Philex seeks extension of MGB permit

MANILA, Philippines - Philex Mining Corp. has asked the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to extend the four-month temporary resumption of  operations of its copper-gold mine in Padcal Benguet.

MGB director Leo Jasareno said the company is asking for an extension to raise the elevation of tailings in the mine’s compromised tailing storage facility 3 (TFS3) and enable the water level to reach the mouth of the newly-constructed open spillway.

“We have received (their request) for an extension of the temporary resumption of operations given to them,” he said in an interview with radio station dwIZ Saturday night.

“They need to raise the elevation of the tailings in the pond so the water can reach the mouth of the spillway.”

As of June 19, the company has completed construction of two chutes.

Jasareno said the duration of the extension will depend on the need to complete the process.

In March, the MGB allowed Philex to operate the mine for four months to conduct a co-called ‘beaching’ process which entails the dumping of fresh tailings into TSF3 to form a beach extending 20 meters from the dike and push water out of the tailings pond into an open spillway.

The method was advised by the company’s foreign consultants as the fastest and most economical way of flushing water from the pond to restore its integrity as it is not meant to hold excess water, only solid mine waste.

Padcal resident manager and vice president for operations Libby Ricafort earlier said raising the elevation of the beach being formed in the pond to 592 meters above sea level would also increase the structural integrity of the pond an ensure its safety until the end of the lifespan of the mine.

Jasareno said Philex filed the petition on June 27. The four-month operation period given by the MGB expires on July 8.

In a statement issued yesterday, Philex said the provincial board of Bneguet has also filed a petition before the MGB to extend the temporary resumption of operations of the Padcal mine.

In its Resolution No. 13-113, dated May 6, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office, in La Trinidad, said allowing Philex Mining to continue operations would be beneficial to local government units (LGUs) hosting the company as well as their constituents.

Philex said the resolution signed by Benguet Vice governor Crescenciano Pacalso was sent to the MGB office in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).