Chamber of Mines Commissions an Independent Group to Investigate Rapu-Rapu     November 25, 2005

The Chamber of Mines, in coordination with the DENR-MGB has endorsed the creation of an independent group tp investigate the occurrence of mine spills in the newly established Rapu-Rapu polymetallic mine project in Albay. To allay fears and assure the public that remedial measures are undertaken, instructions were given to the team to ensure the implementation of all the required environmental safeguards and the long-term capabilities of the dam/settling pond structures under the most severe rainfall situation.

Consisting of Academics and engineers, the team is expected to come out with its own inquiry into the cause of mine spills, the remediation measures being undertaken, including a complete operation systems review and recommendations. The team is composed of Dr. Carlos Primo David of the UP National Institute for Geological Sciences, Engineers Joselito R. Bacani of the Environment Committee of the Chamber of Mines, Jake G. Foronda, former member of the Board of Metallurgical Engineering of the Professional Regulations Commission and Marcelo A. Bolano of Benguet Corporation.

The team's findings and recommendations will be made public to interested stakeholders and is expected to form part of Lafayette's accountability.