Cebu's mining firms are protecting environment

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau-7 said that mining firms in Cebu are compliant with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

MGB-7 director Loreto Alburo said that Cebu’s mining firms have been implementing environmental protection and enhancement programs within their areas of operation.

The programs were based on the government’s environmental management objectives, criteria and commitments including protection and rehabilitation of the disturbed environment.

The programs include the rehabilitation of the mined areas and potential land uses of the site as well as environmental protection measures during the actual operation of the mining activity.

Based on the agency’s record, mining firms spent a total of P186.2M worth of projects related to the protection and enhancement of the environment.

Carmen Copper Corporation in Toledo City spent the biggest share with P156.7M followed by Apo Cement Corp. and Apo Land and Quarry Corp. in the City of Naga with P11.2 million.

Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corp. in the Municipality of San Fernando also allocated a total of P5.06 M budget for their environmental protection programs.

Other mining companies that also adopted rehabilitation and enhancement programs for the environment include the Philippine Mining Service Corp. and Dolomite Mining Corp. in Alcoy, Cebu with P5.9 M; Philippine Mining Service Corp. and Bohol Limestone Corp. in Garcia-Hernandez town in Bohol with P3.5 M; and P2M from the JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc. in the City of Naga.

Alburo said the government recognizes that development of the mining community hosting the mining project as well as surrounding areas is a responsibility shared by the mining contractor and government.

He added that such responsibility starts from the exploration stage through mine development and construction, production, and finally, mine closure. – (FREEMAN)