InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
MANILA - The government has slapped Philex Mining Corp. with a P325-million penalty for environmental damage caused by a waste spillage at its Padcal mine in Benguet, even as it cited the mining firm's quick action in containing the leak to stop further damage to the environment.
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the government will fine Philex in line with the Mining Act of 1995, which imposes a penalty of P50 per metric ton of sediments spilled from a tailings facility.
“So far, the Environmental Management Bureau has assessed at least five million cubic meters of sediments have spilled from tailings pond no.3,” Paje said.
He said the penalty excludes possible penalties for violation of the Clean Water Act and Philex's environmental compliance certificate, which stipulates certain standards that the holder should meet.
Paje said the government is coordinating with Philex to ensure there is no repeat of the incident, adding that the company immediately contained the spill and stopped further damage to surrounding areas.
“There was no extensive damage to natural resources in the vicinity of the mine. The spillage is big but the damage is not that big because of immediate measures," he said.
Leo Jasareno, Mines and Geosciences Bureau chief, said the agency has completed its investigation, adding that it expects to come up with a formal report by next week.
“We have already completed the assessment of the situation, including the impact of the water and sediment discharge on the river system in the surrounding areas,” he said.
Philex to settle penalty
Lawyer Mike Toledo, Philex senior vice-president for corporate affairs, said the company is ready to accept the penalty that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources would impose.
“We have yet to receive their notice and as soon as we take a look at it, we will comply. Philex will comply. We will always comply with whatever the law says,” he said.
He said the company also is undertaking its own assessment of the situation after receiving the DENR letter prescribing the penalty.
Earlier, the MGB ordered the suspension of all mining operations at Philex’s Padcal mine in Tuba, Benguet until such time that the integrity and safety of its tailings pond has been assured.
InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
BUSINESS NEWS
