Business · Philippines Bureau
Marinduque groups demand DENR action on Marcopper mine settlement
Environmental advocates and residents in Marinduque are pressing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to finalize a $100-million settlement with mining company Barrick over a major mine disaster. The push comes nearly two decades after the incident that caused significant environmental damage to the province.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Marinduque residents, environmental groups and religious leaders convened at the provincial capitol Monday to urge the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to issue a critical communication needed to conclude the $100-million Marcopper mine disaster settlement with Barrick Mining Corp.
The gathering underscores growing frustration over delays in resolving one of the Philippines' most significant environmental incidents. The settlement, which has been under negotiation for years, requires final documentation from DENR to move forward and provide compensation and remediation for affected communities.
Barrick Mining, a Canadian firm that acquired the company operating the Marcopper mine in 2006, has committed to the settlement agreement. However, the process has stalled pending official communication from the environment department, leaving residents and advocates uncertain about the timeline for resolution.
Environmental damage from the mine disaster has had lasting impacts on Marinduque's communities and ecosystems. Advocates argue that releasing the required communication would demonstrate government commitment to addressing the long-standing crisis and holding multinational corporations accountable for environmental violations.
The DENR has not yet publicly responded to Monday's demonstration. Officials from the department and Barrick Mining have previously stated their readiness to complete the settlement process once all procedural requirements are satisfied.