By Primo Agatep | The Daily Chronicle | November 21, 2025

Luis Sarmiento (left), ASEAN Engr president and chief executive Officer (CEO) of Apex Mining and Luciano Benitez (right),senior project manager and APAC Lead-Business Sweden sign the agreement. Photo by Primo Agatep

BAGUIO CITY – Apex Mining Co., Inc., a Philippine-owned company, and Business Sweden have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable mining practices while advancing productivity in the sector.

Apex Mining President and Chief Executive Officer Luis Sarmiento and Business Sweden Senior Project Manager and APAC Lead Luciano Benitez formalized the partnership on Tuesday (Nov. 18) at the Baguio Country Club, during a business conference held as part of the 71st Annual National Mines Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC).

Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry witnessed the signing and later emphasized in a press briefing that Sweden upholds a strict system of zero tolerance for workplace injuries, describing it as their “zero vision” for mining operations.

Sarmiento, who is also president of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), underscored Sweden’s strength in mining innovation. “Sweden boasts a wide array of mining innovations, technology-driven solutions, and safety-anchored practices. More importantly, their industry practitioners range from small entrepreneurial initiatives to huge conglomerates—each with its own strengths and advantages,” he said.

“Gaining access to the innovative mining ecosystem of Sweden, which we have had since last year through our formalized collaboration, is a definite step in the right direction for our mining industry.”

Sarmiento added that Apex Mining needs strong strategic partners to drive growth across all fronts—profitability, environmental management, social equity, and governance.

Following an initial agreement in 2024, Sarmiento shared that Apex took the lead in working with Business Sweden, tapping the expertise of Swedish companies to introduce smart technologies that support safer mining operations.

“With the current lack of investors and wavering confidence in our economy due to corruption issues, the mining industry is providing a lift to the generally poor overall stock market sentiment,” Sarmiento pointed out.

For his part, Benitez of Business Sweden said, “This agreement represents our shared ambition for responsible mining. Team Sweden is eager to support Apex Mining as it explores more Swedish solutions that will help make its operations more sustainable, enhance productivity, and raise the bar for safety.”

During a press conference, Haiza Pigkaulan, Engineering and Planning Division Manager of Paco Mines in Davao de Oro, said the collaboration will initially focus on establishing underground internet connectivity. This will pave the way for digital solutions that enhance productivity and safety, especially in areas where visibility and communication are limited.

“It’s a very big help to embrace this technology. This is just the beginning—opening doors and bringing the technology closer to us so we can choose digital solutions that ultimately improve safety, productivity, and operational efficiency,” added Pigkaulan.

Source: The Daily Chronicle