MGB assures mining firms in ongoing audits

MANILA, Philippines – Mining firms have nothing to worry about if they practice responsible mining, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said.

“Responsible mining firms have nothing to fear from the conduct of the audit. It is in fact a blessing in disguise to them who have religiously followed and are compliant of mining and environmental laws and regulations,” MGB director Mario Luis Jacinto said on the second day of the Mining Philippines Conference 2016.

He emphasized that those who should be afraid and face sanctions are the ones who violated the conditions of contracts, ignored adverse impacts to host communities, and polluted the environment, among others.

“The results of the audit should turn out to be a good jump off point for the industry. It would be a deliberate effort for the industry for the effective monitoring of operations and ensuring that the terms and conditions of the contracts are met,” he said.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) said its members are not afraid of the ongoing audit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We welcome this purging of illegal and non-compliant mining operations. We have always operated under some of the strictest laws and we believe that if you cannot obey these laws, you should not be in this industry,” COMP president Benjamin Philip Romualdez said.

Jacinto said many of the companies that have been in the industry for some time could be considered responsible.  These firms include Benguet Corp., Philex Mining Corp., and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. of Nickel Asia Corp., among others.

“There should be a continuing effort by the company because they have to stay in the business due to large investments on the ground and make sure they are compliant,” he said.

Meanwhile, COMP assured the government its members would follow the law, engage in responsible mining and use only the best practice available to ensure that host communities and the environment thrive.

The COMP likewise has expressed full support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for responsible mining.

“We are committed to developing the industry to its fullest potential as a pillar for economic growth that is envisioned to benefit multiple local industries and will directly improve the lives of thousands of families in our communities,” Romualdez said.

The audit of around 40 mining firms started last month and is on track to be completed by the end of the month.

To date, the DENR has already suspended 10 companies.