Mining firm takes on social responsibility for spill

TUBA, Benguet - The Philex Mining Corporation expressed its willingness to take its social responsibility following the effect of the tailing spillage to the waters in Benguet.

“We are willing to pay the fine and suspend our operations (until proper repair and remedy are implemented),” Philex corporate lawyer Miguel Toledo said in reaction to the impending imposition of fine against the mining company by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Toledo said part of a wall of one of its mine tailing dams was breached and several tons of its mining wastes flowed into nearby rivers in Benguet province due to the heavy rains brought by typhoons “Gener” and “Helen.”

He added the company is now set to repair the dam and other facilities in order that operations could resume in due time.

Toledo said Philex has already accumulated losses of some P220 million since their operations temporarily stopped following the incident.

To date, the DENR has yet to determine the extent of effects of the mine wastes to the local water resources.

DENR spokesman for the Cordilleras Abner Villanueva said that the finished study did not still contain the actual volume of tailing that flowed outside the mining site. (Aure Galacgac/PNA)