Legazpi City (14 December) -- The Bicol Mines Bureau has reminded recently mining firms Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project, Goodfound Cement Corporation and UBS in Albay and United Paragon Mining Corporation and Johnson Gold Mining Corporation in Camarines Norte to prepare for the onset of the typhoon season.
Reynulfo Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, has reason to be alarmed since strong typhoons like Ondoy and Pepeng brought untold devastation in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
Juan told the six mining firms to be prepared by conducting simulation drills for all natural hazards that may be caused by typhoons like flooding and even fires including earthquake. They were also ordered to assess their waste dumps, tailings storage facilities, spillways and the volume of rainfall that may cause the effluent at the tailings facilities to spill.
He required the firms to submit (drill and assessment) report as proof of compliance. (MGB V/PIA)