A team from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) who validated the compliance of three nickel mines in Sta. Cruz, Zambalez with the conditions of the Temporary Lifting Orders (TLOs) imposed last February recommended the continued suspension of their mining operations until all conditions are fully complied with.

It may be recalled that Suspension Orders (SO) were issued against the said mining contractors on July 15, 2014 in response to the complaints of local residents due to nickel siltation of river systems, farmlands, fishponds and seashores.

Last February 10 and 20, 2015, the MGB Regional Office (MGB RO) No. III issued the TLOs after said mining contractors showed substantial compliance with the conditions imposed under the SO.

The conditions in the TLOs include: 1) construction of an alternative mine haulage road; 2) resolution of the alleged coastal destruction brought about by the mining operation; 3) full payment of the claims for compensation for damages of fishponds; 4) conduct of Sediment Flux Monitoring; 5) full rehabilitation of the adversely affected river systems; and 6) progressive rehabilitation of inactive mining areas to address the issue of large disturbed mining area.

Although there are ongoing actions on the part of the mining contractors to comply with the conditions, the team recommended to maintain the SO until all conditions are fully complied with, subject to another validation by MGB.  The mining contractors were also given more time to submit their compliance report regarding the major conditions of the TLOs which are beyond their control.

The MGB team recommended the fast-tracking in the implementation of all the conditions in the TLOs including the rehabilitation of the coastal areas and all affected farmlands; and the repair of the damaged Binabalyan Road.  Consultation meetings should also be conducted with the Department of Public Works and Highways, MGB RO No. III and complainants to resolve the issues and concerns raised, especially on dredging of the heavily silted river systems.


Members of the MGB Team confer with representatives from LAMI, BNMI, EMI and concerned citizens of Sta. Cruz, Zambales during the field validation

Rehabilitated fishponds allegedly affected by mining operations of BNMI

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division