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| Danny Jovica, file | By Louise Maureen Simeon via Philstar |
MANILA, Philippines -- The government has spared only 11 companies of the country’s 41 operating metallic mines as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released the results of its audit aimed at putting an end to irresponsible operations in the Philippines.
In a briefing Tuesday, Environment Undersecretary Leo Jasareno, head of the mining audit team, said only 11 did not get recommendations for suspension while 20 will be given seven days to address the audit findings. Operations of the 10 companies earlier suspended will remain suspended.
“So far, we have suspended 10. Eleven passed the audit and 20 need to get their acts together,” Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said.
Among mining operations spared are:
- Pangilinan-led Philex Mining Corp.
- Nickel Asia Corp.'s Rio Tuba Nickel Corp., Cagdianao Mining Corp. and Taganito Mining Corp.
- Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp.
- Techiron Resources Inc.
- Platinum Group Metals Corp.
- Philsaga Mining Corp.
- Greenstone Resources Corp.
- Apex Mining Co. Inc.
- Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc.
“They are running their operations much better than the others. However, in efforts to get better, even if they passed, I still want to talk to them and push them a little better,” Lopez said.
Meanwhile, companies that are on the verge of total suspension include:
- Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co.
- MarcVentures Mining and Development Corp.
- OceanaGold Philippines Inc.
- Filminera Resources Corp.
- Strongbuilt Mining Development Corp.
Meanwhile, AAMPhil Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corp., Adnama Mining Resources Corp., Minimax Mineral Exploration Corp., Carrascal Mining Corp., Century Peak Corp. and CTP Construction and Mining Corp. have been asked to respond to the DENR's audit findings.
The DENR will also suspend:
- SR Metals, Inc.
- Hinatuan Mining Corp.
- Wellex Mining Corp.
- Krominco Inc.
- Libjo Mining Corp.
- Norweah Metals and Minerals Co. Inc.
- Oriental Synergy Mining Corp.
- Sinosteel Phils HY Mining Corp.
Jasareno said majority of the reason for suspension of the companies include discoloration due to siltation, soil erosion, lack of social development and rehabilitation projects, destruction of the forest, no tree cutting permits and inadequate preventive measures on the mining areas.
Mining companies involved are yet to issue their official statement regarding the department’s recent orders.
As most of the mines eyed for suspension are nickel mines, Jasareno said it constitute 55.5 percent of the country’s total nickel production value based on last year’s data.
The 20 mining companies will be given seven days to answer and then a final decision will be made.
“Each mine will be provided a report. They will be given one week to respond then the department will review their explanation once we receive them,” Jasareno said.
Chamber laments findings
On the other hand, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) decried the mine audit results which recommended for the suspension of eight of its members which include Filminera Resources Corp., Marcventures Mining and Development Corp., Agata, CTP Construction and Mining Corp., Hinatuan Mining Corp., Benguet Corp., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp. and OceanaGold Philippines Inc.
The Chamber lamented how the whole mining audit was done in a punitive manner rather than objectively.
“When you suddenly change the rules of the game, there should have been an earlier dialogue between companies and the DENR given that the audit report was already finished in August. As early as August, the alleged violations could have already been addressed instead of setting a trap for suspension,” COMP Vice President for Policy Ronald Recidoro said.
Since the start of the audit, 10 mining firms had been suspended including all operations in Zambales – Benguet Corp. Nickel Mines Inc., Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. and Eramen Minerals Inc. – for breach of environmental standards.
Other firms that were suspended include the country’s only iron-producing mine Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp., Samar-based operations Mt. Sinai Exploration Mining and Development Corp., EMIR Mineral Resources Corp., Berong Nickel Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp., and Citinickel Mines and Development Corp.
Lopez reiterated that any decision that the department will make will be based on what is best for the greater majority.
“Resources of the country must be utilized in a way that benefits the greater majority. I want the DENR to be not regulatory but developmental,” she said.
“I’m not against mining. I’m vehemently against the adverse effect that may happen and are happening. I want us to be better than Canada and Australia,” Lopez added.
While some miners questioned the mining audit process, Jasareno emphasized that it was a compliance to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte himself to determine adequacy and efficiency of environmental protection measures; identify gaps in environmental protection measures; and determine penalties in case of violations.
The audit team was composed of the DENR central and regional offices, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, third part experts including the Departments of Health and Agriculture and civic society organizations.
The audit’s checklist focused on safety and health, mine environmental management, social development, mining tenement, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste.
Next month, the DENR will start the audit of 65 operating non-metallic mines.
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