Celsius Resources Ltd (ASX:CLA)’s Philippines subsidiary Makilala Mining Company, Inc welcomes news that the relevant Mines and Geosciences Bureau has approved the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project’s five-year social development and management program (SDMP) and care and maintenance program (CMP).
The company has received interim certificates of approval from the Regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Towards MPSA
Approval of the SDMP and CMP are prerequisites for the approval of the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility and consequently, a Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
While certificates of approval have been secured, they have been referred to as ‘interim’ to indicate that Celsius is not obliged to action its commitments under said programs until after the issuance of the company’s MPSA.
Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, all mining permit holders are required to develop and implement a social development and management program (SDMP) in consultation and partnership with the host and neighbouring communities.
Sustainable development
The goal of the SDMP is to help create responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing and managing community development programs, projects and activities in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development.
Specifically, the SDMP covers the following primary areas of concern:
- 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; and
- protection and respect of socio-cultural values.
Care and management program
The care and management program (CMP) is a prerequisite document which details the company’s safety and health, social and environmental commitments as integral components of the MCB Project in cases of operational constraints such as voluntary or involuntary stoppage.
Celsius executive director and MMCI country operations director Peter Hume said: “The approval of the SDMP and CMP is not only an indication of the national government’s firm commitment to the mining industry and the MCB Project as one of its key economic drivers post-pandemic, but also a clear manifestation of CLA’s strong resolve to advance the project and create real, purposeful and ethical projects creating value for both the shareholders and stakeholders.
“These programs will also be among the many avenues where the company will be able to demonstrate its adherence to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in partnership with the Balatoc community as well as the local and national government units.”