THE proposed copper-gold project of Colet Mining Development Corporation (CMDC) in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental has already undertaken its second level scoping in November last year, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 (DENR 6) reported recently.
MGB 6 OIC - Regional Director Leo Van Juguan said the activity is part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process as mandated by Presidential Decree 1586 or Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.
"The EIA is conducted to identify and evaluate important environmental impacts which include social factors that may occur if a project will be undertaken as well as to identify measures to eliminate or minimize these impacts, the results of which are incorporated into project design and operations", said Juguan.
In line with the activity a public consultation was also conducted last November participated in by more than 300 stakeholders composed of provincial, city and barangay officials, residents, civil society and national government agencies.
During the consultation, company key officials presented the project and responded to the related issues expressed by the participants. Information materials detailing project plans and key environmental assessment issues translated in local language were also posted and distributed during the activity.
The Colet Copper Gold Project is identified as one of the 24 national priority projects under the government's thrust to revitalize the mining industry in the country.
The CDMC with an operating agreement with Hinoba Holdings Philippines, Inc. (HHPI) has acquired a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for this project which covers 2,901.8040 hectares for copper and other minerals in Barangays Manlucahoc and Nabulao in Sipalay City.
Juguan said several information dissemination activities about the project have already been conducted by CDMC and the MGB in the two barangays and the local government of Sipalay City. Currently, the CMDC is finalizing its confirmatory drilling that started in September 2005. (PIA)
