Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo T. Reyes directed one mining firm in Marinduque and another in Zambales to immediately address the potential hazards posed by critical structures in their mine sites to avert any accidental mine spills that may be brought by the onset of La Niña.

The DENR-Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau has identified the four critical structures requiring immediate attention as follows:

• Magui-guila siltation dam of Marcopper in Marinduque
• Tapian Pit, also of Marcopper
• Bayarong tailings pond of Dizon Mines in Zambales
• Camalca waste dump, also of Dizon mines

“Left unattended, these mine structures will pose a threat to the environment and the nearby communities. The concerned mining firms should immediately institute the appropriate remedial measures to maintain the integrity of the identified mine structures,” Reyes said.

Moreover, “the local government units concerned are advised to take the necessary actions to alert and safeguard the community which might be affected by the potential hazard,” Reyes added.

Marcopper and Dizon are inactive mines. Thus, Reyes stressed that “being inactive, care and maintenance of the structures becomes more vital. The mining firms should ensure that the identified structures can withstand the effects of sudden heavy or prolonged rainfall events or successive typhoons.”

More importantly, Reyes added, that the directive is a pro-active approach, meant not just for the mining firms identified, but for the whole mining industry and intends to instill a culture of safety and health, and environmental protection “with or without La Niña.”

Reyes also directed the DENR regional executive directors, the Environmental Management Bureau and the MGB who conducts regular monitoring of all mine structures of both active and inactive mines, to be more vigilant in monitoring the stability of all mine structures being maintained/operated by mining and quarry firms all over the country.

In the case of the abandoned Bagacay mine in Samar, Reyes ordered the MGB to expedite its rehabilitation.

April 19, 2006