The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - MIMAROPA has suspended the mining operations of Altai Philippines Mining Company (APMC) in Sibuyan Island, Romblon for violating several existing laws.
In the notice of violation, DENR-MIMAROPA Regional Director Joe Amil Salino said the company has operated without an approved Environmental Compliance Certificate.
"Section 4 of PD [Presidential Decree] 1586 states that "no person partnership or corporation shall undertake or operate any environmentally critical project or operate in an environmentally critical area without first securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate," he said.
Salino invited the mining company to attend an in-person technical conference on February 7 at 2 pm at the DENR - Office of the Regional Director in Ermita, Manila.
He also asked APMC to submit a notarized position paper at the main office of DENR in Ermita, Manila, 10 days after it received the violation citation.
A fine of Php 50,000 shall be imposed against the mining company once it did not show up on the scheduled dates.
Last February 3, local authorities had a heated exchange with Sibuyan residents who formed a human barricade in a bid to stop the APMC's truck that was carrying loads of nickel ores.
The exchange caused injury to two civilians.
The environmental groups demanded the company ease operations as it has no barangay clearance, municipal business permit, DENR foreshore lease contract, and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
But the APMC claimed that it has secured the necessary permits and licenses to operate in the said area.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution urging a Senate Committee to conduct a legislative investigation into the reported mining activities of the company.
