Mining firm disputes claim operations caused Nueva Vizcaya landslide

After Nueva Vizcaya locals blamed FCF Minerals for a landslide that killed 10 people, the mining firm on Saturday denied that their operations had caused the landslide and that they had undertaken work that "stopped the landslide from being larger."

According to Saturday FCF statement, the area where the landslide took place had been stripped of natural flora by the residents of Barangay Runruno and replaced with sweet potato and other small crop plantations.

"With no trees to protect and bind the soil, following high rainfall, this will only result in a landslide," the mining company argued.

Additionally, the test blasting the company undertook in the area was over 500 meters away from the barangay, and there was thus no possibility of harm or damage from it.

The company went on to blame unregulated and uncontrolled small-scale mining as the actual danger to the community. That was why authorities in 2014 demolished the tunnels and ball mills of these illegal small-scale mines.

FCF added that they had offered compensation to those who wanted to voluntarily dismantle their structure and vacate the area.

Out of more than 400 occupants, many of whom the company alleged were illegal small-scale miners, more than 200 accepted the offer and vacated the area.

Some of the remaining occupants are continuing to negotiate but had so far refused FCF's offer.

"Every aspect of operation of our Company is with prior approval of the regulatory bodies such as the MGB to ensure that it complies with all regulations pertaining to safety, environment and community relations. FCF work hand in hand with our local communities for their long-term benefits," the company said in their statement. — DVM, GMA News