Gov bares Robredo pressure to lift open-pit mining ban

KORONADAL CITY—The governor of South Cotabato pointed to Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo as among those exerting pressure on the provincial government to lift a ban on open-pit mining to pave the way for the start of operations of what was touted to be one of the biggest copper and gold mines in the world.

Gov. Arthur Pingoy said Robredo was among those who were trying to pressure him and other provincial officials into striking down an ordinance that bans open-pit mines in the province.

Pingoy said Robredo called him up recently and asked him to review the ban with the end in view of having it revoked. Robredo refused to comment.

The governor, however, said the province would let the courts decide on the legality of the ordinance.

The ban was seen as the biggest stumbling block to the operation of Xstrata’s Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), which is developing gold and copper mines in Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Pingoy said the provincial government has no plans of amending the ordinance despite pressure from the national government.

But he said the ordinance, which was signed in June by then Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, is already in effect and only a court order can stop its enforcement.

“I am determined (in my position) that no open-pit mine will operate in the province unless the pertinent provision of the ordinance will be nullified by the proper court,” Pingoy said.

SMI has not contested the ordinance in any court yet although it has been rallying support from residents and officials, including those from Davao del Sur, which is also part of its proposed mine site.

John Arnaldo, SMI corporate communications manager, said the company was also trying to settle the problem through a mutual agreement with South Cotabato officials.

He said SMI has been holding dialogues, especially with South Cotabato officials. Pingoy, however, said the province was firm in the decision not to amend the ordinance.

“That ordinance is so good because it covers the protection and preservation of the environment,” he said.

Clive Wicks, a British consultant for the private Working Group on Mining in the Philippines, said SMI will not only violate the ban on open-pit mines but also an executive order banning the cutting of trees.

He said SMI plans to clear 3,935 hectares of forest cover—including old growth rainforest-to build an 800-meter deep and 500-hectare wide open-pit mine. Aquiles Zonio with a report from Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao