It's final: Philex must pay P1-B tailings fine

MINE SPILL. A Philex Mining staff checks the penstock at the tailing pond of the Padcal mine in Benguet. Photo provided by Philex

MANILA, Philippines - The country's biggest gold and copper producer will have to spend over P2 billion for the rehabilitation and the government's fine imposed on the tailings spill at the Padcal mine in August.

On Tuesday, January 15, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Leo Jasareno said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has denied the petition of Philex Mining Corp. to offset the imposed P1.034 billion tailings spill fine for its estimated P1-billion rehabilitation costs.

"[The motion was] denied," said Jasareno in a text message to reporters.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said Philex would have to pay the fine on or before Feb. 19.

"We stood pat on our decision to deny Philex' motion for reconsideration.This cannot be considered as force majeure. Force majeure or not, they have to pay the penalty," said DENR Secretray Ramon Paje. "They still have the option to appeal before the office of the president, but on our part, our decision is final." - Rappler.com