Mining firms spend nearly P5 million for community development

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the global financial crisis, the commitment of large-scale mining companies in Central Visayas to improve the lives of members in the mining communities pushed them to spend P4.8 million for the various social development and management programs for 2008 alone.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 regional director Roger de Dios said that the government recognizes the development of the mining community that hosts the mining project.

He said that the responsibility for the surrounding areas shared by the mining contractor and the government starts from the exploration stage through the development and construction of the mines.

Mining companies here in the province like Apo Cement Corporation spent P2.927 million while Apo Land and Quarry Corporation, also in Naga, spent P934,000; Philippine Mining and Service Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol spent P1.546 million.

Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando are next in the list with P829,000 followed by the Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Alcoy Mine and Dolomite Mining Corporation with P813,000.

Included also were JLR Construction and Aggregates, Inc. in Naga with P243,000; Lazi Bay Resources Development, Inc. in Siquijor with P272,000; and Carmen Copper Corporation in barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City with P128,000.

De Dios added that all mining companies in Region 7 have spent more than the amount required by Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

He said that this social development and management program is prepared by the company in partnership with the host and neighboring communities.

The SDMP will be used to implement all plans, projects and activities of the company towards the sustained improvement in the living standards of the host and neighboring communities.

According to de Dios, the mining company shall allot a minimum of one percent yearly of the direct mining and milling costs for the development of the community.

Ninety percent shall be on the implementation of the SDMP and the remaining 10 percent will go to the development of mining technologies and geosciences.

For 2009, SDMP allotment in Central Visayas is P40.826 million, or an increase of 857 percent of the amount spent last year. Already topping the list for 2009 is Carmen Copper Corporation with P34.239 million. — AJ dela Torre/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)