he Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition, held from September 19-20 at the prestigious EDSA Shangri-La Manila, brought together an array of foremost leaders, technical experts, and investors from the Philippines’ mining industry as well as resource-driven countries such as Australia, Canada, China, and Japan.

This year’s event was marked by the impressive participation of Caraga State University (CSU), which stood out as the sole academic institution in Mindanao to participate in the said international conference, showcasing groundbreaking developments in mining technology.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) took the opportunity to highlight the Sustainable Mineral and Mining Operations Using Industry 4.0 (SuMMO) Program inclusive of the three ongoing projects – Project 1: Information and Communications Technology 4 Responsible Mining (ICT4RM) 2.0, Project 2: MineGEARS, and Project 3: Industry 4.0 Learning Factory for Mining Engineering and Geology in the Academe Using Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies or MARVEL Tech., implemented at the university.

Leading the charge is Dr. Rolyn C. Daguil, the University President, who was at the forefront of this remarkable journey. Alongside him is the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Alexander T. Demetillo, the SuMMO Director and Project Leader for SuMMO Project 3: MineGEARS, Engr. Rudolph Joshua U. Candare, and Summo Project 3: MARVEL Technologies Project Leader, Dr. Jaymer M. Jayoma.

The contributions of CSU at this international conference highlight the institution’s pivotal role in advancing the Philippines’ mining industry. As the sole university participant, it is a paragon of research and development, bridging the gap between theory and practical, real-world solutions.

As we move forward, we can see Caraga State University as a source of inspiration, leading the path to a mining industry that balances economic growth with care for the environment and communities. Their involvement in the Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition inspires us all, showing that by working together and being innovative, we can build a better and more sustainable future for the mining sector.