Researchers from the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) bagged research grants to facilitate and develop innovative solutions that can promote responsible mining and maximize value-adding from minerals.

In a statement issued by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Tuesday, May 18, it was confirmed that a total of five research projects stood out during the selection process conducted by the DOST- Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and UK Research & Innovation - Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI-NERC).

Out of the 18 proposals received online, these five projects are geared towards achieving sustainability in the minerals industry and charting a greener community.

First is the “SusNi or Developing a Sustainable pathway for the Philippine Nickel sector.” Spearheaded by Paul Lusty of British Geological Survey-UK and professor Romell Seronay from Caraga State University-Philippines, the project aims to assess the impacts of mining, explore novel techniques for mineral exploration, metal extraction and recovery, and environmental monitoring, all considered within the socio-economic context of the Caraga Region, using an approach based on Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA).

Next is the “PROMT or Philippines Remediation of Mine Tailings” which is this project initiated by professors Gawen Jenkin from the University of Leicester-UK and Carlo Arcilla of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute-Philippines.

It aims to build an innovative research program to test sustainable tailings management, remediation and rehabilitation.

Then there is the “Philippine Mining at the National to Catchment Scale: from Legacy Impacts to Sustainable Futures.” Headed by Dr. Richard Williams from the University of Glasgow-UK and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños - Philippines, the project aims to develop a proposal to realize a combined geomorphological and biogeochemical based management approach to remediate waste and protect the environment, at national- to catchment-scales.

Next is the “Systems Approach for Greener, Eco-efficient and Sustainable mineral resource management or SAGES.” Led by Dr Pablo Rafael Brito Parada of Imperial College London-UK and Dr. Arnel Beltran of the De La Salle University-Philippines, the project brings together the multi-disciplinary expertise of industry leaders, scientists, technology experts, community leaders and policy makers to develop a research programme for greener, eco-efficient, and sustainable mineral resource management in the Philippines.

Finally, there’s a project called “A framework for the sustainable development of marine mineral resources in the Philippines.” Headed by Dr. Ian Selby from the University of Plymouth-UK and Engr. Teodorico Sandoval of Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Philippines, the project will promote socio-economic development and personal and community welfare through constructive sharing of experience, expertise and innovation in managing offshore mineral resources.

DOST-PCIEERD said that these research projects will “enable the development of detailed and fully co-designed research proposals to generate an entire system view of sustainable mineral resources in the Philippines.” In this PH-UK call for proposals, the selected projects will receive a partnership and project development (PPD) grant of up to £50K (at 80 percent FEC from NERC) and P1.6M (~£26K from DOST-PCIEERD) that may be used to support some preliminary research activity where it is necessary for developing the detailed research questions for the strategic large grant project proposal.

Meanwhile, PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed confidence that this collaboration between the Philippines and UK will lead to the increase of productivity and reduction of eco footprints in the country's mining industry.

“The Council is grateful for this partnership with UKRI-NERC and for joining us in strengthening the mining sector in the Philippines through research and development,” Paringit said.

As a leader and preferred partner in enabling research and development, Paringit said that DOST-PCIEERD will “remain steadfast in finding ways to promote innovation in the mining sector, find new ways of rehabilitating mined areas, develop solutions that support a green future, capacitate and empower researchers on minerals and mining, as well as boost competitiveness and productivity of university laboratories and facilities to conduct research.”

The call for strategic Large Grants opens in May 2021 until July 2021. Joint NERC/DOST-PCIEERD funds will be used to award up to two strategic Large Grant projects in this call which will run for a maximum duration of 36 months.

The total funds available from DOST-PCIEERD are up to 15 million PHP (~£236K) per Large Grant and NERC will contribute up to £1.2M (80 percent FEC) per Large Grant project (£1.5M at 100% FEC and FCC).

Meanwhile, UKRI-NERC Associate Director for International Sarah Webb said that they are pleased to partner with DOST-PCIEERD to “enable UK and Philippine researchers to develop truly collaborative research projects which we hope will lead to sustainable pathways to mineral production in the Philippines.

Webb added that the funding will “support the development of a strategic large grant proposal to address essential research needs following the initial partnership building phase.