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Lafayette reportedly spent P400 million in the last six months to improve the safety of its mining operation, with focus on adhering to the best mining practices to protect the environment and nearby communities.
For his part, Rep. Rodolfo Plaza said “we can maximize our economic benefits from our mineral resources without harming the environment.” Congressmen Arnulfo Fuentebella and Eduardo Zialcita echoed Plaza’s view.
“Many poor and destitute towns in the countryside have become progressive because of mining. The sector generates jobs, helps build roads, bridges, schools, clinics and markets, while spurring businesses,” Fuentebella said.
Zialcita pointed out that the Supreme Court has already declared the Mining Act, under which the Rapu-Rapu mine was put in operation, thus the DENR decision enforces government’s adherence to the rule of law.
The National Labor Union (NLU) and the Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Pilipinas (KPMP) said the DENR was correct in considering that mine workers cannot afford the mine to be closed as it is their only source of livelihood.
The DENR warned that closing down the Rapu-Rapu mine prematurely would open it to small miners who operate without regard to the environment. Likewise, the cost of remedial measures to be undertaken if the mine is closed down would be passed on taxpayers.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?page=news&id=4628&sid=1&urldate=2006-06-17
LAF
lafayette mining limited
