PCIERD-DOST In The Minerals Industry: Forging R&D Partnerships With The Private Sector

Joselito C. Raguini ¹, Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., D.Sc ^1,2., Raul C. Sabularse¹

¹Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research & Development,
Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila
²National Institute of Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of the Philippines,
Diliman, Quezon City

Abstract

The Philippine Council for Industry & Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) is one the five (5) Sectoral Planning Councils of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is mandated to serve as the central planning, monitoring and promotion of scientific and technological research for applications in the industry, energy, utilities and infrastructure sectors. The PCIERD supports the DOST’s S&T priority thrusts through the implementation of R&D activities in priority sectors identified as having significant contributory potential to economic development. The mining & mineral industry is one of the nine- (9) industry sectors supported by PCIERD. The Council offers Grants-In-Aid for approved research proposals, support to scientific & technological services, scholarship grants, dissemination and promotion of S&T information and research results. The present mining and mineral sector area thrust are the following; 1) Exploration models and discovery of ore bodies/deposits 2) Techniques for mining operations to ensure safety and optimum mining recovery 3) Beneficiation technologies to upgrade low grade ores, ensure optimum recovery of primary and secondary minerals from their ores 4) Development of technologies for the utilization of local raw materials and production of value-added mineral products 5) R&D in ground water assessment. These R&D thrusts are to promote the minerals industry and support the National Development-10 Point Agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This paper hopes to guide researchers/geoscientists on how to partner and possibly get financial support from the DOST-PCIERD for R&D activities by aligning its objectives to the DOST National Science & Technology Plan (NSTP) and PCIERD mining and minerals sector plans & programs. The PCIERD-DOST strongly encourages private sector participation in the conduct of R&D activities to advance the culture of S&T in the industry, provide market-driven directions to research efforts and share risks and benefits between the government and the private sector.