DENR issues violation notice to Apex Mining

Apex Mining Co. Inc. has been ordered by the units of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to halt its exploration activities in the Maco gold mine in Davao de Oro following a landslide earlier this month.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Apex Mining said that it has received a notice of violation from the Environmental Management Bureau and a cease and desist order from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI for its MPSA No. 234-2007-XI.

The orders were given after a landslide occurred within the area on March 15 that affected the old Tailings Storage Facility used between 1976 to 1989.

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Davao de Oro back on March 8 and a series of light moderate aftershocks were also recorded.

“The Company will undertake the necessary steps to comply with the recommended actions to address the issue and comply with the requirements of the Notice of Violation and Cease and Desist Order,” Apex Mining said in its disclosure.

Part of the Maco gold mine works under MPSA No. 234-2007-XI and is currently under exploration period.

“The Maco mine continues to operate under its MPSA 225-2005-XI which is the source of its current production output,” Apex Mining said.

Granted back in 2007, MPSA No. 234-2007-XI covers 1,558 hectares and is valid for a 25-year term until 2032, and is renewable for another 25 years.

MPSA 225-2005-XI, meanwhile, was issued in 2005 that covers 679 hectares and is valid until 2030, renewable for another 25 years.

The Maco mine currently has a milling capacity of up to 1,900 tonnes per day employing the carbon-in-leach gold extraction process.