CV large mining companies spend P73M for environmental protection programs
By: Hazel F. Gloria
Cebu City, March 29 (PIA) — Large mining companies in Central Visayas spent P73M for various environmental protection and enhancement programs (EPEP) out of its P83M or 113.9 percent 2010 annual budget.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) regional director Loreto Alburo explained that Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP) refer to the comprehensive and strategic environmental management plan for the life of the mining project in its locator area.
Mining companies’ implementation of environmental protection and enhancement programs are based on the state’s environmental management objectives, criteria and commitments including protection and rehabilitation of the disturbed environment.
MGB-7 data showed that mining companies in Cebu province spent P78.368M for EPEP.
These companies are Carmen Copper Corporation in the City of Toledo topped the list with P46.274M; Apo Cement Corporation and Apo Land and Quarry Corporation in City of Naga with P17.634M.
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando, spent P6.125M on EPEP while Philippine Mining Service Corporation and Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy spent P5.347M.
JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc. in Naga City on the other hand spent P2.578M and Quarry Ventures Philippines Inc. with PhP408T.
Other companies include: Philippine Mining Service Corporation and Bohol Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol having spent P3.985M for the EPEP and Heirs of Arturo Zayco and Goodyield Resources Development Inc. in Ayungon, Negros Oriental with P635,500.00.
EPEP is the operational link between the environmental protection and enhancement commitments’ of the mining companies, Alburo said.
“EPEP is the description of the expected and considered acceptable impacts and shall set out the life-of-mine environmental protection and enhancement strategies based on best practices in environmental management in mining,” Alburo added.
According to Alburo, Section 69 of RA-7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) states that Every contractor shall undertake environmental protection and enhancement programs covering the period of the mineral agreement or permit.
The work program shall include not only plans relative to mining operations but also rehabilitation, regeneration, re-vegetation and reforestation of mineralized areas; slope stabilization of mined-out areas and tailings covered areas, aquaculture, watershed development and water conservation as well as socio-economic development.
Alburo stated that a contractor/permit holder shall allocate for its annual environment-related expense a percentage based on the AEPEP which may approximate a minimum of three to five percent of its direct mining and milling costs (DMMC) depending on the environment/geologic condition, nature and scale of operations and technology employed.
“All mining companies in Cebu and the rest of the mining companies of Central Visayas had spent more than the amount required by law,” he added.
Alburo articulated that DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and MGB Director Leo Jasareno gave instructions to strictly adhere to its flagship program.