TUBAY, Agusan del Norte—SR Metals Inc. said it is hoping for a positive review by the mining audit team which assessed the operations of Tubay nickel mining project in Barangay La Fraternidad in this town.
“The audit was tough but I think it was fair. The parameters were fair. The technical audit is a listing of papers that they will ask you to give for the technical audit. We submitted all 145 documents that they asked,” said SRMI mining tenements manager Alfredo Belen Jr.
“For the social audit, I would say, very thorough but it was an independent audit. We did not go with them. They went out to the local community. The rules are very strict. They were not allowed to ask if the respondent was pro or anti SRMI. The question was, if the people benefitted from the mining operations,” Belen said.
“And I would think that what they asked were reflected sentiments on the ground. They asked around and the questions and observations they put it down on paper, they gave it to us and asked to comment,” Belen said.
SRMI’s mineral production sharing agreement covers more than 1,000 hectares. The company received its revised MPSA in 2015.
Agusan del Norte Governor Angel Amante-Matba said the mining company had been “responsible” and asked the Environment Department to allow the operations of SRMI to continue.
“ Before, our province is so laid back. People have no jobs and they would really go to politicians but we cannot accommodate them all. You cannot accommodate a growing population. That’s impossible,” said Matba.
Matba said the workforce of SRMI alone was now 1,7000. Taxes paid by the company reached more than P23 million last year, he said.
“I’ve seen it myself and honestly I was impressed. If you’re gonna ask me, their operations have been a great help to the community. If you say that mining does not contribute, I don’t know where that’s coming from,” Matba said.
“ You don’t just see the number of people employed. You also have to look at the multiplier effect. If they are compliant, why should you close it?” Matba said.
Matba said suspending the operations of SRMI would be a burden on the local government.
“Not all mining companies are bad. I would understand if you close the companies destroying the environment, but if companies are following the rules of the country, why will you close it? How will DENR secretary help me accommodate all those people who would be displaced? I will be the one answerable to them because I am the leader here,” Matba said.