The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued a memorandum order on the guidelines needed to implement care and maintenance programs (CMPs) for mines that have stopped operations.
The order signed January 10 by MGB acting director Wilfredo Moncano said mining tenements that are under voluntary stoppage or suspension should implement a CMP to ensure the integration of environmental protection and stakeholder involvement in every stage of mine operations.
This would also ensure workers affected by mine closures will continue to have cash allowance or gainful employment, depending on the approved CMP while the mining companies are implementing corrective measures relative to their suspension.
The MGB said CMPs should include the identification of safety and health hazard aside from environmental and social impacts. Mitigating measures and the budget to implement such should also be detailed in the CMP.
Contractors and permit holders are compelled to submit their CMP for MGB’s approval as it will protect workers especially in cases of operational constraints including dispute with surface owners or work force, peace and order issue, flooding, fire, massive landslide and other natural or man-made calamities.
The program will also kick in when a mining operation is stopped due to non-conformances with regulatory provisions and other laws.
A CMP will be effective for three months if the reason for stoppage or closure is voluntary.
A CMP is implemented indefinitely if the reason is suspension.
To assure funding will be available for CMP, money will be sourced from the first year deposit of the Final Mine Rehabilitation but withdrawal of money will need to be cleared by the MGB regional directors.
Among the companies whose mining operations are currently suspended include Krominco Inc., Mt. Sinai Exploration and Development Corp., Libjo Mining Corp., Wellex Mining Corp. and AAMPHIL Natural Resources and Development Corp.
