lafayette test run okd

Lafayette test run OK’d

By Bobby Labalan
Inquirer
Last updated 06:21pm (Mla time) 07/07/2006

RAPU-RAPU, Albay -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday lifted the final roadblock to the conduct of a test run of the mining system of Australian firm Lafayette Phils. Inc. here.

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes presided over the presentation here of the validation report on the conditions required for the 30-day test run to start next week. Reyes, however, said the test run was no guarantee that the mining operation would resume.

He said the government was concerned over the safety, health and sanitation of communities near the mine.

Reyes said the DENR, experts from the Chamber of Mines and people from the academe have been stationed at the mining site for the past weeks to monitor the implementation of the conditions required for the test run.

Michael Cabalda, chief science research specialist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said he was personally vouching for the safety measures that were put in place.

The DENR had required additional safety measures, including validating mechanisms, and strict compliance with environmental standards.

It also called for an improvement of the existing mine site laboratory for heavy metal analysis, the setting up of an emergency preparedness and response program, and the commissioning of a third party which will assess and start the process for ISO 14001 certification.

Operations at Lafayette were suspended after two spills of toxic mine wastes late last year. Officials had said earlier that the mine would be allowed to resume operations if the authorities are satisfied with the results of the test run.

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