Photo credit: Celsius Resources
Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI), a subsidiary of Celsius Resources Limited, has received interim Certificates of Approval from the Regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for two vital program documents: the Five-Year Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) and the Care and Maintenance Program (CMP) for the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog Copper-Gold Project (MCB). These documents are part of MMCI's application for the Declaration of a Mining Project Feasibility and the subsequent issuance of a Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement (MPSA). The interim nature of the Certificates of Approval indicates that MMCI is not yet required to act on its commitments under these programs until the MPSA has been issued.
Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, all mining permit holders are required to develop and implement an SDMP in consultation with and in partnership with host and neighboring communities. The goal of the SDMP is to create self-reliant, responsible, and resource-based communities that are capable of developing, implementing, and managing community development programs, projects, and activities in a manner consistent with sustainable development principles. The SDMP covers the following primary areas:
- Human resource development and institution building
- Enterprise development and networking
- Assistance to infrastructure development and support services
- Access to education and educational support programs
- Access to health services, health facilities, and health professionals
- Protection and respect of socio-cultural values
The CMP is a prerequisite document that outlines MMCI's safety and health, social, and environmental commitments as integral components of the MCB project in the event of operational constraints (e.g., voluntary or involuntary stoppage).
Celsius Executive Director and MMCI Country Operations Director, Peter Hume, commented on the approval of the SDMP and CMP: "This not only demonstrates the national government's strong commitment to the mining industry and the MCB project as a key economic driver post-pandemic, but also shows our determination to advance the project and create value for shareholders and stakeholders through purposeful and ethical projects. These programs will also provide us with opportunities to demonstrate our adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in partnership with the Balatoc community and local and national government units."
