHD equipment.
The lower levels particularly at 908 ML are laid out in an east-west orientation. These are
driven at an interval distance of 26 meters center to center.
The fallen ore is extracted from the draw crosscuts by the LHD’s and dump into the
grizzlies equipped with mechanical breakers. The sized ore travels into a long transfer raises
and conveyed to cabled belt conveyors through feeder belts.
Figure 21. Characteristics of Philex ore body: massive
37
Figure 22. Overview on mining and milling method at Philex-Pacdal
Figure 23. Philex mining method 1958-1963: open pit mining
38
Figure 24. Philex mining 1963-1996: block caving-slusher method
39
Figure 25. Philex mining 1996-present: block caving with load-haul-dump
Sun Star (2 February 2005) describes the LHD or load, haul, and dump of the Philex
mining method this way: ore is drawn by the load haul-dump or LHD units then transported to
the mill through cable belt conveyor system, 2.7 kilometers away from the ore body. Sun Star
reports further that the milling process of Banguet Concentrator utilizes three stages of
crushing that creates a final product of copper concentrate described as “73% minus 10 mm.”
Developing mines from which ores can be gathered involves the following processes:
horizontal and vertical driving, installation of rock support, drilling of fan holes, excavation of
trenches, and undercutting. Figures 26-31 are illustrative
Figure 26. Overview on Philex mine development
40
Figure 27. Horizontal driving in Philex mine development
41
Figure 28. Vertical driving in Philex mine development
42
Figure 29. Installing rock support in Philex mine development
43
Figure 30. Drilling of fan holes in Philex mine development
44
Figure 31. Drawpoints for ore in mine development
After a mine has been developed, production commences. Production involves
scooping, breaking rocks to get the ore, handling the ore, crushing the ore, and conveying the
ore. Figures 32-34 are illustrative.
45
46
Figure 33. Ore extraction method
47
48
49
Figure 35. Subsidence at the ore body in mine operation
Figure 36. Backfilling operations on subsidence
50
As discussed earlier, Figure 17 indicate that the Sto.Tomas II ore body is along the
Albian and Sta. Fe faults. Based on Figures35 and 36 above and Figure 37, it is clear that the
block caving-LHD mining method currently used by Philex mines involve the backfilling of
subsidence areas. An important question to ask, therefore, is: what are the risks and how can
we monetize the value of the risks involved in Philex mining given that the country lie along
the Pacific ring of fire that is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and given that the Philex ore
body are crisscrossed by two fault lines?
Figure 37. Backfilling above active mining area
51
Figure 38. Milling flow sheet and transport to Poro Point for Japan or Leyte
52
COMPANY DIVISIONS AND DEPARTMENTS
THE ADMINISTRATION DIVISION
The Administrative Division support the company’s operations by maintaining
harmonious labor and management relation through effective and efficient personnel
administration, man power training and development, health management, industrial relation
and public system.
THE HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
The department of Human Resource and Development was created to be responsible
for implementing further the training and the evaluation program of the company.
The program was fashioned to train employees to SOP’s which the company hopes to
push and maintain. It uses functional, personal and environmental standards as the mode for
judging the performance of an employee.
Special training sessions and seminars were conducted for further I’m ensure the prove
and develop overall performance of individual workers in the company. Thru training and
learning, Philex Mining Corporation had develop the Human Resource Development Center
to ensure the employees of all levels and be able to acquire all skills old or near for the
betterment of not only the company but also the individual growth of the worker.
THE SAFETY DEPARTMENT
S- ound judgement
A-lways
F- oresight
E- xtreme caution
T- hink
Y- ou
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Function of the department of safety as:
1. Maintenance of good working environment on the job site.
2. Monitoring through the establishment of accident rate reports, accident case analysis and use
of standards statistic system.
3. Training of supervisors and workers with the safety practices and procedures (first aid, mine
rescue, fire prevention and others).
4. Promotion of safety through contents, printing of papers or handouts, production of posters
and road signs and others.
5. Preparation of accident records of employees with accompanying analysis.
The frequency rate remarkably improve from 3.42 in 2005 to 2.89 in 2006; however
incidence rate per million man hours slightly increase from 5.06 in 2005 to 5.30 in 2006. The
company-wide safety audit system is continuously implemented in pursuit to an accident free
operation.
Top Ten Basic Safety Rules
1. Follow instructions; don’t take chances, if you don’t know..ask.
2. Correct on report unsafe condition.
3. Help keep everything clean and orderly.
4. Use the right tools and equipment for the right job; use them safely.
5. Report all injuries; get first aid promptly.
6. Use, adjust and repair equipment only when authorized.
7. Uses prescribe protective equipment; wear safe clothing; keep them in good condition.
8. Don’t horseplay; avoid distracting others.
9. When lifting, bend your knees; get help for heavy loads.
10. Comply with all safety rules and signs.
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25 General Safety Policies:
1. An employee shall report to work well rested and not under the influence of any intoxicating
liquor or prohibited drugs.
2 The employees should work using proper clothing, shoes or boots, and skull guards whenever
it is required.
3 An employee shall qualified and/or experienced or have general knowledge to perform the
particular work he was assigned.
4 An employee shall study the job carefully to determine all the hazards present and see that all
necessary safeguards and safety devices are provided to protect his self and other workmen.
5 He shall examine safety devices before they are used to make sure that they are in good
condition and that the proper device shall be used.
6 He shall faithfully observe all rules and regulations pertaining to safety and sanitation.
7 An employee shall submit himself to physical examination as the employer may require.
8 He shall follow instructions given by the operating staff and the safety department.
9 He shall not enter areas known to be dangerous or pass through danger signs without proper
authority.
10 An employee is not allowed to linger in any part of the plant or any working area after the end
of the shift.
11 He shall be forbidden to interfere with, remove, displace, damage or destroy any safety device
or other personal protective equipment furnished for his protection or for the protection of
others.
12 He shall promptly report all unsafe and unsanitary conditions to his supervisor.
13 He shall assist his fellow workmen in the prevention of accidents and warn them on
dangerous conditions.
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14 He shall attend safety meetings conducted by the management.
15 An employee shall not be allowed to ride on any company vehicle unless he is authorized to
use it.
16 He shall immediately administer first aid if qualified, to an injured workman or get in touch
with the nearest first aid station.
17 He shall take care of inflammable materials in such a way as to minimize fire hazards.
18 He shall report to his supervisor in any injury sustained while performing his regular duty in
the company no matter how slight it is. This must be done twenty-four hours.
19 He shall not be permitted to enter with or carry intoxicated liquor, drugs or deadly weapons
into any working area.
20 An employee is not allowed to sleep in any working area either on or off duty.
21 He shall watch out for any moving machines while in the performance of his work.
22 He shall pass or work under power shovels and other parts of the machines.
23 He shall not horseplay so as to prevent from accident and not to distract others from doing
their work.
24 An employee shall lift with his knees bend in carrying heavy loads.
25 An employee shall comply with all safety rules and regulations mentioned.
Safety Performance Analysis
1. Accidents happened commonly from the Mine Division, VP/RM Group, Mill Division and
Contract Group.
2. Injuries are commonly cause by truck by, Pinning, Rock fall and Structure against.
3. Accident are commonly caused by:
a. Failure to secure due to poor judgement.
b. Improper position for task due to overconfidence.
c. Failure to assess hazard due to violation by SOP/SSP.
56
4. Accident commonly occur during the following work activities;
a. Working/handling on suspended load.
b. Grougnd support particularly on timbering and rock bolting.
THE GEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The Geology Department of Philex Mining Corporation is the primary life of the
mine. Without its existence, the mine would not probably survive for long. The Geology
Department engages in the pursuit of finding ore and affirming the presence of such ores.
Because it is a fact that the ore being mined out is irreplaceable, the Geology Department
exerts its utmost effort in knowing the geological characteristic off Philex ore body. Another
significant function of this department is to find new minable deposits in other parts of the
country.
General Objectives:
The primary objective of the Geology Department is:
1. The increase of the ore reserve by finding the possible extension of present ore body and by
finding new ore bodies in the immediate vicinity.
2. The availability of accurate geological data such as:
a. Mineralogy and grade of ore
b. Rock mechanics or geotechnical descriptions
c. Structural and hydrological information.
These are needed in the improvement of mining and milling operations, in the
optimization of extraction and recovery and in the promotion of safety in the underground and
surface development.
3. Prompt warning and advice to the operation of potential geologic problems or effect of the
geological activity and legality of existing mining claims.
4. Maintenance of the validity and legality of existing mining claims.
5. Research studies on matters affecting operations.
57
SIX SECTIONS WITH STATEGIES THAT MEET THE OBJECTIVES:
EXPLORATION GEOLGY SECTION – its objectives are the proper evaluation of the
mineralization and economic potential of the various known prospects within the vicinity of
Sto. Thomas II and Baguio District and the location of other exploration targets not yet
Known at present within the vicinity of Sto. Thomas II and Baguio District.
PETROGRAPHIC SECTION – it i responsible for the accurate determination of its
mineralogical characteristics, occurrence and association that are needed in the improvement
of metallurgical operations and in the evaluation of exploration targets and it also serves as
the custodian of the drilling core and geochem samples and the log sheets and assay records
of these samples.
ORE RESERVE AND DOCUMENTATION – the concern of these sections are:
a. The accuracy in the evaluation in the Sto. Thomas II ore reserve and proper inventory of the
ore extraction and recovery;
b. Custodian of geological and mining claim maps and documents;
c. Proper control of company issued supplies, tools, equipment, and facilities (office, core house
and DD shop) and the proper recording of personal attendance and records;
d. Proper budget preparation and proper charging of department expenses;
e. Maintenance of the validity of mining claims.
THE CORE LOGGING SECTION – it is where samples were collected and analyzed. The
core samples were collected, cut by half; one for the stockpile, and the other half for the
laboratory analysis. Then the specific weight, the compressive strength and the core recovery
were determined.
DIAMOND DRILLING SECTION – its prime objective it to attain proper diamond drilling
procedures and collection of required samples from drill holes that the geologist will propose
58
either for exploration, development, water source and structural stability of foundation
purposes.
THE MINE DIVISION
If the Geology Department serves as the life of the mine by finding ore and affirming the
presence of such ores, the Mine Division is the center and heart of the company’s operation. It
is principally responsible in all the mining activity from mine planning, and designs, mine
underground development works, are extraction and quality.
The Mine Division also involved in electrical operation, supply delivers and mechanical
operations in the maintenance of all mine equipment such drilling equipments ( Jumbo Drills,
Air-Leg ). Loading and hauling equipments ( LHD, Volvo and LPT ) and including the
operation in Batching Plant.
The Mine Division is composed of four major departments namely: Mine Engineering and
Draw Department, Mine Development Department, Mine Production Department, and Mine
Mechanical and Electrical Department.
MINE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Mine Planning and Design Section
Plan – a map showing features such as mine working of geological structures and projecting
its objectives and strategies.
Planning – a method of pre-designing different detailed work to be undertaken.
The Planning section has the following objectives and functions:
59
1. Prepares the plan and layouts/programs and budget based on annual production schedules and
monitor these against actual for appropriate adjustments and action
2. Coordinates with the Mine Logistics/Mine Engineering and Materials Management
Department for the delivery or requisitioning of supplies/materials and equipment in
underground.
3. Responsible for the training and motivation of production mines/operators in coordination with
HRD/PID and Safety.
4. Prepares all necessary reports and documents together with the mine information technology
crews for discrimination and appropriate action of all concerned.
Factors to be considered in planning:
1. Layout or design of a certain project
2. Feasibility study
3. Cost estimate at development stage
4. Project duration/completion at development stage
5. ROI (Return of Investment) at production stage
6. Life span
7. Schedule
Importance of Proper Planning:
To determine if your feasibility study is acceptable
To determine if the design is acceptable
To determine the development and production costs
To determine the life span of the project
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Project Scheduling – is a form of planning strategy indicating various detailed work activities
and time frame of a certain project to be undertaken.
Two Kinds of Project Schedule:
Gantt Chart Schedule
PERT/CPM-Project Evaluation Review Technique/Critical Path Method
Importance of Project Scheduling:
To determine the manpower to be utilized in the project
To determine the duration or date of completion
Factor to consider in Project Scheduling:
1. Different work activities to be undertaken
2. Resources involved in the project (manpower to be included)
3. Availability of the materials
4. Arrangement of the activities
5. Determination of the parameters to be considered in each activity
6. Determination of the duration of each work activity
7. Determination of the activities that proceed, succeed or those that that can be simultaneously
done
Survey Section
The main function is to provide data/information needed by the Engineering
Department for feasibility study preparation. Also provide assistance to planning/design
section. Undertake survey works both underground/surface and other survey activity outside
the mine, monitor excavation and progress of backfilling activities and the subsidence area.
61
Surveying is a work of:
1. Measuring horizontal and vertical distances
2. Measuring angle between lines
3. Determine the direction of mines
4. Establishing points by pre-determined angular and linear measurements
5. Mathematical calculations of elevations, areas and volumes from the data surveyed
Underground work activities in Philex:
1. Establishing centerline of a tunnel
2. Establishing grade lines of a tunnel
3. Offsetting of a tunnel
4. Setting the Alimak anchor guide
5. Monitoring ITH/CUBEX, drilling, concreting activities
6. Measuring daily development advance
7. Office work:
8. Complete of field survey
9. Updating of plan maps, developing advance report
10. Blueprinting of maps, etc.
Surface work activities in Philex:
1. Pit subsidence survey – 4% required slope stability
2. Tailings pond survey – 60% dikes slope stability
3. Hydrographic survey – pore point
62
4. Chain survey
5. Ore stockpile survey
Surface survey includes topographic survey in subsidence area and other sites, location
and relocation survey, progress survey, and volume survey of stockpile.
Surveyed Data as Of October 2009
Area: Pit Floor Subsidence Rate for the Month
Buffer Zone: 288 has. As of October 2009: -1.58m
Crest Line: 136 has. Subsidence Rate Year-to-Date: -1.45m
Pit Floor: 37 has. Dam # 3
Subsiding Area: 13.50 has. Water Elevation: 601.033m
Subsidence Gradient: Free Board
Radial: - 4.28% Main: 7.230m
Water Way: - 2.43% Offset: 5.188
Rock Mechanics Section
Rock mechanics is a combined responsibility of the geology and the mine engineering
staffs, with the geology providing the vital information to the mine engineering to include in
mine planning the following:
1. The ground characterization through rock mass classification
2. Determination of the cavability of the ore column
3. Undercutting sequence
4. Fragmentation of the rock mass in the ore column
63
5. Drawzone spacing
6. Proper draw control procedure
7. Layout of openings
8. Design of ground supports based on the rock mass condition
9. General geology of the orebody
For the proper interpretation of the rock mass that would cater to the diverse mining
situations, Philex adopted the modified geomechanics rockmass classification (Mining
Rockmass Rating, MRMR) as this system is recognized and used by most of the block cave
mine worldwide. Dr. DH Laubscher introduced the concept of MRMR to fine-tune the Rock
Mass Rating (RMR) for the diverse mining environments. The RMR is subjected to a series of
adjustments so that the final ratings (MRMR) could be used for mine design.
Basic parameters of the RMR are the following:
8. Intact Rock Strength (IRS) which is the unconfined uniaxial compressive strength of the rock
between fractures and joints. The intact strength of a rock can be estimated using Table 1 and
the ratings for the different IRS values can be found in Table 2.
Table 1
Estimation of intact rock strength (after Laubscher 1990)
Descriptive rock strength Equivalent
stress
MPa psi
Easily molded in fingers; shows distinct heel marks 0.05 5
Molds in fingers with strong pressure; faint heel marks 0.07 10
Very difficult to mold in fingers; difficult to cut with hand spade 0.15 20
64
Cannot be molded in fingers; cannot be cut with hand spade and
requires hand-picking to dig out
0.5 70
Very tough and difficult to move with hand-pick; requires pneumatic
spade for digging
0.7 100
Crumbles under firm blows with sharp end of geological pick and can
be peeled off with a knife; too hard to cut out a test specimen by hand
3 450
Can just be scraped and peeled with a knife; indentations up to 3 mm
show in the specimen with a firm blow of the geological pick point
7 1000
Cannot be scraped or peeled with a knife; hand-held specimen can be
broken with one firm blow of hammer end of geological pick
20 3000
Hand-held specimen breaks under more than one blow with hammer
end of geological pick
70 10000
Many blows with geological pick required to break through intact
specimen
200 30000
Table 2
Intact rock strength rating (after Laubscher 1990)
Intact Rock Strength (IRS)
MPa % Rating
185 20
165 – 185 18
145 – 164 16
125 – 144 14
105 – 124 12
65
85 – 104 10
65 – 84 8
45 – 64 6
35 – 44 5
25 – 34 4
12 – 24 3
5 – 11 2
1 – 4 1
9. Fracture Frequency per Meter (FF/m) is the number of naturally occurring discontinuities in a
specified length of core or sidewall (refer to Table 3).
Table 3
Fracture frequency per meter rating (after Laubscher 1990)
Fracture Frequency per Meter (FF/m)
Average per meter Rating
1 Set 2 Sets 3 Sets
0.10 40 40 40
0.15 40 40 40
0.20 40 40 38
0.25 40 38 36
0.30 38 36 34
66
0.50 36 34 31
0.80 34 31 28
1.00 31 28 26
1.50 29 26 24
2.00 26 24 21
3.00 24 21 18
5.00 21 18 15
7.00 18 15 12
10.00 15 12 10
15.00 12 10 7
20.00 10 7 5
30.00 7 5 2
40.00 5 2 0
10. Joint Condition which is the assessment of the frictional properties of the joints (not fractures)
and is based on expression, surface properties, alteration zones, filling and water. The
procedure for the determination of joint condition is shown in Table 4, which divides the joint
assessment sections into subsections A, B, C, D, and E.
Table 4
Joint condition rating (after Laubscher 1990)
Parameter Accumulative % adjustment of a possible rating of 40
Description Dr Adjustment (%)
67
y Mois
t
Moderate
Pressure
25 – 125
li/min
High
Pressure
>125
li/min
A
Large Scale Joint
Expression
Wavy/multi-directional 100 100 95 90
Uni-directional 95 92 90 87
Curved 90 87 85 82
Slight undulation 85 82 80 77
Straight 80 74 70 72
B
Small Scale Joint
Expression
Very rough 95 90 85 80
Striated/rough 90 85 80 75
Smooth 85 80 75 70
Polished 80 75 70 65
C
Joint Wall
Alteration
Weaker than wall rock 75 70 65 60
D
Joint Filling
Non softening and sheared
material
Coarse
Medium
Fine
95 90 70 70
90 80 70 60
80 70 60 50
D Soft sheared material
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Joint Filling Coarse
Medium
Fine
70 60 50 40
60 50 40 30
50 40 30 20
Gough
Thickness<Amplitude of
irregularities
40 30 20 10
Gough
Thickness>Amplitude of
irregularities
20 10 Flowing
material
E
Cement
Hardness
Anhydrite (5+) 95
Calcite, Fluoride (3 – 4) 90
Gypsum (1 – 2) 85
Table 5
Meaning of the ratings (after Laubscher 1990)
1 2 3 4 5
Class A B A B A B A B A B
Rating 100 - 81 80 – 61 60 – 41 40 - 21 20 – 0
Description Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor
Table 6
Parameters/adjustments to arrive at MRMR (after Laubscher 1990)
Parameter Possible adjustment, %
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Weathering 30 – 100
Joint Orientation 63 – 100
Induced Stresses 60 – 120
Blasting 80 – 100
Factors affecting Mining- Induce Stresses
Drift – induced stresses
Interaction of closely spaced drifts
Location of drifts or tunnels close to large stopes abutment stresses, particularly with respect
to the direction of advance and orientation of the field stresses
Uplift
Point loads from caved ground caused by poor fragmentation
Removal of restraint to sidewalls and apices
Increase in size of mining area causing changes in the geometry
Massive wedge failures
Influence of major structure not exposed in the excavation but creating the probability of high
toe stresses or failures in the back of the stope
Presence of intrusive that may retain high stress or shed stress into surrounding, more
competent rock.
MRMR = RMR × { ( % weathering )(% joint orientation) (% mining induced stresses) (%
blasting effects) }
The resulting MRMR after applying corresponding adjustments factors to the RMR is
21 to 30 or poor ground conditions.
70
The evaluation of the following geomechanical issues shows the importance wage of rock
mechanics in the design of Philex mechanize block cave operations.
Cavability
Aside from the after asked question of, “Will it cave or will not cave? , the reql question is
“Can we afford to make it cave?, carry the rock away and extract the mineral?
Laubscher (1994) stated that the cavability of an ore deposit is based on many aspects, but
clearly, if a large enough area is undermined (hydraulic radius), any rockmass will cave. The
manner of their caving and the resulting fragmentation size distribution need to be predicted if
cave mining is to be successfully implemented. Controlling the draw as the cave can only
propagate if there is space into which rock can move, can slow the rate of caving. Advancing
cut more rapidly can increase the rate of caving but problems can arise if this allows an air
gap to structures, heavy blasting and the influx of water can result in damaging an air blasts.
Rapid, uncontrolled caving can result in an early influx of waste dilution. The rate of
undercutting should be controlled so that the deterioration of the undercut and is extraction
openings is avoided. Stagnant cave front should be avoided.
Fragmentation
Primary fragmentation is the particle distribution that separates from the cave back and enters
the clean column. It is generally finer that from subsidence caving owing to the rapid
propagation of caving in the latter case with disintegration of the rockmass, primarily along
favourably oriented joint sets and little shearing of interaction of rock. Secondary
fragmentation is the reduction in size of the original particles that enters the draw column, as
it moves through the draw column.
Draw Zone Spacing
It should always be determined using the results of the secondary fragmentation study and
interaction of adjacent draw points. The spacing should also be carefully chosen so that the
three-dimensional flow ellipsoids from adjacent overlap slightly. This produces almost
complete extraction and minimizes dilution.
71
Draw Control
In order to improve fragmentation, the height of cave should be maximized and a slow initial
rate of draw should be used. The rate of draw should be such that the volume of ore removed
during causing is equal to the volume increase or bilking of the caving rockmass.
Basic Concepts in Block Cave Mining
Draw rate is dictated by caving rate. The more fragmented the ore, the greater the draw rate.
Block should be developed and mineral in a systematic fashion, favouring one or two general
retreat directions.
Blocks should be developed to ensure retreat towards service areas.
Convergent re-entrant or air step caving fronts should be avoided.
Stagnant caving fronts should be avoided.
The cave line should be configured perpendicular to production workings.
The larger the drifts directly beneath and adjacent to caving areas the incidence of ground
control problems.
The larger the density of drifts, the higher the incidence of ground control problems.
Efforts should be undertaken to ensure that an undercut is created.
1.3 Ventilation Section
It is the objective of this section to ensure the good working condition of exhaust
system and to ensure the good air to the mine. At the same time, disposal of contaminated air
in the underground work area is undertaken.
A major concern in the underground is the availability of good air. Existences of large
amount of dust, trapped toxic gases, are some of the concerns which may cause health
problems to the mines. With proper ventilation not only is health safeguarded but also
improves and offers a health working condition.
Philex undertaken this task by taking in air thru intake airways and expels used and
contaminated air thru exhaust airway. But then again, some areas where fumes and dust are at
extreme, breathing and protective devices are provided.
72
In order to maintain a standard of good ‛atmosphere’, a ventilation survey is done to
check the efficiency of the ventilation system. Air volume intake and exhaust are checked
regularly. Pressure, dust survey, and gas are also conducted as part of the ventilation survey
program.
e Ventilation System – an arrangement of airway networks in a mine together with pressure sources and control, which
produce and govern airflow.
UG Main Intake UG Main Exhaust
1.1425 ML GCH Shaft 1. 1170 ML
2. CHC Portal 2. Bumolo Portal 1
3. 745 ML Tunnel 3. Bumolo Portal 2
4. Banget Batching Plant
Monthly Air Volume Survey
Summary of May 2010 Air Volume Intake Requirement, Main Air Intake, Main Booster
Exhaust and Final Main Exhaust Air
1. Air Volume Intake Requirement
Area – ML Required,
cfm
Actual, cfm Difference
1015 ML –
Batching Plant
10,600 16,642 6,042
908 ML/890
ML/UCL
192,800 197,770 4,970
840 ML 91,220 106,420 15,200
782 ML/UCL 188,810 194,568.81 5,759
773 ML/745 ML 242,060 243,450 1,390
Total 725,490 758,851 33,361
73
2. Underground Air Intake, Booster Exhaust, and Final Exhaust
2.1 Table for Main Intake Air
Location (Source) Area,
ft2
Air Velocity,
ft/min
Air Volume, cfm
1.1020 ML GCH Shaft Access 72 928 66,816.00
2. 1020 ML Ring Drift (to 1015
Batching Plant)
53.00 314 16,642.00
3. Fringe Drift #1, 908 ML 172.00 567.00 97,524.00
4. Fringe Drift #2, 908 ML 87.35 372.00 32,494.20
5. South Block Access Bypass, 908
ML
295.86 229.00 67,751.94
6. Fringe Drift #1, 840 ML 187.00 211 39,457.00
7. Fringe Drift #2, 840 ML 221.00 303 66,963
8. Main Access to PL5, 782 ML from
791 ML Ramp
242.49 341 82,689.09
9. Ramp up to PL6, 782 ML from
773 ML
212.37 0 0
10. 2-4 Ramp from 773 ML 206.04 543 111,879.72
11. Thompson Shaft Station, 791 ML 64.00 147 9,408.00
12. CHC Tunnel 200.00 992 198,400.00
745 ML Tunnel after GCH Shaft 73.33 1,433 105,081.89
2.2 Table for Main Booster Exhaust Air
Location/Level Unit/HpProjected
Vol., cfm
Area,
ft2
Air Velocity,
ft/min
Air Volume,
cfm
1.CPR, 890 ML 1x200 172,000 248.52 703.00 174,709.56
2. NE, 890 ML 2x200 172,000 193.65 1,106.00 214,176.90
74
3. 4-7 Exhaust, 840
ML2x200 86,000 131.79 298.00 39,273.42
4. 4-4B Exhaust,
840 ML2x75 50,000 221.00 118.00 26,078.00
5. 4-7 Exhaust, 773
ML2x200 172,000 166.54 1,396.00 232,489.84
Total 686,727.72
2.3 Table for Final Main Exhaust Air
Location/Level Unit/HpProjected
Vol., cfm
Area,
ft2
Air Velocity,
ft/min
Air Volume,
cfm
1.Bumolo #1 1x200 86,000 88 1,073 94.424.00
2. Bumolo #2 2x200 172,000 238 976 232,288.00
3. 1170 ML 1x200 86,000 72 1,388 99,936.00
4. CH-Drift #1,
1015 ML1x200 86,000 102 614.00 62,5853.02
5. CH-Drift #2,
1015 ML1x200 86,000 95 1,038 99,097.86
Total 516,000 588,330.88
U/G Air Requirement Computation
1015 ML
As of March 2010
Projected
QT
Y
Air Req’t. (cfm) Util.
Factor
Final Air Req’t.
Personnel 7 150 1.00 1,050.00
Trucks 2 8,500.00 0.20 3.400.00
75
Batching Plant 1 10,250.00 0.60 6,150.00
908/890/UCL
Sub-total 10,600
ST 7.5/TORO
45D/TORO 1250
6 27,700 0.60 99,720
ST 1030 1 30,000 0.50 15,000
TORO 301 1 18,800 0.50 9,400
Rock Breaker 7 5,000 0.60 21,000
FH/FD/RB 8 5,500 0.50 22,000
Normet 3 8,500 0.40 10,200
Personnel 100 150 1.00 15,000
Ore 80 10 0.60 480
840 ML
Sub-total 192,800
Personnel 30 150.00 1.00 4,500
Volvo/LPT Trucks 2 47,500.00 0.40 38,000
ST 6C/TORO 007 3 23,100.00 0.40 27,720
FH/FD/RB/Cubex 5 5,500.00 0.50 13,750
4-6 A/F 1 4,000.00 0.60 2,400
Ore 100 10.00 0.60 600
76
Trucking 1 8,500 0.50 4,250
782 ML/UCL
Sub-total 91,220
ST 6C/TORO
007/LH 410
6 23,100 0.60 83,160
ST 1030 1 30,000 0.60 18,000
ST 7.5Z/TORO
450D/TORO 1250
3 27,500 0.60 49,500
Rock Breaker 7 5,000 0.60 21,000
FH/FD/RB 2 5,000 0.50 5,000
Personnel 75 150 1.00 11,250
Ore 150 10 0.60 900
773/745 ML
Sub-total 188,810
Cleaning LHD ST
6C
3 23,100 0.40 27,720
ST 7.5Z/TORO
450D/TORO 1250
3 27,500 0.50 41.250
Rock Breaker 7 5,000 0.50 17,500
Personnel 100 150 1.00 15,000
2-4/4-4 Crusher 2 38,300 0.40 30,640
FBC’s 1 197,500 0.50 98,750
Ore 200 10 0.60 1,200
77
CHC Loading
Area
4 5,000 0.50 10,000
Sub-total 242,060
Total Air Requirement 725,490.00
NOTE: 150.00 cfm per person
100.00 cfm per Horsepower of any UG equipment
10 cfm per ton of ore
Use utilization factor per unit
Draw Control / Loss control Section
This section controls and predetermines the required draw rate. Its objective is
to check that draw-out of the ore is informed as possible. Maximum tonnage with minimum
dilution is maintained in order to protect the block from damage and prevent the occurrence of
“pipe-outs”.
Functions of Draw Control:
1. Ore Extraction by Drawing
*Draw Rate – quantity that must be pulled out in draw point.
*Caving Rate – ability of the ore to be caved and crushed. It is directly proportional to draw
rate. If slow draw occurs, there will have pack-up and it will build pressure. To prevent this
from occurring, maximize ore recovery and minimize dilution, and check the draw order.
Here are some parameters needed:
78
2. 1.1 grade – PCBC and GEMCOM
3. 1.2% extraction or age of draw
4. Condition of draw point
5. Ore Accounting (Tonnage Accounting)
6. Sampling/Grab sampling is done per draw point.
7. Draw Points Survey
8. Subsidence Area Operation
9. Backfilling of subsidence at the ratio of 1:5
10. Gradient of – 4% to – 7% towards the drainage outlet
11. Construction of benches to support wall
12. Maintenance of silt pond
13. Reforestation
1.5. Contract Management and Cost Control
UG Contract Activities:
1. Horizontal Driving
2. Jumbo Drill Machine
3. LHD
4. Pilot Raise Driving
5. Vertical (for short hole)
6. RDM (Rock Drill Machine)
7. Jackleg
79
8. LHD
9. Alimak Driving (for long hole)
10. Concreting for draw crosscuts
11. Rock bolting/cable bolting
12. Steel set installation
13. Timbering
14. Shotcreting
Tire Budgeting and Cost Control
18”x12” Tire
Model No. of Units
TORO 007 6
ST 6C 4
LH 410M 6
ST 1030 3
Total 19
26.50”x25” Tire
TORO 1250 5
TORO 450D 5
ST 7.5Z 3
Total 15
17.5”x25” Tire
80
TORO 301DL 3
*Annual Tire Budget of the Company: P68 million/year
Common Injuries of Tires:
1. Tread cut/punctured tread
2. Tread cut, IOL (injury over limit)
3. Tread separation
4. Side cut (4”)
5. Side cut, IOL (injury over limit)
6. Side cut separation
7. Shoulder cut (4”)
8. Shoulder cut, IOL (injury over limit)
9. Shoulder separation
10. Inner liner
11. Exposed ply
Scrap Tire Analysis
*Total Utilization Cost (TUC) = unit cost + repair cost x Trade Utilization Rate (TUR)
*Unrecovered cost = unit cost + repair cost – TUC
MINE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
81
Development is one of the stages in mining which continues throughout the life of a mine. It
refers to the works made for openings of a mineral deposit for exploration.
In underground mining, mine cannot suddenly start to produce ore and without making a
necessary development work. The major purpose of development is to provide access to the
ore deposits, permitting to have an entry for miners, equipments, supplies, power,water and
ventilation.
The following activities are done in preparing blocks, for ore extraction:
Production Lines – these are horizontal mainline pening/excavations that are parallel to each
other, which serve as main access of mobile equipments and supplies.
Draw Cross-cuts – these are horizontal excavations or heading driven across the production
lines sometimes called as Draw drift or drilling cross – cuts.
Undercut Lines – these are horizontal excavations driven above the production lines from
which fan holes drilling and undercutting takes place to
Induce the block to cave.
Pilot Raises – these are vertical opening driven to serves as free face for the fan hole blasting
at the trenches. These openings could be driven either vertical or inclined.
Fan Hole Drilling – long hole drilling at the trenches and for undercut where in this hole are
blasted to create a draw hole or the trench or to induce caving at the undercut.
82
Rock Supports – these are accessories being applied on the rock for stabilization purposes.
Include herewith are, rockbolts, cablebolts, wire mesh, shotcrete, steel set, concrete, cable
strap and tendon straps.
Undercutting – this activity refers to the blasting of rings of long holes designed to induce the
caving of a certain block. It includes trench and ITH blasting.
2.1. Sizes of the Main Headings:
Headings Standard Size
Production Lines 3.5m x 4.0m
Draw Crosscuts 3.0m x 3.5m
Access Ramps 4.0m x 4.0m
Long Transfer Raises 2.0m x 2.0m
Undercut Lines 3.5m x 3.5m
Drainage Drifts 3.5m x 3.5m
Pilot Raises 2.5m x 2.0m
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Horizontal and Vertical Driving
Methods in Driving Vertical Headings:
83
1.Conventional Raise Driving – It consists of utilizing timber and wooden ladders as
platforms for short raise while in the long raise, the chute and manway system of advancing is
employed.
2. Alimak Raise Driving – It is mostly used in long and vertical or inclined raising. The
Alimak which is commonly called “the raise climber”, consists of hoist with working
platform having a rack or pinion drive. It travels along a monorail with pin rack and integrated
pipes for air/water and is bolted to the wall of the raise.
Rock Support Installation
Rock Support Installation Sequence and Development Headings:
1. Openings within Fault Zones
2. Initial shotcrete (with synthetic fibers or install 4” mesh)
3. Rock bolt (1.0m x 4.0m spacing)
4. Steel set (15m advance for PL’s and 10m for DXC’s)
5. Construct concrete support by following the steps:
6. Steel set installation
7. Dowel installation
8. Steel reinforcing/matting
9. Forming/pouring
10. Dismantling of forms
11. Openings outside Fault Zones
12. Rock bolt (1.0m x 2.0m spacing)
13. Initial shotcrete (2” thick)
84
14. Wire mesh/cyclone wire
15. Final rock bolt (place in between initial rock bolts)
16. Cable bolt (2.0m x 2.0m spacing)
17. Final shotcrete (2” thick)
Note: In addition for areas that shotrcrete with synthetic fibers will be used in lieu of wire
mesh, the following will the sequences:
1. Rock bolt (1.0m x 1.0m spacing)
2. Initial shotcrete using synthetic fibers (3” thick)
3. Cable bolt
4. Final shotcrete
Fan Hole Drilling
It is a long hole drilling at the trenches and for undercut where the holes are blasted to create a
draw hole or the trench or to induce caving at the undercut.
Trench Excavation
Trenches must only be opened up after steel set and concreting of draw points or additional
supports during the development of the draw post.
Undercutting
This is the last activity in the development wherein the rings of long holes are being blasted to
induce the caving of a certain block. It includes trench and ITH blasting.
2.3. Activities Performed by the Trainee in the Development
1. Rock bolting
The support specifications are as follows:
85
Equipment used: Rock Bolter (Robolt)
Size of rod used: 8’ x 38mm
Size of button bit: 4” x 38mm
Size of rock bolt: 7’
Size of base plate: 6” x 6”/8” x 8”
Size of screw: 2 ½”
Cemextra capsule: 1” diameter; 1’ length; 8pcs/hole
Length of drill hole: 2.4m
Pattern: 9 holes per set-up (5 pcs. for roof and 4 pcs. for wall)
Spacing: 2m per set-up
2. Timbering
Sizes of log used: 6” x 8” x 10’; 6” x 8” x 12’; 3” x 8” x 10’
3. Vertical Driving/Pilot Raising
Equipment used: Alimak/Jackleg
4. Horizontal Driving
Equipment used: Jumbo Drill Machine
Size of rod: 12ft.
Size of bit: 15mm.
Penetration rate: 2 minutes per hole
5. Shotcreting
Equipment used: Variomec (concrete mixer); Spraymec (shotcrete machine)
86
Wet mix: accelerator (MEYCO SA160)(4 – 5 L/mix), cement, plastic fibers
6. Fan Hole Drilling
Equipment used: SOLO – B#9 Fanhole drill
Size of rod: 1.22m
No. of holes per fan: 17
Spacing: 2m
7. Concreting (Batching Plant)
Mix
Purpose Crushed Sand
(kg)
Cement
(kg)
Gravel
(kg)
Water
(kg)
Grouting (for cable bolting) 1,500 480 - 175
Pouring with gravel (for steel
setting)
1,200 480 380 175
Shotcreting with plasticizer
(Glenium)
1,350 400 - 120
8. Steel Setting
Advances: 15m for PL’s and 10m for DXC’s
9. Cable Bolting
Equipment used: Jackleg/Jumbo Drill/Axera/Robolt
Size of cable bolt: 6.2m (3 cables)
Size of polyethylene pipe: >6.2m
87
Size of dowel: 4ft. (2ft. standard)
Diameter of hole: 32mm
Distance between bolts: 2m
Mix: 1bag (40 kg) cement, 13 – 14 Lwater
10. Loading and Blasting
Explosive used: Senatel Magnum Dynamite (for pilot raising and face drilling)
Excel Detonator Firing Times
Delay No. MS Delay Time (MS) LP Delay Time (MS) J-Hook Color
0 0 25 Dark Green
1 25 200 Red
2 50 400 Pink
3 75 600 Tan
4 100 1000 Orange
5 125 1400 Cream
6 150 1800 Yellow
7 175 2400 Lime
8 200 3000 Light Green
9 250 3800 Green
10 300 4600 Aqua
11 350 5500 Light Blue
12 400 6400 Blue
88
13 450 7400 Mauve
14 500 8500 Purple
15 600 9600 Hot Pink
Surface Delay Times
Delay J-Hook Color
9 Green
17 Yellow
25 Red
42 White
65 Blue
100 Orange
125 Cream
150 Mustard
175 Lime
200 Light Green
*EXEL MS Detonators use pink tubing.
*EXEL LP Detonators use yellow tubing.
It is important that the holes should be drilled at the right location. The drilling pattern
also includes information on the lookout angle needed at the different points on the face.
89
Follow then the usual procedure of charging. Here are some of the drilling and blasting
patterns gathered:
MINE PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
Exploitation is the final stage of mining associated with the actual recovery of mineral
from the earth in quality. While development works is necessary continuous throughout the
life of a mine, exploitation emphasis in the mine extraction and production.
The mine production must be give a proper consideration in the mine planning and design
especially in the selection of mining method to be use to extract the ore body in economical
and profitable manner. And also the equipment to be use, drilling and blasting techniques,
mucking and ground support to be adopted, for the continues production and the target or
projected tonnage/volume will meet.
The major purpose of mine production department is to extract and recover quantity of
minerals from the ore body.
This department has the following objectives and functions
A. To extract ore and deliver it into the overpass according to production schedule in order to
meet the required tonnage and grade and sustain feed to the mill.
B. To implement block maintenance program at various ore sources in order to maintain the
required readily available draw points and safe working environment.
C. To coordinate with the mine mechanical and mine electrical group, regarding preventive or
repair maintenance of various production equipment and installations to see to this optimum
utilization.
90
D. Responsible for the safety of mine in various production activities such as secondary blasting,
timbering, high packing, LHD operation.
3.1. Mine Ore Flow
PERFORMED UNDER PRODUCTION
Secondary Blasting or Bouldering
When properly initiated, commercial explosives are rapidly and violently converted into
gases at a very high temperature and pressures. The rapid conversion of solids and liquids into
gases is called “detonation”. The effectiveness of explosives in blasting is due to the speed
with which the gas pressure is developed. The company then provided the appropriate
explosives for the blasting of their ores. Here are of the explosives they use:
1. Powergel, 25mm x 300mm
2. Powergel, 32mm x 300mm
3. ANFO-Repacked (64:40 ratio)
91
Scooping
Rock Breaking
Ore Rehandling
Ore Crushing
Conveying
4. Ordinary Blasting Cap (OBC) with safety fuse
5. Netex Detonator Fuse, 5g
6. Cordtex Detonator Fuse, 10g
Method Used in Secondary Blasting:
1. High Packing Method
It is employed in bringing down hang-up or clogged large or blocks at the undercut level
or within finger raise column. This method is used by providing a series of wooden ladders to
reach clogged fragments. The supported large blocks of ore are drilled and blasted. This
activity is undertaken by highly skilled miners and is supervised to strictly implement the
SOP’s.
2. Blasting Stick Method
The method is used to bring hang-up at the undercut level or above the brow of the
draw point. A considerable amount of ANFO in plastic cartridge and dynamite stick are tied
around the end of the stick or pole. It is then wedged in between the large blocks of ore.
Initiation is done at the slusher line through detonating cord. The strong shock which is
generated by the blast will either bring down or break the large boulders.
3. Pop-Hole Drilling or Bouldering
Clogged boulders are drilled by the pneumatic drills and the drill holes are charged
with explosives.
4. Mud Capping
Considerable amount of explosives are plastered over large boulders with mud/clay.
This amount is also done at the slusher lines to break the ore fragments into smaller sizes that
can pass through the grizzly.
Rock Breaking
92
Equipment used: Rock Breaker Machine
Basic parts: hoist, dipper, tilt, swing, breaker stick/fire
Ore Extraction/Scooping/LHD Operation
Equipment used: LHD’s
Cycle time: 165 seconds
Distance between grizzly and LHD: 1m
Contractor: BBF, Vanos
Bucket Factor of LHD Units
No. of
Bucket
Counts
LHD Units
TORO
450D/TORO
1250
ST
7.5
ST
1000/1010/1030
TORO
007/LH 410
TORO
300D/301D
Bucket Factor at 90% Fill Factor
8.33 7.50 7.20 5.99 4.51
MT MT MT MT MT
1 8 8 7 6 5
2 17 15 14 12 9
3 25 23 22 18 14
4 33 30 29 24 18
5 42 38 36 30 23
6 50 45 43 36 27
93
7 58 53 50 42 32
8 67 60 58 48 36
9 75 68 65 54 41
10 83 75 72 60 45
11 92 83 79 66 50
12 100 90 86 72 54
13 108 98 94 78 59
14 117 105 101 84 63
15 125 113 108 90 68
16 133 120 115 96 72
17 142 128 122 102 77
18 150 135 130 108 81
19 158 143 137 114 86
20 167 150 144 120 90
21 175 158 151 126 95
22 183 165 158 132 99
23 192 173 166 138 104
24 200 180 173 144 108
25 208 188 180 150 113
26 217 195 187 156 117
27 225 203 194 162 122
28 233 210 202 168 126
94
29 242 218 209 174 131
30 250 225 216 180 135
31 258 233 223 186 140
32 267 240 230 192 144
33 275 248 238 198 149
34 283 255 245 204 153
35 292 263 252 210 158
36 300 270 259 216 162
37 308 278 266 222 167
38 317 285 274 228 171
39 325 293 281 234 176
40 333 300 288 240 180
41 342 308 295 246 185
42 350 315 302 252 189
43 358 323 310 258 194
44 367 330 317 264 198
45 375 338 324 270 203
46 383 345 331 276 207
47 392 353 338 282 212
48 400 360 346 288 216
49 408 368 353 294 221
95
50 417 375 360 300 226
Long Transfer Raise (LTR) and Feeder Belt Conveyor (FBC)
Gathered Data about Conveyors and Crushers in the Production
Conveyor/Crusher Length (m) Date
Established
Inclination
(degrees)
Rated Capacity
(TPH)
FBC #1 408 May 15,
1998
10.9 6,976
FBC #2 528 Sept. 5, 1998 8.78 8,268
FBC #4 320 Feb. 16, 2002 2.15 12,256
FBC #5 440 Feb. 18, 2007 5.46 12,256
FBC #6 175 Sept. 16,
1998
10.83 8,268
FBC #17 381 Nov. 14,
2005
Plane 6,532
FBC #18 132 Nov. 14,
2005
10.83 6,532
Short 8.1 August 2007 Plane 3,488
By-pass 22.17 May 14,
1998
10 3,488
Sacrificial 35 May 2009 6 27,500
4-4 Crusher C140
(previous
April 2001 10,348
96
name)
2-4 Crusher C140 April 2001 2,962
*Tons per Hour (TPH) = (Average Amps – 70) x Operation Time x 0.90
Cable Hauled Conveyor (CHC) Operation
Length: 2.7 km (from production to mill primary crushing plant)
Rated Capacity: 27,500 tph
3.3. Production and Average Ore Grade
Philex Mining Corporation has a daily production of 26,000 MT per day with an
average grade of 0.28% Cu and 0.674g Au/ton. Sources of ore tonnage came from 908 ML.
The average concentrate produced is 24-27% Cu and 30-64g Au/ton. The ore is drawn by the
action of gravity at 908 ML and then using LHD equipment or scoop trams and transported
through transfer raises to 782 ML where CHC takes off towards the dump bin which is 2.7 km
away from the orebody.
4. Mechanical/Electrical Services Group
The Mechanical/Electrical Services Group is tasked to support the company operation
with utmost efficiency to enable the operation group attain their objectives.
The group particularly the mechanical services and electrical is primarily concerned in
the proper generations and distributions and maintaining the 36-MW Benguet Power Plant
and 500-kW Mini-Hydro. The Benguet Power Plant supplies of about 27% of the operation
total power needs. The two compressed air plants also supplies 100-psi compressed air to the
underground and mill. The Mobile Equipment Department on the other hand, transports
copper concentrate from the mine site to Poro. It also maintains all heavy equipments used in
surface operations and light vehicles of the company.
In doing so, the group exerts continuous effort toward underground planning,
installation, maintenance and cost operation.
97
THE MILL DIVISION
The division is established to process the ore from the underground by
processing it systematically in every areas of the mill plant. It is also the responsibility of the
division to maintain the efficiency of the equipments they installed and monitor the daily
metallurgical operation of the plant by simply conducting sampling of the basic parameters to
control the quality of the final product. The samples are tested in advance to determine the
recovery. They also carefully dispose the mill tails in the proper containment.
MILL PROCESS DESCRIPTION
Primary Crushing Section
98
Coarse ore is delivered from the mine to the primary crushing plant via the cable
hauled conveyor system (CHC) at the rate of 28,000 tons a day. The ore drops to three units
of vibrating scalper each of which is atop a 2,438 mm x 6,096 mm dewatering screen with 9.5
mm opening. The minus 9.5 mm material is currently conveyed via a series of launders and
canals to the slimes screen while the plus 9.5 mm material drops to a 5,600-ton capacity dump
bin.
Underneath the dump bin are four units of apron feeders individually feeding four
units of 762 mm x 1,067 mm jaw crusher. These jaw crushers are set at 100 mm closed side
setting. The crushed product of each jaw crusher is fed onto four parallel conveyors each
feeding to a unit of 1,524 mm x 4,877 mm washing screen with 9.5 mm opening. The oversize
is conveyed to a 30,000 T capacity coarse ore stockpile (COS) while the undersize flows
through a series of canals to the slimes screens.
99
There are four units of 1,524 mm x 4,877 mm slimes screens with 2 mm opening. The
last panel is however fitted with 12.7 mm screen. The minus 2 mm material, which is
considered as the primary slimes, flows and is fed to the ball mill discharge sump box for
cycloning. The minus 2.7 mm is conveyed to the fine ore bin while the oversize is brought to
the secondary/tertiary crushing section.
Part of the slime generated by the dewatering screen is fed to a bank of sieve bends (8
units) with 2 mm opening. The oversize of the sieve bends is conveyed to the fine ore bin
(FOB) while the minus 2 mm material is fed to two units of rake classifier. The classifier sand
is combined with the sieve bend oversize and is conveyed to the fine ore bin. The overflow of
the rake classifier is fed to a cluster of hydrocyclones. The cyclone overflow is fed to a 7 m
diameter x 9 m high slime surge or conditioning tank. These slimes are treated separately in a
Wemco 164 flotation bank. The cyclone underflow is piped to the ball mill discharge sump
box.
Secondary/Tertiary Crushing Section
100
From the COS, the ore is withdrawn and conveyed to a 675 T capacity surge bin.
From this bin, the ore is then fed to three units of 1,676 mm standard cone crushers used for
secondary crushing. The secondary crushers are set at 38 mm closed side setting. The crusher
product is conveyed to a 2,800 T capacity surge bin.
From this bin, the ore is withdrawn and fed to 16 units of 1,524 mm x 3,657 mm
vibrating screen with 9.5 mm opening. The oversize of the screens is fed to seven units of
1,676 mm short head cone crushers. The tertiary crushers are set at 9.5 mm closed side
setting. The tertiary crusher product combines with that of the secondary crusher product for
screening. The setup is two vibrating screens in series with a tertiary crusher.
The undersize of the screens is considered as the final product of the crushing plant
and must be at least 73% passing 10 mm. This is conveyed to the FOB.
Grinding Section
101
c
cc
c
c
c
cc
c c
c
2nd Cleaner 3rdCleaner
1st Cleaner
Wemco D
Wemco C Wemco ESmartcells
Main Flotation Feed Box Distributor
50 ft Thickener80 ft Thickener
75 ft Thickener
250 ft Thickener
Copper Lot
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
5
4
5
6
7
8
7
8
9
10
11
9 10 1112 13 14
15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
1 2 3 4
56
Drum Filter(2 units)
27 28 29 30
FeedFeedFeedFeed
Conc Conc
Conc
Conc Conc
Conc
Conc
Conc
Booster Tank
Tails
TailsTailsConc
ConcTails
TailsTails
Conc
Tails TailsFFC
Filter Cake
Final Tails
Recycled process water
10 units Sluice
Launders
There nine FOB’s with an aggregate capacity of 17,000 T. From these bins the ore is
withdrawn and fed to ball mills. There are nine ball mills of varying sizes ranging from 3,510
mm x 4,270 mm to 5,030 mm x 8,230 mm. Two mills serve as spare to sustain milling
tonnage. All mills are charged with 32 – 35% steel ball loading at 45% 90mm and 55% 80
mm composition of cast steel balls. The circulating load average is around 300 – 450%.
The cyclone overflow or finished product of the grinding section is normally 60 –
65% passing 200-mesh (74 micrometers) at 1,260 – 1,320 g/l pulp density. This material
flows by gravity through four parallel trash screens before being fed to the flotation circuit.
Flotation Section
102
Copper, gold, silver and sulphide minerals are separated from the waste or gangue
portion of the ore by a rougher flotation circuit which comprises of six Wemco Smart Cells
and four Wemco 164 banks, having a total volume of 1,206 m3. The rougher concentrate
produced is upgraded in a three stage cleaning circuit. The first cleaning stage consists of 4
units of Wemco 164 with a volume of 113 m3 and the second and third cleaning stages
consist of two units Column Flotation with a total volume of 170 m3.
Tailings from the roughers are passed through parallel sluice launders to recover
mineral values in the tails before it is fed to the tailings thickeners. Recovery of the mineral
values is done daily. Rougher concentrate is piped to the first cleaner for upgrading. The first
cleaner tails is pumped back and combined with the rougher feed. The first cleaner
concentrate is pumped to the first Column Flotation serving as second cleaner. The first
Column Flotation tails drops back and combined with the rougher concentrate which is fed to
the first cleaner. The first Column Flotation concentrate is pumped to the second Column
Flotation for final upgrading and the second column tails is recirculated back to the first
column.
Chemical reagents used to recover the minerals are sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX)
added at a dosage rate of 25 to 30 g/t and frother added on a as-required basis. SIBX serves as
the collector for the values while frother is added to stabilize the froth.
The pH is also regulated at 10 to 10.5 in the roughers and 11.5 to 12 in the cleaners by
the addition of quicklime. A milk of lime production facility handles the addition of
quicklime. The table shows the capacity of the flotation bank.
Flotation Bank Capacity
At: Optimum Flotation Time = 25 mins.
103
Optimum Pulp Density = 1,300 gpl
Optimum % Solids = 37
Flotation Bank’s Factor for Aeration = 17%
Total
Flotation
Bank Volume
(m3)
Total Flotation
Bank Effective
Volume
(m3)
% Feed
Distribution
Total Feed Rate (tph)
Solids
(Total
BM +
Slime)
Slurr
y
Wate
r
Wemco A 198 164 16 189 512 323
Wemco B 198 164 16 189 512 323
Wemco C 255 212 21 245 662 417
Wemco D 255 212 21 245 662 417
Wemco
Smart
Cell
300 249 26 287 777 490
Total 1,206 1,001 100 1,155 3,125 1,970
1.5. Concentrate Handling Section
The final concentrate produced from the second column is first thickened in a 22.86 m
diameter thickener before being fed to two units of 3,048 mm x 3,048 mm drum filter. The
dewatered final concentrate filter cake having a moisture content of 10 to 11% is hauled by
trucks for shipment to contracted copper smelters in Japan.
1.6. Tailings Disposal and Water Handling
104
The final tails coming out of the rougher flotation is piped to two units of 76.2 m
diameter thickeners for water reclamation. The thickener overflow is recirculated back to the
plant as process water while the underflow flows to the tailings pond for impoundment.
Additional fresh water is also pumped from Sal-angan creek. A system for flocculants
addition is provided in case the need arises.
2. Mill Maintenance
The department practices “area maintenance policy”, a policy supervised by a general
foreman and coordinated planner.
The mill is subdivided into four main areas namely:
14. Primary Crushing
15. Secondary Crushing
16. Grinding
17. Flotation and Thickening Plant
The gold recovery equipment is maintained in designated area where they are installed.
Metallurgy Department
The Metallurgy Department is composed of four sections:
Plant Metallurgy and ISA Section
This section is responsible in monitoring the day to day activities concerning
metallurgical operation of the plant, preparing the mill reagents and ensuring that the said
reagents are readily available for use in the milling operations, maintaining the reagent
mixers, feeders and pipelines, conducting screen analysis for mill samples and ensuring the
availability of the In-Stream Analysis equipment to monitor the copper analysis and density at
selected streams.
Quality Control and Sampling Section
105
They are responsible in conducting sampling in the mill process streams, monitoring it
during mill reagents addition and also the ball mill cyclone overflow densities, pulp pH, pulp
density, pulp boxes, spillages, screen opening. They are also getting samples for the Quick
Assay Monitor and determining the moisture content of ball mill feed, filter cake and hauled
concentrate to Poro.
The following are metallurgical parameters that are closely minotored:
Metallurgical Parameters Productivity Indices for 2010
Steel ball, gpt 376
Lime, gpt 1,000
SIBX, gpt 30
Frother, gpt 16
Power, kwhr/ton 18.06
Work Index -
Ball mill product size, %+65 mesh 6 – 9
Final tailing, %-200 mesh 60 – 65
pH at rougher 10 – 10.5
pH at cleaner 11.5 – 12.0
Flotation pulp density, g/l 1,270 – 1,300
Sampling then is done every hour in most of the sampling points except in the final
flotation tails in which the automatic cutter is set at 15-minute interval and in copper lot in
which sample is taken in every bucket load of the front end loader. These samples are
analyzed in selected areas. Mill reagents additions are measured every hour. Points of addition
as well as the adjustments of the reagents are checked from time to time in order to maintain
106
the exact recovery of gold and copper. The table shows the areas where it is regularly
controlled.
MET Quality Control Section Regular Samples
Sample Sampling Point Method Sample Purpose Analysis
Needed
1.Conveyor
#15
Discharge of
conveyor
Automatic cutter Met.Acctg./R&D Cu, Au,
CuO,
water,
screen, SG,
wl
2.Cyclone
overflow
Common
cyclone launder
of each mill
Manual cut Control parameter PD screen
3.Slimes 1 Canal at
secondary/tertia
ry crushing
plant
Manual cut Met.Acctg./R&D/
Geo.
Cu, Au,
CuO,
screen, SG,
PD
4.Slimes 2 Flowlip of slime
distribution box
Automatic cutter Met.Acctg./R&D/
Geo.
Cu, Au,
CuO,
screen, SG,
PD, pH
5.Main
flotation
feed
Main flotation
distribution box
Submersible
cutter
Met.Acctg./R&D/
Geo.
Cu, Au,
CuO,
screen, PD,
pH
6.Rougher
tailsDischarge tails
107
6.1.Wemc
o A
6.2.Wemc
o B
6.3.Wemc
o C
6.4.Wemc
o D
6.5.AgitAir
pipeline
Discharge tails
box
Discharge tails
pipeline
Discharge tails
pipeline
Discharge tails
pipeline
Manual cut
Manual cut
Manual cut
Manual cut
Manual cut
Control Parameter
Control Parameter
Control Parameter
Control Parameter
Control Parameter
Cu, Au
Cu, Au
Cu, Au
Cu, Au
Cu, Au
7.Final
flotation
tails
Convergence
point of tailings
line
Automatic cutter Met.Acctg./R&D/
Geo.
Cu, Au,
CuO,
screen, PD
8.First
cleaner feed
Feed box of first
cleaner tank
Submersible
cutter
Control Parameter Cu, pH
9.First
cleaner
concentrate
Discharge end of
overflow
launder
Manual cut Control Parameter Cu, Au
10.First
cleaner tails
Discharge of
cleaner tails
pump #1
Manual cut R&D/Geo. Cu, Au
11.Second
cleaner
Feed box of
third cleaner cell
Submersible
cutter
Control Parameter Cu, Au
108
concentrate
12.Second
cleaner tails
Not available - Control Parameter Cu
13.Third
cleaner
concentrate
Feedwell of 75-ft
thickener
Automatic cutter Control Parameter Cu, Au
14.Third
cleaner tails
Discharge end of
tails line
Manual cut Control Parameter Cu
15.Filter
cake
Discharge cake
of filter machine
Manual cut Met.Acctg./R&D/
Geo.
Cu, Au, Ag,
water,
screen
16.Copper
lot
Bucket of loader Manual cut Met.Acctg./R&D Cu, Au, Ag,
water,
screen
17.Special
samples
17.1.for
microscopicItems 1, 3, 4, 5,
10 and 15
Automatic/
manual cut
Geology For
petrographi
c analysis
Metallurgical Test and Research Section
They are responsible for all metallurgical tests in which findings are applied in the
milling operation. The results then are used as reference. The samples from mine underground
are tested in advance to determine their recoveries. They are also responsible for the
evaluation of new technologies needed in the operation.
109
Mill Engineering Section
It is responsible for all projects being undertaken in the mill plant. It is involved in the
studies being conducted from crushing through ball mill, flotation, filtering, and thickening.
They are also into procurement of mill equipment and spare parts; computes and monitors the
steel ball charges and the equipment and parts performance.
Assay Department
Assay Department is tasked in the metallurgical accounting of production, and the
mode of calculation and actual production. A daily calculation of both methods is done to
determine the variance. The resulted variance between the two methods is reconciled monthly
following the actual production of concentrate of copper. The actual gold bullion production
is also reconciled with estimated gold grams from amalgam. The variances are adjusted to the
copper and gold feed grade.
There is a future plan, however, to revise the computation of the daily production and
to reconcile the mine ore delivery with the tons milled.
Concentrate produced every shift are hauled to Poro to accumulate the required
tonnage for shipment. Daily deliveries are recorded and monitored. The weights and moisture
loss are submissive on the system loading. The inventory of concentrate is adjusted based on
the report of Poro regarding the concentrate leftover.
Productivity Indices for 2010
Particulars Unit Productivity Indices for 2010
Milling Tonnage,
monthly
DMT 700,000
Milling Tonnage, daily DMT 25,000
Heads, Cu % 0.220
110
Heads, Au g/t 0.550
Concentrate DMT 5,589
Grade, Cu % 25.00
Grade, Au g/t 58.14
Moisture % 11.50
Tails Grade, Cu % 0.040
Tails Grade, Au g/t 0.110
Metals Produced
Cu Kgs.
Lbs.
1,262,019
2,782,273
Au Grams
Oz.
308,555
9,920
Different Assay Analyses Conducted by the Department:
1. Sample Preparation
2. Primary Crusher (Jaw Crusher)
3. Roller Crusher
4. Pulverizer
5. Drying Oven
6. Fire Assay (Au and Ag Analysis)
7. Fusion Furnace
111
8. Cupellation Furnace
9. Annealing Furnace
10. Pulp Balance (Top Loading)
11. MicroBalance
12. Chemical Laboratory (Metals in Ore Analysis)
13. Hot Plate Digester
14. Microwave Digester
15. Digital Burette
16. Analytical Balance
17. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
18. Magnetic Stirrer
19. Water Bath
20. Mechanical Shaker
21. Used Oil and Water Analysis Laboratory
22. Analytical Balance
23. Soxhlet Apparatus
24. Distilling Flask
25. Hot Plate
26. Viscometer
112
TAILINGS POND
Padcal Mine Tailings Containment System
Before then, Pres. Marcos enacted a law known as Pollution Control Law in 1976, the
company started the construction of its first dam. It is composed of slurry materials of finely
ground materials of gangue minerals produced after the extraction of valuable minerals.
From the Banget mill which is 27 km long tailings tunnel and received by three
parallel 16 inches diameter pipelines of about 4 km long. Before discharging the containment
area or the main dam, the slurry passes through a cyclone to separate the coarse sands from
the fines or slimes. The coarse sand is conveyed downstream to build the dikes supporting the
main dam. The fines are deposited at the main dam where the process of decantation takes
place such that only clean water is released through the penstocks to join the receiving body
of water, in this case, the Balog River which is a tributary of the Agno River. The effluent is
monitored from its total suspended solids and heavy metals as prescribed in the DENR
AO#35 series 1990. The PMC has constructed three impounding dams.
The construction of Tailings Dam No.1 began on December 1967 at a cost of P8.633
million and was immediately put into operation in April 1971. This dam is longer operative
for tailings impounding but still is being maintained. The total metric ton tailings impounded
was about 85.2 million DMT.
Tailings Dam No.2, on the other hand, was started on July 1973 and completed
December 1981 at a cost of P37.137 million. Its operation started on the same year where it
was completed receiving an average of 50% of the mill tailings, while the other 50%
remained at Tailings Dam No.1 for the continuous build-up of its Toe Dam downstream.
Tailings impounded at Dam No.2 were about 76.4 million DMT.
The construction of Tailings Dam No.3 was started in September 1983 and became
operational in April 1992. As the impounding operation progresses crest of the main rock fill
dam, its downstream supporting benches and the penstocks are being raised to maintain the
113
required free board. Total construction cost at dam no.3 as of January 31, 2010 was 331
million pesos. Its impounding capacity is 142.6 million DMT with a height of 160 meters.
The Tailings Pond
The company is very aware of its commitment to protect its environment from the
effects of pollution that it may cause due to its mining and milling operations. In this regard,
Philex has constructed three impounding dams.
The first pond as the tailings dam no.1 was completed in 1971 at a total cost of 8.8
million pesos, with a depth of 122 meters. It has ten years of its usage. Due to limited capacity
of this dam, the construction of the second dam was made. Tailings dam no. 2 was
constructed between the years 1971-1981 with the total cost of 37.3 million pesos. It had 11
years of usage from 1981-1992. The dams were being utilized continuously to contain the mill
114
tailings from the Benguet Concentrator. With the average of milling capacity of 27,000 DMS
per day, the combine service life of the dams were only up to 1986 only. Tailings dam no.3
was designed and constructed from the year 1983 to 1995. It has the 6.6 DMT capacities that
it could accommodate. Until now. Dam no.3 is being utilized.
Table 1 indicates the expected useful life, area, capacity, and status of Philex Mines’
three tailings ponds.
Table 1 . Philex tailings pond, expected useful life, area, capacity, and status
Tailing Pond/
Dam
Expected
Years of
Useful Life
Surface
Area
(hectares
Designed
Impounding
Capacity (in
metric tons
Status
Tailing Pond #1 10 26.16 85,259.975 Closed in 1981
Tailing Pond #2 11 28.19 72,067,331 Closed in1992
Tailing Pond #3 18-20 63.08 142,000,000 Active
115
MAJOR AWARDS/CITITIONS
PHILEX WINS NATIONAL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD
It's another feather added to Philex's cap!
Philex Mining Corporation was conferred with another distinction, this time, as
a NATIONAL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDEE – Organization (Corporate)
category. The award, conferred by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating
Agency under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), is in recognition
116
of the Company’s exemplary volunteerism in the protection and preservation of life under
emergency circumstances. Over the years, Philex has taken on a very active role in civic
volunteer work, most notably in emergency rescue and retrieval operations all over the
country. For this year alone, the Company has extended assistance in at least four tragic
incidents, in Tinoc, Ifugao, Mayantoc, Tarlac, Kias, Baguio City and La Trinidad,
Benguet. It has also assisted in the clearing operations along Kennon Road and Naguilian
Road as a result of the devastation brought about by TyphoonPepeng.
On December 10, 2009, the Philex delegation headed by Engr. Joel S. Son personally
received the award in Malacañang from no less than the President of the Philippines, Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo.
Earlier, Philex Mining Corporation, Engr. Joel S. Son and Hilario R. Villanueva were
selected as Regional Winners in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers in the organization
and individual categories respectively. The awards were given by Benguet Governor Nestor
Fongwan and NEDA-CAR Regional Director, Juan B. Ngalob on the occasion of the Regional
Development Council En Banc meeting in La Trinidad, Benguet on November 13, 2009.
Once more, Philex stands proud! Mabuhay ang Philex!
117
PHILEX HAILED “BEST MINING FOREST”
At a testimonial dinner at the CAMP - John Hay Convention Center in Baguio City on
November 22, 2008, Philex took top honors as it received the Best Mining Forest award for
fiscal year 2007 – 2008 during the 55th Annual National Mine Safety &
EnvironmentConference.Started in 1989 pursuant to a Government directive, the Adopt-a-
Mountain, Adopt-a-Mining Forest mandates all mining companies to conduct reforestation /
afforestation within or outside their active mining operation areas. The program was renamed
“The Mining Forest Program” on October 26, 2005, per NEC Resolution No. 2005-02, to
make it separate and distinct from other DENR Reforestation Programs.
The criteria in the selection for this recognition are:
· Development Plans – long and short range plans
118
· Nursery operations
· Extent of Planted Area - new plantation, total planted area, ratio of planted over
disturbed area
· Maintenance and protection – density, survival rate, no. of persons involved
· Biodiversity consideration – specie diversity, tree endemicity, wildlife migration
· Others – Research/studies on Reforestation, IEC on reforestation community
involvement
The first, second and third runners-up for distinction went to Apex Mining Co., Inc., Philex
Gold Phils., Inc. – Bulawan Operation and Philex Gold Phils., Inc. – Sibutad Project,
respectively. Last year, Philex – Padcal also won the top honors for the same recognition.
In the same event, Engr. Joel Son, Safety Department Manager, received an award of
distinction in relation to the rescue and recovery operations Philex has been extending through
the country, the latest of which was the Gold Field Mine, Antamok tragedy where 10 miners
survived and 6 perished.
The only metal mining company in the Philippines awarded with ISO 14001 Certification
(Certificate No.: CI/1097 issued on 10 September 2002) even before the promulgation and
implementation of DENR Administrative Order 14, Series 2003. This certification is based on
119
the company’s self regulation toward Improved Environmental Performance.
Presidential Award for Heroism - The company’s commitment to help in the country’s
rebuilding after natural disaster has been recognized through a Presidential Award for Heroism
in the aftermath of the February 20, 2006 Ginsaugon, Leyte landslide and the July 16, 1990
earthquake in Baguio City. The photograph shows the Padcal Mine Safety Manager receiving
the award from Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Reforestation/Environment Awards:
2008, 2007, 2004, 2000-2002, 1994, 1991 - Champion: "Best Mining Forest"
2008 - Platinum Award (Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc.) given by the
Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (PMIEA)
2007 - ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award (ASEAN Federation of
Engineers Organization (AFEO)
2005 - 2006, 2003, 1996-1999, 1990 - First Runner-Up - "Adopt-A-Mountain, Adopt-A-
Mining Forest"
2002, 2003, 2004 - Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award, Boyongan
Exploration Project - DENR/PMSEA
120
1998 - Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Platinum Award - DENR/PMSEA
1995 - Likas Yaman Awardee - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
1983 - Four Green Stars (Highest award given to a mining company in the Philippines)
International Loss Control Institute
Community Development, Health, Labor, & Others:
2008 - Special Award of Recognition for unselfish service extended during time of crises
(PMSEA)
2003 - Kapatiran Award: Strategic Visioning - ECOP
2000 - 2001 - CHILD-FRIENDLY FIRM Award - ECOP
1999 - Commendation to the Philex Rescuers who helped in the Lumban, Laguna Tragedy
(DILG)
1997 - HAMIS Silver Award - Integrated Community Development Programs in Health Care
Management
DOH/German Agency for Technical Cooperation
1997 - CAR's Most Outstanding Firm with Family Welfare Program - DOLE
1997 - Hall of Fame Award - Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa (under the Katarungang
Pambarangay Program; first barangay in the country to achieve Hall of Fame status)
1996 - One of the Most Outstanding Workplace in the CAR - DOH-CAR
1995 - SPEC Employer of the Year Appreciation Award - DOLE
1995 - One of the 50 Model Communities in the World by the "We the Peoples'
Organization" of the United Nations
1995 - Recognition - Municipality of Itogon - Community development projects
1994 - HAMIS Bronze Award for Integrated Community Development Programs in Health
Care Management - DOH
1994 - Hall of Fame Award for Family Welfare Programs - DOLE
1993 - One of the Philippines' 10 Best Managed Firms - Asiamoney's Survey
1993 - Recognition for Family Welfare Programs - DOLE
121
1992 - 1994 - One of the Philippines' 20 Most Oustanding Firms With Family Welfare
Program - DOLE
1992 - Acknowledgement - Ligay Community PTA/Ligay Catholic Mission - Road and
community development programs.
1991 - KABISIG Award - DTI
Safety Awards:
1994, 1975-1993, 1969 - Safest Underground/Block Cave Mining Operation
Philippine Mine Safety & Environmental Association (PMSEA)
1978-1979 - Safest Concentrator - Philippine Mine Safety and Environmental Association
(PMSEA)
1977 - Exemplary Performance and Contribution to Safety Movement in the Philippine
Mining IndustrySafety Organization of the Philippines (SOPI)
MAJOR AWARDS/CITITIONS
122
PHILEX WINS NATIONAL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD
It's another feather added to Philex's cap!
Philex Mining Corporation was conferred with another distinction, this time, as
a NATIONAL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDEE – Organization (Corporate)
category. The award, conferred by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating
Agency under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), is in recognition
of the Company’s exemplary volunteerism in the protection and preservation of life under
emergency circumstances. Over the years, Philex has taken on a very active role in civic
volunteer work, most notably in emergency rescue and retrieval operations all over the
country. For this year alone, the Company has extended assistance in at least four tragic
incidents, in Tinoc, Ifugao, Mayantoc, Tarlac, Kias, Baguio City and La Trinidad,
Benguet. It has also assisted in the clearing operations along Kennon Road and Naguilian
123
Road as a result of the devastation brought about by TyphoonPepeng.
On December 10, 2009, the Philex delegation headed by Engr. Joel S. Son personally
received the award in Malacañang from no less than the President of the Philippines, Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo.
Earlier, Philex Mining Corporation, Engr. Joel S. Son and Hilario R. Villanueva were
selected as Regional Winners in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers in the organization
and individual categories respectively. The awards were given by Benguet Governor Nestor
Fongwan and NEDA-CAR Regional Director, Juan B. Ngalob on the occasion of the Regional
Development Council En Banc meeting in La Trinidad, Benguet on November 13, 2009.
Once more, Philex stands proud! Mabuhay ang Philex!
PHILEX HAILED “BEST MINING FOREST”
124
At a testimonial dinner at the CAMP - John Hay Convention Center in Baguio City on
November 22, 2008, Philex took top honors as it received the Best Mining Forest award for
fiscal year 2007 – 2008 during the 55th Annual National Mine Safety &
EnvironmentConference.Started in 1989 pursuant to a Government directive, the Adopt-a-
Mountain, Adopt-a-Mining Forest mandates all mining companies to conduct reforestation /
afforestation within or outside their active mining operation areas. The program was renamed
“The Mining Forest Program” on October 26, 2005, per NEC Resolution No. 2005-02, to
make it separate and distinct from other DENR Reforestation Programs.
The criteria in the selection for this recognition are:
· Development Plans – long and short range plans
· Nursery operations
· Extent of Planted Area - new plantation, total planted area, ratio of planted over
disturbed area
· Maintenance and protection – density, survival rate, no. of persons involved
· Biodiversity consideration – specie diversity, tree endemicity, wildlife migration
· Others – Research/studies on Reforestation, IEC on reforestation community
involvement
The first, second and third runners-up for distinction went to Apex Mining Co., Inc., Philex
Gold Phils., Inc. – Bulawan Operation and Philex Gold Phils., Inc. – Sibutad Project,
respectively. Last year, Philex – Padcal also won the top honors for the same recognition.
In the same event, Engr. Joel Son, Safety Department Manager, received an award of
distinction in relation to the rescue and recovery operations Philex has been extending through
the country, the latest of which was the Gold Field Mine, Antamok tragedy where 10 miners
survived and 6 perished.
125
The only metal mining company in the Philippines awarded with ISO 14001 Certification
(Certificate No.: CI/1097 issued on 10 September 2002) even before the promulgation and
implementation of DENR Administrative Order 14, Series 2003. This certification is based on
the company’s self regulation toward Improved Environmental Performance.
Presidential Award for Heroism - The company’s commitment to help in the country’s
rebuilding after natural disaster has been recognized through a Presidential Award for Heroism
in the aftermath of the February 20, 2006 Ginsaugon, Leyte landslide and the July 16, 1990
earthquake in Baguio City. The photograph shows the Padcal Mine Safety Manager receiving
126
the award from Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Reforestation/Environment Awards:
2008, 2007, 2004, 2000-2002, 1994, 1991 - Champion: "Best Mining Forest"
2008 - Platinum Award (Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc.) given by the
Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (PMIEA)
2007 - ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award (ASEAN Federation of
Engineers Organization (AFEO)
2005 - 2006, 2003, 1996-1999, 1990 - First Runner-Up - "Adopt-A-Mountain, Adopt-A-
Mining Forest"
2002, 2003, 2004 - Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award, Boyongan
Exploration Project - DENR/PMSEA
1998 - Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Platinum Award - DENR/PMSEA
1995 - Likas Yaman Awardee - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
1983 - Four Green Stars (Highest award given to a mining company in the Philippines)
International Loss Control Institute
Community Development, Health, Labor, & Others:
2008 - Special Award of Recognition for unselfish service extended during time of crises
(PMSEA)
2003 - Kapatiran Award: Strategic Visioning - ECOP
2000 - 2001 - CHILD-FRIENDLY FIRM Award - ECOP
1999 - Commendation to the Philex Rescuers who helped in the Lumban, Laguna Tragedy
(DILG)
1997 - HAMIS Silver Award - Integrated Community Development Programs in Health Care
Management
DOH/German Agency for Technical Cooperation
127
1997 - CAR's Most Outstanding Firm with Family Welfare Program - DOLE
1997 - Hall of Fame Award - Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa (under the Katarungang
Pambarangay Program; first barangay in the country to achieve Hall of Fame status)
1996 - One of the Most Outstanding Workplace in the CAR - DOH-CAR
1995 - SPEC Employer of the Year Appreciation Award - DOLE
1995 - One of the 50 Model Communities in the World by the "We the Peoples'
Organization" of the United Nations
1995 - Recognition - Municipality of Itogon - Community development projects
1994 - HAMIS Bronze Award for Integrated Community Development Programs in Health
Care Management - DOH
1994 - Hall of Fame Award for Family Welfare Programs - DOLE
1993 - One of the Philippines' 10 Best Managed Firms - Asiamoney's Survey
1993 - Recognition for Family Welfare Programs - DOLE
1992 - 1994 - One of the Philippines' 20 Most Oustanding Firms With Family Welfare
Program - DOLE
1992 - Acknowledgement - Ligay Community PTA/Ligay Catholic Mission - Road and
community development programs.
1991 - KABISIG Award - DTI
Safety Awards:
1994, 1975-1993, 1969 - Safest Underground/Block Cave Mining Operation
Philippine Mine Safety & Environmental Association (PMSEA)
1978-1979 - Safest Concentrator - Philippine Mine Safety and Environmental Association
(PMSEA)
1977 - Exemplary Performance and Contribution to Safety Movement in the Philippine
Mining IndustrySafety Organization of the Philippines (SOPI)
V. Summary of Weekly Activities
128
Activity Duration Schedule Date
OJT Orientation 6 days April 10 - 15,
2012
Subtotal 6 days x 8 hrs. =
48 hrs.
MINE PLANNING AND DESIGN
SECTION(c/o BS PALMA)
8 hrs.x 2 days
=16hrs.
April16-17,
2012
MINE SURVEYING SECTION(c/o R.S
FIDELLO)
8 hrs. x 2
days=16 hrs.
April 18-19,
2012
April 20-21,
2012
April 22-23,
2012
DRAW CONTROL SECTION (c/o BL
Tamargo)
8 hrs. x 2
days=16 hrs.
Rock Mechanics Section (c/o J.E AGUSTIN) 8 hrs.x 2 days=
16 hrs.
Subtotal 8 days x 8 hrs. =
64 hrs.
Mine Development (c/o Shift Managers and
Development Supervisors)
Horizontal Driving and Rock Bolting 3 days April 24 – 26,
2012
Rock Support Installation 3 days April 27 – 29,
2012
Fanhole Drilling 3 days April 30-
May02, 2012
Vertical Driving 4 days May 03 – May
06, 2012
129
Subtotal 13 days x 8 hrs.
= 106 hrs.
Mine Production (c/o Shift Managers and
Production Supervisors)
Ore Extraction/Scooping/LHD Operation 3 days May 07 – 09,
2012
Ore Rehandling 3 days May 10 – 12,
2012
CHC and FBC Operation 4 days May 13 – 16,
2012
Rock breaking 3 days May 17 – 19,
2012
Subtotal 13 days x 8 hrs.
= 106 hrs.
ASSAY Lab (c/o E.A Aquino) 2 days x 8 hrs. =
16 hrs.
May 20 – 21,
2012
Mill Plant 1 day May 22, 2012
Terminal Report Writing 1 day May 23, 2012
Evaluation 1 day May 24, 2012
Panel Interview 1 day May 25, 2012
Subtotal 6 days x 8 hrs. =
48 hrs.
Total 360 hrs.
130
Remarks and Recommendations
Learning Comments
Recommendations
131
Based on the training which the trainee had experienced, he frankly recommends to
the company:
To give trainees the ensued assignments before they start their duties. Based on the
trainees’ observation, some managers, supervisors, and foremen seemed unprepared
on what to do. The students then tend to get bored and wait without any accomplished
work until the training is over.
To provide trainees the complete Personal Protective Equipments (PPE’s) for their
safety as they expose on the actual operation in underground working milieu.
To assign a well-informed personnel who will serve as a guide to student-trainees. The
working men should also be aware on what to teach to them. They should complement
from one another.
To effect the correct Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in every activity within
the working area. Some of the “mineros” tend to disobey it as what the trainee
observed.
To be strict in the attendance of the trainees. It should be checked always to detect the
absentees.
ELCASMER G. ACEDO
Author
Appendix
PICTORAILS:
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
