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LEGAZPI CITY: Following the declaration of Lafayette
Mining Ltd. of bankruptcy, Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda urged the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol to
immediately suspend the mining company’s permits in Rapu-Rapu,
Albay.
“As Albay governor, may I
implore the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau and the Environmental
Management Bureau of the DENR to immediately suspend the permits to
mine, mill and transport chemicals granted to Lafayette as it has
declared bankruptcy,” Salceda told The Manila Times.
Salceda said he is determined to
push for the mining firm’s closure as a result of the said
declaration of bankruptcy, as well as its option to sell the mining
operation to other interested investors.
“Financial distress could
sacrifice or compromise environmental standards,” Salceda said
adding that this is the primary concern.
He said that financial distress
is an absolute proof of bad management. “The issues now are who
would maintain the mines tailing pond once the mining firms ceases
to operate; who will pay the people of Rapu-Rapu the P16-million
arrears in social development programs,” he said.
For this reason, Salceda asked
the DENR to take the responsibility for preserving the integrity of
the mine’s facilities to prevent any mishap especially if some
mining chemicals are misplaced.
He also warned environment
authorities that permits are not automatically restored to its
creditors or eventual new interest while waiting for the court to
appoint a receiver.
Given the poor track record of
Lafayette, Salceda asked the DENR Environment Management Bureau to
conduct compliance audit on all environmental concerns.
“When they bullied the
President in writing to get their PEZA, I knew something was not
right with these people from the start,” continued Salceda.
Reynulfo Juan, DENR regional
executive director, said his agency would look into the request for
the suspension of mining permits granted to Lafayette.
He said before any decision could
be made he would first call for a technical conference with the
mining firm and asked them to submit a mining rehabilitation plan.
--Rhaydz B. Barcia
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