Lost in the noise and confusion generated by the decision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to shut down 28 large-scale mines is the fact that 12 companies were given the go signal to continue their mining operations. Along with her decision to close 23 mines and suspend five others, Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez announced that she spared the mining operations of 12 firms. These include Philex Mining Corp., Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., Carmen Copper Corp., Taganito Mining Corp., Agata Mining Ventures Inc. and Apex Mining Co. Inc. Mines being operated by Cagdianao Mining Corp., Greenstone Resources Corp., Philsaga Mining Corp., Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc., Century Peak Metals Holdings Corp. and SR Metals Inc. will also remain open.
Based on reports, the DENR said it decided not to serve a closure or suspension order on the 12 companies, because their mining operations did not pose “significant threat” to the environment. In a statement posted on its web site, TVI Pacific Inc., which operates the Agata nickel laterite mine in Northern Mindanao, said it was recognized by the DENR to be “operating in accordance with the highest environmental and societal standards upon which [the department] based their audit”. The company said it considers a priority to “respect the environment and the communities in which [we] operate”.
Philex Mining Corp., which operates the Padcal mine in Benguet, had expressed confidence last year that it will hurdle the audit following an inspection from the DENR’s technical team. The company has various International Organization for Standardization certifications, and is already certified for Integrated Management System by Germany-based TUV Rheinland. Philex Mining said the certification covers its environment-management system and safety management, which includes operations in mining, milling and tailing-storage facilities.
Other mining firms were fortunate that their operations were not in watersheds, a factor which Lopez considered nonnegotiable in deciding whether to shut down a mine and in canceling mineral production sharing agreements.
Lopez has yet to disclose the details of the audit conducted on all mining firms in the country, saying she is not under obligation to do so, except if the President will ask for it. While the government is no longer keen on seeking mining investments, revealing the complete details of the audit would help guide future investors. In a way, the DENR audit has practically defined what the Philippines regards as “responsible mining”, something which Lopez herself supports.
In the meantime, the DENR must also do its part in helping displaced employees of shuttered mining companies. While Lopez has been vocal about encouraging foreign and local investments in ecotourism, the DENR has yet to put in place a plan to help affected communities adjust to the loss of their livelihood.
This should have been crafted a long time ago, as soon as the mining audit was initiated. But Lopez has made an assurance that she could help these affected communities find feasible alternatives in two years. Displaced employees and their families are keeping their fingers crossed. They are praying that government assistance would come soon, as residents of mining communities need to put food on their tables and send their children to school.