MANILA, Philippines - Listed Apex Mining Co. Inc. (AMCI) said mining and milling operations in its Maco mine in Compostela Valley remain normal despite the attack made by suspected communist rebels last Thursday.
The company said, however, that the development of additional reserves would suffer a temporary setback because of damages incurred on mine equipment.
“Mill and mining (operations) remains normal. The damage to equipment will temporarily affect the development of additional reserves, however, the company is fast tracking remedial measures,†it said.
Apex said no one was hurt in the incident.
“AMCI is now coordinating with the local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines to address this matter,†it added.
Apex said it remains committed to providing assistance to its host community.
“With the cooperation of the national government agencies, local government units and the community, AMCI will continue to address the welfare of its employees and their families, as well as provide services and assistance to its host communities,†the company said.
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned vehicles and heavy equipment of Apex Mining in Maco town in Compostela Valley.
A total of 21 units of equipment and vehicles were torched by around 30 suspected rebels among these were backhoes, loaders, drilling equipment, payloader, and Elf truck and a Hilux pick-up.
The attack came amid the identification of new production zones within the mine as Apex intends to gradually increase ore production over the next two years to lower production cost per ounce.
The company is working to raise the mine’s ore to around 1, 500 tons per day from the current production level of 850 per day.