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Friday, June 20, 2003
Benguet Corp., MGB to sign pact on env't concerns
REGIONAL Director Neoman dela Cruz of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau and Isabelo Velez, vice president for mining of the Benguet Corporation-Acupan Contract Mining Project (BC-ACMP), are set to sign a memorandum of agreement to address environmental concerns and issues on the operation of the ACMP.
This developed as the BC-ACMP finally accepted the MGB-CAR's proposal for the company to create its own Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee to oversee the implementation its Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program.
According to the MOA set, the BC-ACMP are mandated to maintain the mining operation; establish a functional post-disturbance land use capability; preserve downstream freshwater and sea water quality; preserve the natural habitats for marine life; prevent air and noise pollution; respect traditional and/or sustainable management strategies concerning natural resources of indigenous peoples and other communities.
The revised implementing rules and regulations of RA 7942 stipulates that mining activities shall be managed in a technically, financially, socially, culturally and environmentally responsible manner to be able to assure the availability, sustainability and equitable distribution of the country's natural resources.
Contractors and permittees of mining activities are further required to technically and biologically rehabilitate the excavated, mined-out, tailings covered and disturbed areas to the condition of environmental safety.
A mine rehabilitation fund created based on the contractor's approved work of program shall be deposited as a trust fund in a government depository bank and used for physical and social rehabilitation of areas and communities affected by mining activities. This fund is also used for researches on the social, technical and preventive aspects of rehabilitation.
The MGB is mandated to institutionalize an environmental fund mechanism to ensure just and timely compensation for damages and progressive and sustainable rehabilitation for any adverse effects of the mining operation.
The allocation of funds, which is ten percent of the total project cost, for the operationalization of the Mines Rehabilitation Fund will be taken up during the BC-ACMP and MGB's next meeting.
(June 20, 2003 issue)
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