6 mining companies to install rain gauges

CEBU, Philippines - Two mining companies in Cebu will be installing rain gauges in their respective sites, which would enable them to warn areas around their sites of potential landslides, flooding, and other geological hazards.

Carmen Copper Corporation in Toledo City and Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy town are among six mining companies in Central Visayas to employ the facility with the help of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration.

PAG-ASA will train personnel of the mining companies on the proper installation and maintenance of rainfall measuring apparatus, site selection and gathering of rainfall data.

PAG-ASA would also validate the data gathered.

MGB Regional Director Roger de Dios said the initiative is the first that would be instituted by mining companies in the country. The two companies said the move is a way for them to show their commitment to responsible mining.

The other companies to install the equipment include the Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Bohol; Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol; Lazi Bay Resources Development Incorporation in Lazi, Siquijor; and Goodyield Resources Development, Incorporated in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

De Dios said the Memorandum of Agreement between PAG-ASA and the mining companies will be forged to facilitate the installation of standard rain gauges, “as soon as the review of instrumentation, site selection, and other procedures shall have been completed.” – AJ de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)