BY LEANDER C DOMINGO
QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya (April 3, 2021)—To increase stakeholders’ awareness of the mining operations here, the FCF Minerals Corporation recently conducted information sessions on the implemented projects under its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
During separate Barangay General Assembly Day (BGAD), the FCF Minerals Corp. Community Relations Office through its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) section reported the London-based mine firm’s accomplishments of its 2022 SDMP implementation.
The SDMP in the government-sanctioned mining operations of FCF under a financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA) provides yearly programs, projects and activities at the mine’s host Barangay Runruno and surrounding communities impacted by the operation.
Under the FTAA, FCF Minerals operates the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project under the supervision of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Region 2 headed by Director Mario Ancheta.
The BGADs were attended by officials and constituents of the mine’s host barangay of Runruno including impacted barangays of Buliwao, Calaocan, Dagupan, Maasin, Darubba, Baresbes, Caliat, Nalubbunan, Aurora and Maddiangat in the municipality of Quezon, and the barangays of Tadji and Cordon in the municipality of Kasibu.
The IEC team presented to said communities of the Runruno Gold Molybdenum Project the 2022 SDMP Highlights of Accomplishments to its stakeholders through an audio-visual presentation for them to better appreciate the programs, projects and activities implemented.
Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals Corp. general manager for operations, said the activity during the BGDAs aims to ensure a strong foundation of public awareness and understanding of responsible mining and geosciences among its direct stakeholders.
Harvey explained that this is one of the requirements under Philippine regulations on mining not only for transparency but also for the people to know the progress of the projects for the communities impacted by their operation
He cited particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2010-21, the Consolidated Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7942 known as “The Philippine Mining Act of 1995.”