AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT: MORATORIUM ON MINING WILL DEPRIVE PHILIPPINES OF JOBS AND GROWTH
In light of the release on 19 May of the Rapu Rapu Fact Finding Commission report, the Australian Government reiterated its view that a blanket ban on mining in Rapu Rapu, Albay, and other operations throughout the Philippines would deprive the country of thousands of jobs, significant economic growth, enormous local community development, large tax revenues and international investor confidence.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Tony Hely said “I am advised that the Lafayette Mining company has met all compliance requirements mandated by the Philippine Government in the aftermath of the incidents last October.”
“I strongly encourage the Philippine Government to now allow Lafayette Mining to commence testing operations as soon as possible so that all stakeholders can judge, on an objective and scientific basis, whether the Rapu Rapu mining operation is now in a position to meet the Government’s appropriately high standards and safeguards.”
“The key in Rapu Rapu, as elsewhere, is to ensure that mining operations are safe, transparent, accountable and responsible”, added Ambassador Hely.