By May B. Miasco

CEBU, Philippines – The single metallic mining firm in Central Visayas has been classified with 10 other mining firms as those that will be continuously monitored after the nationwide audit of mining operations.

However, these 11 firms, including Carmen Copper Corp. (formerly Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation), are now out of the list of those recommended for suspension.

In a news briefing yesterday attended by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Environment Undersecretary Leo Jasareno made the announcement while he presented the results of the audit.

“We were informed that official statement, if there’ll be any, will come from our investor relations office in Manila. So far, none released yet,” said Jessica Cal, CCC corporate communications officer in a text message.

Another mining firm, Adnama Mining Resources, Inc., which is owned by a Cebuano businessman was among the firms that have been recommended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for suspension.

The FREEMAN tried to contact the head office of the mining firm based in Mandaue City and was answered by a man who request anonymity. He said the management will not issue any statement yet since they have not received an official notice from DENR.

The mining operation of Adnama Mining Resources, Inc., is in Region 13 or the Caraga Administrative Region, said Marian Codilla, the information officer of Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7.

“We have not received a copy of the actual order from Central Office so we could not make any statement yet,” she said.

“However, the bureau regularly conducts monitoring to all mining operations and we have a quarterly meeting with these operators to ensure their compliance to mining laws,” she added./ The Freeman