Gold: The Journey Continues | Episode 5 | Philippines

Key Concepts

• Masbate Gold Project: A large-scale gold mining operation in the Philippines, operated by B2Gold.
• Mine Life Cycle: The stages a mine goes through from exploration to closure.
• Mine Closure and Rehabilitation: The process of safely closing a mine and restoring the environment.
• Community Development: Initiatives aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of local communities.
• Skills Training and Scholarships: Programs designed to equip individuals with skills for employment beyond mining.
• Environmental Restoration: Efforts to repair and improve the environment impacted by mining activities.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating economic opportunities that can continue after mining operations cease.
• Responsible Mining: Conducting mining operations in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Masbate Gold Project: A Turning Point and Legacy

The Masbate Gold Project, operated by B2Gold through its affiliates Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp, is the largest gold mine in the Philippines and has significantly shaped the modern history of Masbate Island. Initially, the mine focused on infrastructure development, powering communities, and providing employment. As the mine enters its mature phase, the focus has shifted towards planning for closure and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the progress made.

Community Transformation and Economic Growth

The impact of the Masbate Gold Project on the lives of the local population is profound. As stated by one individual, "I think gold can transform anybody's life. For me, what I've seen is quite a big change. Economic growth, roads getting better, street lights, which were non-existent 14 years ago." The initial objectives of infrastructure and healthcare have evolved to a primary focus on people, encompassing skills development, scholarships, and environmental stewardship. The goal is to leave the island in a better state than it was found.

Environmental Rehabilitation: Marine and Terrestrial

Marine Restoration: The project addresses the historical issue of destructive fishing practices, such as dynamite fishing, which threatened the marine ecosystem. With B2Gold's support, fishers are transitioning to sustainable practices, and coral restoration efforts are revitalizing the reefs. An individual who lost fingers due to illegal fishing now serves as a warden, actively patrolling and preventing illegal activities. The Masbate Gold Project has deployed artificial reefs to aid in marine rehabilitation. Divers are actively involved in planting corals, with the aim of rehabilitating the entire marine protected area. The long-term vision is for the community to be the stewards of these restored marine environments after the mine's closure.

Terrestrial Restoration: On land, the Masbate Gold Project has established plant nurseries to restore mined-out areas and land previously damaged. This involves placing topsoil and implementing progressive planting. To date, 3,425,000 seedlings have been planted in rehabilitation areas. The Molave tree is a preferred species due to its ease of growth, ability to thrive on waste dumps, and resilience to strong storms. The re-planting efforts extend to coastal areas, focusing on mangrove restoration. Mangroves are crucial for local communities as fish breeding grounds and natural barriers against storms and flooding. The restoration of mangroves has led to an increase in fish populations, benefiting fisherfolk and ensuring future generations have access to this vital resource.

Education and Skills Development for Future Generations

The Masbate Gold Project is deeply invested in education and skills development to prepare the community for life beyond mining. The former mayor of Aroroy highlights the importance of education, stating, "In terms of education, work can come and go, while education is for life. I've always seen education as the key to alleviate poverty."

Scholarship Programs and Vocational Training: The mine has offered numerous opportunities for training and skill acquisition. One individual, inspired by their father's work in small-scale mining, benefited from a scholarship program and is now a licensed professional engineer. Another woman, defying traditional gender roles, became a welder and plans to utilize her skills internationally, inspired by successful vloggers. The training programs have a high success rate, with 1200 people trained and 900 securing jobs. Furthermore, 3300 individuals have graduated from scholarship programs, with another 2800 currently enrolled.

Digital Jobs and Cooperatives: The digital jobs program has enabled individuals like Jessabelle Rapsing to become English teachers for students overseas, achieving financial independence. The project also supports the establishment of cooperatives, which are intended to provide ongoing economic stability even after mining operations cease. The Masbate Gold Project Training Center offers free programs to equip locals with skills for employment beyond the mining sector.

Safety and Local Employment

A strong emphasis is placed on safety, with the mine achieving 6.5 years without a lost time injury, a testament to the local workforce's adoption of safety protocols. A significant portion of the workforce, at least 80%, is drawn from the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and shared progress.

The Legacy of Responsible Mining

The Masbate Gold Project aims to leave a positive and enduring legacy. The development of a new solar farm signifies a commitment to cleaner, more sustainable energy. The core belief is that the true measure of a mine's success lies in the lives it transforms long after the extraction of gold has ended. The opportunity for ordinary people to convert gold into education is seen as paramount, as educated individuals can find opportunities anywhere. The project's commitment to rehabilitation and leaving the island better than it was found is a source of pride. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the positive impacts of the mine's initiatives are sustained for generations, recognizing that "the people are the gold of Masbate." The project actively promotes awareness that responsible mining is achievable, contributing to economic growth, sustainability, and environmental care.