Cemex assesses impact of mining ban

MANILA, Philippines — Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. (CHP) is now conducting an assessment on how the cease and desist order on unit APO Land & Quarry Corp. would affect its business.

APO Land is one of the principal suppliers of CHP subsidiary Apo Cement Corp. Its quarrying activities are located in the  Naga City, Cebu.

It is wholly owned by Impact Assets Corp. which is 40 percent owned by Cemex. The local government of Naga ordered all companies and individuals from further doing mining operations and activities, small-scale quarries, sand and gravel extractions and other similar activities following the recent landslide in the area which has already resulted in the death of at least 46 people.

“CHP is now conducting an assessment on the effect of the (CDO) on the raw materials sourced from Naga City and consequently on the production output of APO Cement. CHP is also considering, at this time, alternative measures to address the situation,” the company  said.

The Naga City’s executive order provides among others that the CDO shall be lifted once reversed by the director of Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu suspended quarrying in the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga following the incident.

The landslide in Naga City came less than a week after the massive landslide in the mining town of Itogon, Benguet, which was triggered by Typhoon Ompong. The landslide in Itogon left at least 42 people dead.