A mining engineering course based inside a mine site in the Surigao del Norte town of Claver is set to open on Sunday, catering to employees who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering degree.

In a statement on Saturday, the Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) said it has partnered with St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS) to bring the course to at least 22 employees who already have degrees but want to pursue a career in mining engineering.

The TMC said the off-site classes – the first in the province – would be held virtually and onsite, maximizing access to actual operations and the pool of experts available in the field.

Dr. Antonio Talamayan, SPUS vice president for academic services, and engineer Vincent Guilalas, dean of the College of Engineering, recently conducted an orientation to 22 pioneering students, who are currently assigned as geologists, chemists, geodetic engineers, safety inspectors, and data analysts to the company.

The TMC’s technical pool of engineers, geologists, and other mining professionals will be tapped as resource speakers for the students’ technical subjects, such as engineering, surveying, and geology.

“The best educational services are delivered to students when there is a partnership between the university and the industry,” Talamayan said.

He said the two-year curriculum for TMC’s maiden batch of students is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

Engineer Artemio Valeroso, TMC resident mine manager, said the initiative is part of the “thrust of Nickel Asia to upgrade the learning and skills of our employees continuously. It is very fortunate for us to partner with SPUS, which has also been our partner in producing our mining scholars and engineers.”

TMC General Administration Division Manager Salvador C. Cabauatan said the program seeks to provide employees with an opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering without taking a leave from work and with the support of the company.

In the Caraga region, the mining engineering course is only offered at the Caraga State University in Butuan City and SPUS in Surigao City.

A subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp., TMC is engaged in large-scale extraction of nickel. It is based in Barangay Taganito, Claver. (PNA)