The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) on Tuesday approved the request of Lafayette Mining to extend by another 30 days the test run of its mining facilities in Rapu-rapu Island, Albay.

This is the second time that the mining firm had sought an extension of its test run following its closure due to mine spills.

“We will not allow Lafayette to operate until it has shown that it has complied with all the requirements of the DENR, particularly the environment, social, and technical responsibilities,” DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes said.

Reyes said that the PAB approved the 30-day test run to enable Lafayette to present more proofs that it has complied with DENR standards on safe and sustainable mining following two mine spills in its Rapu-rapu facilities in October 2005.

He said the extension will also give the PAB an opportunity to conduct an ocular inspection of the Rapu-rapu mining site on November 14 to verify Lafayette’s claims that it has implemented all remedial measures imposed by the PAB.

In its petition for an extension, Lafayette had reasoned out that the Rapu-rapu facility was not able to operate from September 27 to October 6 because of the power blackout caused by typhoon Milenyo.

It also said a cessation of operation on November 8, the date the last extension expires, may be detrimental for the mining facility since it takes a long time to attain normal operating conditions after a shutdown.

DENR closed down the Rapu-rapu polymetallic project after the two mine spills on October 11 and 31, 2005. The Department ordered the Australian-owned company to install safety facilities first before they could be allowed to resume operations. Lafayette was given 30 days to conduct a 3-stage test run of its facilities.

After this expired, Lafayette was given a 60-day extension, which was to expire today. Lafayette filed a motion for extension of the temporary lifting order last November 2.

Under the PAB Order, the 30-day extension of the temporary lifting order shall take effect today, November 8.

The PAB also required Lafayette to submit a copy of the assessement of the Technical Working Group on the structural integrity of the Rapu-rapu dam and the adequacy of the measures to control the acid mine drainage (AMD). (DENR Public Affairs Office)

November 8 , 2006