OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. (OGPI) is optimistic about the continued operations of its Didipio gold-copper mine after the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Nueva Vizcaya denied the application for a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) against the project.
The RTC said it cannot grant the TEPO due to lack of basis on claims the company is causing a risk of imminent and irreparable harm to the environment in exploring the mine project traversing the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
Various individuals sought the issuance of a TEPO, questioning the OGPI and officials’ approval renewing the mining firm’s Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) with the government in 2021.
“We maintain that we have undergone a comprehensive and thorough process over three years for government’s confirmation of the renewal of our mining contract and that we complied with all requirements,” Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGPI president and general manager for external affairs and social performance, said in a statement.
“We remain deeply committed to the high standards of responsible and sustainable mining practices, and to the promotion of inclusive economic development by actively contributing to our host communities and to society at large,” Cattiling added.
