Apex quits mining group over Duterte directive

Apex Mining Co. Inc. has resigned from the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines  as it disagreed with COMP on its stance on President Duterte’s anti-illegal mining campaign.

The mining firm, one of 13 mines which passed the audit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the time of former secretary Regina Lopez, called for better self regulation in the industry.

COMP is the industry organization of mining giants operating in the country which advance members’ interest and concerns over the regulatory environment.

Businessman Walter W. Brown, president and CEO of Apex Mining, said he is disappointed and frustrated over COMP’s response to President Duterte’s call for the mining industry to clean up its acts.

“I do not agree that we should blame the illegal small-scale miners when the mining industry is put to task for perceived destruction of the environment. I would rather that the chamber regulate its own ranks and discipline its members who do not comply with existing mining rules and regulations and those who pay lip service to responsible mining,”  Brown said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) yesterday.

Last month, Duterte  warned miners  he would tax them to death if they don’t shape up.

Duterte said mining companies should restore the virginity of exploited areas and communities where mining companies operate.

He urged mining companies to restore and rehabilitate all areas damaged by mining activities and provide the necessary support to the communities that have suffered mining’s disastrous effects to the health among others.

In response to Duterte’s remarks, the COMP put the blame on small-scale miners.

“The Chamber of Mines does not condone wrongdoing within the industry. Erring mines must be prosecuted and made accountable to the fullest extent of the law,.

Strict regulation and monitoring by the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), especially of the small-scale mining sector, will be key to ensuring that the environment is adequately protected, and that more trees are planted in mining areas,” COMP said.

Brown said the COMP should step up self regulation. Otherwise, it may suffer even worst consequences if the government slaps higher taxes on the industry.

“Every organization has its own share of good members and bad members. But the mining industry is subject to intense scrutiny now. If we do not clean up our ranks, all the good will go down the same drain with the bad, when the industry is taxed to death as the President has warned,” Brown said.