Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) said it is advancing environmental, social, and regulatory requirements for its proposed future mining activities in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, following a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-led site inspection and community consultation.
The inspection covered the geology of Sibuyan Island, APMC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA), and the current status of the company’s exploration activities.
DENR Assistant Secretary Atty. Norlito Eneran led the site visit, joined by representatives from various DENR offices and attached agencies.
The community consultation also brought together residents from the host communities of Taclobo and España, along with local government officials, community leaders, and representatives of government agencies.
During the consultation, DENR technical representatives said APMC’s MPSA area is located outside Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.
The DENR also presented a timeline showing that APMC’s MPSA was approved on December 23, 2009, while the cease-and-desist order against the company was lifted on September 9, 2021.
APMC said it is currently working to complete the necessary environmental, social, and regulatory requirements in preparation for its proposed future mining activities.
These include the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), as applicable to the company’s activities and regulatory requirements.
“Our new management team is focused on building on what has been established and continuously improving how we operate and engage with our stakeholders,” APMC Community Relations Manager Jim Orpilla said.
“We are taking a progressive approach, strengthening our systems, completing the necessary requirements, and making sure that we move forward in a responsible and transparent manner,” he added.
The latest development follows earlier scrutiny over APMC’s Sibuyan activities, with the company previously welcoming a proposed House inquiry and maintaining that commercial mining operations had not yet begun.
APMC also said it is advancing environmental and conservation initiatives, including plans to establish a Biodiversity Corridor and a Monitoring Station.
The company added that it has allocated more than PHP 20 million for community development programs in its host communities since 2023.
“We believe that meaningful engagement is built through consistent communication, transparency, and accountability,” Orpilla said.
“Our direction moving forward is to remain open to dialogue, provide relevant information, listen to our stakeholders, and work closely with government and the community as we continue to strengthen our operations,” he added.
APMC remains in a preparatory and compliance stage for its proposed future mining activities, with the company still working to complete applicable regulatory requirements before moving forward.
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What do you think should be prioritized most as APMC moves through the next stage of its Sibuyan project: regulatory compliance, environmental safeguards, or community engagement?
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