Philex cleans mine tailings leak

TUBA, Benguet, Philippines  – Philex Mining Corp. has mobilized a task force to undertake massive cleanup of tributaries affected by the tailings leak from its Padcal mine site.

The cleanup seeks to prevent silt from reaching the San Roque Dam, and ensure that water flowing to the lowlands is safe, Philex vice president for operations and resident manager Libby Ricafort said.

Rehabilitation work downstream of tailings pond 3, which leaked during the weeklong downpour during tropical storm ”Gener,” has begun, Ricafort said.

Philex suspended its operations in its Padcal mine last Aug. 1 due to the unusual accumulation of rainwater in tailings pond 3.

“The question is not when our operations will resume. The question is how each and every one of you will be able to help,” Ricafort said during a meeting with a team of miners and volunteers.