Miners threatened with suspension … and then gets praised by gov’t

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) nominated 23 mine operators, including some that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) audit teams recommended for suspension, for a presidential award citing firms for their pro-people and pro-environment operations.

The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) is given out yearly to mining companies that “showed exemplary practices in safety and health; environmental protection and rehabilitation; and community and social development and management.”

The awards cover four categories, including surface mining operation.

Among the nominees for the surface mining category were operators of mines that were recommended for suspension. These include Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (nickel in Agusan del Norte); Hinatuan Mining Corp. (nickel in Eastern Samar); Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. (nickel in Surigao del Sur); OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (copper-gold in Nueva Vizcaya); and SR Metals Inc. (nickel in Agusan del Sur).

The selection committee started field validation on the accomplishment of the nominees on the fourth week of September. This was the same week the DENR announced it has recommended the suspension of operations of 20 more metallic mines allegedly for violating the country’s environmental standards.