Mining on at Didipio despite protests of indigenous folks

By Leander C. Domingo

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya -- After its license to operate was renewed by Malacañang in July of this year, Australian OceanaGold Corp. has announced the commencement of its processing operations at the Didipio gold-copper mine in this gold-rich upland town.
    This, despite opposition by indigenous folks to mining activities which they said, destroyed the environment and polluted rivers. 

    "Following the confirmation of the Didipio Mine Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement renewal, Didipio is producing gold and copper again, which will be an important source of free cash flow generation for the company and a significant contributor of socio-economic benefits for the region and country," Scott Sullivan, OceanaGold chief operating officer and acting chief executive officer, said.
    He said the start of the milling is two weeks ahead of schedule, following the completion of plant upgrades and maintenance activities.
    "It marks a new beginning for the operation and the predominantly Filipino workforce who are leading and operating a first quartile gold and copper producer," Sullivan said.
    The start of mining activities was one month ahead of schedule, he added.
    Sullivan noted that as the underground mining operations continue to ramp up over the course of the next eight to nine months, the primary ore feed will be sourced from low-grade stockpiles, of which the OceanaGold has approximately 23 million tons of ore on surface.
    "With underground ore progressively being delivered to the run of mine or RoM pad, the operation will increase the proportion of higher-grade ore feed to supplement the mill," Sullivan said.
    OceanaGold said in its report that the Didipio plant is expected to ramp up its throughput rate of 3.5 million tons per annum over the course of the next few weeks.
    For the remainder of the year, OceanaGold said it expects to produce between 7,000 and 12,000 ounces of gold and 1,000 tons of copper at an All-In Sustaining Cost between $100 and $150 per ounce sold on a by-product basis.    
    Sullivan said they will continue to manage the risks associated with Covid-19 as it continues to ramp up operations to full production rates of 10,000 ounces of gold and 1,000 tons of copper a month.
    "We are grateful for the support and cooperation from our workforce, government and regulators who are working with us as we ramp up Didipio to full production," he said.
    In parallel with the ramp-up, Didipio has recommenced social and development projects, and continues to support Covid-19 vaccination and community health programs in partnership with local authorities, Sullivan added.