MGB recognizes CA grant of injunction to Nadecor


THE Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) has finally recognized the Court of Appeal's (CA) decision to grant a Writ of Preliminary Injunction to the Nationwide Development Corp. (Nadecor), the Philippine partner of the US-based St. Augustine Gold & Copper Ltd. (SAGCL), in developing the US$2-billion King-King Copper Gold Project (KCGP) inPantukan, Compostela Valley.

The recent move by the MGB signifies that it is now recognizing the Calalang-led board of the NADECOR as the legit owner and operator of the mining project inPantukan.

In a letter to Nadecor, Noel B. Angeles, the acting regional director of MGB Region 11, even clarified that the MGB "did not return the DMPF nor recommended for its cancellation." He further said that the MGB proceeded with the preliminary review of the DMPF (Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility) on January 21, 2014.

Subsequently, the MGB approved two programs of the KCGP necessary for the project's continuing development in Pantukan. Approved by the MGB for implementation were the Annual Safety and Health Program (ASHP) and the Community Development Program (CDP) of KCGP for this year. The ASHP was approved last March 14 while CDP was approved on April 14.

KCGP submitted the safety and health plan wherein activities will be managed in accordance with best practices and applicable laws and regulations. It addresses hazards whether or not they are regulated by government standards.

KCGP country manager Clyde Gillespie said that safety is not only a priority but a core value and KCGP works to build a culture of safety not only in the work site but throughout the community.

"The goal is to ensure that every employee returns home safe and healthy from their work place every day. The King-king project strives to create a safe, and accident and injury free workplace and community," said Gillespie.

On the other hand, the CDP's Certificate of Approval was granted after the KCGP substantially complied with the mandated requirements specified under the DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-13.

The project is listed as one of the top priority projects by the MGB and has already received positive endorsements from the local government units of Pantukan town and Provincial Government of Compostela Valley Province, numerous businesses and organizations, communities and schools from the impact barangays.

KCGP hopes to start construction in 2015 and start commercial production by 2017. The King-king project has a mine life of 23 years with 2.5 percent of its operating budget planned to be spent for community development programs and projects.

Already ongoing are the regular medical outreach programs, literacy as well as scholarship grants mostly for members of the Mansaka tribal community and deserving young members of Pantukan community, and livelihood training programs.

The King-king project will create approximately 5,000 direct jobs and about 20,000 indirect jobs during its construction phase and around 1,700 workers once it starts commercial production.

SOURCE: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2014/05/08/mgb-recognizes-ca-grant-injunction-nadecor-341950