EMB stops two mining companies from hauling nickel ore in Zambales

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 3 denied the request of two mining companies to lift the suspension orders keeping them from hauling nickel ore stockpiles from Zambales, the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) said Wednesday.

 

In a statement, ATM said Eramen Minerals Incorporated (EMI) and Benguet Nickel Mining Incorporated (BNMI) had nickel ore stockpiles weighing an estimated 170,000 tons in the province.

 

The Concerned Citizens of Sta. Cruz Zambales (CCOS) said the two companies appealed to the EMB to let them haul the stockpiles costing around $23 million.

 

CCOS president Dr. Benito Molino said the move was “an effort to get around the sanction given by EMB.”

 

“What BNMI and EMI were saying was EMB should let them haul the stockpiles so that they can have something to pay for their damages and penalties.” Molino said.

 

“According to BNMI and EMI, they are losing one million pesos a day because of the suspension. But whose fault is it?” he added.

 

Meanwhile, ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera welcomed EMB's decision to uphold the suspension orders.

 

“This is another victory for anti-mining advocates, especially for the people of Zambales.” Garganera said.

 

Both companies were suspended last June 9 after an evaluation of waterways and shores conducted by the EMB Region 3 showed how the mining companies were having an impact on the environment. – Andrei Medina/VS, GMA News