MANILA (PNA)—Australia and the Philippines on Wednesday launched a new under-graduate scholarship program that will enhance the Philippine mining industry by supporting the development of professional expertise, the Australian embassy in Manila announced.

The Philippines-Australia Resources Education Excellence Program (PA-REEP) will be managed by the Australian Government Aid Program through the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility.

It will provide Filipino college students with access to scholarships for studying mining-related courses like mining engineering, geology, metallurgy, mine safety, environmental management and community development.

“Australian expertise in responsible and sustainable mining is recognized globally. We are pleased to contribute and assist in the development of the mining industry in the Philippines,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said.

He added “the Philippines has huge potential to further develop its mineral wealth to provide local employment and investment opportunities that can contribute substantially to economic development and poverty alleviation.”

At the October 2008 Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting, both parties acknowledged the potential of the mining sector to generate significant economic and development benefits for the Philippines. They agreed to work together to develop professional expertise to ensure the growth and management of the mining sector.

PAREEP is supported by industry partners, including the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, the Geological Society of the Philippines, the Philippine Mineral Exploration Association, the Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines, the Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine Chamber of Mines.

PAREEP will be funded by Australian and Phi-lippine mining companies, including Sagittarius Mines Inc., Leighton Contractors (Philippines), Rusina Mining, Filminera Re-sources and CGA Mining, Orica Philippines and European Nickel.

The scholarship program will help drive improvements in the quality of mining education in the country, and will be offered in four universities: University of the Philippines-Diliman, Cebu Institute of Technology, University of Southeastern Philippines, and Mindanao State University.

The scholarship program commences next month.

Recognizing the potential of the mining industry to enhance the Philippines’ prospects for economic growth, the Australian Government Aid Program has provided support to the sector, including through scholarships in the areas of mineral exploration and environmental management and the formulation of a Philippine Minerals Reporting Code.