SMI gets 5th Presidential Award for Industry-leading sustainable devt practices

Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is very pleased to announce that it has received its fifth Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for its industry-leading sustainability practices in the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project at the 59th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held in Baguio City from 14-16 November 2012.

The PMIEA is the highest accolade awarded to a mining company in the Philippines. It evaluates all facets of a mining company’s sustainable development practices, including health and safety, environmental management, community development and stakeholder communication and engagement.

This is the fourth consecutive year SMI has been recognized by this Presidential citation, after being awarded the PMIEA in 2009, 2010 and 2011. SMI received its first PMIEA in 2006.

SMI General Manager for External Affairs Mark Williams said the company was extremely honored that its responsible business practices continue to be recognized by the Philippine government.

“This award affirms our unwavering commitment to develop the Tampakan Project to industry-leading practices and the international standards of our managing shareholder, Xstrata Copper, which is recognized globally for its sustainability practices,” said Mr. Williams.

“Our programs and initiatives are implemented in partnership with our stakeholders, and strive towards a sustainable future for our host communities and the preservation of the local environment for generations to come.”

ANOTHER AWARD

Mr Williams said SMI was also proud its Maleh Tu Kayo (‘let us plant trees’) multi-sectoral reforestation program was again awarded second runner-up by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the 2012 Best Mining Forestry Program (exploration category).

“Our Maleh Tu Kayo reforestation program has involved more than 3,000 volunteers and 100 community groups, and is implemented in partnership with local government and communities,” said Mr Williams.

Since the launch of the award-winning reforestation program in 2005, SMI has distributed and planted more than 700,000 seedlings from its two established nurseries located in Tampakan, South Cotabato and Kiblawan, Davao de Sur.