Mining firms slam DENR audit results

MANILA, Philippines – Several mining firms slammed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ audit results, which they claimed were premature and inconsistent.

The DENR released its audit results Tuesday and recommended for suspension eight members of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) for violation of environmental standards. These firms include Filminera Resources, Marcventures Mining and Development, Agata, CTP Construction and Mining, Hinatuan Mining, Benguet, Lepanto Consolidated Mining, and OceanaGold Philippines.

“The pronouncements on Tuesday gave the impression that the companies named have already been suspended. Reputations have been damaged,” said Ronald Recidoro, VP for Policy at COMP.

Environment Undersecretary Leo Jasareno, head of the mining audit team, said only 11 of the 41 operating metallic mines in the country passed the audit while 20 were given seven days to explain why their operations should not be suspended.

The operations of the 10 companies that were earlier suspended would remain, the DENR said.

According to COMP, the government’s premature announcement ill have a serious impact not just on current mining projects but also on the new ones.

“The repercussions go well beyond our mining communities. Investments are in danger. A lot of these companies with alleged violations are publicly-listed companies, jeopardizing stocks and shareholders especially at a time that the peso is struggling,” Recidoro said.

The COMP emphasized that the DENR’s action was inconsistent with President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust to honor existing contracts and support responsible mining.

“Our Chamber members, majority of which are already ISO 14001 certified, continue to adhere to our advocacy of responsible mining, protecting our communities, the environment and the economic progress of the country,” Recidoro said.

Marcventures, for its part, said it already received the letter from the DENR and was seeking a dialogue with the agency.

Benguet, meanwhile, explained it had continuously exerted efforts to initiate projects including converting it into a bulk water project and a waste to energy facility.

“We remain committed to the rehabilitation of Antamok. We are well aware of our obligations as a responsible mining company. As an ISO:14001 certified company, we have always been a step ahead in the implementation of rehabilitation projects that will redound to the benefits of the communities where we operate,” Benguet said.

San Roque Metals is also awaiting the official transmittal of the DENR findings but remains confident the issues raised particularly access to the provincial road and new municipal resolution will be clarified.

The Chamber also appealed to the DENR to clearly define the “new standards” that mining companies are supposed to meet.

Meanwhile, non-government organization Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) questioned the reaction of the Chamber towards the mining audit results.

“The hostile reaction of COMP to the results of the mining audit reveals the arrogance of an industry used to having their way because of their regulatory capture of the DENR under previous administrations,” ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera said.

COMP earlier questioned the impartiality of the audit results citing the presence of anti-mining civil society organizations in the audit teams.