MGB lifts suspension order on Oriental Peninsula mine in Palawan

Listed Oriental Peninsula Resources Group Inc. may resume operations of one of its mines in Palawan after getting the go signal from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

 

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, Oriental Peninsula said it received the order lifting the suspension of operations of unit Citinickel Mines and Development Corp. (CMDC) in Narra, Palawan.

 

Mining operations in Narra was suspended in November 2012 when a silt spill polluted the Pinagduguan River and affected 6.8 hectares of farmlands.

 

The MGB also allowed Citinickel Mines to resume ore exports involving existing stockpile in Sofronio Española in Palawan but not to operate the mine.

 

Oriental Peninsula said Citinickel Mines is still trying to complete the compliance of conditions set by MGB in order for the company to resume its mining operations in Sofronio.

 

"Considering that CMDC has sufficient ore in its existing stockpile in Sofronio Española to sustain its export operations while it has temporarily halted its mining operations, it is believed that there will be no significant impact on the financial condition of [Oriental Peninsula]," the disclosure read.

 

Citinickel Mines was also stopped by MGB from operating its nickel mine in Sofronio Española because of another silt spill that polluted the rivers in the area.

 

Oriental Peninsula said the board of Citinickel Mines has decided to take a pro-active stance in installing and implementing preventive measures to protect the environment.

 

"This is in keeping with the company’s commitment to responsible mining, by prioritizing the protection of the country’s natural resources," the disclosure read. – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News