Mining company denies wrecking Zambales’ environs

BENGUETCORP Nickel Mines Inc. (BNMI), one of several mining firms operating in Zambales, denied accusations it was destroying the ecosystem in the province.

In a statement, the company said it respected the writ of kalikasan issued by the Supreme Court but “we categorically deny that the petition [from which it was based] has legal and factual merits.”

The high court on Tuesday issued a writ of kalikasan, a legal measure meant to protect one’s right to a healthy environment, against BNMI and four other firms. The writ meant the high court has taken jurisdiction over the case and would determine if there was a need to suspend them.

“BNMI will continue to adhere to the practice of responsible mining in Zambales which is consistent with the policy espoused by the incoming administration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte,” the company said in a statement.

The company said it would ask the high court to dismiss the case.

The petitioners in the case sought to stop the firms’ operations in Sta. Cruz, Zambales amid heavy flooding in recent years. The petitioners also claimed the firms’ operations there polluted the ecosystem in the neighboring communities of Candelaria, Zambales and Infanta, Pangasinan.

The other four companies involved in the case are Eramen Minerals Inc. (EMI), LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc. (LAMI), Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC), and Shangfil Mining and Trading Corp. (SMTC).

BNMI, along with EMI and LAMI, incurred production setbacks in 2014 following the suspension orders that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau issued due to environmental issues. The suspension was temporarily lifted in 2015.