Editor ' s
Note
Mining is not exactly a favorable topic in the public eye. It’ s surrounded with controversies and several issues that affect the livelihoods of different people. Some would argue that mining has a negative impact on our environment and different organizations and agencies have focused on closing down several mining operations. Others would point out that contrary to popular belief, mining is essential to our daily lives. The minerals and metals mined out of the ground have played crucial roles in the development of our society- from manufacturing to the advancement of our technologies. This is why mining companies have created initiatives that would give the public a better view of what mining and mining companies can do and how different communities can benefit from them. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility programs, different mining companies make an effort to improve the livelihood of different people affected by the operations. They incorporate sustainable programs that would help men and women make a living even after the mining operation in the area is closed. We have to admit that not all companies follow responsible mining practices and they give mining a very bad name. However, we must not also ignore the benefits the public got from the resources extracted through these processes. While mining has its cons, it surely has plenty of pros. And through the
right campaign, we would be able to inform and educate the public about what mining can really do to us. In the November issue of GineersNow magazine, we are sharing several stories about the latest technologies developed for mining, the latest trends in this field and several interesting historical facts involving it. We’ ve also featured stories focusing on corporate social responsibility programs- answering the“ what, where, how and why’ s” of these programs. This is our campaign to give the public more information about this unpopular field and why it’ s important to educate ourselves about it. Our special cover story features Caterpillar, Inc.’ s Chief Technology Officer and one of its Vice Presidents, Jean Savage. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the latest trends and the future of equipment and heavy machinery industry. She also discusses the importance of their company’ s CSR programs and how each program is helping different individuals. With so many stories that focus on mining and its related fields, it is our responsibility to deliver these stories to you. By giving the public the positive aspects of mining, more people may be encouraged to push for better programs, laws and practices that not only stop illegal mining process but also help different communities have more sustainable programs during and after mining operations. As you can see, the mining field is not really the villain here. It’ s not.