Reyes orders nationwide assessment of mine facilities

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes ordered a nationwide risk assessment of all operating and non-operating mines, including abandoned mining facilities.

In a directive, Reyes ordered the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and all its regional offices to undertake the risk assessment the soonest time possible to reduce human and enviroment risks that could pose a threat to economic investments

"The government and the private mining companies must work hand in hand to ensure that all mines are safe and will remain safe when troubles of natural disaster which we cannot control strike," Reyes said.

The MGB central office, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the DENR-Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO) were also instructed to provide all necessary technical and material assistance to the regional offices conducting the assessment.

Reyes said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would like to ensure that there will be no repeat of mining accidents like Marcopper and Rapu-Rapu in Albay.

The DENR chief issued the order two weeks after it declared the Marcopper mine in Marinduque unharmed by the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the island late last month, and just days after the first anniversary of the tailings spill that forced the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Albay to stop its operation.

Marcopper, like Rapu-Rapu mine, stopped its operations in 1996 after an accidental tailings spill.

"Let it be a reminder to everyone, especially our friends in the mining sector, that the foremost consideration of our mining revitalization program will always be the best interest of the people and the environment," Reyes said.

The mining industry will hold its biggest annual conference in Baguio City this weekend.