~ 腜 腜 the Contractor desires to join and assist the Government in the initial WHEREAS, and possible development and utilization for commercial rational exploration mineral deposits existing in the purposes of chromite, nickel and other associated Contract Area (as herein defined); WHEREAS, the Contractor has access to all the financing, technical competence, technology and environmental management skills required to promptly and effectively carry out the objectives of this Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises, the mutual covenants, terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, it is hereby stipulated and agreed as follows: SECTION I SCOPE This Agreement is a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement entered into pursuant to the provisions of the Act and its implementing rules and regulations. The primary purpose of this Agreement is to provide for the rational exploration, development and commercial utilization of chromite, nickel and other associated mineral deposits existing within the Contract Area, with all necessary services, technology and financing to be furnished or arranged by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. The Contractor shall not, by virtue of this Agreement, acquire any title over the ContracUMining Area without prejudice to the acquisition by the Contractor of the land/surface rights through any mode of acquisition provided for by law. shall undertake and execute, for and on behalf of the 12The Contractor Government, sustainable mining operations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and is hereby constituted and appointed, for ihe purpose of this Agreement, as the exclusive entity to conduct mining operations in the Contract Area. shall assume all the exploration risk such that if no minerals 13The contractor in commercial quantity are developed and produced, it will not be entitled to reimbursement. the term of this Agreement, the total value of production and sale of 14During minerals derived from the mining operations contemplated herein shall be accounted for and divided between the Government and the contractor in V蝖 hereof 鍾 '1 - 1 SECTION II DEFINITIONS As used in this Agreement, the following words and terms, whether singular or plural, shall have the following respective meaning: 2.1. Act refers to Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the "Philippine Mining Act of 1995.' 2.2. Aqreement means this Mineral Production Sharing Agreement. 2.3. Associated Minerals mean other ores/minerals, which occur together with the principal ore/mineral. 2.4. Banqko Sentral means Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 2.5. Budqet means an estimate of expenditures to be made by Contractor in mining operations contemplated hereunder to accomplish the Work Program for each particular period. 2-6. Bureau means Mines and Geosciences Bureau. 2.7. Calendar Year or Year means a period of twelve 12) consecutive months starting with the first day of January and ending on December 31, while "Calendar Quartef' means a period of three consecutive months with the first calendar quarter starting with the first day of January. 2.8. Commercial Production means the production of sufficient quantity of minerals to sustain economic viability of mining operations reckoned from the date of commercial operation as declared by the Contractor or as stated in the feasibility study, whichever comes first. . 2.9. Constitution or Philippine constitution means the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines adopted by the constitutional convention of 1986 on October 15, 1986 and ratified bythe People of the Republicof the Philippines on February 2, 1987. 2.10. contract Area means the area onshore or offshore delineated under the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement subject to the relinquishment obligations of the contractor and properly defined by latitude and longitude or bearing and distance. 2.11. Contract Year means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months counted trom the Effective Date of this Agreement or from the anniversary of such Effective Date. 2. 1 2. Contractor means East Coast Mineral Resources Co., lnc or its aJiignee(s) or operato(s) of interest under this Agreement: Provided, That the assignment of any of such interest is accomplished pursuant to the mTTttT芪 臥 膋nS膋ftMmplem靛 莵 車 2.13. Declaration of Mininq Proiect Feasibility means a document proclaiming the . presence of minerals in a specific site, which are recoverable by socially acceptable, environmentally safe and economically sound methods specified in the Mine Development Plan. 2.14. Department or DENR means the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2.'15. Director means the Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau. 2.16. Effeciive Date means the date of execution of this Agreement by the Contractor and by the Secretary on behalf of the Government. 2.17. Environment means all facets of man's surroundings: physical, ecological, aesthetic, cultural, economic, historic, institutional and social. 2.1 B. Exploration means searching or prospecting for mineral resources by geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys, remote sensing, test pitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, tunneling or any other means for the purpose of determining the existence, extent, quality and quantity of mineral resources and the feasibility of mining them for profit. 2.19. Exploration Period shall mean the period from the Effective Date of this Agreement, which shall be for two (2) years, renewable for like periods but not to exceed a total term of six (6) years for nonmetallic minerals and eight (8) years for metallic minerals, subject to the pertinent provisions of the implementing rules and regulations of the Act. 2.20. Force Maieure means acts or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor including, but not limited to war' rebellion, insurrection, riots, civil disturbances, blockade, sabotage, embargo, strike, lockout, any dispute with surface owners and other labor disputes, epidemics, earthquake, storm, flood or other adverse weather conditions, explosion, fire, adverse action by the Government or by any of its instrumentality or subdivision thereof, act of God or any public enemy and any cause as herein described over which the affected party has no reasonable control. 2.21. Foreiqn Exchanoe means any currency other than the currency of the nepuOtic ot the Philippines acceptable to the Government and the Contractor. 2.22. Government means the Government of the Republic of the Philippines or any of its agencies and instrumentalities. 2.23. Gross Output means the actual market value of the minerals or mineral products from each mine or mineral land operated as a separate entity, without any deduction for mining, processing, refining, transporting, handling, marketing or any other expenses: Provided, That if the minerals or mineral products are sold or consigned abroad by the contractor under C.l.F. terms, the actual cost of ocean freight and insurance shall be deducted: Provided further, That in the case of mineral concentrates which ara nnt tradcd in cnmmodilv exchanoes in the Philippines or abroad such as copper concentrate, the actual market value shall be the world price quotation of the refined mineral products contained thereof prevailing in the said commodity exchanges, after deducting the smelting, refining, treatment, insurance, transportation and other charges incurred in the process of converting mineral concentrates into refined metal traded in those commodity exchanges. 2.24. Mine Development refers to work undertaken to prepare an ore body or a mineral deposit for mining, including the construction of necessary infrastructure and related facilities. 2.25. Minerals mean all naturally o@urring inorganic substances in solid, liquid, gas or any intermediate state excluding energy materials such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials and geothermal energy. 2.26. Mineral Products mean materials derived from mineral ores/rocks and prepared into marketable state by metallurgical processes which include beneficiation, cyanidation, leaching, smelting, calcination and other similar processes. 2.27. Mininq Area means that portion of the Contract Area identified by the Contractor as defined and delineated in a Survey Plan duly approved by the Director/Regional Director concerned for purposes of development and/or utilization and sites for support facilities. 2.28. Mininq Operations means mining activities involving exploration, feasibility study, environmental impact assessment, development, utilization, mineral processing and mine rehabilitation. 2.29. Notice means notice in writing, telex or telecopy (authenticated by answer back or confirmation received) addressed or sent as provided in Section 16.2 of this Agreement. 2.30. Ore means naturally occurring substance or material from which a mineral or element can be mined and/or processed for profit. 2.31. Pollution means any alteration of the physical, chemical and/or biological properties of any water, air and/or land resources of the Philippines, or any discharge thereto of any liquid, gaseous or solid wastes or any production of unneceisary noise or any emission of objectionable odor, as will or is likely to create or render such water, air, and land resources harmful, detrimental or injurious to public health, safety or welfare or which will adversely affect their utilization for domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreataonal or other legitimate purposes. 2.32. Secretarv means the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural .Resources. 2.33. State means the Republic of the Philippines 2.34. Work Proqram means a document which presents the plan of major mining operations and the corresponding expenditures of the contractor in its onntrael Aroq dr rrino a oiven oeriod of time. including the plan and ,,1 for development of host and neighboring communities and expenditures submitted and approved local geoscience and mining technology, as accordance with the implementing rules and regulaiions of the Act. SECTION III TERM OF AGREEMENT 3.1. This Agreement shall have a term of twenty five (25) years from Effective Date, and may be renewed thereafter for another term not exceeding twenty five (25) years. The renewal of this Agreement, as welt as the changes in the terms and conditions thereof, shall be upon mutual consent by the parties. ln the event the Government decides to allow mining operations thereafter by other Contractor, this must be through competitive public bidding. After due publication of notice, the Contractor shall have the right to equal the highest bid upon reimbursement of all reasonable expenses of the highest bidder. SECT10N iV CONTRACT AREA SECTION V EXPLORATION PERIOD 5.1 . Timetable for Exploration - The Contractor shall commence Exploration activities not later than three (3) months after the Effective Date for a period of two (2) years, renewable for like periods but not to exceed a total term of six (6) years for nonmetallic minerals and eight (8) years for metallic minerals, subject to annual review and approval by the Director in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of the Act. 5.2. Renewal of Exploration Period - ln case the Contractor opts for a renewal of its Exploration Period, it shall file prior to the expiration thereof, a renewal application in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office, accompanied by the mandatory requirements stipulated in the implementing rules and regulations of the Act. The Director may grant the renewal of the Exploration Period on condition that the Contractor has substantially complied with the terms and conditions of the Agreement. ln cases where further exploration is warranted beyond the six (6)- or eight (8)-year period and on condition that the Contractor has substantially impiemented the Exploration and Environmental Work Programs as verified by the Bureau, the Director may further grant renewal of the Exploration Period: Provided, That the Contractor shall be required to set up a performance surety equivalent to the expenditure requirement of the Exploration and Environmental Work Programs. 5.3. Work Programs and Budgets - The contractor shall strictly comply with the approved Exploration and Environmental Work Programs together with their coiresponding Budgets (please refer to ANNEXES "C" and "D")' The amount to be spent by the Contractor in conducting Exploration activities under the terms of this Agreement during the Exploration Period shall be in the aggregate of not less than that specified for each of the Contract Years, as follows: For the Exploration Work Program: 1 st Contract Year : PhP 2,750,000.00 2nd Contract Year : PhP 5,550,000.00 Total : PhP 8,300,000.00 For the Environmental Work Program : PhP 850,000.00 ln the event of renewal of the Exploration Period, the amount to be spent every year shall first be agreed upon by the parties. ln the event of termination of this Agreement, the Contractor shall only be obliged to expend the pro-rata amount for the period of such contract Year prioi to termination. lf during any Contract Year, the Contractor should expe n d r o'? t!T. :. :: ll3, -t! -1T:Tt.,t: ^::r::::-::^o:':1?1 ^l::fu during the succeeding Contract Years, and should the Contractor or with the consent of the Contractor, due to unforeseen circumstances Government, expend less during a year, then the deficiency shall be applied to the amount to be expended during the succeeding Contract Years. 5.4. Relinquishment of Total/Portion of the Contract Area - During the Exploration Period, the Contractor may relinquish totally or partially the original Contract Area. After the Exploration Period and prior to or upon approval of a Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility by the Director, the Contractor shall finally relinquish any portion of the Contract Area not necessary for mining operations and not covered by any Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility. 5.5. Final Mining Area - The Director may allow the Contractor to hold more than one (1) final Mining Area subject to the maximum limits set under the implementing rules and regulations of the Act: Provided, That each final Mining Area shall be covered by a Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility. 5.6. Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility - Within the term of the Exploration Period, the Contractor shall file in the Regional Office concerned, the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility of the Contract Area/final Mining Area supported by Mining Project Feasibility Study, Three (3)-Year Development and Construction or Commercial Operation Work Program, complete geologic report, ah application for survey and the pertinent Environmental Compliance Certificate, among other applicable requirements. Failure of the Contractor to submit the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility during the Exploration Period shall be considered a substantial breach of this Agreement. 5.7. Survey of the Contract Area - The Contractor shall cause the survey of the perimeter of the Contract Area/final Mining Area through an application for survey, complete with requirements, filed in the Regional Office concerned simultaneous with the submission of the Declaration of Mining Feasibility Survey returns shall be submitted to the Regional Director concerned for approval within one (1) year from receipt of the Order of Survey complete with the mandatory requirements stated in the implementing rules and regulations of the Act. 5.8. Reporting a. During the Exploration Period, the Contractor shall submit to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, quarterly and annual accomplishment reports under oath on all activities conducted in the Contract Area from the Effective Date of this Agreement. The quarterly repori shall be submitted not later than fifteen (15) days at the end of each Calendar Quarter while the annual accomplishment report shall be submitted not later than thirty (30) days from the end of each Calendar Year. Such information shall include detailed financial expenditures, raw and processed geological, geochemical, geophysical and radiometric data plotted on a map at a minimum 1:50,OOO scale, copies of originals of assay results, duplicated samples, field data, copies of originals from drilling reports, maps' an,ir^nrnantqt urork nrnnrem imolementation and detailed expenditures showing discrepancies/ deviations with approved exploration and environmental plans and budgets as well as all other information of any kind collected during the exploration activities. All information submitted to the Bureau shall be subject to the confidentiality clause of this Agreement. b the Final Report - The Contractor shall submit to the Director, through Regional Director concerned, a final report under oath upon the expiration of the Exploration Period which shall be in the form and substance comparable to published professional reports of respectable international institutions and shall incorporate all the findings in the Contract Area including location of samples, assays, chemical analysis, and assessment of mineral potentials together with a geologic map of 1:50,000 scale at the minimum showing the results of the exploration. Such report shall also include detailed expenditures incurred during the Exploration Period. ln case of diamond drilling, the Contractor shall, upon request of the Director/Regional Director concerned, submit to the Regional Office concerned a quarter of the core samples, which shall be deposited in the Regional Office Core Library for safekeeping and reference. Relinquishment Report - The Contractor shall submit a separate relinquishment report with a detailed geologic report of the relinquished area accompanied by maps at a scale of 1:50,000 and results of analyses and detailed expenditures, among others. SECTION VI DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION PER]OD 6.1. Timetable - The Contractor shall complete the development of the mine including the construction of production facilities within thirty six (36) months from the submission and approval of the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility, subject to such extension based on justifiable reasons as the Director may approve, upon recommendation of the Regional Director concerned. 6.2. Reporting a. Annual - The Contractor shall submit, within sixty (60) days after December 31 of each year, to the Director, through the Regional Director con@rned, an annual report, which states the major activities, achievements and detailed expenditures during the year covered, including maps, assays, rock and mineral analyses and geological and environmental progress reports during the Development and Construction Period. b. Final Report - Within six (6) months from the completion of the development and construction activities, the Contractor shall submit a final report to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned. .r..^r^ -^-^-+ ^!.^ i^+^^.616 a infarrnalinn in manq rtf ennfoDfiate . scale and quality, as well as in monographs or reports in accordance with international standards. SECTION VII OPERATING PERIOD 7.1 . Timetable - The Contractor shall submit, within thirty (30) days before completion of mine development and construction of production facilities, to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, a Three-Year Commercial Operation Work Program. The Contractor shall commence commercial utilization immediately upon approval of the aforesaid Work Program. Failure of the Contractor to commence Commercial Production within the period shall be considered a substantial breach of the Agreement. 7.2. Commercial Operation Work Program and Budget - During the Operating Period, the Contractor shall submit to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, Work Programs and Budgets covering a period of three (3) years each, which shall be submitted not later than thirty (30) days before the expiration of the period covered by the previous Work Program. The Contractor shall conduct Mining Operations and other activities for the duration of the Operating Period in accordance with the duly approved Work Programs and corresponding Budgets. and Modification of Facilities - The Contractor may make 73Expansion expansions, modifications, improvements, and replacements of the mining facilities and may add new facilities as the Contractor may consider necessary for the operations: Provided, That such plans shall be embodied in an appropriate Work Program approved by the Director. 74Reporting a. Quarterly Reports - Beginning with the first Calendar Quarter following the commencement of the Operating Period, the Contractor shall submit, within thirty (30) days after the end of each Calendar Quarter, to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, a Quarterly Report stating the tonnage of production in terms of ores, concentrates, and their corresponding grades and other types of products; value, destination of sales or exports and to whom sold; terms of sales and exPenditures. b. Annual Reports - During the Operating Period, the Contractor shall submit within sixty (60) days from the end of each Calendar Year, to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, an Annual Report indicating in sufficient detail: b.'t. The total tonnage of ore reserves, whether proven, probable, or inferred, the total tonnage of ores, kind by kind, broken down between tonnage mined, tonnages transported from the 6i^^^i+^ ^^..{ rhair anrraennndinn clcstinatiOn tonnaoes ri, stockpiled in the mine and elsewhere in the Philippines, tonnages sold or committed for export (whether actually shipped from the Philippines or not), tonnages actually shipped from the Philippines (with full details as to purchaser, destination and terms of sale), and if known to the Contractor, tonnages refined, processed or manufactured in the Philippines with full specifications as to the intermediate products, by-products or final products and of the terms at which they were disposed; b.2. Work accomplished and work in progress at the end of the year in question with respect to all the installations and facilities related to the utilization program, including the investment actually made or committed; and b.3. Profile of work force, including management and staff, stating particularly their nationalities, and for Filipinos, their place of origin (i.e., barangay, town, province, region). The Contractor shall also comply with other reporting requirements provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of the Act, SECTION VIII FISCAL REGIME 8.1. General Principle - The fiscal regime of this Agreement shall be governed by the principle according to which the Government expects a reasonable return in economic value for the utilization of non-renewable mineral resources under its national sovereignty while the Contractor expects a reasonable return on its investment with special account to be taken for the high risk of exploration, the terms and conditions prevailing elsewhere in the industry and any special efficiency to be gained by a particularly good performance of the Contractor. 8.2. Registration Fees - Within fifteen (15) days upon receipt of the notice of approval of the Agreement from the Regional Office concerned, the Contractor shall cause the registration of this Agreement with the said Regional Office and pay the registration fee at the rate provided in the existing rules and regulations. Failure of the Contractor to cause the registration of this Agreement within the prescribed period shall be sufficient ground for cancellation of the same. 8.3. Occupation Fees - Prior to registration of this Agreement and at the same date every year thereafter, the Contractor shall pay to the Municipal/City Treasurer concerned an occupation fee over the Contract Area at the annual rate provided in the existing rules and regulations. lf the fee is not paid on the date specified, the Contractor shall pay a surcharge of twenty five ee29$S%) of the amount due in addition to the occupation fees. n5 -* 8.4. Share of the Government - The Government Share shall be the excise tax on mineral products at the time of removal and at the rate provided for in Republic Act No. 7729 amending Section 151 (a) of the National lnternal Revenue Code, as amended, in addition to a Royalty of not less than five percent (5%) of the gross output, as well as other taxes, duties and fees levied by existing laws. The Excise Tax shall be timely and completely paid to the nearest Bureau of lnternal Revenue Office in the province concerned while the Royalty shall be paid directly to the Bureau. For purposes of determining the amount of the herein Government Share, the Contractor shall strictly comply with the audlting and accounting requirements prescribed under existing laws and regulations. The Government Share shall be allocated in accordance with Sections 290 and 292 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as "The Local Government Code of 1991 ." 8.5. Pricing of Sales - The Contractor shall dispose of ihe minerals and by- products produced at the highest market price prevailing in the locality: The Contractor shall also pay the lowest achievable marketing commissions and related fees and shall negotiate for more advantageous terms and conditions subject to the right to enter into long{erm sales or marketing contracts or foreign exchange and commodity hedging contracts, which the Government acknowledges to be acceptable notwithstanding that the sale price of the minerals and by-products may from time to time be lower, or the terms and conditions of sales are less favorable, than that available elsewhere. The Contractor shall seek to strike a balance between long-term sales or marketing contracts or foreign exchange and commodity hedging contracts comparable to policies followed by independent producers in the International mining industry. The Contractor shall likewise seek a balanced distribution among consumers- lnsofar as sales to Contractor's affiliate(s) are concerned, prices shall be at arm's length standard, and competing offers for large scale and long-term contracts shall be procured. Before any sale and/or shipment of mineral product is made, existing and future marketing contract(s)isales agreement(s) shall be submitted to the Director, copy furnished the Regional Director concerned, for registration. At the same time, the Contractor shall regularly inform the Director in writing of any revisions, changes or additions in said contract(s)/agreement(s). The Contractor shall reflect in its Monthly/Quarterly Report on Production, Sales and lnventory of Minerals, as well as in the lntegrated Annual Repori, the corresponding registration number(s) of the marketing contract(s)/agreement(s) governing the export or sale of minerals. 8.6. Associated Minerals - lf minerals other than chromite and nickel are discovered in commercial quantities in the Contract Area, the value thereof shall be added to the value of the principal mineral in computing the Gl苆  :::liltSharel 苡 IX SECTION WORK PROGRAMS 9.1. Submission to Government - within the periods stated herein, the contractor shall prepare and submit to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, a Work Program and corresponding Budget for the Contract Area stating the Mining operations and expenditures which ihe contractor proposes to carry out during the period covered with the details and particulars set forth elsewhere in this Agreement or in the supporting documents. 9.2. Government's Examination and Revision of Work Program - Should the Government decide to propose a revision to a certain specific feature in the Work Program or Budget, it shall, within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof, provide a Notice to the coniractor specifying in reasonable detail its reasons therefore. Promptly thereafter, the Government and contractor will meet and endeavor to agree on the revision proposed by the Government ln any event, the revision of any portion of said Work Program or Budget in which the Government shall fail to notify the contractor of the proposed revision shall, insofar as possible, be carried out as prescribed herein' lf the Government should fail within sixty (60) days from receipt thereof to notify Contractor of the proposed revisions, the Work Program and Budgei proposed by the Contractor shall be deemed to be approved. 9.3. contractor's changes to work Program - lt is recognized by the Governmeni and the Contractor that the details of any Work Program .may require changes in the light of changing circumstances. The Contractor may make such ihanges: Provided, That it shall not change the general objective of the Work Program: Provided further, That changes which entail a negative variance of at least twenty percent (2ov') shall be subject to ihe approval of the Director. ln case of any positive variance, the contractor shall submit to the Director, through the Regional Director concerned, a copy each of the Work Programs, for information. g.4. The Government,s approval of a proposed work Program and Budget will not be unreasonably withheld. SECTION X ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH 10.1 . The Contractor shall manage its Mining operations in a technically, financially, socially, culturally and environmentally responsible manner to achieve the sustainable development objectives and responsibilities as provided for under the implementing rules and regulations of the Act qt .U / l) -'€f\ l. fl,P The Contractor shall ensure that the standards of environmental protection 10.2. are met in the course of the Mining Operations. To the extent possible, control of pollution and the transformation of the mined-out areas or materials into economically and socially productive forms must be done simultaneously with mining. 10.3. The Contractor shall submit an Environmental Work Program during the Exploration Period as prescribed in the implementing rules and regulations of the Act. 10.4. An Environmental compliance certificate (ECC) shall be secured first by the Contractor prior to the conduct of any developmeni works, construction of production facillties and/or mine production activities in the Contract Area. 10.5. The Contractor shall submit within thirty (3O) calendar days after the issuance and receipt of the ECC, an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) using MGB Form No. '16-2 covering all areas to be affected by development, utilization and processing activities under this Agreement. The Contractor shall allocate for its initial environment- related capital expenditures approximately ten percent (10%) of the total project cost or in such amount depending on the environmental/geological condition, nature and ssale of operations and technology to be employed in the Contract Area. 10.6. The Contractor shall submit, within thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of every calendar year, an Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP), using MGB Form 16-3, which shall be based on the appioved EPEP. The AEPEP shall be implemented during the year for wl-rich it was submitted. To implement its AEPEP, the contractor shall allocate annually three to five percent (3%-5%\ of its direct mining and milling costs depending on the environmental/geologic condition, nature and scale of operations and technology employed in the Coniract Area' 10.7. The Contractor shall establish a Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund (CLRF) which shall be in the form of the Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) and the Mine Waste and Tailings Fee (MWTF) The MRF shall be based on the financial requirements of the approved EPEP as a reasonable environmental deposit to ensure satisfactory compliance with the commitments/strategies of the EPEP/AEPEP and avaiiability of funds for ihe performance of the EPEP/AEPEP during the specific project phase. The MRF shall be deposited as Trust Fund in a government depository bank and shall be used for physical and social iehabilitation of areas affected by mining activities and for research on the social, technical and preventive aspects of rehabilitation. The MWTF shall be collected based on the amounts of mine waste and mill tailings generated during the conduct of Mining Operations' The MWTF collected shall accrue to a Mine waste and Tailings Reserve Fund and shall n Sal膋 mp腬 fC膋 腷 [1lfaimert膋 :]腵7釞荽腡::菑 菌::镩腸 邾 ::Ltif荾 饽 The contractor shall set up mitigating measures such as mine waste and mill 10.8. tailings disposal system, mine rehabilitation or plan, water quality moniioring, etc. to rnrnimize land degradation, air and water pollution, acid rock drainage and changes in hydrogeology' 10.9. The contractor shall set up an Environmental and safety office at its minesite manned by qualified personnel to plan, implement and monitor its approved EPEP. 10.10. The Contractor shall be responsible in the monitoring of environmental, safety and health conditions in the Contract Area and shall strictly ^comply with all the rules and regulations embodied under DAO No' 2000-98' otherwise known as the "Mine Safety and Health Standards " 1 0.'1 'l . The Contractor shall be responsible for the submission of a final mine rehabilitation and/or decommissioning plans, including its financial requirements and incorporating the detiils and particulars set forth in the implementing rules and regulations of the Act' g. To furnish the Bureau all the data and information gathered from the Contract Area and that all the books of accounts and records shall be open for inspection; h. To allow access to Government during reasonable hours in inspecting the Contract Area and examining pertinent records for purposes of monitoring compliance with the terms of this Agreement; To hold the Government free and harmless from all claims and accounts of all kinds, as well as demands and actions arising out of the accidents or injuries to persons or properties caused by Mining Operations of the Contractor and indemnify the Government for any expenses or costs incurred by the Government by reason of any such claims, accounts, demands or actions; ln the development of the community: j.1. To recognize and respect the rights, "rrtorc and traditions of indigenous cultural communities over their ancestral lands and to allocate royalty payment of not less than one percent (1%) of the value of the gross output of minerals sold; j.2. To coordinate with proper authorities in the development of the mining community and for those living in the host and neighboring communities through social infrastructure, livelihood programs, education, water, electricity and medical services. Where traditional self-sustaining income and the community activities are identified to be present, the Contractor shall assist in the preservation and/or enhancement of such activities; j.3. To allot annually a minimum of one percent (1o/o) of the direct mining and milling costs necessary to implement the activities undertaken in the development of the host and neighboring communities. Expenses for community development may be charged against the royalty payment of at least one percent (1%) of the gross output intended for the concerned indigenous cultural community; j.4. To give preference to Filipino citizens who have established domicile in the neighboring communities, in the hiring of personnel for its mining operations. lf necessary skills and expertise are currently not available, the Contractor must immediately prepare and undertake a training and recruitment program at its expense; and j.5. To incorporate in the Mining Feasibility Study the planned (1.1) to of this expendituresto implement necessary 03) 芢 腖 k. ln the development of Mining Technology and Geosciences: k.1 . ln the course of its operations, to produce geological, geophysical, geochemical and other types of maps and reports that are appropriate in scale and in format and substance which are consistent with the internationally accepted standards and practices. Such maps shall be made available to the scientific community in the most convenient and cost effective forms, subject to the condition that the Contractor may delay release of said information for a reasonable period of time which shall not exceed three (3) years; k.2. To systematically keep the data generated from the ContracU Mining Area such as cores, assays and other related information, including economic and financial data and make them accessible to students, researchers and other persons responsible for developing mining, geoscience and processing technology subject to the condition that the Contractor may delay release of data to the science and technology community within a reasonable period of time which shall not exceed three (3) years; k.3. To transfer to the Government or local mining company the appropriate technology it may adapt in the exploration, development and commercial utilization of the minerals in the Contract Area; k.4. To allocate research and development budget for the advancement of mining technology and geosciences in coordination with the Bureau, research institutions, academe, etc.; and k.5. To replicate data, maps and reports cited in (k.1) and (k.2) and furnish the Bureau for archiving and systematic safekeeping which shall be made available to the science and technology community for conducting research and undertaking other activities which contribute to the development of mining, geoscience and processing technology and the corresponding national pool of manpower talents: Provided, however, that the release of data, maps and the like shall be similarly constrained in accordance with (k.1) and (k.2) above; l. To incorporate in the Mining Feasibility Study the planned expenditures necessary to implement all the plans and programs set forth in this Agreement; and m. To pay all other taxes and fees mandated by existing laws, rules and regulations. 11.2. Rights of the Contractor: a. To conduct Mining Operations within the confines of its ContracUMininq Area in accordance with the terms and conditions aa& | . hereof and without interfering with the rights of other Contractors/Lessees/Operators/ permittees/permit Holders; b. Possession of the Contract Area, with full right of ingress and egress and the right to occupy the same, subject to surface and easement rights; c. To use and have access to all declassified geological, geophysical, drilling, production and other data relevant to the mining operations; d. To sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all its rights, interests and obligations under the Agreement subject to the approval of the Government; e. To employ or bring into the philippines foreign technical and specialized personnel, including the immediate members of their families as may be required in the operations of the Contractor, subject to applicable laws and regulations: provided, That if the employment connection of such foreign persons with the Contracior ceases, the applicable laws and regulations on immigration shall apply to them. Every time foreign technologies are utilized and where alien executives are employed, an effective program of training understudies shall be undertaken. The alien employment shall be limited to technologies requiring highly specialized training and experience subject to the required approval under existing laws, rules and regulations; f. To enjoy easement rights and use of timber, water and other natural resources in the Contract Area subject to pertinent laws, rules and regulations and the rights of third parties, S Repatriation of capital and remittance of profits, dividends and interest on loans, subject to existing laws and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas rules and regulations; and h. To import when necessary all equipment, spare parts and raw materials required in the operations in accordance with existing laws and regulations. 1 1 .3. Obligations of the Government: a. To ensure that the Contractor has the Government,s full cooperation in the exercise of the rlghts granted to it under this Agreement; b. To use lts best efforts to ensure the timely issuance of necessary permits and similar authorizing documents for use of the surface of the Contract Area; and c. To cooperate with the Contractor in its efforts to obtain financing contemplated herein from banks or other financial institutions: Provided, That such financing arrangements will in no event reduce or's obligation on Government rightsiereunaer. an4 /l) sEcTtoN xil ASSETS AND EQUTPMENT 12.1. The contractor shall acquir,e for the Mining operations only such assets that are reasonably estimated to be required in carrying out such Mining Operations. 12.2. All materials, equipment, plant and other installations of a movable nature erected or placed on the Contract Area by the Contractor shall remain the property of the Contractor. The Contractor shall have the right to remove and re-export such materials and equipment, plant and other installations from the Philippines, subject to existing rules and regulations. ln case of cessation of Mining Operations on public lands occasioned by its voluntary abandonment or withdrawal, the Contractor shall have a period of one (1) year from the time of cessation within which to remove its improvements; othenrvise, all social infrastructures and facilities shall be turned over or donated tax free to the proper government authorities, national or local, to ensure that said infrastructures and facilities are continuously maintained and utilized by the host and neighboring communities. sEcTtoN xilt EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF PHILIPPINE PERSONNEL 13.1. The Contractor agrees to employ, to the extent possible, qualified Filipino personnel In all types of mining operations for which they are qualified; and after Commercial Production commences shall, in consultation and with consent of the Government, prepare and undertake an extensive training programme suitable to Filipino nationals in all levels of employment. The objective of said programme is to reach within the timetable set forth below the following targets of "Filipinization:' Unskined Skilled C lerical Professional Management 腧 腧 (%) (%) (%) 腀 腀 Year 1 艖 艔 艖艔 100 100 100 艗腂 艗艏 Year 3 100 100 100 Year 艘 腂 艘艏 5 100 100 100 Year 艘 艔 艘艔 7 100 100 100 Year 艘 艔 艘艔 10 100 100 100 Year 艘 艔 艘艔 15 100 100 100 13.2. Cost and expenses of training such Filipino personnel and the Contractor,s own employees shall be included in the Operating Expenses. 13.3. The Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of gender and shall respect the right of women workers to participate in policy and decision- m.ki^o nrn.asqcq affpntinn thpir rinhtc anrl trcncfile ,r. /, -<.fl SECTION XIV ARBITRATION 14.1. The Government and the contractor shall consult with each other in good faith and shall exhaust all available remedies to setfle any and all disp-utes or disagreements arising out of or relating to the validity, interpretaiions, enforceability, or performance of this Agreement before resorting to arbitration as provided for in Section 14.2. below. 14.2. Any disagreement or dispute which can not be setfled amicably within a period of one (1) year from the time the issue is raised by a party shail be settled by a tribunal of three (3) arbitrators This tribunal shall be constituted as follows: one to be appointed by the contractor and the other to be appointed by the secretary. The first two appointed arbitrators shail consider names of qualified persons until agreement on a mutually acceptable chairman of the tribunal is selected. such arbitration shall be initiated and conducted pursuant to Republic Act No. g76, otherwise known as the "Arbitration Act.,, ln any event, the arbitration shall be conducted applying the substantive laws of the Republic of the philippines. 14.3. Each party shall pay fifty percent (50%) of the fees and expenses of the Arbitrators and the costs of arbitration. Each party shall pay its own costs anb attorney's fee. SECTION XV SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF CONTRACT, TAX INCENTIVES AND CREDITS 15.1 . This Agreement may be suspended for failure of the Contractor: (a) to comply with any provision or requirement of the Act and/or its implementing rules and regulations; (b) to pay on time the complete taxes, fees and/or other charges demandable and due the Government. 15.2. This Agreement terminates or may be terminated for the following causes: (a) expiration of lts term, whether original or renewal; (b) withdrawal from the Agreement by the Contractor; (c) violation by the Contractor of the Agreement's terms and conditions; (d) failure to pay taxes, iees/or charges or financial obligations for two (2) consecutive years; (e) false statemeni or omission of facts by the Contractor; and (f) any other cause or reason provided under the Act and its implementing rules and regulations, or any other relevant laws and regulations. 15.3. All statements made in this Agreement shall be considered as conditions and essential parts hereof, and any falsehood in said statements or omission of facts which may alter, change or affect substantially the fact set p{in said statements shall be a ground for its revocation andiermination. a/,0 15 4 The contractor may, by giving due notice at any time during the term of this Agreement, apply for its cancellation due to causes which, in the opinion of the Contractor, render continued mining operation no longer feasible or viable. ln this case, the Secretary shall decide on the application within thirty (30) days from notice: provided, That the Contractor has met all the financial, fiscal and legal obligations. 15 5. No delay or omissions or course of dealing by the Government shall impair any of its rights under thls Agreement, except in the case of a written waiver. The Government's right to seek recourse and relief by all other means shall not be construed as a waiver of any succeeding or other default unless the contrary intention is reduced in writing and signed by the party authorized to exercise the waiver. 15.6. ln case of termination, the contractor shall pay all the fees and other liabilities due up to the end of the year in which the termination becomes effective. The contractor shall immediately carry out the restoration of the Contract Area in accordance with good mining industry practice. 15-7. The withdrawal by the contractor from the Mineral Agreement shall not release it from any and all financial, environmental, legal and fiscal obligations under this Agreement. 15.8. The following acts or omission, inter a/ra shall constitute breach of contract, upon which the Government may exercise its right to terminate the Agreement: a. Failure of the Contractor without valid reason to commence Commercial Production within the period prescribed; and/or b. Failure of the Contractor to conduct mining operations and other activities in accordance with the approved Work programs and/or any modification thereof as approved by the Director. 15.9. The Government may suspend and cancel tax incentives and credits if the Contractor fails to abide by the terms and conditions of said incentives and credits. SECTION XVI OTHER PROVISIONS 16.1 . Any terms and conditions resulting from repeal or amendment of any existing laws or regulation or from the enactment of a law, regulation or administrative order shall be considered a part of this Agreement. 16.2. Notice All notices, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing, telex or telecopy and shall be deemed to have been duly given notice, in the case of telex or telecopv, if answered - r back or confirmation re@ived, or if delivered by hand, upon receipt or ten days after being deposited in the mail, airmail postage prepaid and addressed as follows: lf to the Government: THESECRETARY Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR Building, Visayas Avenue Diliman, Quezon City lf to the Contractor: THE PRESIDENT East Coast Mineral Resources Co., lnc. Lot 93 Cluster L, Bagong Nayon I Cogeo Village, Antipolo City 腜 腜 腜 腜 腜 腜 腜腜 腜 腜 腜 腜 腜 腅 腌 腀 腀 腀 腀腅 腅 . remedy such delay, except that neither party shall be under any obligation to setile^ a labor dispute: provided, fn"t tn" .r"p"nrion ot obtigation by the Contractor shafl be subject to prio, Director. "pprJ*ili'tn" 16.5. Amendments This Agreement shail not.be annufled, amended or modified in any respect except by mutual consent in writing of the herein parties. '', ' --r lN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement, as of the day and year first above written THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES BY: Department of Envir腶 l :l(IIdl(lturalResources 赼 鞓 趤 SENR07腅 010107 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| T辟 RESOuRCES C臥 Nc 莓 諭 难費 BY: G.PACAUiTAN President S:GNED iN ttHE . 莍 鏄苁 荪 (Sigrdatupe over Printed t$me) 裪 腀 腀 腌 腁 ACKNOWLEDGMENT Republic of the philippines) , . QuezonCity i )ss,. BefOre mQ a mtt PubliC b and in譔 郓 ANGELO 0靶 銚. REYEs, with communky 膊 i諍  裠 `臨 VittNEli腶 e葟 unt臦 腡 菌 镓 J sed, 鏱:HERE賜 鞸 lPhmdand attxmynO苋 跚