Carmen Copper assures residents warning for blasting, not for displacement

CEBU, Philippines - Representatives Carmen Copper Corp. in Toledo City negated last Saturday, during a public hearing, of the displacement of close to a hundred households who have for some time built permanent structures on a mine-owned property.

John Salcedo, head of the Environment Department, pacified over 200 residents affected by rumors that CCC will be using its properties in Sitios Upper Highway, Lower Old Crossing, Ilag, Dasuyo and Absa, all in Barangay Don Andres Soriano.

“No such thing as displacement, as what has been bothering residents when we started handing out the feelers as a form of invitation to this public consultation. Naa bitaw to’y reaction nga basin papahawaon na sila,” Salcedo said.

Residents responded to a circular dated April 23 signed by Rodrigo Cal, CCC resident and general manager, on a gathering at the Recreation Center, a mine facility, regarding certain mine operations at the Lutopan Pit.

Instead, the public hearing centered on the work procedure of blasting activities and risk assessment.

Arnulfo “Boy” Alimento, blasting superintendent, emphasized in his PowerPoint presentation that CCC will now be more conscious of informing the residents a day prior to any blasting activity within the 500-meter radius of the blast layout.

“We have adopted the latest technology that’s of ISO standard, so dili sila angay mabalaka. Ang ato lang nga if there’s a need for evacuation, then certainly the company will be responsible in fetching the affected residents within the duration of the activities. Para lang gyod ma-ensure nato ilang safety since risks involve flying rocks and ground vibration,” he explained.

Salcedo also pointed out that the blasting activity, now coming nearer and nearer to the affected communities, is mainly directed at stability of a ravine described to be a “cliff overhang.”

“Dili siya expansion of mining operations as feared by many. Gusto lang nato nga ma-stabilize ang yuta diha knowing nga nagbitay na na siya to pad further damage to lives and properties. Para ni sa safety natong tanan kay the cliff is fractured limestone,” he said.

Alimento mentioned the control loading of explosives being the latest technology adopted. Such involves trunkline delay both on surface and individual in-holes which means the ammonium nitrate for dry holes and wet hole emulsions for watery holes will be detonated one at a time, unlike the traditional method.

Further, Salcedo said that the stabilization works are also meant to define the slope and the design of benches at the Lutopan Pit.

The barangay council headed by Marlon Sayson graced the consultation and vowed to coordinate for assistance should damage to houses near the blast site go severe or beyond tolerable level.

“Sa Facebook, though daghan tag criticisms nabasahan, pero paningkamoton nato nga matubag ang tanan ninyong concerns. Dili lang unta ta manaot dayon kay ang CCC andam man makig-istorya nato. Let’s take this opportunity to raise our issues,” he called on his constituents.

Years prior, residents were already warned not to build permanent structures in these areas, not only because it’s a mine property but because these lie on a faultline according to the geohazard map, confirmed by Salcedo.

Since then Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. was at the verge of a closure, residents were advised they may use the area temporarily but that houses must be made of light materials only like bamboo. –(FREEMAN)