OceanaGold implements environment management system

MANILA, Philippines - OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. has been implementing an environmental management system (EMS) even before it starts the construction of its gold copper project in Barangay Didipio in Nueva Vizcaya, according to Chito Gozar, OceanaGold vice president for communications and external affair.

 “We are applying all mitigating measures to avert negative effects on the environment and this is through reviews, audits and risk assessment to optimize and augment our environmental performance,” Gozar said.

He said “for all this to be effective, it needs to be conducted within a structured management system and integrated with overall management activity.”

Francisco de Leoz Jr., OceanaGold environment manager, said OceanaGold has set up a plan for an EMS, an international management certification.

He said an EMS   promotes continuous improvement, ensures that all environmental management procedures are maintained and that it is a tool that assist mine management to meet environmental requirements.

“Early this month, OceanaGold will begin with the awareness and training of our employees for them to understand and accept this system on environmental management,” De Leon said.

He said because of early preventive system against risks, a company can save substantially by adopting an EMS-ISO14001.

Inherent in an EMS is compliance with laws, reduction of waste and improvement of profit, demonstration of environmental leadership, improvement of customer and investor satisfaction and of marketing edge and improvement of relations with the local community, regulatory authorities and employees.

Located at the boundaries of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya and Cobarroguis, Quirino, the OceanaGold copper-gold project had planted more than 190,000 trees to its concession area even before the start of its plant operation.

It has likewise undertaken community projects, including the construction and improvement of school buildings and medical clinics, roads and other community projects such as in education and other livelihood facilities.