Mining firm nixes reports landslide occurred on its site

DAVAO CITY – US mining firm St. Augustine Gold and Copper on Saturday disputed reports that the Good Friday landslide occurred inside their area in Kingking, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

“The landslide is in a very remote area called Upper Lumanggang, some distance away from areas in which [Nationwide Development Corp.] and St. Augustine are conducting environmental and engineering studies in the King-king tenement,” Clyde Gillespie, a St. Augustine officials said in a statement.

He said St. Augustine have offered the use of its helipad to the military for the airlifting of rescued victims.

“We are devoting the resources necessary to help respond and will continue to as long as is needed,” Gillespie said.

He added that St. Augustine was also offering its help to determine the cause of the tragedy, which officials had blamed on days of intermittent rains.