Mining giants prepare for release of DENR audit

As the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) prepares to release the results of its audit of mining projects in the Philippines, large-scale miners Friday committed anew to back the priority programs of the government.

The audit is expected to result in the suspension of operations of more companies, thus adding to a list of 10 firms that have so far succumbed to Environment Secretary Regina Lopez’s drive against miners who allegedly ruin the natural ecosystem.

“We see valuable opportunities for our members to continue helping government in its environment programs and beyond with this direction of the DENR,” Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) executive vice president Nelia Halcon said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the DENR unveiled before the House of Representatives committee on natural resources the department’s priorities under the Duterte administration.

These include the enhanced National Greening Program, or the enhanced forest protection; responsible mining program; enhanced Clean Air Act; campaign for clean water; enhanced solid waste management; and protection of biodiversity to promote social enterprise.

COMP lists 26 regular members, including Apex Mining Co. Inc., Asiaticus Management Corp., Atlas Consolidated Mining & Development Corp., Benguet Corp., Berong Nickel Corp. TMM Management Inc., Bohol Limestone Corp., CTP Construction and Mining Corp., Eramen Minerals Inc., Filminera Resources Corp.,

Greenstone Resources Corp., Hinatuan Mining Corp., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., LNL Resources Inc., Marcventures Mining & Development Corp., Manila Mining Corp., Oceana Gold (Philippines) Inc., Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc., Philex Mining Corp.,

Philippine Associated Smelting & Refining Corp., Philsaga Mining Corp., Platinum Group Metals Corp., Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc./KMP Resources Inc., Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp., Taganito Mining Corp., Teresa Marble Corp., TVI Resource Development (Philippines), Inc.

Halcon said chamber members planted 20 million trees from 2011 to 2014, covering an average forest density of 500 trees per hectare over a total of 40,156 hectares.

“We remain as one of the country’s largest private sector contributor to the National Greening Program with our ongoing forestation efforts,” Halcon said.

The chamber official added COMP members continue to practice coastal management to ensure the integrity of bodies of water near the mines and to protect marine life.

She said several members were also planting and maintaining mangroves in waters adjacent to their mines.

Halcon added enterprises in mining communities, through the mining firms’ Social Development and Management Program, would soon be given a boost with a potential partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and Go Negosyo.

“We wish to promote inclusive business to uplift more lives in our communities,” Halcon said.