Confident of passing OGPI welcomes mine audit

 OceanaGold Philippines Inc. has express their support to welcome the transparent mine audit by the national government” to prove its track record as a responsible operator” in the industry.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the mine audit of OceanaGold after a petition from anti-mining activists to cancel its exploration permit renewal for an expansion.

“Any audit would also reveal OGPI's significant contributions to its host communities over and above the mandated requirements under the Philippine Mining Act. Notable is theDidipio Community Development Corp.(DiCorp), which was establishedAugust 11, 2011to assist the local community in creating sustainable business partnership among enterprising locals” Ramoncito Gozar, senior vice president for communications and external affairs said.

“ The company is ready for any audit and is confident and proud of its track record as a responsible operator,” Gozar added.

He also said that The OGPI Didipio operation is ISO 14001-certified, and is the first mining project to receive such accreditation in 2015 providing the criteria for environmental-management system mandated by theDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources.

“In 2015 OGPI was awarded the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for exhibiting outstanding level of dedication, initiative and innovation in pursuit of excellence in mining operations, environmental, safety, health management and community development, “he added.

“ The company is strongly committed as ever to working closely with its many stakeholder groups to continue providing significant benefits and leaving a positive, long lasting legacy,” Gozar expressed.