Agata passes Intertek Integrated Management System Surveillance Audit with 100% conformity
Santiago, Agusan del Norte / March 2021 – Following its successful track record in obtaining ISO certifications in previous years – and the spirit of teamwork across its ranks – Agata concluded its recent virtual Integrated Management System (IMS) Surveillance Audit and was commended by Intertek for having successfully passed with 100% conformity earlier this month.
In the closing meeting, Intertek noted that Agata had “zero (0) major non-conformance” and that it complies with all the requirements for its three ISO certifications: ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System. These certifications have a validity of three years from the date acquired, subject to annual surveillance audits.
The company was congratulated by the auditors for its “commitment to continually improve its performance, and its management system is highly commendable as evidenced by the achievement of more than its targets for 2020 amidst the pandemic.”
Moreover, the inspection agency also noted that Agata’s innovations and implementation of best practices for mining operations has earned it various prestigious awards both locally and internationally. It likewise recognized the company’s well-established documentation system, which is exceptionally organized.
Commitment to quality
“This milestone is testament to Agata’s commitment to ensure quality management, a sustainable environment and a safer workplace,” said Assistant General Manager Anthony Quijano who holds a dual role of Quality Management System (QMS) auditor.
“Passing this recent audit drives us to further strengthen and improve our systems, processes and services – and to always go beyond our stakeholders’ expectations. This includes providing a holistic development for the environment and our communities,” Quijano concluded.
The audit was conducted by Intertek Group PLC – a British multinational assurance, inspection, product testing and certification agency that ensures the quality and safety of their clients’ products, processes and systems.
Agata first obtained its ISO 14001:2004 certification in 2016, followed by an ISO 14001:2015 EMS in 2018. Despite the pandemic, the company likewise obtained three certifications last year: ISO 14001:2015 EMS, ISO 9001:2015 QMS and ISO 45001:2018 OHS.
Globally-competitive
Agata’s IMS accreditation heralds its adoption of world-class standards and the high-quality benchmark it has set for itself. In its IMS policy objectives, Agata aims to establish and implement appropriate actions to address risks, capture opportunities and address the needs and expectations of concerned parties. Measurable objectives likewise become the basis for continuous operational improvement.
And while adhering to industry regulations, the company continues to address health and safety issues and environmental impacts associated with its mining activities – which involves all employees at various levels of the organization.
“This commitment between management, employees and stakeholders is finally institutionalized in Agata’s IMS. We believe that in its establishment, we can do things better – to further improve the efficiency of mining operations and ultimately attaining the company’s strategic objectives,” said General Manager Emilio T. Figueroa III
Agata ISO Officer and QMS-EMS Auditor Len Marc Tagud underscored the active role of employees and staff and the coordination of all the contractors throughout the pandemic.
Meantime, Environmental Manager and ISO 14001 Focal Person Jesalyn Guingging emphasized that Agata’s recent accomplishment is heralded by the company’s guiding principles of “Starting it right, keeping the end in mind” – a holistic and future-oriented philosophy to foster sustainable development that will go beyond the life of the mine.
Agata Mining Ventures Inc. is a nickel laterite DSO joint venture of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) and MRL Nickel Philippines Inc. operating in the municipalities of Tubay, Jabonga and Santiago, Agusan del Norte Province. Since 2014, it has pursued a common development roadmap with its beneficiary communities, most especially the indigenous Manobo-Mamanwa Tribe.