The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will strictly monitor the operations of the Tampakan copper-gold project in Mindanao following the lifting of the open pit mining ban in South Cotabato.
Jim Sampulna, DENR acting secretary, said the lifting of the ban signals Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), proponent of the Tampakan copper-gold project, to proceed with the development of the area and to commercially extract minerals.
“The environment will not be sacrificed. We will see to it the soon-to-commence Tampakan copper-gold project will be strictly monitored in compliance with applicable mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations,” Sampulna said.
Sampulna added MGB will also require SMI to invest in equipment and manpower to ensure mitigation in case of any adverse impacts from the mining operation.
Wilfredo Moncano, MGB director, said modern technologies can address the potential environmental impact of the mining operations in Tampakan.
“We also have the DENR policy that requires mining companies to provide funds in all stages of the mining operation necessary for environmental protection and enhancement,” Moncano added.
The MGB said all other major requirements to legally support the mining operation had been complied with by SMI, including the Environmental Compliance Certificate and the Certification Precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples after the Free and Prior Informed Consent process was undertaken and a memorandum of agreement was signed with indigenous peoples.
The DENR is tasked to create a multipartite monitoring team that will be responsible for the conduct of quarterly environmental monitoring and audit of the mining company’s operation to ensure it is in line with environmental laws.
It is also set to convene the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee to oversee the management and utilization of the funds for SMI’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program, progressive rehabilitation, and social development through livelihood activities for residents living close to the project area.
