Continuous operations by mining firm opposed

Benguet folk claim Philex’s permit already expired

By DEXTER A.SEE

manila bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007071397707.html

TUBA, Benguet – Thousands of residents of barangays here where Philex Mining Corp., one of the existing mining companies in this province is located, are opposing the company’s operation which has been going on despite the expiration of its permit early this year.

In a petition addressed to the Benguet provincial government, the residents stated that Philex Mines has continued to operate despite the rejection of the company’s mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) during a consultation on free and prior informed consent held a few months ago.

It was learned that the overwhelming rejection was prompted by the company’s alleged disrespect of the rights of the indigenous peoples, failure to preserve remaining undamaged properties and water resources, failure to provide adequate water supply, and alleged displacement of many residents.

Furthermore, it was alleged that the mining company failed to pay land claims in the buffer zone and that the owners of damaged properties caused by the continuous mining operation were given social assistance instead of just compensation.

In a recent meeting, representatives of hundreds of families residing at Sitios Loakan, Agpay, Dun-oy, Alang, Santa Fe, Liang, Libeng, Pukis, Mansumang, Piral, Tabanusan, Pugol, Pungol, Oligba, Alapang, Camait, Batian, Torre, and Clifton in Barangay Camp 3, this town, declared that they do not approve the mining firm’s renewed operation. They demanded that Philex Mines discontinue its operation and rehabilitate their sources of water which, they claimed, have been heavily depleted because of the continuous diggings.

Early this year, the central office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) granted a one-year special mines permit to Philex provided that it strictly adheres to the certain condition.

Among the required conditions for the company’s continuous operations are the filing of a surety bond in the amount equivalent to the annual net mining revenue derived from its operation in the 98hectre permitted area.

As of March this year, Philex paid 42 individual claimants a total of R29,878,717.06 for the damages they suffered. The claimants are residing in the buffer or subsidence zone.

However, the residents said that the compensation paid by the company is insufficient, consideing the long-term negative effects of mining in their communities.

They said that the compensations given to some families were mere pretence to convince the MGB to grant them a permit to continue operation in the mineralrich communities of this town.

Likewise, they said that the water and irrigation projects are not sustainable because these would deplete as time passes by.

The company has been conducting the consultations at Camp 3 proper which, they said, are not directly affected by mining operations.