ATN set to resume rock extraction operations in Rizal

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has restored the mineral processing permit of ATN Holdings, allowing the holding firm to resume the operations of its rock extraction site in Rizal province, one of the biggest in the country.

In an official letter, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. IV (Calabarzon) stated that quarrying operations in Rizal was not the proximate cause of the flooding incident in Marikina City on Nov. 12, 2020. ATN was likewise deemed compliant with all recommended actions.

“As a responsible operator, we are cognizant of the importance of safeguarding our natural environment and ensuring the welfare of host communities. From our end, we will continuously invest in enhancing our operations through the use of modern sustainable technology, proper waste treatment facilities in accordance to best industry practices,” ATN Holdings chair and chief executive officer Arsenio Ng said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

“This timely move by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will allow us to move forward with our plans to support infra-related projects. At ATN, we share in the belief that the multiplier effect generated by a massive infrastructure push is key to rebuilding our economy,” Ng added.

The DENR suspended the rock crushing operations of 11 companies in Rizal, including ATN, last December after the heavy rainfall brought about by Typhoon “Ulysses” (international name: Vamco) caused massive flooding in Marikina.

ATN had argued that it did not contribute to the pollution of Marikina River Basin because it was implementing a dry crushing process wherein all byproducts were mixed back to the soil as a form of nourishment.

During the downtime period, ATN said it had strategically conducted equipment maintenance work, roadside clearing and other site improvement activities. It added that it had extended immediate assistance to areas that were affected by the flooding caused by Typhoon Ulysses.

ATN, which is transforming itself into a key producer of rock aggregates and precast concrete required by big-ticket infrastructure builders, intends to ride on the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program. It has set an initial P1 billion sales target for 2021 to 2022 to be derived from a combination of rock aggregates, premixed concrete and boulders.

The holding firm also has interests in real estate, renewable energy and satellite technology.