DENR Audit Team Recommends 12 Mining Operations For Suspension

At least 12 mining operations in the Philippines, mostly nickel, were recommended for suspension by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) audit team for alleged inadequate social development efforts, mining practice, and siltation.

“The 12 (mining operations) were recommended for suspension (by the audit team), but we are reviewing that,” DENR Undersecretary Leo Jasareno said in an interview with the media on Wednesday.

Jasareno however said the number may increase as there are 30 mining operations in the country.

He said Environment Secretary Regina Lopez will have the final say in a scheduled press briefing on Monday.

Despite a suspension order, Jasareno said the mining firm can still submit its comment on the report or explain why it should not be suspended.

At present, 10 mining companies have been suspended, namely Citinickel, EMIR Mineral Resources Corp., Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration Corp., Claver Mineral Development Corp., Ore Asia Mining and Development Corp., Berong Nickel, BenguetCorp Nickel Mines, Inc., Eramen Minerals, Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals, Inc., and Zambales Diversified Metals Corp.

Jasareno said that after the audit, the government hopes to have “a roster of responsible miners”.

Once the report is out, the DENR will embark on a review of coal-fired power facilities. The department is preparing to audit coal-fired power plants to ensure that they pose no danger to the environment.

Jasareno said the agency is drafting the guidelines for the audit of coal plants with focus on the companies’ compliance with the conditions of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

He said the ECC review will include not only the 13 operating coal-fired plants, but also the 12 undergoing construction and 13 new applications.

All applications for building new coal plants are made through the Department of Energy (DOE) but the ECC for plants comes from the DENR.

Coal accounts for about a third of the country’s current energy mix, alongside other sources like natural gas. Renewable energy still plays a minimal role in the mix. (PNA) CVL/LGI