DENR: Atlas Mining to open after meeting requirements

The re-opening of the Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation would depend on its compliance with requirements, said Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional executive director Celso Loriega.

Loriega said the mining firm was supposed to be opened during the preceding first quarter of this year but it has not complied yet completely the DENR's requirements. The DENR, however, did not elaborate on what these requirements are.

Atlas Mining has already received $40 million, from Crescent Carmen Copper Corporation, to fund its rehabilitation, said Loriega but added, "Let them comply with the requirements first."

Loriega said the firm and the DENR have yet to schedule a technical conference to tackle rehabilitation plans, and the socio-economic benefits that the firm's opening could give. "We have to iron out everything before we finally open the company," he said.

Atlas Mining, which is based in Toledo City, began its commercial mining operations in 1955 and went on to become known as the largest copper mine in Southeast Asia.

The firm however closed in 1994 following a devastating typhoon in 1990 and business problems such as labor and the slump of metal prices in the world market.

The decision to reopen the mining company came after a Supreme Court ruling that allowed foreign mining companies' full access to the local mineral resources. - Noreen B. Napoles