Philex taps Aussie firms for Padcal mine rehab

MANILA, Philippines – Philex Mining Corp. chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan is now hearing the recommendations of three Australian mining engineering firms for the rehabilitation of the broken tailings pond of its copper-gold mine in Padcal, Benguet, company officials said yesterday.

Philex communications manager Rochelle Hilario said the company has tapped the services of Australian mining engineering firms SRK Consulting, Golder Associates, and SLR Consulting – all of which specialize in tailings pond management.

She said final recommendations would be presented to the board of directors as soon as this is finalized.

Among the initial considerations are the replacement of the broken tailings pond no. 3 or the replacement of the penstock. It would take between six months to a maximum of one year for the whole tailings pond to be replaced.

“We are still waiting for final recommendations from our Australian and local consultants. We are also working with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB),” said Mike Toledo, Philex Mining senior vice president for corporate affairs.

On Monday, Philex confirmed that the pond leaked anew on Aug. 30 because of heavy rains. The leakage, which occurred as cleanup is being conducted, was contained on the same day as confirmed by the MGB.

On Tuesday, the company disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that the recent leakage was in fact the fourth that occurred for the month after the initial spill that happened on Aug. 1. Philex said, however, that the other two were minor spillages.

The company has since then assured the public that it is stepping up efforts in the rehabilitation of the pond.

Philex president and COO, Eulalio Austin, Jr. said the company is providing immediate assistance to families living near the mine site.

The operations of the mine site has been indefinitely suspended until the integrity of the tailings facility is ensured and measures that would prevent spillage are put in place.

Philex has also repeatedly assured the public that the chemicals used in the mine are non-toxic and does not pose danger to the environment.