Mines bureau: Let Philex, NPC talk first on alleged Padcal impact on San Roque watershed 

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will not yet step into the dispute between the National Power Corp. (NPC) and Philex Mining Corp. on the alleged impact of the Padcal mine tailings leakage on the San Roque Watershed Reservation.

 

However, the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an alliance of communities affected by mining operations and of non-governmental organizations wants the MGB to act urgently.

 

"NPC is a government-owned corporation, we will also decide on what to do with the issue, however, we are letting the two parties discuss and defend their claims first before we intervene," MGB director Leo Jasareno said in an interview with news media.

 

The ATM wants transparency and urged the MGB to facilitate talks between Philex and NPC.

 

“We expect the MGB and Philex to be fully transparent, specifically on reporting to the public how the impacts of the mine tailings is being addressed. They should stop misleading the public about their rehabilitation work and include containing mine wastes in the San Roque reservoir,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.

 

NPC has sought compensation and penalties amounting to P6.4 billion for damages it claims resulted from the August 2012 Padcal mine tailings leakage.

 

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Philex Mining said it has asked NPC to substantiate its claims.

 

Philex also said its possible liability to NPC “is not material in the event the NPC claims can be legally and factually substantiated.”  — ELR, GMA News