MGB allows Greenstone to resume Surigao mine

MANILA, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has allowed Greenstone Resources Corporation to resume its gold processing operations in Surigao del Norte after constructing a new tailings storage facility and implementing other remedial measures.

The MGB issued on June 6, 2013 a cease-and-desist order (CDO) on the gold processing operations of Greenstone in its Siana Gold Project after a tension crack was found on the embankment of its tailings storage facility (TSF) No. 4.

A stoppage order on its mineral processing operations was immediately implemented to allow the firm to restore the integrity of its tailings storage facility.

Only the mine’s mineral processing operation, however, had been stopped.

The MGB said that after a series of validations conducted by the MGB and the Environment Management Bureau (MGB), and as certified by third party expert GHD Pty. Ltd., it was determined that Greenstone had complied with the conditions laid for the lifting of the suspension order.

The measures include the construction of a new HDPE-lined TSF for additional storage; installation of a thickener and cement mixing facility for production for a dry product that would add stability to existing TSFs; and modifications of its existing TSF 3 and TSF 4 to accommodate cement tailings.

“The MGB found that the aforementioned conditions were substantially complied with by GRC (Greenstone), following an inspection of the company’s ongoing rehabilitation measures on Nov. 21-22, 2014. Thus, MGB recommended the lifting of the CDO,” the bureau said in an announcement on its website.

The lifting order was signed on Dec. 18, 2014 by MGB assistant director Elmer Biledo as authorized by MGB director Leo Jasareno.

Greenstone operates the Siana Gold project that straddles the municipalities of Mainit and Tubod.

Red 5 Ltd. of Australia holds a 90-percent beneficial interest in the project through Greenstone Resources.

Red 5 said it would soon commission the new cement plant.

The Siana gold project, which was commissioned in 2012, is expected to produce a minimum of 849,000 ounces of gold at a cash cost of $400 per ounce over a 10-year life.