South Cotabato gov says he's for responsible mining

MANILA, Philippines - South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy has clarified an earlier statement attributed to him that the proposed open-pit mining of Xstrata’s Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) will cause floods and other environmental disasters of catastrophic proportions.

“I was referring to the Marinduque experience and what can happen if we are not careful,” Pingoy said.

He also admitted that he is aware of the company’s efforts to protect the environment.

“In fairness to the company I know they are serious with their commitment to safety and environmental protection,” he said.

Pingoy said, “We have a sad history for the mining industry and mining companies have to assure us that their projects will be safe for the environment.”

“I am not against mining per se; I am for responsible mining,” he said.

“We have an existing mining project in T’boli town and I support that,” he added.

Pingoy said that during the interview “I said I wanted an assurance from the company (SMI) which is the environmental impact study.”

“My basis on whether to affirm if the mine’s operation will be safe for South Cotabato will be the environmental impact study,” he said.

Pingoy also clarified that SMI has committed to submit the environmental impact study in the first quarter this year.

“I am waiting for that study which, in fairness to SMI, they said they will submit this year, then we will know if the project can be safe or not,” he said.

“We all look forward to the investment that the project will bring during its operations but we should also look forward to what will happen after the mine’s operations,” he said.

Pingoy added: “Existing plans are in place to ensure safety once the mines start operating but we need that environmental impact study to validate if the safety measures will work.”

Early this week five members of the South Cotabato provincial board said SMI’s water resource management plan is satisfactory during a presentation held in Koronadal City.