Rehabilitation of PQMI mined-out area in Sta. Lourdes commences

• Source:http://palawan-news.com/rehabilitation-of-pqmi-mined-out-area-in-sta-lourdes-commences/
• Saturday, February 20, 2016

By Catherine Santos

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa has started its rehabilitation activities in the mined-out areas of Palawan Quicksilver Mine, Inc. (PQMI) and hope to turn it into a tourist destination.

The construction of outer perimeter fence of more or less eight hectares has commenced. This despite the possible impact of the project to around 20 households located within the area.

According to City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Atty. Carlo B. Gomez, community consultation was conducted by the MGB and has acquired permit and clearances from various government agencies.

The Bgy. Council of Sta. Lourdes already issued Resolution 18 series of 2015 interposing no objection on the realization of the project. That’s why, even there is no finality yet on whether affected families will be paid or relocated, the construction of pit lake outer fence already commenced in areas where there are no occupants.

However, Atty. Gomez clarified that the City Government has no counterpart in terms of funding. The role in the project is to ensure the environmental viability of the project.

He stressed out that it is included in the Memorandum of Agreement signed between the MGB and the City Government of Puerto Princesa since December 29, 2014. “As far as the City {Government} is concerned, we just look to the environmental viability of the project,” he added.

The P15M DENR-funded project is composed of 3 phases. For phase 1 is the pit lake outer perimeter fencing, the second one is the inner perimeter fencing and the last phase includes construction of pit benches engineering and landscaping, slope protection and vegetation and construction of 3-meter “hike-jog-bike” pathway with park lighting.

The project according to Atty. Gomez is expected to be completed in 2017.

In an interview with MGB Regional Director Roland De Jesus, he said that the rehabilitation project is part of MGB’s mandate.

“Sa new mining law kasi kailangan ang mga minahan ay mag-rehabilitate ng lugar after nila minahin, pero sa old law kasi wala ito (rehabilitation),” De Jesus said.

Palawan Quicksilver Mines was established in Puerto Princesa City in 1954. Tons of mercury from a mine were shipped to Japan until 1975 when the company closed down. Since then, higher than normal mercury levels has been found in many residents of the barangay where the mine was located and even in Honda Bay.

PQMI is one the 22 abandoned mines in the country identified by the DENR for rehabilitation to restore the original state of the environment.