MGB completes retaining wall in Tuba mine

MANILA, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has completed the construction of a retaining wall along Black Mountain Inc.’s abandoned mine in Tuba, Benguet to prevent landslides.

The construction of the wall is part of the MGB’s ongoing mine rehabilitation program carried out in line with the targets of the Philippine Development Plan 2011 to 2016.

The mine rehabilitation program covers the inspection of abandoned mines, assessment of risks posed to its environs, and the implementation of the appropriate remediation measure.

The retaining wall constructed around the abandoned mine in Benguet cost P15 million.

The wall that measures 175 meters in length and five meters in height stabilizes and protects the slope along the Bued River by preventing landslides, siltation and scouring along the river that may weaken the foundation of Kennon Road.

The MGB commissioned Goldrich Construction and Trading to construct the retaining wall.

The Mining Act of 1995, which is enforced until now, requires miners to present a mine decommissioning plan and set up a decommissioning fund which shall be deposited in a government bank, ensuring means and resources to properly close a mine site.

Prior to the enforcement of the Mining Act, however, the government is left to deal with the environmental impact of abandoned mines as the old mining law does not provide for proper decommissioning measures and funding for such.

Funding for the rehabilitation of abandoned mines are raised through foreign borrowings or through appropriations.