Commemorating the past, strengthening the present, safeguarding the future
One year since the incident at the Tailings Storage Facility 3 (TSF 3) of Greenstone Resources Corporation, operator of the Siana Gold Project, the company held a solemn commemoration to honor the resilience, responsiveness and the spirit of compassion that marked the event. With a renewed commitment to operational safety, both company personnel and members of the community recall the incident - this time, with an even stronger sense of unity and pledge to leave no one behind.
On May 11, key company officers, employees and contractors gathered at the TSF 3 area in the Siana mine site to remember the lessons of the past and commemorate the collective strength that delivered the company and its stakeholders through the crisis.
The occasion was marked with a eucharistic celebration at the company’s mess hall and commemorative program at the TSF 3 site. The program recalled what actually transpired, the immediate action taken, and a discussion on the future collaborative plans of the company and the Siana community.
As part of the commemoration, a handprint wall was erected near the reconstructed section of TSF 3, containing a joint pledge between Greenstone and Barangay Siana to uphold the highest standards of environmental and occupational safety. The company also donated sacks of rice to the residents of “Villa Resilient”.
The Commemoration
Safety and Health Manager Engr. Aldrin B. Arieta, who led the Emergency Response Team during the incident, recounted the coordinated efforts that unfolded on that day: “It tested not only our systems but also our values. We are fortunate that no lives were lost, and proud of how everyone responded — with professionalism, urgency, and care.”
Siana Barangay Chairman Kevin Combate also expressed his gratitude to Greenstone for not leaving Siana during its hardest times. “Amidst the challenges, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our partner company. They stood by us when we needed them most, fulfilling their obligations and providing crucial assistance in our time of need. “
Since the incident, Greenstone has made significant strides in reinforcing its safety systems. The company engaged third-party geotechnical experts to reassess all tailings facilities, conducted in-depth structural upgrades, and enhanced its Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.
Remembering the Day
The TSF 3 incident on 11 May 2024 was an unprecedented challenge for Greenstone that the company’s in-house experts attribute the lateral adjustment of tailings to prior frequent seismic activity. In addition, months of torrential intermittent rains that caused several landslides on the island of Mindanao due to the repeated expansion and contraction of topsoil also contributed to the instability of TSF3.
The company immediately informed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) about the incident and voluntarily suspended its mining operations to expedite emergency response efforts, thoroughly investigate the incident, and ensure the utmost safety of its beneficiary communities. It also confirmed that there were no casualties. Prior to the incident, more than 1,000 residents — including 27 households and a church within the directly affected area of Siana — were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Greenstone’s swift response during the incident merited a commendation from Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional XIII Director Engr. Larry Heradez, who lauded the company for its prompt action and for enabling the Siana community to recover faster than anticipated.
“Their commitment to our community's well-being has been a beacon of hope. Thanks to their efforts, we're slowly rebuilding and moving forward. The people of Siana are resilient, and with the company's continued support to our rehabilitation, we're hopeful for a brighter future,” said Combate.
“Greenstone’s ongoing commitment to our recovery is a testament to their dedication to our community's welfare. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tulong, pagmamahal, at patuloy na suporta sa aming barangay (Thanks for all your assistance, care and continued support to our community). Together, we will rise stronger and more united than ever,” he concluded.
The majority of evacuees safely returned to their homes within one to two weeks, resuming their normal lives once safety had been assured. Meanwhile, several families who remained apprehensive accepted the company’s offer for free rental housing or temporary accommodations at its Irish Compound.
“Greenstone’s preventive emergency response, in close coordination with Barangay Siana officials, carried out a swift and deliberate evacuation of communities in harm’s way and we were fortunate to have sustained zero casualties, as a result of this. We deployed our dedicated personnel and resources towards keeping the evacuees as comfortable as possible, prior to permanently resettling them,” explained Greenstone President Anthony B. Quijano.
“This is more than a remembrance. This is a commitment — a promise that we will continuously improve. We do not take safety for granted. This commemoration is about transformation driven by responsibility,” said the executive.
How is Siana today?
One year later, Greenstone stands not only with fortified embankments but also with a strong resolve to never forget and keep improving.
Greenstone built new houses for the families who were directly affected by the incident – and which were turned over last March and April this year at a new place in Siana called “Villa Resilient.” 23 out of 27 households are now properly homed in the new community while the other four have settled for other options.
Meantime, the TSF 3 Embankment will be converted into an ornamental park in the shape of a butterfly, which signifies metamorphosis (transformation) and hope – with a gazebo in the middle to make it the center of attraction for meetings, seminars and even livelihood trainings of the company’s Mabakas Techno-Demo Farm. It is the country’s first ever TSF conversion into a nature park.
