3 big mining firms in Benguet locked down

By Dexter A. See

ITOGON, Benguet -- Three big mining companies and nearby communities are still locked down over a reported rise in Covid-19 cases in their respective mining sites over the past several days.
    Mayor Victorio Palangdan urged management of Philex Mining Corp., Benguet Corp. and Apex Mining Co. Inc. to conduct testing, required of their mine workers to prevent spread of the disease in communities outside the sites.
    Philex reported it ceased operations last week due to case spike.
    The municipal government locked down the three mining companies and nearby communities. 
    Eduardo Aratas, Philex Legal and Administrative division head, said results of contact tracing and expanded testing showed 216 individuals tested positive for the virus: 175 workers, nine contractors’ workers and 36 villagers.
    He added nine of the confirmed cases recovered.
    Froilan Roger Lawilao, Benguet Corp. Administration department manager, said the company was also compelled to place some areas under total lockdown over positive test results of some 110 workers.
    He added infected workers have been told to stay in their bunkhouses while awaiting results of contact tracing at mine site.
Lawilao said the situation was under control.
    Apex Mining reported to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it also temporarily suspended operations at its Sangilo mine here over positive Covid-19 test results of more than 80 employees.
    Apex said Sangilo mine, which is owned by subsidiary Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., was ordered locked down because of a sudden increase in the number of virus cases in the municipality.
    While awaiting swab test results, conducted on its workers by the rural health unit, the corporation disinfected all areas where the cases were identified.
    The company has requested assistance from the local government and the Dept. of Health to conduct mass testing, required of its workers in the mine site.
    Apex said mining operations will resume upon completion of ongoing contact tracing and testing and that only those with negative results would be allowed to return home.