Mining firm advances for environment

Officials and employees of mineral development firm Sagittarius Mines Incorporated joined local residents of Tampakan, South Cotabato in a global clean up drive by clearing of litters and debris a 1.5-kilometer portion of the Lambato River in this town.

The drive last September 19 is in keeping with the environmental volunteerism campaign Clean Up the World program which aims to promote environmental awareness and preservation, remarked Jose Sebua, SMI’s Social and Environment Superintendent.

SMI workers fished out from the river non-biodegradable materials and cleaned riverbanks.

Local residents along with the Environment Brigade volunteers, MENRO-Tampakan representative and local government officials also participated in the day-long activity.

“We would like to impress to our participants their individual responsibilities in looking after the welfare of our river systems as this could also largely affect and contribute in their lives and health," Sebua said.

SMI, which has recently launched its feasibility study in tapping what could be southeast Asia’s largest copper-gold deposit in the hinterlands of this town, is known for its continous efforts in environmental preservation campaigns.