MGB orders suspension of 3 Zambales mines

THE MINES and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has again recommended the suspension of operations of three nickel mines in Zambales province as these have yet to meet the conditions for their operations.

The mines, operated by LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., Benguet Corp. Nickel Mines Inc. and Eramen Minerals Inc., received in July 2014 respective suspension orders (SOs), which regulators issued in response to local residents’ complaints of nickel siltation of river systems, farmlands, fishponds and seashores in the area.

Last February, the MGB issued an order that temporarily lifted the suspension, subject to conditions, among them the construction of an alternative mine haulage road, resolution of the alleged coastal destruction and full payment of the claims for compensation for the damage in fishponds pegged at P3.2 million.

“Although there are ongoing actions on the part of the mining contractors to comply with the conditions, the team recommended to maintain the SOs until all conditions are fully complied with, subject to another validation by the MGB,” MGB director Leo L. Jasareno on Tuesday told reporters.

He said the mining contractors were given more time to submit their compliance reports.