Lawmaker urges House to probe mining firms
MANILA, Philippines – A lawmaker urged the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation into the mining accidents in the country involving foreign and local firms.
Western Samar Representative Mel Sarmiento in a statement said he filed House Resolution 950 seeking a congressional inquiry on “environmental problems involving foreign and local mining companies.”
He also urged government agencies to implement environment laws and monitor mining companies.
Sarmiento cited the Marcopper Mining Corp., Atlas Mining Development Corp., Lafayette Inc., and the Philex Mining Corp. which were involved in mining accidents in the country from 1996 to 2012.
According to the lawmaker, Marcopper Mining Corp dumped 1.5 million cubic meters of toxic mine tailing in Maculapnit and Boac Rivers in Marinduque last March 24, 1996.
Meanwhile, Atlas Mining Development Corp. disgorged 5.7 million cubic meters of acidic wastewater in the Sapangkau River in Cebu last August 1999, he added.
The Lafayette Inc. spilled mine tailings with cyanide in Rapu-Rapu, Albay and in Sorsogon, causing fish kill and paralyzing livelihoods there, Sarmiento said.
The most recent case was in August 2012 when Philex Mining Corp. spilled 20 million metric tons of waste from their tailings pond in Benguet, he added.
“Despite extravagant showcases of responsible mining operations, mining companies have violated the country’s environmental laws,” Sarmiento said.
He also urged the lower chamber to conduct a probe on the black sand mining in northern Luzon.
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