Hinatuan Mining’s production sharing agreement renewed

TACLOBAN CITY  , Philippines  — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Eastern Samar approved last month a resolution granting immediate renewal of the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement of the Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) as endorsed by four barangays on Manicani Island and the Sangguniang Bayan of Guiuan.

The resolution, authored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan environment committee, emphasized that the HMC “has been responsible and proactive in attending to our environment and social concerns, and it is apparent that some of the issues previously raised for the suspension lacks scientific basis.”

This was also backed by a call to lift the suspension of mining operations of HMC on Manicani Island in Guiuan province, Eastern Samar.

“HMC has committed itself to emulate the best practices of Nickel Asia in Rio Tuba, Palawan, especially on the rehabilitation, employment generation, social and health services and community development in Manicani,” the resolution said.

The SP added that for 15 years, “our constituents have already lost the opportunity to benefit from sustainable and responsible mining as practiced by HMC – from lost income to lost social development management programs to lost CSR projects and activities.”

Resolution 17-241 was approved during the Sanggunian session last Oct. 9.

Acting Vice Gov. Jonas Abuda temporarily relinquished his post as presiding officer to be able to participate in the deliberation. Eight board members voted in favor, while only one voted against the measure.

Church officials of Eastern Samar and anti-mining groups have accused HMC of gravely abusing and violating environmental laws in its mining operations in Manicani, which they said may result in a future calamity.