Governor asks suspension of Lafayette mining permit

by Rhaydz B. Barcia
Thursday, December 20, 2007
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/dec/20/yehey/prov/20071220pro4.html


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.