Complete cleanup first before clearance, govt tells Philex

Philex Mining Corporation is prevented from resuming regular operations of its copper-gold mine in Padcal, Benguet, unless it completes the clean up of tailings from waterways affected by the sediment spill.

This was according to Environment Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio, who said the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) will not give the company clearance to resume operations if traces of sediment are still found in the Agno and Balog rivers.

He said this is even if Philex, the country's biggest listed mining firm, completes the rehabilitation of the mine's compromised Tailings Pond No. 3  or TP3.

“While there is still trace of pollution, the PAB will not allow them to operate again," said Ignacio, who is the presiding officer of PAB.

The Manny Pangilinan-chaired Philex voluntarily stopped operations at Padcal after heavy rains caused the mine's TP3 to spill.

Ignacio said the company is also contesting the P92.8 million fine imposed by PAB in violation of the Clean Water Act for the tailings that polluted the waterways and the environs of the Padcal mine.

The company is meted the maximum penalty of P200,000 per day until the pollution is completely cleared from the waterways.

As of Wednesday, Philex faces a penalty of P180 million for violation of the law.

Ignacio said Philex filed a motion before the board two months ago, questioning the "parameters of computation of the fine."

The PAB is expected to meet in two weeks to assess the company's motion.

"If we do not agree to that, they can go to the Court of Appeals," Ignacio said.

Earlier this year, PAB, along with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), allowed Philex to temporarily resume operations to conduct the so-called beaching process, which entails the production of fresh tailings that will be used to fill the void and flush accumulated water from TP3.

The temporary lifting of the suspension is effective for only four months from the day the orders from the MGB and PAB were received, which was February 26 and March 7, respectively. — KBK, GMA News