Itogon urges DOH, DENR to probe mining refinery anew

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The City Council of Itogon urged the Department of Health Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources -CAR (DENR-CAR) to conduct a joint investigation and evaluation of the refinery plant of Benguet Corporation at Balatoc Virac Itogon, Benguet.

The Benguet Corporation (BC) installed a mill processing facility and refinery plant within the premises of Balatoc Virac Itogon for the processing of ore produced from the Acupan Contract Mining Project (ACMP).

In a resolution dated May 28, the Itogon City Council stated that residents complained of the smoke emitted by the mill. This is despite the mining company’s claim in their April 3 statement that it conducted measures required by law to secure the environment.

Earlier, some residents of Keymens Hill and other affected residents submitted a petition to the Provincial Council of Benguet urging the corporation to transfer the refinery plant because of the health concerns of the residents.

In its resolution no. 041 series of 2013, the Provincial Council is urging BC- ACMP to transfer its refinery plant, acting on the complaints of residents of Keymen’s Hill on the smelting and burning process which is affecting the health of their children.

The Provincial Council forwarded its endorsement to both agencies based on the recommendation released by the Committee on Environment and Mining, June 24.
Northern Dispatch