 The Company is committed to adopting best available practice in caring for, and minimising the impact to the natural environment in which it operates. In this regard, several environmental projects and initiatives have been undertaken, many in collaboration with Government agencies and community groups. These include:
in the updating of baseline studies on water quality, health, soil and sedimentation in areas likely to be impacted by the Project.
- field research conducted by forestry students from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos on the mountain ecosystems in the Tampakan district.
- two botanical research projects as part of baseline studies.
- A vermiculture program (see right) to assist local farmers to improve the quality of their land and its soil.
- a multisectoral initiative in monitoring not only water quality but Tampakan Project operations and other businesses that operate in the Tampakan Municipality with potential environmental impact.
- as part of the permitting process and assessment of the potential environmental and social impacts of the Project, the EIA will commence during the Pre-Feasibility Stage (2005) and extend through the Feasibility Stage (2006). A report prepared by GHD following a very well attended (280 people) Public Scoping Forum held in Tampakan Township in February 2004 has been approved by the DENR-EMB.
- a five year comprehensive reforestation project was launched during the visit of DENR Secretary Michael Defensor on January 22, 2005 . The reforestation project aims to plant at least 50,000 trees yearly or at least 250,000 trees in a five year period over an area of 500 hectares around the Project area comprising various indigenous and fruit trees suited to different topographic elevations.
- an initiative in support of the Local Government Program on solid waste management.
- experimental sites established in the last quarter of 2003 situated at 1,000 meters and 750 meters elevation to test the different varieties of fruit trees suited to the project area. Initial results have been successful after the planting of citrus and lychees.
- during the two years of 2004 and 2005, a total of 25,000 seedlings were planted across 140 hectares.
Comprehensive baseline studies completed by the previous project owner between 1995 and 1997 have been reviewed and a work program has been implemented for updating and verifying the results. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for the mine involving Filipino specialists working in conjunction with international experts has been completed. The Draft Mine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Draft Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) present the results of the extensive EIA studies undertaken by Philippine and International experts and satisfy national and international regulations, guideline and best practices. The reports identify potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed mining operation and detail SMI`s comprehensive mitigation strategies. Public disclosure of the Draft Mine EIS commenced in June 2011 with briefings to stakeholders. SMI plans to conduct approximately 50 briefing sessions covering 1,200 stakeholders. This will be followed by public meetings. The Draft Mine EIS documentation will then be reviewed and updated following the consultation process before being used to support the formal Environmental Compliance Certificate application process. The EIA`s for the port/power station and the transportation corridor for the concentrate pipeline and power transmission are progressing. |
Research initiative in the study of vegetation with Leyte State University (LSU)