Davao City (12 July) -- The promotion of responsible mining will be the main focus of discussion when the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI and the mining stakeholders meet for the

Responsible Mining Forum on August 7-8, 2008 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

The forum, a joint undertaking of RDC XI, the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), aims to provide a venue for stakeholders to exchange views on how to pursue the sustainable development of the region's mining industry.

With the theme, "Sustainable Regional Development through a Strengthened Mining Industry," the two-day consultation also intends to address the issues and gaps affecting the implementation of the National Mineral Action Plan. RDC XI Vice-Chairperson and NEDA XI Regional Director Nicasio Angelo J. Agustin disclosed that all mining stakeholders in Mindanao will be invited to ensure that wide-ranging issues can be discussed.

Director Agustin said that the stakeholders will be also asked to identify strategies that will accelerate investments in the region's mining industry and institutionalizing mechanisms to ensure responsible mining.

Director Agustin emphasized that based on the recommendations of the stakeholders, RDC XI will define the directives to monitor the operations of mining firms, for the full development of the industry. These directives will ensure that the mining firms take good care of the environment and address the concerns of communities, especially the indigenous peoples, who may be adversely affected by their mining operations.