June 19, 2011, Philstar

Sagittarius Mines, Inc.’s (SMI) Interactive Mining Information Center (iMIC) on the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project has won the Bronze Award for Best Public Relations Initiated Campaign in the UA&P Tambuli Awards for 2011.

The iMIC is a multimedia display that aims to inform visitors on the use of minerals in daily life, the mine life cycle, and the benefits of modern and responsible minerals development.

SMI general manager for operations and external relations Mark Williams said the iMIC played an important role in the company’s communication activities in relation to its proposed Tampakan miningoperation.

“The iMIC uses the country’s first holographic technology and features a thought-provoking presentation on Life without Mining.

“In addition, its interactive touch screens add to the visitor’s experience while providing valuable information on the sustainable development practices we’re implementing at the Tampakan Project.

“Since its launch in October last year, more than 100,000 visitors have experienced this unique exhibition.

“Through its cutting-edge technology, the iMIC has enabled us to reach a wide audience and we’re delighted that this initiative has been recognised with a Tambuli award.”

The iMIC is a public-private partnership between SMI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, and the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association.

Now on its fifth year, the UA&P Tambuli Awards, also known as the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Effectiveness Awards, is the first and only global award-giving body that recognizes both the business and societal values of marketing communications programs.

The UA&P Tambuli Awards follows a case study approach to gauge the effectiveness and social relevance of IMC programs.

This is the first time the awards were expanded region-wide, attracting 141 case studies including entries from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India. Its four previous editions were limited only to entries from the Philippines.