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NORDIS
WEEKLY October 23, 2005 |
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DENR oks Climax-Arimco permit |
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Despite firm opposition from Didipio residents BAGUIO CITY (Oct. 19) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on October 13 gave Climax-Arimco Permit to Operate for the Dinkidi gold/copper project that is contained in the Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA). The Philippine government awarded FTAA to the Australia-based mining company in Didipio valley between Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya provinces, a valley that is home to indigenous peoples. The Didipio copper-gold project is among the government’s flagship mining projects. DENR Sec. Mike Defensor has even assured the public that the mining project is economically and technically viable and complies with the environmental and fiscal requirements of the Mining Act of 1995 and its implementing rules and regulations. In a press release dated October 13, Climax-Arimco Chief Executive Officer Rob Thomson claimed that their project enjoys the “continuing and overwhelming support of the host community”. This statement, however, did not seem to be the case when some 100 Didipio residents trooped to Manila last week to register their protest to the project during a national mass action on the Asia Pacific Mining Conference and Exhibit. The Didipio delegation included their mayor and vice mayor who voiced opposition to the project earlier. In the same press release, Climax said it is rapidly advancing discussions with a number of key banking institutions and potential financing groups in Australia and overseas regarding the financing of the project. # Abigail T. Bengwayan for NORDIS |
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