Reyes lauds Tampakan mining project

TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato — Do butterflies and mining go together?

Definitely, said Secretary Angelo Reyes, who didn’t bat an eyelash. The head of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) faced a motley crowd of mining executives, provincial and municipal officials, and tribal chieftains in the lush mountains of Tampakan, South Cotabato last weekend.

At least twice in his walking tour of the world-class Tampakan copper-gold project, now in its pre-feasibility stage, he said he was pleased with what he saw.

During welcome ceremonies near the project’s base camp, Reyes led the release of a basketful of multi-colored butterflies bred in Tampakan.

This simple act symbolized the project’s "unwavering commitment to the environment," said Butch Sebua, environment manager of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), which is carrying out the project in partnership with the government.

After briefing tours of the project’s butterfly and arthropod breeding area and tree seedling nursery and a ceremonial tree-planting, the DENR secretary hailed SMI for putting a heavy premium on the environment even before the start of actual mining operations.

He noted how the breeding of endemic plant and insect species showed SMI’s commitment to preserve the area’s biodiversity.

Tribal, community and local government leaders, including all the mayors of the affected municipalities, came in full force to express overwhelming support for the project.

On hand to give Reyes the symbolic B’laan vest and headgear were the tribal chieftains of Tablu, S’bangken, Bong Mal, Folubato, Salnaong, and Danlag, the indigenous communities hosting the project.

Reyes said that in any major mineral development project, the key is to meet the three objectives of ensuring economic development, establishing social equity, and protecting the environment.

There no short cuts, he stressed. "All three must be achieved. Not one should be sacrificed. There has to be this balance," he said. "And that is what I am seeing here in Tampakan."

"Already we can see social preparation being done and the project gaining social acceptance, empowering the people. In this way, the company grows with the people, and the community can share in the success of the company and vice versa," he said.

Reyes added that SMI’s current strides in social development and environmental protection can be attributed to the executives and staff behind the world-class project.

"Let us give credit where it is due. The SMI management knows how to go about doing (its business). It has the right approach, and is willing to invest in people who know what to do," he said.

It was Reyes’ first visit to the Tampakan project, considered the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposit in Southeast Asia. Since his appointment, Reyes has actively promoted responsible mineral development as the country’s long-term response to perennial poverty and underdevelopment.

"The Tampakan project is currently in its pre-feasibility stage. Upon conclusion of the study later this year, we will decide if we push for a full feasibility study," said Paul Dominguez, SMI president and chief executive officer.

SMI has a financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA) with the national government. If found feasible and things proceed as scheduled, mining operations could start in 2010.

As part of his visit, Reyes witnessed the ceremonial signing of the Kiblawan-Tampakan-Colombio (KITACO) growth plan.

The KITACO plan is being undertaken by the local governments of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, Tampakan in South Cotabato and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat to jointly rationalize, integrate and jumpstart their development. The three municipalities constitute the tri-boundary of the mining project.

Tampakan Mayor Claudius Barroso, who walked with Reyes throughout his visit, said, "The host towns and communities of the Tampakan project are eager to see it proceed to full operations. This is because we are convinced that the project will bring in unprecedented socio-economic development to our area."

Colombio Mayor Edwin Bermudez said, "We want to see our constituents benefit from development opportunities and effect lasting growth and development in our areas. The KITACO plan is an opportunity we do not want to miss."

For his part, Kiblawan Mayor Jaime Caminero said, "We are happy that Secretary Reyes is here to witness the historic signing and formal creation of the KITACO growth plan. This is a historic event and activity for us and our people."