Oceana Gold gets go ahead for Didipio mine
Source: 17-MAY-2008 Intellasia | Finance
May 17, 2008 - 7:00:00 AM Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has advised Oceana Gold Philippines Inc. to proceed with the construction of its Didipio mine in Kasibu, Aklan, saying the company is operating within the bounds of the law.

Atienza maintained that local officials of Nueva Viscaya, led by Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, have no right to impose quarrying fee on Oceana and stop its operation for ignoring their demand for taxes because Oceana's ongoing development in the site, such as the construction of roads and the processing plant, including the use of earth materials sourced from its allowed area, is legal.

According to the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) chief, Oceana expressed dismay and fear that its investment will eventually go to waste should it be forced to pull out its investment because of the barricade put up by local officials.

"I've assured them. And I've told them to proceed with the development of the mines," he said.

Atienza said the local officials of the town of Kasibu, as well as the province of Aklan, can barricade the mines as long as they are not physically preventing Oceana from conducting its day-to-day operation.

"They can barricade all they want. As for Oceana, they should proceed with the physical development of the site," Atienza said.

The DENR chief said there is no need to physically remove the human barricade in Didipio for as long as they are not affecting Oceana's operation.

However, he said there is a need to ensure the protection of those working in the mines, explaining why he has coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG) as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP) regarding his decision that Oceana should proceed with the development in Didipio.