Independent panel to probe Rapu-Rapu spills

The Chamber of Mines, in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has endorsed the creation of an independent group to investigate the occurrence of mine spills in the newly established Rapu-Rapu polymetallic mine project in Albay.

To allay fears and assure the public that remedial measures are undertaken, the team was instructed to ensure the implementation of all the required environmental safeguards and the long-term capabilities of the dam/settling pond structures under the most severe rainfall situation.

Consisting of academics and engineers, the team is expected to come out with its own findings into the cause of the mine spills and the remediation measures being undertaken, including a complete operational systems review and recommendations.

The team is composed of Dr. Carlos Primo David of the UP National Institute for Geological Sciences; engineers Joselito Bacani of the Environment Committee of the Chamber of Mines; Jake Foronda, former member of the Board of Metallurgical Engineering of the Professional Regulations Commission; and Marcelo Bolano of Benguet Corp.

The team’s findings and recommendations will be made public to interested stakeholders and are expected to form part of Lafayette’s accountability.