Some 18.483 million pesos of livelihood projects, infrastructure assistance, and educational and medical programs were spent by Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) for 2011 for a number of mining communities in Toledo City, Cebu under the social development and management program (SDMP).

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo said the government recognizes that development of the mining community that hosts the mining project as well as surrounding areas is a responsibility shared by the mining contractor and the government.

He added this responsibility starts from the exploration stage through the development and construction of mine, to production, and finally, mine closure.

“SDMP shall be prepared by the company in partnership with the host and neighboring communities,” he said.

The mining company shall annually allot a minimum of one point five percent of the direct mining and milling costs for the development of the community; and mining technology and geosciences.

Of this amount, ninety percent shall be apportioned for the implementation of SDMP and the remaining ten percent goes to the development of mining technology and geosciences.

It may be recalled that CCC disbursed around 3.373 million pesos in 2010, which was increased by 547.97 percent in 2011.

Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)7 Regional Executive Director Dr.Isabelo R. Montejo added that SDMP shall be utilized to implement all plans, projects and activities of the company towards the sustained improvement in the living standards of the host and neighboring communities.

“By creating responsible, self-reliant, and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing, and managing community development programs, projects and activities in a manner consistent with people empowerment,” he added.