Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. said Friday it received a copy of the audit report containing the findings and recommendations of the mine audit conducted by the Environment Department.
FNI, the second largest nickel producer in the country and the largest single lateritic mine exporter in the world, said that based on the report, Platinum Group Metals Corp., the company’s operating arm in Cagdianao, Surigao del Norte, was allowed to continue its operations because it was ISO 14001 certified and compliant with the policies, environmental laws, rules and regulations of the Philippine Mining Act and on the issued environmental compliance certificate.
“ A series of interviews with local stakeholders including barangay officials, schoolteachers, farmers, fisherfolk and members of the Mamanwa tribal group also revealed social acceptability of the mine operation to be very high with several social development projects in place which are well implemented,” FNI said.
The mining company said barangay officials provided a strong and unequivocal positive response to the contributions of PGMC through its social development and mining program in the delivery of livelihood, health, education and infrastructure projects in barangays Hayanggabon and Cagdianao.
“They view PGMC as a vital partner of the government to boost economic growth and development in the area,” FNI said.