Last June 20 an article written by Brenda Jocson (Led by Padilla, NV hits miner’s license renewal) was published and a quote alleges that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau advises our company to use lime for the foul smell of our tailings pond.
Another article, published last June 23 and written by Ben Ebreo and Brenda Jocson (Miner’s new permit up to Duterte—MGB) states that DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu has decided to halt our operation by issuing a cease-and-desist order pending our renewal.
We have never used lime in our tailings storage facility as our use of clean production technology in our process plant (cyanide- and mercury-free) result in non-hazardous mill tailings.
Likewise, we have not received any cease-and-desist order from the office of Secretary Cimatu pending our renewal. We lodged our application for renewal of our Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement with the Philippine Government in March 2018. We received confirmation dated June 20, 2019 from our regulatory authority, the MGB, that we are permitted to continue operations pending the confirmation of our renewal by the Government. We are committed to operating in accordance with the law and will always comply with all our responsibilities under our contract with the Philippine government.
We operate the world-class Didipio Mine and promote the advancement of responsible mining in the Philippines through internationally recognized and leading environmental community and employee programs and commitments. You are most welcome to visit our mine at your most convenient time.
DAVID WAY
General Manager—OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc.