MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / May 30, 2013) – An alliance of environmental groups called Alyansa Tigil Mina has criticized Philex Mining Corporation for allegedly refusing to pay up to P6 billion in compensation and penalties for damages caused by an accidental discharge of some 13 million cubic meters of mine waste from its Padcal mine in the town of Itogon in Benguet province last year.
The group said the mine waste caused damages to the San Roque Watershed Reservation of the state-owned National Power Corporation.
“It is very unfortunate and outright irresponsible for Philex to snub the Napocor which is only one of the sectors that the mine tailings spill in August damaged. How about the other affected communities then? It is undeniable that the incident has not only affected areas covered by their mining tenement but also areas downstream, affecting fishing and farming communities,” said Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina, in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
He said the National Power Corporation has written to the company to pay P6 billion in compensation and penalties for damages caused to the watershed’s reservoir.
But in a letter to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex said the claims of the National Power Corporation were immaterial.
Garganera said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, as the government body responsible to evaluate, monitor and investigate mining-related incidences, should respond to this and clarify concerns on payment of damages caused by the mines.
The MGB said that Philex has paid its fine of P1.034 billion and was allowed to resume operations in March. However, the agency is yet to disclose to the public how the rehabilitation and damages were dealt with.
ATM earlier demanded that the environmental compliance certificate for the tailings ponds of the Padcal mines be made available to all stakeholders.
Garganera said MGB must facilitate negotiations and dialogues between the National Power Corporation and Philex, as well as other stakeholders affected by the mine spill.
“We expect the MGB and Philex to be fully transparent, specifically on reporting to the public how the impacts of the mine tailings is being addressed. They should stop misleading the public about their rehabilitation work and include containing mine wastes in the San Roque reservoir,” Garganera said.
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