The open-pit ban is not the real issue on the denial of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the Tampakan mine project, according to South Cotabato Gov. Arthur “Dodo” Pingoy Jr.
Finally expressing his thoughts on the matter, Pingoy said “the environment code or the open-pit ban is not an issue because it is not even part of the requirements for the issuance of an ECC,” said Pingoy, whose province hosts the project, said.
“I recently met with students supporting the Tampakan project and I encouraged them to lobby before the provincial board and request for the amendment of the open-pit ban,” he said.
“We believe that SMI is a responsible company but we cannot help but look back at the history of mining in the country,” Pingoy said.
The governor admits “discomfort” amidst the province being given the role of a “scapegoat” over the ECC denial for the proposed mining project.
Pingoy said South Cotabato “is not anti-mining per se” but they are concerned about the mining method to be used.
Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) is the government contractor for the proposed Tampakan project. The company is said to have lodged an appeal for its denied ECC application.
Pingoy said he will encourage supporters of the Tampakan project to talk to him and the members of the provincial board and “explain why open-pit mining is an acceptable method and why the project should proceed.”
“I believe with facts and data, we can still convince the provincial board to amend the environment code and lift the ban,” Pingoy said.
Pingoy also said that there should be “a balance between social, community, economic, and environmental issues” in discussing the proposed Tampakan mining project.
