Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo T. Reyes has ordered the conduct of a nationwide risk assessment on all operating and non-operating mines, including abandoned ones, nationwide in a bid to reduce risks to human health, the environment as well as economic investments.

Reyes instructed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and all its regional offices to coordinate with concerned companies and entities to undertake the risk assessment the soonest time possible.

“The government and the private mining companies must work hand in hand to ensure that all mines are safe and will remain safe when troubles of natural disaster, which we cannot control, strike,” Reyes said.

The MGB central office, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the DENR-Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO) were also instructed to provide all the necessary technical and material assistance to the regional offices conducting the assessment.

With the conduct of such risk assessment, Reyes said the DENR would like to ensure that there will be no repeat of mining accidents like Marcopper or Rapu-Rapu.

The DENR chief issued the order two weeks after it declared the Marcopper mine in Marinduque unharmed by the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the island late last month, and just days after the first year anniversary of the tailings spill that forced the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Albay to stop its operation. Marcopper, like Rapu-Rapu mine, stopped its operations in 1996 after an accidental tailings spill.

“Let it be a reminder to everyone, especially our friends in the mining sector, that at the foremost consideration of our mining revitalization program will always be the best interest of the people and the environment,” Reyes said.

Reyes is expected to join mining leaders and stakeholders in Baguio City this weekend as the industry holds its biggest annual conference focusing on mine safety, environment and social responsibility.

During the event the DENR chief is also set to keynote on behalf of President Arroyo the Annual Awards Night for the industry’s outstanding accomplishments in mine safety, health, and reforestation. He is expected to underscore the need for both government and the private sector to work together in ensuring safer and responsible mines.

The Secretary will also hand the awards to this year’s Best Mines; Safest Mines, Quarries and Cement Plants; Best Reforestation Program; and the prestigious Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards, the highest honor being given by the government in mine environmental management.

November 16, 2006