Mining firm blames heavy rains, earthquake for tailings dam failure

ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-loyzaga has ordered an investigation into the reported failure of the tailings storage facility (TSF) of Greenstone Resources mining operations in Barangay Siana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) immediately sent a team of experts to determine the cause of the TSF failure and assess the extent of the damage.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of TVI Resources Development (TVIRD), Greenstone operates the Siana Gold Project in the province of Surigao del Norte. In a statement, the company attributed the failure of its tailings dam to the frequent seismic activity and torrential rains the past few days.

“The MGB is also working closely with Greenstone Resources, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas,” Loyzaga said.

A statement from Greenstone Resources Corporation revealed that cracks were discovered on the Siana’s barangay road, which runs adjacent to the embankment of TSF3.

“About 10 to 15 houses were affected but no casualties have been reported owing to a timely evacuation of residents,” Undersecretary for Field Operations— Mindanao Joselin Marcus Fragada disclosed.

The DENR investigation will cover the factors leading to the incident and its impact on the communities and the environment, as well as the integrity of the tailings facility and safety systems and procedures that the mine has in place.

The DENR is currently reviewing the safety practices of the mining industry.

“Infrastructure failures highlight the urgent need for monitoring, regulation, and oversight in the mining industry to de-risk operations and prevent incidents in the future. This is urgently needed especially because of the seismicity of our country and the impacts of climate change,” Yulo-loyzaga said.

In its statement, Greenstone said it deeply regrets the loss of personal property in its host Barangay Siana following what it describes as an “unforeseen failure” of the embankment of its Tailings Storage Facility 3.

The company said the evacuated community is now safely housed in the gymnasiums of Tubod and Mainit towns.