The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday vowed to strictly monitor the Tampakan copper-gold project on its environmental protection and rehabilitation obligations once it resumes operations in South Cotabato.
DENR Secretary Jim Sampulna cited the amendment of the Environment Code of South Cotabato, particularly on the lifting of the open-pit mining ban, which was approved on third and final reading by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato last May 16.
The move gave the Sagittarius Mines Inc. the green light to proceed with the development of the area and eventually commercial extraction of minerals.
The mining firm is the proponent of the Tampakan copper-gold project.
“The environment will not be sacrificed. We will see to it that the soon-to-commence Tampakan copper-gold project will be strictly monitored in compliance with applicable mining and environmental laws, rules, and regulations,” Sampulna said.
“We will also require SMI to invest in equipment and manpower to ensure mitigation in case of any adverse impacts from the mining operation,” he added.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau chief Wilfredo Moncano gave assurance that there are existing modern technologies that could address the potential environmental impact of the mining operations.
“We also have the DENR policy that requires mining companies to provide funds in all stages of the mining operation necessary for environmental protection and enhancement,” he said.