First posted 14:48:24 (Mla time) June 13, 2008
Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic bishop of Sorsogon province in the Bicol region has called for the “total closure” of a controversial mine in Rapu-Rapu Island , Albay.
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes hit Korea Resources Inc. and LG International Corp., which took over the copper and zinc mine previously operated by Australia-based Lafayette Mining Ltd., saying the mine has caused so much environmental destruction in the area.
According to Bastes, the residents near the mine would be only “too happy” if the Korean investors pull out.
“The government should impose total closure of the mining there. It has ruined not only the environment but also our economy,” Bastes said on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines website.
In 2005 and 2006, the mine was temporarily closed by the government after a series of mine tailings spills that contaminated the surrounding waters.
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