Benguet Nickel Mines Inc. has denied that the flooding experienced in the coastal town of Sta. Cruz, Zambales in the aftermath of Typhoon “Lando” was a result of mining activities, specifically by drainage structures that had given way at the height of the downpour.
The slow-moving Lando—international name Koppu—reached supertyphoon status as it barreled through central and northern Luzon from Oct. 18 to 22.
In a statement, the company said it and other large-scale mining companies in Zambales operate within proper environmental standards.
There is “strict enforcement of mining regulations and monitoring of compliance with remediation in the past several months by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environment Management Bureau and the local government,” the company said.
Benguet Nickel Mines said that every time there is a strong typhoon, it is standard operating procedure for mining companies to give the MGB a report of the situation of their mine sites.
On Oct. 21, the company said, it sent to the bureau, via email and with supporting photos, that all engineering structures in the site remained intact.
On Oct. 23, a multi-party investigation team composed of mining and environmental engineers from MGB Region 3 and Barangay Tubo-Tubo South inspected the site and found that all structures were intact, well-maintained, and did not suffer ant serious damage.
Mining companies in the area also participated in rescue and relief operations to help affected residents.
