Monday, 22nd May 2006 (1305 views)

Australian officials have called on the government of the Philippines not to impose a ban on gold mining firm Lafayette and to uphold responsible mining operations.

A commission recommended to the Philippines' president, Gloria Arroyo, that she cancel Lafayette's mining licence because of violations of its environmental compliance certificate. Among the allegations were that mine tailing spills had contaminated water and killed fish at the Rapu-Rapu island mining operation in Albay province.

However, Australian ambassador Tony Hely warned that such action could lead to the loss of jobs and tax revenues, as well as the confidence of foreign investors, The Australian Reports.

He also noted that Lafayette had complied with all Philippine requirements to install anti-pollution equipment and other measures. "I strongly encourage the Philippine government to now allow Lafayette Mining to commence testing operations as soon as possible," he said.

Speaking to the Manila Standard Today, Philippine presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor reiterated this view, stressing that the commission should not scare away investors. "Well-paying, sustainable jobs in the mining sector can be had side-by-side with strict environmental protection measures," he said.

 

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