COMING EVENTS

Forging a Stronger Mining Sector: New Approaches to Energy, Water, Assets, and Governance

The mining industry is entering a new era— one shaped by innovation, resilience, and responsible growth. Join the Philippine Mining Club (PMC) for an insightful luncheon that brings together leaders and specialists to explore practical strategies and emerging solutions that are redefining the future of mining.

Taking center stage is Engr. Michael V. Cabalda, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who will deliver the keynote address. The program will also feature expert perspectives from DHI, SRK Consulting, AMPD Energy, and ABB, offering valuable insights on energy transformation, water stewardship, asset optimization, and governance practices that are driving progress across the sector.

Guiding the discussion is Atty. Roderick R.C. Salazar III, Senior Partner of Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, who will serve as both Emcee and Moderator, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas among industry professionals and decision-makers.

Please note our earlier-than-usual start time, allowing for a more comprehensive and engaging program packed with meaningful discussions, networking opportunities, and industry insights.

Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of emerging trends, strengthen professional connections, or gain practical takeaways from leading experts, this is a gathering you won’t want to miss.

Secure your seat today—PMC luncheons fill up quickly, and spaces are limited.

Keynote Topic: TBA

Engr. Michael V. Cabalda
Assistant Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Michael V. Cabalda is a licensed Mining Engineer and environmental strategist with more than 40 years of experience in managing mining specific policy and operational concerns on safety and health, environmental and social aspects across all stages of the mining phases. Expertise in sustainability reporting, environmental and social performance scorecards/ratings, mining and biodiversity, small scale mining, exposure to the broader scope of ESG and TSM initiatives

Professional Licenses and Accreditations:
a. Accredited Competent Person for Mining Engineering
b. Sustainability Reporting Specialist-Renewal in progress
c. TSM Verification Service Provider

Selected Accomplishments:
1. As public servant: (a) Principal Proponent of significant administrative regulations to promote responsible and sustainable mineral resource development. These regulations cover areas such as Environmental Stewardship, Social and Community Engagement, Safety and Health, Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Programs and Funds, Mine Waste and Tailings Management guidelines/standards. (b) Spearheaded in the establishment of MGB’s Mine Environment and Safety Division and the Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office in mining companies. These offices ensure the implementation of environmental protection, social development and safety programs/protocols for all operating mining companies under RA 7942. (c) Led a comprehensive semi-detailed assessment of abandoned mines in the Philippines, contributing to the development of remediation strategies and environmental rehabilitation efforts
2. At Holcim Phil: Spearheaded notable initiatives such as (a) publishing the 1st externally assured Sustainability Report in the Philippine cement industry; (b) pioneering work on mining and biodiversity by developing a comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan for all quarry sites, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the cement Industry. (c) leading role for Holcim’s flagship program – GALING MASON which trained thousands of highly skilled and employable Masons. (d) successfully advocated for the approval of DAO 2010-06, known as the “co-processing of alternative fuels” guidelines as CeMAP SD Committee Chair
3. At Newcrest Mining (Gold) Exploration projects in Indonesia: developed/implemented EMS for exploration activities, conducted thorough EIA baseline studies for a gold project including including assessments of acid mine drainage, and trained Indonesian environmental scientists on environmental management, ensuring a smooth transition from the exploration stage to actual mining operations.

Source: LinkedIn

ESG Factors in Resource and Reserves Reporting

Kate Vershinina
Principal Consultant (ESG)
SRK Consulting

Kate is an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) professional with over 20 years of international experience in the practical implementation of ESG management tools and approaches to sustainability in the mining industry. Kate has successfully managed multidisciplinary long-term projects and has extensive operational management skills. Kate has many years of experience in ESG standards and tools, including those developed by the AusIMM, IFC, EBRD and ICMM. Kate is a Certified Environmental Practitioner (EIANZ, Australia).

Transplanting Construction’s New Battery Normal In Mine Sites

Brandon Ng
Co-founder and Chair
Ampd Energy

Brandon is Co-founder and Chair of Ampd Energy. Having worked directly with Ampd’s customers and engineering teams to develop the company’s core technology stack around hard-to-abate sectors, he possesses a deep understanding of how to turn the technological state-of-the-art into products which deliver transformational, scalable and practical outcomes for the company’s customers.

Brandon is passionate about building and deploying products that lower carbon footprints while delivering substantial improvements in profitability and uptime for the world’s most essential industries.

Water in Mining: Reducing Risk Through Better Models and Decisions

Robin Marc Dufour
Principal Hydrogeologist and Vice President for Mining & Groundwater
DHI

Robin Marc Dufour is Principal Hydrogeologist and Vice President for Mining & Groundwater at DHI and a recognized expert in hydrogeological modelling with FEFLOW. He has extensive experience in groundwater flow as well as mass and heat transport, with a strong focus on regional groundwater management, mining and geothermal applications.

Robin Dufour combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise and is actively involved in advanced numerical modelling and decision support for international projects. He has long-standing experience delivering FEFLOW training courses and technical workshops for professional audiences worldwide, supporting participants in English, French and Spanish.

He holds an MSc in Hydrogeology and a BSc in Geology from the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

Ramps to Ropes: Lifting Productivity with Mine Hoists

Raj Singh
Regional Sales Manager for Mine Hoisting
ABB Australia

Raj Singh is the Hoisting Sales Manager for Australia and Southeast Asia at ABB, where he leads the development and execution of regional sales strategies for underground mine hoisting solutions. Based in Brisbane, he works closely with mining companies, consultants, and EPCs to drive the adoption of technology-led material handling solutions in underground mining operations.

He is particularly passionate about the transition from conventional truck haulage to shaft hoisting systems, and the role that electrification, digitalisation, and automation play in improving safety, productivity, and sustainability in underground mining.

Raj holds a degree from the University of Mumbai and has complemented his technical background with industry certifications in mining, sales, and leadership.

Emcee/Moderator

Atty. Roderick “Dicky” R. C. Salazar III
Senior Partner | Fortun Narvasa & Salazar

Atty. Roderick “Dicky” R.C. Salazar III is a Senior Partner of Philippine law firm, Fortun Narvasa & Salazar. With over 39 years in the practice of law, he specializes in mining, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate law, taxation, projects, energy and natural resources law.

He is an active member of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Executive and Legal Committees, and a trustee of the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.

Dicky was recently included as an Icon in the Asia Business Law Journal list of 2025 top 100 lawyers in the Philippines and in previous years. He was also listed in the 2025 edition and in past editions of the International Who’s Who of Mining Lawyers for the Philippines. He was ranked as a leading lawyer in natural resources and mining by Chambers Global 2025 and prior years and is highly recommended as a leading lawyer in projects, energy and natural resources by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025. He is included in the Asia Legal 500 2026 Edition Hall of Fame for lawyers in projects and energy; and considered as a leading partner in corporate law by the Asia Legal 500 2025 Edition and for prior years