BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—OceanaGold Philippines Inc. will cease operations on its open-pit gold and copper mine in Didipio next month, but will keep it open to allow its miners to access tunnels for its future underground mining operations in Mt. Dinkidi in Barangay Runruno, Kasibu town.
“The extraction of ore or other minerals and rocks is what we are referring on this, but it is paramount to the integrity, maintenance and safety of the environment that it should be preserved until the mine is concluded in its final form, then it will be rehabilitated,” David Way, OGPI Didipio operations manager, said.
Way made a brief presentation on the current developments of the mine and its socio-economic contribution to the province on Monday before the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here headed by Vice Gov. Lambert Galima Jr.
He said OceanaGold has resumed operations after appealing to the Office of the President the suspension order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources due to alleged violations on the environment, health and safety of the affected villagers.
In 2016, Didipio produced 150,000 ounces of gold and 21,000 tons of copper, which were exported through Poro Point in La Union, Way said. From April to October 2013, the company also produced 350,000 tons of copper concentrates.
By end-2016, Way said a 4.3-kilometer tunnel was developed in preparation for the underground mine phase to extract gold and copper deposits.
OceanaGold will start its production phase by early 2018 after its transition into underground mining operations starting the middle of this year.
The open pit at Didipio, Way said, will be maintained to serve as a safe exit of their underground extraction, while employing continuous watering operations to ensure the safety of their workers.
Way attributed “the continuing flow of the direct contributions and sustainability of the project to host local government units” to the successful mining operations “that is economically viable.”
“Our mining experts played a significant role here. In fact, President Trump was pleased to hear on the decommissioning of this project, since it is a reflection of great standard mining operations,” Way said.
He said OceanaGold’s production guidance for their underground operations is at 110,000 to 130,000 ounces of gold and 15,000 to 17,000 tons of copper concentrates.
OGPI also approved P7 million for 2017 for the funding of additional socio-economic and infrastructure projects for the further development of Barangay Didipio and Kasibu town in general, Way added.