MEMBERS of the Benguet-Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocus Sur (Bampis) Mining Watch lauded the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in suspending Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation and Benguet Corporation.
“We and our members in the Save Mankayan and Save Quirino Movements are elated by the news of Lepanto's recommendation for suspension,” Lulu Jimenez of Bampis told Sun.Star Baguio.
“We hope Lepanto's mines are closed permanently. We hope its tailings dam is dewatered, stabilized, and closed for good so that it will no longer pose a threat to the Abra River and the farms along its banks,” added Jimenez.
Lepanto and Benguet Corp. were among the 20 mining firms whose operations were suspended by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez following the completion of its audit of mines all over the country.
Lepanto has yet to issue a statement as they have yet to receive the order of the suspension of their operations.
“Based on the audit report duly signed last month by both the head DENR Audit Team and the Lepanto representative, the company complied with the pertinent provisions of the Environmental and Mining laws, rules and regulations, thus no penalty are recommended by the team,” Lepanto added in a text message.
Benguet Corp. likewise said they have not received a copy of the order and cannot confirm nor deny the reports.
Lepanto operates in Mankayan town while Benguet Corp. is in Itogon, both in Benguet province.
Other mining companies that were suspended are Libjo Mining Corporation, AAM-Phil Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corporation - Parcel 1 and Parcel 2B, Krominco Incorporated, Carrascal Nickel Corporation, Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation, Filminera Resources Corporation, Strongbuilt Mining Development Corporation
Also suspended were Sinosteel Philippines HY Mining Corporation, Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation, Wellex Mining Corporation, Century Peak Corporation - Rapid City Nickel Project and Casiguran Nickel Project, Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corporation, CTP Construction and Mining Corporation, Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated, Hinatuan Mining Corporation, OceanaGold Phils, Incorporated, Adnama Mining Resources, Incorporated and SR Metals, Incorporated.
The DENR revealed common violations are siltation, dust, no tree-cutting permits, and unsystematic mining methods.
Mining firms that were suspended are given seven days to respond upon receipt of the official order.
Meanwhile Philex Mining Corporation is part of the 11 firms on the safe side, eluding suspension but will continue to be monitored by the government agency.
In a recent report by the National Economic and Development Authority, mining contributions in the region proved to be least among economic drivers contributing a little over 1 percent in the Cordilleras for 2015.
The DENR – Mines and Geosciences Bureau data reveal mining production for 2015 amounted to P11.2 billion and employed 6,974 from the industry.
