MRFC VISITS PHILEX
The Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) for Philex Mining Corporation convened its 4th Quarter CY 2023 MRFC meeting at the Philex Padcal Mine, Tuba, Benguet on January 19, 2024. The event included the site visit of key areas and the MRFC meeting in the afternoon.
The Committee commenced the site visit by exploring critical locations, including the Bumulo Slide, which is susceptible to geological movements. The team then moved on to the Company’s 7.3 Bamboo Plantation Area at the TSF No. 1 at Sal-angan, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet. Established in 1999, this bamboo plantation serves not only as a rehabilitation strategy but also as a testament to the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.
The visit continued to the Tailings Storage Facility No. 3, where ongoing measures to ensure the facility’s structural integrity and adherence to environmental standards were inspected. Afterwards, the Committee assessed the Subsidence Area, focusing on measures undertaken to address the ground subsidence and ensure the safety and stability of the surrounding environment.
Following the informative site visit, the Committee convened in the afternoon for the presentation of the progress made in rehabilitation initiatives and mitigating measures to address the challenges faced. The meeting emphasized the importance of community engagement, environmental sustainability, and compliance with regulatory standards in various projects. Financial updates on the Mine Rehabilitation Fund and Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund were also presented.
The MRFC for Philex Mining Corporation-Padcal Mine is chaired by the MGB-CAR Regional Director Fay W. Apil and Co-chaired by the DENC-CAR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno, Jr. who was represented by Atty. Charinne Abalos. Other key representatives included Engr. Raul Cubangay for EMB-CAR Regional Director Jean Borromeo and Engr. Daniel Biala for Philex Mining Corporation Resident Manager Engr. Ricardo Dolipas II. The committee meeting was also attended by other MRFC members, including Mr. Mario Godio representing Hon. Bernard Waclin of the Municipality of Ampucao, Hon. Freddie Altiga of BLGU Ampucao who was represented by Ms. Ligaya Nalibsan, Hon. Ignacio Rivera of BLGU Camp 3, and Ms. Dalmaia Dino as the NGO representative. This collaborative effort signifies a commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development in the region.
By: Engr. Myla Jane Mangoltad, SRS II, ORD