y c a c o v d A d n a g n i n i a r T - s n o i t a c i n u m m o C - t n e m e g a n a M - s c i t s i t a t S - t n e m e p o l e v e D l a i c o S - y d u t S y t i l i b i s a e F - t n 09 e m e 20 g a Y n R a EnvEnvironironmementantal Iml Impacpact Stt Stateatemementnt M A k U s i N R (EIS(EIS) of) of the the Sia Siana Gna Goldold Pro Projectject - A t J n e m n o r i v n E Prepared by BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. for: Greenstone Resources Corporation ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT OF THE SIANA GOLD PROJECT Prepared for Greenstone Resources Corporation By BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. 12C PET Plans Tower, EDSA Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City, Philippines Ph +632 8905902 Fax +632 8973984 Email bmpenvironment@yahoo.com 17 October 2008 © BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. 2008 BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. generated the information contained in this document solely for the use of Greenstone Resources Corporation in accordance with generally accepted professional principles and practices in environmental assessment. No other warranties, express or implied, are made. All rights reserved. No section or part of this document may be extracted, altered, reproduced, or electronically stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. AUTHORSHIP AND REVIEW Document Title: Environmental Impact Statement of the Siana Gold Project Date: 17 October 2008 Authors: Various Consultants as listed in the Accountability Statement of Preparers Reviewers: Jose N. Tanchuling / Marita G. Cuaño / Rolando V. Cuaño Revision History Authority Revision Date of Issue Description Name Signature 0 14 October 2008 For GRC’s review. Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. President 1 17 October 2008 With GRC’s comments Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. and for EIARC / President Stakeholder review. 2 13 January 2009 Final copy – Additional Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. information required by President EIARC and transcript of Public Hearing integrated into the report. EIS of the Siana Gold Project PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Siana Gold Project of Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC) is located in the Province of Surigao del Norte, northeastern Mindanao (Figure PF‐1). It involves the redevelopment of the former Siana Mine of Surigao Consolidated Mining Company (SURICON) with the following components: 1. Dewatering of the open pit with current approximate depth of 90 m 2. Mining of the Siana gold deposit by open pit mining to an approximate depth of 200 m below the surface from the existing floor depth of about 90 m, then by underground mining over an approximately 200 m vertical interval 3. Construction and operation of a 750,000 tonnes per year (TPY), expandable to 1 million TPY, cyanidation and flotation plant 4. Construction and operation of mine tailings ponds and waste rock dumps 5. Development and use of a mine camp, workshop, administration office, and 750 KVA standby generator 6. Construction and use of a 1‐km all‐weather access road and a 65‐tonne causeway crossing and 7. Mine rehabilitation and decommissioning. Except for the access road, causeway crossing, and drainage channel of the emergency spillway of TSF3, all Project components are within the property of the former Siana mine. The Project has a total life, from pre‐construction to mine closure, of twelve (12) years. EIA PROCESS The environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Siana Project entailed the following steps: • Taking stock of the environment, natural resources, and social systems in the project area and vicinities through the use of primary and secondary data. • Predicting the future state of the environment, natural resources, and social systems given the current stressors and stresses. • Predicting the future state of the environment, natural resources, and social systems with the implementation of the Siana Gold Project, focusing on the resource use and competition and displacement of existing natural systems. • Formulating project process modifications or management plans for the project areas or aspects found to impact on the environment, natural resources, and social systems. • Taking into consideration the stakeholders’ views, experiences, and suggestions in all of the above steps. • Finally, documenting the entire EIA process to capture the stakeholders’ concerns, perceptions, aspirations, and suggestions. The EIA Team is composed of engineers and scientists with expertise on the various fields required by the Project’s EIA. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project BASELINE PROFILE, KEY IMPACTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT MEASURES Baseline Profile Key Impacts Environmental Management Measures Land Land use and classification – The Project facilities will be built inside the Limited to the conversion of roughly 0.8 ha of rice No environmental management measures required. former mine and industrial facility of SURICON. Predominantly grassland fields into infrastructure use. with a flooded open pit, the 240‐ha Siana property is titled. Areas near the river adjacent to the property are planted to rice. A 1‐km access road will be built to connect the Siana property to the National Highway. Outside of the Siana property, the proposed road alignment is a mix of grassland and agricultural land planted to rice. Soils –Alluvial and upland soil are the soil types in the area. The upland Sediment eroded from the mine development area Minimization of ground clearings, diversion of clean surface runoff away soil, which evolved from igneous rocks and limestone, is clayey, deep, and and tailings released from the tailings storage facility from disturbed areas, recovery and use of topsoil, spoils management, well‐drained with moderate fertility. The alluvial soil is clay loam, deep, (TSF) will discharge into Magpayang River and Dayano grading of work areas and channels, scheduling of construction during and generally poorly drained with high fertility. Creek and impact the stream beds and rice fields near dryer months, settling ponds and geotextile tubes, monitoring of Dayano The alluvial soils are planted to rice; the upland soil in the Siana property the river banks. Creek and Magpayang River water quality for turbidity and total is grassland. Outside of the Siana property, the upland soil is planted to suspended solids, and mine rehabilitation and decommissioning plan at coconut. the end of mine life. Geology and geomorphology – The Project is located in a complex Ground shaking and liquefaction of tailings from Geotechnical site investigation and engineering design prior to tectonic region. The nearest earthquake generators are the Philippine strong earthquakes can cause failure of the proposed earthworks following the guidelines of the Australian National Committee Fault Zone, about 25 km west and the Philippine Trench, roughly 135 km TSF. Ground shaking coupled with water saturation of on Large Dams, implementation of design with strict quality control, eastward. Five (5) volcanoes are within 200 km from the Project site. The the waste rock dump can weaken the dump. Open pit regular stability inspection and monitoring, observance of a buffer zone most active, Mt. Hibok‐Hibok, is 103 km westward. mining can cause instability of the pit wall or adjacent together with rock fall protection fences and bund from the edge of the areas. The same effects may be expected from TSF embankment and waste rock dump, emergency planning and testing, underground mining. During closure, the TSFs, waste and mine rehabilitation and decommissioning. rock dumps, and open pit are vulnerable to slope failure and erosion. Terrestrial biology – Four habitats are distinguished: remnant forest, agro‐ Loss of grassland, wetland habitats, and natural plant Enrichment planting along the edges of the Siana property to constitute agricultural, secondary forest, and wetland. At the flooded open pit, the succession mechanisms near the pit and at the waste the buffer zone, enforcement of wildlife hunting ban within the property, threatened Philippine Duck Anas luzonica was observed. The local rock dumps. Wildlife at the Project site and vicinities flora and fauna protection programs in the Project’s Social Development residents, including the Mamanwas, gather rattan and wood for lumber will be displaced because of dust and noise. and Management Program (SDMP), and mine rehabilitation and and hunt wildlife for food and livelihood. On the other hand, the Project will lessen the decommissioning. anthropogenic pressures on the remaining forests and wildlife for food and livelihood. Water Hydrology and hydrogeology – The 240‐ha Siana property is within the The flooded open pit with a total estimated volume of Monitoring of pit dewatering throughout the year and opening of the January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Baseline Profile Key Impacts Environmental Management Measures 3 5,700‐ha catchment of the Magpayang River. The Spanish Ditch to the 8.2 million m needs to be dewatered prior to diversion structures of the irrigation dam to divert water to the ricefields north, Magpayang River to the west, and the Dayano Creek to the south redevelopment. Water from the pit will discharge into during high rainfall periods. drain the property. The streams are the community’s water source for Dayano Creek and Magpayang River. An uncontrolled Hydrological studies; pit perimeter drainage, dewatering bores, and irrigation, washing of clothes, bathing, and care for animals as well as fish release may alter the channel geometry and cause pumps; drainage channels, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes; source. Magpayang River drains into Lake Mainit which has a catchment flooding. emergency planning and testing; and mine rehabilitation and size of roughly 87,100 ha (Lake Mainit Development Alliance). Lake During operations, annual water inflows to the pit are decommissioning. fisheries provide food and livelihood for about 31 barangays in 4 3 municipalities and 2 provinces. The lake drains into the Bohol Sea. estimated at 5.9 million m from groundwater and Detailed hydrogeological studies, prediction of hydrological impacts, 3 BMP simulated rainfall to determine current flood conditions. Flooding 1.06 million m from rainfall. Most of the rainfall formulation and implementation of hydrologic control measures. occurred for 133 days in a year at depths ranging from 0.02 m to 0.79 m occurs between November and March. This can flood along Dayano Creek and from 0.01 m to 1.58 m along Magpayang River. the open pit and underground works. The simulation excluded backflows from Lake Mainit. The ground clearings and other earthworks will Three (3) main aquifers are noted: the alluvial aquifer, highly weathered increase surface runoff from the development area. bedrock saprolite aquifer, and the bedrock fractured aquifer. Springs and This can cause flooding and erosion which will impact shallow wells are the sources of potable water. In 2005, GRC established the adjacent ricefields. a potable water supply and distribution system for Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, Underground works can cause the drying of rivers and and Dayano using the pit water. wells in the immediate vicinity of the open pit. Water quality – The water quality of streams within and downslope of the The potential impacts to the receiving streams include The management measures for sediment were discussed earlier. Tailings Siana mine including Lake Mainit does not show any effects of prior turbidity from eroded sediment and released tailings; will be managed through cyanide detoxification of tailings prior to SURICON operation and current gold small‐scale mining. A tentative toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic life from accidentally discharge to tailings pond and other measures listed previously. classification of streams following DAO No. 1990‐34 shows total coliforms, released chemicals like NaOH, CuSO , HCl, NaCN, and 4 Oil, grease, and other chemicals will be managed through personnel oil and grease, phenols, and phosphates as phosphorus as limiting factors diesel; heavy metals in released tailings, e.g., As, Cr, training, physical containment systems, and procedures on transport, to a Class C or D classification. The same applies to Lake Mainit which was Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Zn; acid mine drainage (AMD); handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and wastes. classified by EMB Region 13 as Class A. The pit water is classified as Class sewerage, and solid waste. For AMD, the measures will include acid tests on selected blasthole A. A Langrangian dispersal modelling was conducted to cuttings; waste rock classification into potentially and non‐acid forming The sediment sampling results indicate no significant elevation of copper determine the areas within Lake Mainit that will most and appropriate placement of materials in the dump. (Cu), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) downslope of the likely be affected by the release of sediment or tailings For solid waste: waste segregation, composting or disposal of waste to Siana property. For lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), a rise in concentration via the Magpayang River. The potential impact areas recyclers, landfilling. Individual sewage and wastewater treatment downstream is discernible. include the easternmost coast of Mainit, coast of systems will be installed for each building. Alegria, and to a lesser degree, the coast of Kitcharao. Freshwater biology – Along Magpayang River, Motorpool which had The proposed Project can cause stressors that are The applicable management measures are discussed in Hydrology and rocky‐stony substratum and riffle areas hosted the highest number of directly toxic to freshwater biota such as heavy Hydrogeology and Water Quality. aquatic insects including the sensitive types. Going downstream, the river metals, high pH, reduced DO, CuSO , NaCN, NaOH, 4 substratum was sandy and muddy and the number of aquatic insects HCl, and diesel. decreased. The intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma There are also non‐toxic stressors that can affect japonicum was found in Dayano Creek downslope of the Siana pit. ecosystems and biota like flow (from pit dewatering or Plankton collection was low probably due to the heavy rains. From tailings water release) and turbidity. interviews tilapia hito biya dalag igat and pait are caught in the rivers January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Baseline Profile Key Impacts Environmental Management Measures interviews, tilapia, hito, biya, dalag, igat, and pait are caught in the rivers. Based on Tumanda et al.’s (2005) Lake Mainit assessment, areas close to the ricefields along the influent rivers had very low water clarity; those close to the Malimono Range had higher visibilities. Pb was rarely detected; Cd was measured in several locations. Coliform counts were highest in Mainit and San Roque. BMP observed 13 genera of phytoplankton and 5 genera of zooplankton in the lake in 2005 ‐ much lower than those reported in 1971, 2003, and 2004 in terms of both individuals and species. The station near the Magpayang River mouth had the least numbers. BMP noted 10 species of fish caught in the lake in 2005 compared to about 12 recorded in 1971. According to fishermen, the decline in fish catch was due to overfishing. The dominant fish caught was the benthic gobiod species. Water column species were very few. Air Meteorology – The climate at the Project site is Type II ‐ no dry season The high rainfall increases the likelihood of erosion, The relevant management measures are discussed in Hydrology and and a very pronounced maximum rain period from November to flooding, overtopping, and slope failure of Project Hydrogeology and Water Quality. February. Based on Surigao City data, the average annual rainfall is 3,573 structures and facilities. ‐1 mm and the average prevailing wind speed and direction is 2.4 m s o bearing 143 . The two‐years’ and hundred years’ 24‐hour storms have precipitations of 204.8 mm and 593.6 mm. Air Quality and noise – Monitoring stations were established N, W, SW, Dust and noise are the major impacts of the Project. GRC will impose a buffer or exclusion zone from the TSF and waste rock and S of the Siana property. Ambient concentrations of particulate For Brgy. Cawilan, Puroks Bulawanon and Malipayon 1 dump perimeter. The additional measures are personnel training on matter 10 micron (PM‐10), total suspended particulate (TSP), sulfur which are close to the waste rock dump, process equipment use and maintenance; dust suppression through water sprays, dioxide (SO ), and nitrogen dioxide (NO ) were minimal. Ambient noise plant, and mine services area are predicted to have enclosures, and barriers; less noisy and shielded equipment; and dust and 2 2 measurements exceeded the standards. ambient TSP and noise exceed the standards. The noise PPEs to workers. same is expected for Puroks Riverside and Relocation of Brgy. Siana. People Socio‐economics‐ The direct impact barangays of the Project are Brgy. The positive impacts are direct and indirect During pre‐construction, GRC will inventory the local skills, suppliers, and Cawilan, Tubod and Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Mainit. The indirect impact employment, national and local taxes, and community contractors. Based on Project needs, skill gaps will be identified and barangays are Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod; Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit; and programs. training programs for local residents conducted. At construction and Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria. Agriculture is the predominant economic activity. The negative impacts are the adverse effects on operation, GRC will implement the employment policy agreed upon with A participatory appraisal in 2005 highlighted a general decline in farming, fishing, land, water, and property from the the impact barangays. During mine closure, GRC will provide agricultural productivity in the last 25 years. Average monthly cash eroded sediment, tailings, chemicals, and flooding. retrenchment package and support programs to its employees. The incomes were reported at P 1,000 to P 11,000. A maximum of 20 family groups engaged seasonally in transfer of social assets and services like water and electricity will be discussed with the communities January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Baseline Profile Key Impacts Environmental Management Measures In 2005, local leaders identified as major problems potable water system, small‐scale gold mining will be displaced. GRC allowed discussed with the communities. employment and livelihood opportunities, agricultural inputs, and health these groups to operate with the understanding that For the SDMP, GRC will adopt the community‐driven development services. GRC, though still in the exploration stage, implemented they will vacate the area once development works by approach. To prevent the adverse effects on community livelihoods and community programs including a potable water supply. the company commence. resources, the management measures for erosion and sediment, tailings, Household surveys in 2005 disclosed an 86 % and 80 % Project acceptance chemicals, and flooding will be implemented. in the direct impact and indirect barangays, respectively. The meetings with local leaders and residents of the direct impact barangays in April 2008 confirmed the high Project acceptance. Culture – Some 20 Mamanwa families reside in makeshift houses in Purok Mamanwa acculturation and discrimination. Inclusion of qualified Mamanwas in priority hiring, provision of training to Bulawanon, Brgy. Cawilan. Most rely on wage labor, supplemented by those who have the potential, and the preservation of Mamanwa culture backyard gardening, wood gathering, gold panning, and hunting. Since and improvement of social services for the Mamanwas as part of the 2002, GRC employed Mamanwa males from Alegria, Mainit, and Tubod as SDMP. security guards and utility men on a work rotation basis. Public health – Filariasis, schistosomiasis, and malaria are endemic Spread of diseases by migrant workers, vector‐ and Hiring and regular medical check‐up of all employees, contractors, and diseases. The leading causes of illness are acute respiratory infection, water‐borne diseases, traffic hazards, respiratory selected samples from the impact barangays; implementation of pneumonia, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, skin diseases, influenza, diseases, rockfalls from the TSF and waste rock Department of Health programs for vector‐borne diseases; continuation and hypertension. For Mainit and Alegria, schistosomiasis is a leading dumps, dust, noise, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. of GRC’s community water treatment and distribution system; vehicle cause of illness. The leading causes of death are pneumonia, tuberculosis, speed limits, safety signages, and pedestrian walkways and restriction; septicaemia, cerebro‐vascular accident or stroke, heart diseases, cancer, management measures for dust, noise, tailings, and chemicals. To ensure and diabetes mellitus. For Alegria, schistosomiasis is a leading cause of safety along the edges of the TSF and waste rock dump, some 42 to 56 death. households in Brgy. Siana and 7 to 13 households in Brgy. Cawilan may be Since 2003, GRC provided to the community a full‐time doctor and nurse, relocated. medicines, and feeding programs to the malnourished children. January 2009 Table of Contents i EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................................1 1. BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................1 2. BRIEF SUMMARY OF PROJECT’S EIA PROCESS......................................................................................................3 EIA Team.........................................................................................................................................................................................3 EIA Study Period..............................................................................................................................................................................4 EIA Study Area.................................................................................................................................................................................4 EIA Method.....................................................................................................................................................................................4 Summary of Public Participation.....................................................................................................................................................5 3. SUMMARY OF BASELINE CHARACTERIZATION......................................................................................................6 4. SUMMARY OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN...........................................8 5. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN.......................................................................................16 6. EMF AND EGF COMMITMENTS...........................................................................................................................20 1 BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION..............................................................................................................1‐1 2 PROJECT’S EIA PROCESS.........................................................................................................................2‐1 TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE EIA STUDY...................................................................................................................2‐1 EIA TEAM.....................................................................................................................................................................2‐3 EIA STUDY SCHEDULE..................................................................................................................................................2‐4 EIA STUDY AREA...........................................................................................................................................................2‐4 EIA METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................................................................2‐5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION..............................................................................................................................................2‐10 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................................................3‐1 PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA....................................................................................................................................3‐1 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE...................................................................................................................3‐1 PROJECT ALTERNATIVES..............................................................................................................................................3‐3 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT COMPONENTS.....................................................................................3‐4 Project Development Plan............................................................................................................................................................3‐4 Project Components.....................................................................................................................................................................3‐9 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT PHASES............................................................................................................................3‐10 Open Pit Mining .........................................................................................................................................................................3‐11 Underground Mining..................................................................................................................................................................3‐25 Abandonment............................................................................................................................................................................3‐27 Wastes, Issues, and Control Measures.......................................................................................................................................3‐28 MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................................................3‐33 PROJECT COST............................................................................................................................................................3‐35 PROJECT DURATION AND SCHEDULE.........................................................................................................................3‐38 Pre‐Construction and Construction............................................................................................................................................3‐38 Operations .................................................................................................................................................................................3‐38 Closure.......................................................................................................................................................................................3‐38 4 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION............................4‐1 THE LAND.....................................................................................................................................................................4‐1 Land Classification and Use..........................................................................................................................................................4‐1 Geology and Geomorphology.......................................................................................................................................................4‐2 Pedology.......................................................................................................................................................................................4‐9 Terrestrial Biology......................................................................................................................................................................4‐13 THE WATER................................................................................................................................................................4‐21 Hydrology and Hydrogeology.....................................................................................................................................................4‐21 Water Quality.............................................................................................................................................................................4‐27 Freshwater Biology.....................................................................................................................................................................4‐39 THE AIR......................................................................................................................................................................4‐44 January 2009 ii Table of Contents Climate.......................................................................................................................................................................................4‐44 Air Quality and Noise..................................................................................................................................................................4‐47 THE PEOPLE............................................................................................................................................................... 4‐50 Socio‐Economics and Public Health............................................................................................................................................4‐50 Culture........................................................................................................................................................................................4‐91 5 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................5‐1 METHODOLOGY AND EXCLUSIONS............................................................................................................................. 5‐1 RISK SCREENING.......................................................................................................................................................... 5‐1 HAZARDS ANALYSIS..................................................................................................................................................... 5‐2 Sodium Cyanide............................................................................................................................................................................5‐2 Hydrochloric Acid.........................................................................................................................................................................5‐3 Sodium Metabisulfite...................................................................................................................................................................5‐4 Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil..........................................................................................................................................................5‐5 Waste Rock Dump........................................................................................................................................................................5‐6 Tailings Storage Facility................................................................................................................................................................5‐6 QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT.............................................................................................................................. 5‐7 NaCN, HCl, and SMBS...................................................................................................................................................................5‐8 ANFO............................................................................................................................................................................................5‐8 Waste Rock Dump......................................................................................................................................................................5‐14 Tailings Storage Facility..............................................................................................................................................................5‐14 Open Pit .....................................................................................................................................................................................5‐15 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN...............................................................................................6‐1 IMPACTS MANAGEMENT PLAN................................................................................................................................... 6‐1 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK...................................................................................................................... 6‐28 IEC FRAMEWORK...................................................................................................................................................... 6‐29 EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES.................................................................................................... 6‐33 Scope of ERPP.............................................................................................................................................................................6‐33 Emergency Response Team........................................................................................................................................................6‐33 Emergency Response Training....................................................................................................................................................6‐34 Personal Protective and Other Equipment.................................................................................................................................6‐34 Notification Procedures..............................................................................................................................................................6‐35 Evacuation and Personnel Accountability ..................................................................................................................................6‐35 Emergency Procedures...............................................................................................................................................................6‐35 ABANDONMENT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES............................................................................................................ 6‐38 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN..................................................................................................................... 6‐40 Self‐monitoring Plan...................................................................................................................................................................6‐40 Multi‐Sectoral Monitoring Framework.......................................................................................................................................6‐51 Environmental Guarantee and Monitoring Fund Commitment..................................................................................................6‐53 INSTITUTIONAL PLAN FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................................. 6‐53 7 REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................... 7‐1 8 ANNEXES............................................................................................................................................... 8‐1 January 2009 Table of Contents iii TABLES Table ES 1. Parameters of the Siana Gold Project.........................................................................................................1 Table ES 2. BMP’s EIA Team ..........................................................................................................................................3 Table ES 3. EIA study scope and methodology..............................................................................................................4 Table ES 4. Key findings on the environmental baselines..............................................................................................6 Table ES 5. Environmental impacts and management plan ..........................................................................................8 Table ES 6. Environmental monitoring plan ................................................................................................................16 Table 2‐1. Major issues of the Siana Project.............................................................................................................2‐1 Table 2‐2. BMP’s EIA Team and module assignments...............................................................................................2‐3 Table 2‐3. EIA study period.......................................................................................................................................2‐4 Table 2‐4. EIA Methodology......................................................................................................................................2‐5 Table 2‐5. Public participation ................................................................................................................................2‐10 Table 3‐1. Project alternatives and evaluation..........................................................................................................3‐3 Table 3‐2. Project facilities and surface areas...........................................................................................................3‐9 Table 3‐3. Chemicals with significant hazard ratings ..............................................................................................3‐23 Table 3‐4. Planned open pit material movements..................................................................................................3‐24 Table 3‐5. Chemicals with significant hazard ratings ..............................................................................................3‐26 Table 3‐6. Wastes, issues, and control measures by Project phase........................................................................3‐28 Table 3‐7. GRC’s manpower requirements.............................................................................................................3‐33 Table 3‐8. Capital cost estimate for the Siana Gold Project....................................................................................3‐35 Table 3‐9. Post‐commissioning capital estimates...................................................................................................3‐37 Table 4‐1. Chemical analyses of waste rocks and tailings.........................................................................................4‐5 Table 4‐2. Project compliance with DENR MO No. 99‐32.........................................................................................4‐7 Table 4‐3. Bird species diversity indices in 8 sites in the Siana Gold Project in Surigao del Norte, May 2008........4‐16 Table 4‐4. Tributaries of Magpayang River.............................................................................................................4‐23 Table 4‐5. Details of sampling episodes..................................................................................................................4‐27 Table 4‐6. Classification of water bodies based on sampling results......................................................................4‐32 Table 4‐7. Tentative classification of water bodies.................................................................................................4‐33 Table 4‐8. Population of impact barangays, 1995, 2000 and 2007.........................................................................4‐53 Table 4‐9. Population density of impact barangays, 2007......................................................................................4‐53 Table 4‐10. Internal revenue allotment, impact barangays, 2008............................................................................4‐54 Table 4‐11. Facilities in the impact barangays, April 2005........................................................................................4‐54 Table 4‐12. Elementary Schools in Impact Barangays, May, 2005............................................................................4‐55 Table 4‐13. Number of farmers and average farm size, February 2005....................................................................4‐56 Table 4‐14. Average yields per hectare, February 2005............................................................................................4‐56 Table 4‐15. Maximum yield of rice crop in the respondent Barangays for the past 30 years...................................4‐56 Table 4‐16. Existing agricultural facilities in respondent Barangays .........................................................................4‐57 Table 4‐17. Average fish catch by Barangay regardless of gears for the past 20 years.............................................4‐58 Table 4‐18. Distribution of samples by barangay......................................................................................................4‐63 Table 4‐19. Educational attainment of samples (2005) vs. CARAGA Region (2004)..................................................4‐67 Table 4‐20. Household Appliances............................................................................................................................4‐68 Table 4‐21. Occupational profile, impact barangays, May 2005...............................................................................4‐71 Table 4‐22. Project Approval.....................................................................................................................................4‐76 Table 4‐23. Reasons for Approving and Disapproving Project..................................................................................4‐76 Table 4‐24. Municipal health personnel, Tubod, Alegria, and Mainit.......................................................................4‐83 Table 4‐25. Ten leading causes of morbidity, Tubod, 2000 – 2004...........................................................................4‐84 January 2009 iv Table of Contents Table 4‐26. Ten Leading Causes of Morbidity, Mainit, 1997 – 2004......................................................................... 4‐84 Table 4‐27. Ten leading causes of morbidity, Alegria, 1997 – 2004......................................................................... 4‐85 Table 4‐28. Ten leading causes of mortality, Tubod, 2001 ‐ 2004............................................................................ 4‐86 Table 4‐29. Ten leading causes of mortality, Mainit, 2002 – 2007........................................................................... 4‐86 Table 4‐30. Ten leading causes of mortality, Alegria................................................................................................ 4‐87 th Table 4‐31. Changes in Mamanwa Culture, by cultural domain, 17 Century to present........................................ 4‐95 Table 5‐1. Risk screening of chemicals..................................................................................................................... 5‐2 Table 5‐2. Suggested probability values................................................................................................................... 5‐7 Table 5‐3. Suggested consequence categories......................................................................................................... 5‐7 Table 5‐4. Estimation of individual risks for NaCN, HCl, SMBS, and ANFO............................................................... 5‐9 Table 5‐5. Damage caused at different incident levels of thermal radiation ......................................................... 5‐14 Table 5‐6. Failure modes and effects analysis for the waste rock dump, TSF, and open pit.................................. 5‐16 Table 6‐1. Impacts management plan...................................................................................................................... 6‐1 Table 6‐2. Social development plan ....................................................................................................................... 6‐28 Table 6‐3. Information, education and communication plan................................................................................. 6‐29 Table 6‐4. Basic elements of the emergency procedures....................................................................................... 6‐35 Table 6‐5. Environmental monitoring plan............................................................................................................. 6‐40 Table 6‐6. Composition and functions of MMT...................................................................................................... 6‐51 FIGURES Figure ES‐1. Siana Gold Project and impact communities…………......................................……..…………………………………….1 Figure 1‐1. Project site map....................................................................................................................................... 1‐2 Figure 2‐1. EIA study area.............................................................................................…….......................................2‐4a Figure 3‐1. Project location and impact areas……………………………………………………...............…….........................…….3‐1a Figure 3‐2. Corporate structure of Greenstone Resources Corporation………………………………………………………….……..3‐2 Figure 3‐3. Geologic cross sections……………………………………………………………………...............……...........................…..3‐4a Figure 3‐4. Major features of the Siana property………………………………………………….....................……..............…..…….3‐5 Figure 3‐5. General arrangements map…………………………………………………………..............................……...........………..3‐9a Figure 3‐6. TSF stage 2 : Crest @ RL65m………………………………………………………..........….................……..........………..3‐20a Figure 3‐7. Typical TSF embankment sections……………………………………………………..............................……......……...3‐20b Figure 3‐8. TSF construction stage 1 and 2…………………………………………..………………..........................……...........…...3‐20c Figure 3‐9. TSF construction stage 3 and 4…………...……………………………….……............................……………..…………..3‐20d Figure 3‐10. TSF construction stage 5 and 6…………………………....................…..................…….…………..…………………...3‐20e Figure 3‐11. Waste rock dump design………………….......................................…………….………………………………………..….3‐20f Figure 3‐12. Process plant site layout plan ……….......................................………………………………………………….……..….3‐21a Figure 3‐13. Process plant general elevations.........................................…………………………………………..…..…………..…3‐21b Figure 3‐14. Stormwater drainage design..…………………………………………………………………………………….…………….………3‐22a Figure 3‐15. Gold cyanidation flowsheet ……………….……………………………………………………………………….…………………..3‐23a Figure 3‐16. Detoxification piping and instrumentation diagram………………………………………………………………………….3‐23b Figure 3‐17. Gantt Chart of Project construction activities……………………………………………………………………………………3‐23c Figure 3‐18. Annual pit cross sections …..……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………3‐24a Figure 3‐19. Underground mining conceptual plan ………………………………………………………………………..……………………3‐26a Figure 3‐20. Additional Cu –Pb and Zn flotation circuit ………………………………………………………………………………………..3‐26b Figure 3‐21. Organizational chart …………………………..…………………………………………………………………………..……………….3‐33a Figure 4‐1. Land classification map………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………4‐1a Figure 4‐2. Land use map of the Magpayang River catchment……………………………………………….…..……..…………………4‐1b Figure 4‐3. Landsat 7 natural color image of Northern Mindanao…………………………………………..…………..……………….4‐2a January 2009 Table of Contents v Figure 4‐4. Slope map of Magpayang River catchment……………………………………………………….……………..………………..4‐3a Figure 4‐5. Geomorphological map of the Magpayang River catchment……………………………………………..……………….4‐3b Figure 4‐6. Regional geologic map………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………4‐3c Figure 4‐7. Regional stratigraphy…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………..4‐4 Figure 4‐8. Subduction zones and active volcanoes………………………………………………………………..……………..…………….4‐4a Figure 4‐9. Philippine significant earthquakes, 1608 – 2002……………………………………………………….…………..…………..4‐4b Figure 4‐10. Peak horizontal acceleration amplitude in the Philippine region……………………………….………..…………….4‐5a Figure 4‐11. Perspective view of the proposed project facilities……………………………………………………………..…………….4‐6a Figure 4‐12. Soil map………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………..……………..4‐10a Figure 4‐13. Flora and fauna sampling plots and transects…………………………………………………………………………………..4‐13a Figure 4‐14. Magpayang River and Lake Mainit catchments………………………………………………………..……….………………4‐22a Figure 4‐15. Magpayang and Dayano flow measurements……………………………………………………..…………………..……….4‐23a Figure 4‐16. Springs, wells, and irrigation dams……………………………………………………………………………………………..…….4‐24a Figure 4‐17. River survey for flood study…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………..…..4‐26a Figure 4‐18. Water, sediment, and aquatic biology sampling stations…………………………….……………………………...……4‐27a Figure 4‐19. The Roehl Curve…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………..………4‐36 Figure 4‐20. Estimated settling velocity for different sediment sizes (Jenkins, 2002)……………………………..……..………4‐36 Figure 4‐21. Particle dispersal modeling ……………………………………………………………………………………………….……..……..4‐37a Figure 4‐22. Impact areas of sediment or tailings release………………………………………………………………….………..…………4‐37 Figure 4‐23. Climate map of the Philippines……………………………………………………………….………………………………..………4‐44a Figure 4‐24. Line chart for mean monthly and greatest daily rainfall……………………………….…………………………………….4‐45 Figure 4‐25. Line chart of mean number of rainy days…………………………………………………….….………………………………….4‐46 Figure 4‐26. Estimated rainfall for 24‐hour storms of various return periods…………………………………………………………4‐46 Figure 4‐27. Wind roses…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..…………4‐47a Figure 4‐28. Air quality sampling stations…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..……4‐47b Figure 4‐29. Air quality impacts modeling – TSP from mining………………………………………………………..………..…………..4‐49a Figure 4‐30. Air quality impacts modeling – TSP from TSF and waste rock dump………………….…………..…………………4‐49b Figure 4‐31. Air quality impacts modeling – TSP from generator………………………………………..……..……..………………….4‐49c Figure 4‐32. Air quality impacts modeling – TSP from all sources……………………………………………..……..…………………..4‐49d Figure 4‐33. Air quality impacts modeling – SO from generator……………………………………………..……..……………………4‐49e 2 Figure 4‐34. Air quality impacts modeling – NO from generator…………………………………………..………..………..………….4‐49f 2 Figure 4‐35. Noise model…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….……………..4‐50a Figure 4‐36. Impact barangays…………………………………………………………………………………………..…….…………………………….4‐51 Figure 4‐37. Social map of Cawilan……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….4‐59 Figure 4‐38. Social map of Siana…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4‐59 Figure 4‐39. Social map of Dayano…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………….4‐60 Figure 4‐40. Social map of Del Rosario……………………………………………………………………………………………………....………….4‐61 Figure 4‐41. Social map of Magpayang……………………………………………………………………………………..……………..…………….4‐62 Figure 4‐42. Social map of Pongtud…………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………….4‐63 Figure 4‐43. Population distribution by age and gender……………………………………………………………….………………………..4‐65 Figure 4‐44. Population distribution by age by barangay……………………………………………………………….………..…………….4‐66 Figure 4‐45. Highest educational attainment……………………………………………………………………………….…………………………4‐66 Figure 4‐46. Residential house and lot tenure…………………………………………………………………………….…………..……………..4‐68 Figure 4‐47. Roofing materials…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..……………….4‐68 Figure 4‐48. Water source…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………4‐69 Figure 4‐49. Toilet…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..4‐70 Figure 4‐50. Garbage disposal………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4‐71 January 2009 vi Table of Contents Figure 4‐51. Monthly household income………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4‐75 Figure 4‐52. Monthly household expenditure……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…4‐75 Figure 4‐53. Social problems…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..4‐75 Figure 4‐54. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay………………………………….……………..4‐77 Figure 4‐55. Educational attainment and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay……………………..……………….4‐77 Figure 4‐56. Occupation and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay……………………………………………….…………4‐78 Figure 4‐57. Religion and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay…………………………………………….………………..4‐78 Figure 4‐58. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on educational attainment……………………….…………4‐79 Figure 4‐59. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ business, etc…………………………….4‐79 Figure 4‐60. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ farmer, etc……………….………………4‐80 Figure 4‐61. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ fisherman, etc……………..…………..4‐80 Figure 4‐62. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ housekeeper, etc……….…………….4‐81 Figure 4‐63. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ laborer, etc………………..…………….4‐81 Figure 4‐64. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ seaman, etc………………..……………4‐82 Figure 4‐65. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations ‐ technician, etc…………….…………..4‐82 Figure 4‐66. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupation – welder……………………….……………..4‐83 Figure 4‐67. MPSA No. 184‐2002‐XIII and the Ancestral Domain Claim of the Mamanwa Tribe………………..……….…4‐97a Figure 5‐1. Houses downslope of proposed waste containment sites…………………………………………………..………………5‐6a Figure 6‐1. Environmental monitoring stations……………………………………………………………………………………………..……..6‐1a PHOTOS Photo 2‐1. The original First‐Level Scoping of the Siana Gold Project (22 December 2004)................................... 2‐22 Photo 2‐2. The original Second‐Level Scoping at the GRC corehouse (15 January 2005). ...................................... 2‐22 Photo 2‐3. Mainit Mayor Gatpolintan addresses the crowd................................................................................... 2‐22 Photo 2‐4. Cawilan’s George Leros wanted to know if crops damaged by the Project would be compensated....2‐22 Photo 2‐5. GRC’s G Edwards responds to a participant’s question......................................................................... 2‐22 Photo 2‐6. Community timelining and situational analysis at Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria (13 January 2005)............... 2‐22 Photo 2‐7. Community timelining and situational analysis at Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit (13 January 2005). ......... 2‐23 Photo 2‐8. Community timelining and situational analysis at Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Mainit (14 January 2005)...2‐ 23 Photo 2‐9. Community timelining and situational analysis at Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod (14 January 2005)................. 2‐23 Photo 2‐10. Brgy. Pongtud residents doing the trend diagram for the participatory livelihood and resources assessment (15 February 2005)......................................................................................................... 2‐23 Photo 2‐11. Brgy. Pongtud residents present their output tables and diagrams...................................................... 2‐23 Photo 2‐12. Participatory resources and livelihood assessment at Brgy. Cawilan (16 February 2005)..................... 2‐23 Photo 2‐13. Participatory resources and livelihood assessment at Brgy. Dayano (16 February 2005)..................... 2‐24 Photo 2‐14. Brgy. Magpayang residents listen to the objectives of the participatory assessments (17 February 2005). ........................................................................................................................................................... 2‐24 Photo 2‐15. Brgy. Siana residents build up their diagrams for the participatory assessment (17 February 2005)...2‐24 Photo 2‐16. Grassroots IEC on the Siana Project at Brgy. Cawilan (20 March 2005). ............................................... 2‐24 Photo 2‐17. BHWs doing the community map as guide for the selection of samples for the household survey (29 April 2005)......................................................................................................................................... 2‐24 Photo 2‐18. BHWs get ready to present their community maps. ............................................................................. 2‐24 Photo 2‐19. The Re‐scoping Meeting for the Project (27 March 2008)..................................................................... 2‐25 Photo 2‐20. Siana Brgy. Kgwd. Pagapong inquires about the effects of the Project to the irrigation water (24 April 2008)................................................................................................................................................. 2‐25 January 2009 Table of Contents vii Photo 2‐21. Siana SK Chairman A Odtojan is concerned with mine rehabilitation....................................................2‐25 Photo 2‐22. Cawilan Brgy. Captain Juanite discusses the Bagondol issue. ................................................................2‐25 Photo 3‐1. The flooded Siana open pit.......................................................................................................................3‐6 Photo 3‐2. The dried and grassy portion of SURICON’s tailings pond 3.....................................................................3‐6 Photo 3‐3. The dried tailings pond 1..........................................................................................................................3‐6 Photo 3‐4. The grassy waste dump 2 immediately north of the flooded pit. ............................................................3‐6 Photo 3‐5. Residents of the impact barangays dig the trench for the water distribution pipeline donated by GRC...3‐ 12 Photo 3‐6. Pipe laying by the barangay residents....................................................................................................3‐12 Photo 3‐7. GRC staff fixes the pipe network............................................................................................................3‐12 Photo 3‐8. The potable water treatment plant donated by GRC to the three (3) direct impact barangays............3‐12 Photo 3‐9. The Siana Elementary School Reading Center Shed GRC helped to build..............................................3‐12 Photo 3‐10. GRC also funds the brushing of school permises....................................................................................3‐12 Photo 3‐11. The beautification of school buildings is part of GRC’s community assistance program. ......................3‐13 Photo 3‐12. GRC staff donates school supplies to the children.................................................................................3‐13 Photo 3‐13. The children of Brgy. Dayano benefit from the company’s feeding program........................................3‐13 Photo 3‐14. GRC’s feeding progam at Brgy. Siana.....................................................................................................3‐13 Photo 3‐15. The feeding program at Brgy. Cawilan...................................................................................................3‐13 Photo 3‐16. The medical clinic and ambulance GRC provides to the direct impact barangays.................................3‐13 Photo 3‐17. GRC’s community medical clinic is equipped with a dental chair. .........................................................3‐14 Photo 3‐18. A barangay resident has her blood pressure read by GRC’s nurse.........................................................3‐14 Photo 3‐19. GRC’s Clean and Green Program provides the barangays with vegetables for plantation.....................3‐14 Photo 3‐20. GRC distributes seedlings to the students of Siana Elementary School.................................................3‐14 Photo 3‐21. Seedlings distribution at the Tubod National High School.....................................................................3‐15 Photo 3‐22. Tree planting along the Siana roadside..................................................................................................3‐15 Photo 3‐23. Tree planting by members of the Union of Christian Churches of the Philippines.................................3‐15 Photo 3‐24. One of three (3) children’s playgrounds donated by GRC to the direct impact barangays....................3‐15 Photo 3‐25. A typical layout of geotextile tubes in a construction site......................................................................3‐22 Photo 3‐26. A cyanide SO ‐air detoxification circuit (AM King Industries, Inc.).........................................................3‐25 2 Photo 4‐1. Materials at the waste rock dump are mined, crushed, and the heavy fines recovered in the sluice box and placed in sacks. .............................................................................................................................4‐2 Photo 4‐2. The gold CIL plant southeast of Tailings dam 3........................................................................................4‐2 Photo 4‐3. The unproductive coconut grove in Brgy. San Pedro, Tubod.................................................................4‐10 Photo 4‐4. Coconut intercropped with rainfed paddy rice in Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod................................................4‐10 Photo 4‐5. Irrigated paddy rice on the alluvial plain of Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit...................................................4‐11 Photo 4‐6. The dense limestone forest of karst landscape east of the open pit......................................................4‐11 Photo 4‐7. Abundance of Golden Kuhol in paddy rice in Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit................................................4‐11 Photo 4‐8. This sediment plume along Magpayang River immediately west of the planned TSF originates from the ricefields of Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod................................................................................................4‐12 Photo 4‐9. A close‐up view of the same sediment plume taken during a rainy day................................................4‐12 Photo 4‐10. The Station 1 transect runs parallel to Magpayang River which is bordered by limestone karst hills to the west and agricultural fields to the east..............................................................................................4‐17 Photo 4‐11. The Station 2 transect is in the vicinity of Cawilan Creek which supplies irrigation water to the extensive ricefields.............................................................................................................................................4‐18 Photo 4‐12. Station 4 was at the edge of the flooded open pit.................................................................................4‐19 Photo 4‐13. The Station 6 transect passes through paddy fields near Dayano Creek. ..............................................4‐19 Photo 4‐14. The Waste rock dump at Station 5 with its grassland or reed habitat is where the vulnerable Philippine Ducks have been observed by locals to breed...................................................................................4‐19 January 2009 viii Table of Contents Photo 4‐15. Station 7 is a waterlogged area for most part of the year. The tall grass and reed habitat supports a population of waterbirds................................................................................................................... 4‐19 Photo 4‐16. Fishing using a huge net at Lake Mainit................................................................................................. 4‐22 Photo 4‐17. The irrigation dam at Magpayang River for Brgy. Magpayang.............................................................. 4‐25 Photo 4‐18. This irrigation dam at Dayano Creek services the rice fields of Brgy. Siana........................................... 4‐25 Photo 4‐19. The small irrigation dam across Cawilan Creek. .................................................................................... 4‐25 Photo 4‐20. Some fields at Brgy. Siana are irrigated by pumped water from Dayano River..................................... 4‐25 Photo 4‐21. Brgy. Cawilan residents bathe and wash their clothes at Magpayang River near the bridge................ 4‐25 Photo 4‐22. The fish cages and huts at the Siana Pit in 2005. To date, these structures no longer exist. ............... 4‐25 Photo 4‐23. GRC’s Insoy Caballes collects the deep pit water sample from the Van Dorn Bottle. ........................... 4‐35 Photo 4‐24. An extended Mamanwa family, near the Mariano Darap Elementary School with Joel Pacatang (in hard hat), the local guide........................................................................................................................... 4‐93 Photo 4‐25. Close‐up of a “Lit‐ag”, where the bait is tied to a rattan strip and held taut by a bent tree branch..... 4‐93 Photo 4‐26. A kulasisi bird caught by the use of “Tugop”, an adhesive exudates from the Antipolo tree................ 4‐93 Photo 4‐27. Gold panning, an alternative livelihood among Mamanwa women...................................................... 4‐93 ANNEXES Annex 8‐1. Scoping checklist……………………………………………………………………………….…………………..…………………………….8‐1 Annex 8‐2. Sworn statement of accountability of the proponent……………………………………………..………………………….8‐23 Annex 8‐3. Sworn statement of accountability of the preparers………………….…………………………..……………..……….….8‐24 Annex 8‐4. Proof of public participation…………………………………………………..……………………………....……………..………….8‐26 Annex 8‐5. Baseline study support information………………………………………………………………………..….………………..…….8‐58 Annex 8‐6. Impact assessment and EMP support information……………………..………………………….…….…….……………..8‐97 Annex 8‐7. Profile of the impact municipalities………………………………………………………………………….…..………………….8‐103 Annex 8‐8. Heads of agreement between JCG resources and Bremer Resources …………………….……..…………………8‐116 Annex 8‐9. Deed of assignment between JCG Resources, Bremer Resources and Greenstone Resources Corporation ………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………….…...8‐130 Annex 8‐10. Highlights of meeting with officials of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano….………………..…………….…….8‐135 Annex 8‐11. Transcription of the open forum of the public hearing on the EIA of Greenstone Resources……………8‐141 January 2009 Abbreviations A&D Alienable and disposable AAS Atomic absorption spectrophotometer AEPEP Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program AMD Acid mine drainage AMMTEC AMMTEC Ltd ANCOLD Australian National Committee on Large Dams APCFTL Annual per capita food threshold level APCPTL Annual per capita poverty threshold level APIS Annual Poverty Indicators Survey ARD Acid rock drainage ARI Average Return Interval ASDMP Annual Social Development and Management Program AWD All‐wheel drive BCM Bank cubic meters BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BFS Bankable Feasibility Study BHS Barangay Health Service BHW Barangay Health Worker BMG Bureau of Mines and Geosciences BMP BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. Brgy Barangay CAP Community Acquired Pneumonia CaVA Cardio vascular accident CaVD Cardio vascular disease CBC Complete Blood Count CeVA Cerebro vascular accident CHF Congestive heart failure CIDSS Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services CIL Carbon‐in‐leach CIP Carbon‐in‐pulp CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease CPP Communist Party of the Philippines CPTu Cone penetrometer testing with pore water pressure measurements CRL CRL Environmental Corporation CTWG Community Technical Working Group DA Department of Agriculture DAO DENR Administrative Order DEC Diethyl Carbamazine DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources DMMC Direct Mining and Milling Cost DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid DOH Department of Health DOST Department of Science and Technology January 2009 Abbreviations DOT Department of Tourism ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate ECM Environment and Community Manager EFA Ecological Function Analysis EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EIARC EIA Review Committee EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMB Environmental Management Bureau EMBRO EMB Regional Office EPEP Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program ERA Environmental Risk Assessment ERPP Emergency Response Preparedness Program ERT Emergency Response Team ESS Environmental Systems and Services Pty Ltd FGD Focus group discussion FISRWG Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group FMRDP Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan FMRDF Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund FoS Factor of Safety FRTR Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable GCA Graeme Campbell and Associates Pty Ltd GHD GHD Pty Ltd GI Galvanized iron or Gastro‐intestinal GPS Global Positioning System GRC Greenstone Resources Corporation HDPE High‐Density Polyethylene IBC Intermediate bulk container IEC Information, Education, and Communication IFC International Finance Corporation IP Indigenous People IPRA Indigenous People’s Rights Acts IR Individual risk IRR Internal Rate of Return ISCLT3 Industrial Source Complex – Long Term ISCST3 Industrial Source Complex‐ Short Term IUCN Internal Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources JCG JCG Resources Corporation JORC Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia KBCM Kilo bank cubic meters KCGM Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd KT Kilotonnes L Liter LCM Loose cubic meters LMDA Lake Mainit Development Alliance January 2009 Abbreviations masl Meters above sea level mbsl Meters below sea level MCC Merrill Crowe Corporation MCLUP Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan MDE Maximum Design Earthquake MEPEO Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office mg Milligram MGB Mines and Geosciences Bureau MGBRO MGB Regional Office MMT Multipartite Monitoring Team MO Memorandum Order MOA Memorandum of Agreement MPSA Mineral Production Sharing Agreement MRF Mine Rehabilitation Fund MRFC Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee MTF Monitoring Trust Fund MWES Meyer Water Environmental Solutions MWTF Mine Waste and Tailings Fee NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQGV National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values NAF Non‐Acid‐Forming NAG Net Acid Generation NAMRIA National Mapping Resources Information Authority NEDA National Economic and Development Authority NGO Non‐Government Organization NFPA National Fire Protection Association NPA New People’s Army NPV Net Present Value NNW North to northwest NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board OBE Operating Basis Earthquake OHSS Occupational health and safety standards OSCC Office of Southern Cultural Communities PAF Potentially Acid‐Forming PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences Administration PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau PD Presidential Decree No. PERF Philippine Employee Retirement Fund PFZ Philippine Fault Zone PHIVOLCS Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology PIA Philippine Information Agency PICOP PICOP Resources, Inc. PMP Probable maximum precipitation POM Princeton Ocean Model January 2009 Abbreviations PPE Personal protective equipment QC Quality Control R&M Repairs and maintenance R5AI Red5 Asia Incorporated RA Republic Act RAP Resettlement action plan RCF Rehabilitation Cash Fund RCNM Road Construction Noise Model RDA Recommended dietary allowance RH Relative Humidity RHU Rural Health Unit RMR Rock mass rating ROM Run‐of‐mine RQD Rock quality designation RSG RSG Global Consulting Pty Ltd RL Reference level S Second SAG Semi‐autogenous grinding SDR Sediment Delivery Ratio SE Southeast SRC Seismology Research Centre SSE South to southeast SDMP Social Development and Management Program SHIC Surigao Holdings and Investments Corporation SPT Standard penetration test STD Sexually transmitted disease STP Sewage Treatment Plant SURICON Surigao Consolidated Mining Company TB Tuberculosis TLV Threshold Limit Value TPY Tonnes Per Year TSF Tailings Storage Facility TSP Total Suspended Particulate TSS Total Suspended Solids TWA Time Weighted Average UCS Unconfined/uniaxial compressive strength URTI Upper respiratory track infection USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFHWA United Stated Federal Highway Administration UTI Urinary Tract Infection WAD Weak acid dissociable WPT Water pressure test January 2009 Chemical Symbols ANFO Ammonium nitrate fuel oil As Arsenic BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand Cd Cadmium CEC Cation Exchange Capacity CN Cyanide CNO Cyanate CO Carbonate 3 Cu Copper CuSO Copper Sulfate 4 DO Dissolved Oxygen FeS Pyrite 2 HCl Hydrochloric acid Hg Mercury H SO Sulfuric acid 2 4 H O Hydrogen peroxide 2 2 H SO Peroxymonosulfuric acid 2 5 K Potassium LC50 Median lethal concentration MIBC Methyl isobutyl carbinol Mn Manganese MPN Most probable number N Nitrogen NaCN Sodium cyanide NaOH Sodium hydroxide NH Ammonium 4 Ni Nickel NO Nitrogen Dioxide 2 P Phosphorus Pb Lead PbS Galena SCN Thiocyanate SIX Sodium isobutyl xanthate SMBS Sodium Metabisulfite SO Sulfur Dioxide 2 TDS Total Dissolved Solids TSP Total Suspended Particulate TSS Total Suspended Solids Zn Zinc ZnS Sphalerite ZnSO Zinc Sulfate 4 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Figure ES‐ 1. Siana Gold Project and impact communities 1. BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION Table ES‐1 highlights the parameters of the Project. The location of the Project components vis‐a‐vis the communities is shown in Figure ES‐1. Table ES 1. Parameters of the Siana Gold Project Aspect Description Project location and area The Siana Gold Project is located roughly 39 km south of Surigao City, northeastern Mindanao. It is within the 240‐ha Siana property, portions of which fall within Brgy. Cawilan of the Tubod Municipality and Brgys. Siana and Dayano of the Mainit Municipality, Province of Surigao del Norte. Rationale Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC) has blocked a probable reserve of 3.16 million t ‐1 ‐1 grading 3.4 g t Au and 8.5 g t Ag, mineable by open pit for 4.5 years, in the Siana property formerly operated by SURICON. GRC inferred additional resources extractable by underground mining method which can prolong mine life to 10 years and result in the total recovery of 720,000 oz Au and 1.34 million oz Ag. By adding a sulfide flotation circuit in the process plant during underground mining, a Zn concentrate and combined Cu‐Pb‐Zn concentrate can be produced. GRC’s redevelopment of the Siana mine will ensure that the remaining mineral resources are extracted to the benefit of the local and national economies. It will also enable the completion of a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan that will address the physico‐chemical stability risks spawned by SURICON’s sudden mine closure in 1990. January 2009 2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Aspect Description Components The components of the Project are: a. Dewatering of the open pit with current approximate depth of 90 m b. Mining of the Siana gold deposit by open pit mining to an approximate depth of 200 m below the surface from the existing floor depth of about 90 m, then by underground mining over an approximately 200 m vertical interval c. Construction and operation of a 750,000 tonnes per year (TPY), expandable to 1 million TPY, cyanidation and flotation plant d. Construction and operation of mine tailings ponds and waste rock dumps e. Development and use of a mine camp, workshop, administration office, and 750 KVA standby generator f. Construction and use of a 1‐km all‐weather access road and a 65‐tonne causeway crossing and g. Mine rehabilitation and decommissioning. Project phases The Project has two phases, namely, open pit and underground mining, roughly spaced 3 years apart. For the open pit phase, the stages are: a. Pre‐construction – Community consultations and management program, exploration, pre‐feasibility study, environmental impact assessment and other environmental studies, geotechnical studies, geochemical tests, hydrologic and hydrogeologic investigations, feasibility study, land acquisition (for the road), permitting, detailed engineering, and procurement b. Construction – Installation of environmental and social management systems; power line and substation; access road and causeway crossing construction; pit dewatering and development; construction of tailings storage facility (TSF) and pipelines, waste rock dumps, process plant and ancillaries, mine services area, administration building, accommodations, water supply, sewage treatment, stormwater and sediment control system; and plant commissioning c. Operation – open pit mining, gold cyanidation, cyanide detoxification, build‐up of TSF and waste dump, implementation of environmental protection and enhancement program (EPEP) and social development and management program (SDMP), periodic review of final mine rehabilitation and decommissioning plan (FMRDP). For the underground mine, the stages are: a. Pre‐construction – Exploration, detailed hydrology and geotechnical studies, feasibility study, detailed engineering, and procurement b. Construction – Development of portal and decline, electrical substation, waste and ore levels, ventilation raises, and fill batch plant, and installation of flotation circuits at the process plant c. Operation – Mining by up‐hole benching or other suitable technique, void filling, flotation and gold cyanidation, cyanide detoxification, build‐up of TSF, implementation of EPEP and SDMP, and periodic review of FMRDP. For both the open pit and underground mines, the abandonment activities include the implementation of FMRDP. The activities include the removal of wastes, dismantling of plant structures, re‐flooding of open pit and underground workings, drying of tailings pond, recontouring and drainage works, spread of topsoil and revegetation, retrenchment package and labor support programs for the employees, and transfer of social assets. Process The open pit cycle involves drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling of ore to the run‐of‐mine (ROM) pad and waste rock to the TSF or waste rock dump. From the ROM pad, the ore is brought to the process plant for crushing and grinding, gravity concentration, and cyanidation. The gold and silver adsorbed in the carbon is stripped and recovered in electrowinning cells. The tailings prior to discharge to the TSF go through the cyanide detoxification plant. The underground mining cycle entails developing strike drives to the extent of mineralization, then retreating to a central pillar by drill and blast. The broken ore is loaded into low‐profile trucks and hauled to the surface. A flotation circuit is added to the gold cyanidation plant to allow recovery of Zn concentrate January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3 Aspect Description and Cu‐Pb‐Zn concentrate. Production capacity The process plant will have a capacity of 750,000 TPY expandable to 1 million TPY. Types of major waste streams The Project’s wastes are: • All Phases – Domestic solid waste, sewage, surface runoff and suspended sediments, dust, noise, and used oil • Construction – Pumped out pit water and suspended sediments, waste rocks, reagent spills, and tailings • Operations – Waste rocks, surface runoff and suspended sediments, reagent spills, tailings, and supernatant tailings water • Abandonment – Unnecessary structures, equipment, and ancillaries, surface runoff and suspended sediments, and dust Manpower GRC estimates its peak manpower requirements during construction and operations at 350 and 500, respectively. During construction, the contractor is expected to require an additional 350 personnel. Project cost The total capital cost for a 750,000 TPY open pit mining operation is US $ 60 million. Project duration and schedule Permitting works, detailed engineering, procurement, and construction will require 1.5 years. The estimated life of the open pit and underground mineral resource is 10 years. Mine decommissioning and rehabilitation works are expected to take 0.5 year. Hence, the total project life is 12 years. 2. BRIEF SUMMARY OF PROJECT’S EIA PROCESS EIA Team Table ES 2. BMP’s EIA Team Consultant Areas of Expertise Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. • Geology and geohazards • Erosion and sediment control • Environmental risk assessment • Environmental management system Jose N. Tanchuling • Water quality • Project description Felixberto M. Centeno • Meteorology (CRL Environment Corporation for air quality and • Air quality and noise noise measurements) • Hydrology Perfecto P. Evangelista, Ph.D. • Soils and erosion • Agriculture and land use Bibiano P. Ranes, Ph.D. • Terrestrial flora and fauna Carmela P. Española • Terrestrial fauna Roberto C. Pagulayan, Ph.D. • Freshwater biology Cesar L. Villanoy, Ph.D. • Hydrodynamic modeling Marita G. Cuaño • Socio‐economics • Public health • Stakeholder engagement Nestor T. Castro, Ph.D. • Indigenous people and culture January 2009 4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Study Period The First‐Level EIA Scoping meeting was held in December 2004. The Second‐Level Scoping meeting followed a month later. BMP conducted the environmental and social baseline studies from January to May 2005. Further works on impacts assessment and mitigation were placed on hold pending GRC’s finalization of the Project definition. In December 2007, GRC provided BMP the Feasibility Study for the Siana Gold Project. For the updating of BMP’s baseline studies, GRC made available its reports on water quality monitoring, streamflow measurements, and community development. BMP complemented said reports with site assessments. From January to April 2008, BMP updated the environmental and social baselines and completed the impacts assessment and mitigation and environmental management planning for the Project. In March 2008, BMP advised EMB of the resumption of the EIA process for the Siana Project. Due to non‐availability of most of the members of the EIA Review Committee (EIARC) formed in December 2004, EMB created a new EIARC for the Project. This committee met on 27 March 2008 to rescope the EIA. BMP and GRC finalized the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Siana Project based on the 2008 rescoping from May to September 2008. EIA Study Area The EIA study covers the direct impact areas of Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod and Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Mainit as well as the indirect impact areas of Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod; Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit; and Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria (Figure ES‐1). The major water bodies are Magpayang River, Dayano Creek, and Lake Mainit. EIA Method BMP employed methodologies compliant with the standards of the DENR and EMB on the conduct of EIAs. Table ES‐3 summarizes the EIA study scope and methodology. Table ES 3. EIA study scope and methodology EIA Study Module Scope Methodology Land Land use and classification Land classification; land use; locations of Mainly review of secondary data ecological, cultural, historic, and complemented by results of site assessment recreational significance and interviews Geology Regional geology, geologic cross‐sections, Review of geologic reports complemented by stratigraphy, geomorphology, g factor field mapping Pedology Slopes, soil types, soil fertility, soil Review of topographic map and soil reports erosion, vegetation updated by soil sampling and site assessment Terrestrial biology Flora and faunal species inventory; Review of secondary data, species inventory species endemicity and conservation using the transect and sampling plot status; species abundance, frequency, and methods, interviews, and computation of distribution diversity indices Water Hydrology and hydrogeology Regional hydrogeology, drainage system, Review of geologic reports and topographic streamflow measurements, flood peaks, map; site assessment; stream channel spring and well inventory survey; flow velocity measurement using the float method; interviews, and numerical modeling for flood peaks and mean monthly January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5 EIA Study Module Scope Methodology flows Water quality Physico‐chemical and bacteriological Review of secondary data; water sampling, characteristics of river waters, wells, and and laboratory analyses of samples springs Freshwater biology Density and abundance of planktonic and Review of secondary data; site assessment; benthic algae, benthic fauna, fish species water sampling; benthic macroinvertebrate biomass, ranks and proportion of sampling, and electrofishing commercially and non‐commercially important indicator species Lake hydrodynamics Hydrodynamics of Lake Mainit and Bathymetric survey; measurement of delineation of potential impact areas from temperature, conductivity, and surface sediment or tailings releases currents; and hydrodynamic modeling using the Princeton Ocean Model Air Meteorology Monthly average rainfall, climatological Review of secondary data normals and extremes, wind rose diagrams, and frequency of tropical cyclones Air quality and noise Ambient air quality and noise levels Air quality sampling and noise measurements; air pollutant dispersion and noise modeling People Socio‐economics Population, settlements, land area, Review of secondary data; focus group income sources, sex and age, literacy, discussions; community mapping; site employment status, water supply and assessment; interviews, and household demand, transportation, power supply survey and demand, public perception Public health Morbidity and mortality rates and trends, Review of secondary data; focus group notifiable diseases including endemic discussions; site assessment, and interviews diseases, local health resources, environmental health and sanitation Indigenous people and culture Mamanwa baseline cultural assessment, Review of secondary data, focus group impact assessment, and socio‐cultural discussion, interviews, observation, and management plan household survey Environmental risk assessment (ERA) System description, hazard identification, Review of secondary data; scoping of ERA, consequence analysis, frequency analysis, and conduct of ERA risk estimation, risk management and emergency preparedness and response plan Summary of Public Participation The EIA maximized the participation of local residents, community workers, leaders, and organizations as providers of information about the study area and as sources of concerns and suggestions for the Siana Project. The avenues for public participation during the EIA process include the following: • Meetings with Alegria Municipal Mayor Jessie Aguilera and Mainit Mayor Rogelio Gatpolintan in January 2005 and Tubod Municipal Mayor Guillermo Romarate, Jr. in April 2005 • Meeting with Engr. Kaiser Recabo, Project Director of the Lake Mainit Development Alliance in January 2005 January 2009 6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Small meetings with leaders of Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria; Brgys. Magpayang, Siana, and Dayano, Mainit; and Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod in January 2005 on community timeline, problems, EIA process, and GRC’s Siana Project • Second‐level EIA Scoping meeting in January 2005 • Participatory agriculture and fishery resources and livelihood assessment for Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod Municipality; Brgys. Magpayang, Dayano, and Siana, Mainit Municipality; and Brgys. Pongtud and San Juan, Alegria Municipality in February and March 2005 • Grassroots information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign about the Project at Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, Dayano, Magpayang, del Rosario, and Pongtud in March and April 2005 • Interviews of local residents during the environmental and social baseline surveys of January to May 2005 • Household surveys on 30 April to 1 May 2005 at Bgrys. Cawilan and Del Rosario, Tubod Municipality; Brgys. Siana, Dayano, and Magpayang, Mainit Municipality; and Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria Municipality • Meetings with officials, health workers, and leaders and representatives of farmers’, irrigators’, women’s, and youth groups of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano on 24 April 2008 about the Siana Project including the underground mine and stakeholder perceptions and approval. 3. SUMMARY OF BASELINE CHARACTERIZATION Table ES 4. Key findings on the environmental baselines Environment Key Findings or Conclusions Land 1. The 240‐ha Project site is the former mine and industrial facility of SURICON. The major land features are a flooded open pit, two (2) dried and grassed tailings ponds, one tailings pond with a pool of water, three (3) grassed waste dumps, and a workshop. 2. The site, which is predominantly grassland, is relatively flat with a mean elevation of 50 – 60 masl and mean slope of 8 – 18 %. Soils in the area consist of clayey to loam over clay, deep, and well‐ drained upland soil with moderate fertility and clay loam to silty clay loam over clay, deep, and generally poorly drained alluvial soil with high fertility. The alluvial soils are planted to rice; the upland soil in the Siana property is grassland. Outside of the Siana property, the upland soil is planted to coconut. 3. The Project site occurs in a complex tectonic region. The nearest earthquake generators are the Philippine Fault Zone, about 25 km to the west and the Philippine Trench, roughly 135 km eastward. Mt. Hibok‐Hibok, an active volcano, is 103 km westward. 4. The Siana deposit targeted for mining is a complex disseminated replacement style of gold deposit hosted within a fault‐bounded limestone breccia. 5. Four habitats are distinguished: remnant forest‐agro, agricultural, secondary forest, and wetland. At the flooded open pit proposed for dewatering and mining, the Philippine Duck Anas luzonica, which is listed as threatened in the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2007), was observed. The local residents, including the Mamanwas, gather rattan and wood for lumber; they hunt wildlife for food and livelihood. Water 1. The Project site is within the 5,700‐ha catchment of the Magpayang River. The river drains into Lake Mainit which has a total catchment size of 87,100 ha (LMDA). The 17,100‐ha lake (BFAR) drains into the Bohol Sea. 2. The Spanish Ditch to the north, Magpayang River to the west, and the Dayano Creek to the south drain the property. The maximum flow recorded for the three (3) streams was more than 0.12 m3 ‐1 3 ‐1 3 ‐1 3 s , 12 m s , and 2.5 m s , respectively. Direct rainfall and groundwater accumulated 8.2 million m of water in the old 90‐m deep Siana open pit. 3. Based on a simulation using 2003 daily rainfall data for PAGASA’s Surigao City station and excluding the effects of stagnation or backflows from Lake Mainit, surveyed sections along Dayano Creek and Magpayang River were found to overflow 133 days in a year. The overflow depths ranged from 0.02 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 7 Environment Key Findings or Conclusions m to 0.79 m for Dayano Creek and from 0.01 m to 1.58 m for Magpayang River. Tumanda et al. (2005) noted that during maximum rain periods, the lake water level is raised by as much as 1 m. During episodic storms, the rise is as high as 2 to 3 m. 4. Three (3) main aquifers are observed at the site, namely, the 6 to 12‐m thick alluvial aquifer, bedrock saprolite aquifer, and the bedrock fractured aquifer, notably basalts and karstic limestone. 5. Up to 2005, springs and shallow wells are the sources of potable water in the area. In 2005, GRC established a potable water supply and distribution system for the direct impact barangays of Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano. 6. The water quality of receiving streams does not show any effects of prior SURICON operation and current gold small‐scale mining. A tentative classification of streams following DAO No. 1990‐34 indicates total coliforms, oil and grease, phenols, and PO ‐P as limiting factors to a Class C or D 4 classification. The pit water is classified as Class A. 7. Along Magpayang River, from the Motorpool station going downstream, the number of aquatic insects and sensitive types is noted to decline. Plankton collection was low probably due to the heavy rains at the time of sampling. The intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum was found in Dayano Creek. Tilapia, hito, biya, dalag, igat, and pait are caught in the rivers. 8. At Lake Mainit, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish species were assessed in 2005. The plankton species and individuals observed were much lower than those reported in 1971. The station near Magpayang River, observed to be the most turbid, had the least numbers. Air 1. Following the Modified Coronas Classification, the climate is Type II, i.e., the absence of a dry season and a very pronounced maximum rain period from November to February. 2. Based on climate data for 1984 to 2004 from the nearest PAGASA station which is Surigao City roughly 39 km northward, the average annual rainfall is 3,573 mm; maximum annual rainfall is 4,098 ‐1 mm; maximum 24 hour rainfall is 566 mm; average prevailing wind speed and direction is 2.4 m s o ‐1 o bearing 143 ; and maximum wind speed and direction is 56 m s , bearing 88 . 3. The residents of communities adjacent to the Project site recall the devastating effects of two typhoons – one in 1964 and the other in 1984. The latter reportedly destroyed 60 % of the houses in Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria Municipality. 4. Air quality and noise monitoring stations were established at sensitive sites surrounding the Siana property. Concentrations of particulate matter 10 micron (PM‐10), total suspended particulate (TSP), sulfur dioxide (SO ), and nitrogen dioxide (NO ) in the air were minimal. Noise measurements 2 2 exceeded the standards. People 1. The direct impact barangays of the Project are Brgy. Cawilan of Tubod Municipality and Brgys. Siana and Dayano of Mainit Municipality. In 2007, the populations of the three (3) barangays are 1,290; 872; and 402, respectively. The indirect impact barangays are Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod; Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit; and Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria Municipality. The populations of these barangays are 1,249; 1,498; and 1,216, respectively. 2. Tubod and Alegria are fifth‐class municipalities, i.e., annual incomes range from P 7 to P 13 million; Mainit is fourth‐class, i.e., annual income is from P 13 to P 21 million. Their economies are agriculture‐based with coconut and rice as the major crops. The major fish sources are Lake Mahacdum for Tubod and Lake Mainit for Mainit and Alegria. 3. A participatory rural appraisal conducted in 2005 indicated a general decline in agriculture and fishery productivity over the last 25 years. The decline was attributed to soil erosion in the upland due to deforestation, soil erosion from SURICON operations, sedimentation and flooding of rice fields, sedimentation of rivers and Lake Mainit, water pollution from SURICON tailings and gold panning, backflow of Lake waters, pests infestation, and illegal fishing methods. The participants reported monthly incomes based on average cash receipts of P 1,000 to P 11,000. Brgy. Cawilan had the least number of households engaged in agriculture at 3 %; Brgys. Siana and Dayano had 40 %. Brgy. Cawilan also had the least number of households engaged in fishing at 1 %; Brgy. Siana had 2 %; Brgys. Dayano and Pongtud had 3 %. 4. Some 20 Mamanwa families reside in makeshift houses in Purok Buluwanon, Brgy. Cawilan. The Mamanwas comprise a Negrito group mainly found in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte. They used to subsist primarily on shifting cultivation supplemented by January 2009 8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Environment Key Findings or Conclusions hunting, fishing, and foraging activities. Presently, most of the Mamanwas in Brgy. Cawilan rely on wage labor. 5. Majority of the leading causes of illness in the area are communicable diseases such as acute respiratory infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, skin diseases, and influenza. Hypertension is the only non‐communicable disease. For Mainit and Alegria, schistosomiasis is a leading cause of illness. As regards deaths, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and septicaemia are the top killers. Lifestyle diseases such as cerebro‐vascular accident or stroke, diseases of the heart, cancer, and diabetes mellitus are dominant. For Alegria, schistosomiasis is a leading cause of death. The endemic diseases include filariasis, schistosomiasis, and malaria. 6. Meetings with the local leaders of the direct and indirect impact barangays in 2005 led to the identification of major community problems: potable water system, employment and livelihood opportunities, agricultural assistance, medical assistance, farm‐to‐market roads, inaccessibility of higher education, inadequacy of income for education, poor or inadequate school facilities, and absence or inadequate maintenance of day care centers, multi‐purpose buildings, terminals, and recreation centers. 7. As a result of the 2005 meetings, GRC, though still in the exploration and feasibility study stage, implemented major community programs for the direct impact barangays. These include potable water supply, medical assistance, educational assistance, malnourished children’s feeding program, and children’s playgrounds. 8. Household surveys in April and May 2005 disclosed an 86 % project acceptance in the three (3) direct impact barangays and an 80 % acceptance in the three (3) indirect impact barangays. Meetings with officials, health workers, and leaders and representatives of farmers’, irrigators’, women’s, and youth groups of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano in April 2008 confirmed the high community acceptance of the Project. 4. SUMMARY OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Table ES 5. Environmental impacts and management plan Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization All Project Phases Land • Visual aesthetics Solid waste – Negative, short‐ • Segregation of waste into biodegradable and term, moderate non‐biodegradable • Composting or disposal of wastes to recyclers • Dumping of non‐recyclable, non‐ biodegradable, and non‐hazardous waste in the landfill Water • Water quality Turbidity, oil and grease, Turbidity • Freshwater biology sewage – Negative change, • Minimized ground clearings and disturbances temporary duration, moderate • Scheduling of construction during dryer effect months • Surface runoff diversion from disturbed areas • Recovery and use of topsoil • Spoils management • Grading and sloping of work areas and channels January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 9 Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Use of settling ponds and geotextile tubes Oil and grease • Training on proper oil handling • Oil spills containment • Collection and containment of used oil Sewage • Sewage treatment plants People • Socioeconomics Employment, taxes, community • Inventory of skills and local suppliers and programs – Positive, temporary, contractors and identification of gaps based significant on Project requirements • Training programs for local residents • Implementation of employment policy agreed upon by the Chairmen of direct impact and indirect impact barangays • Preference to qualified local suppliers and contractors • Transparent consultative mechanisms for the identification and prioritization of SDMP projects • Culture Mamanwa acculturation and • Inclusion of qualified Mamanwas in priority discrimination – Positive/ hiring negative, medium‐term, • Improvement of social services for the significant Mamanwa community • Education of workers on Mamanwa culture and need for ethnic tolerance • Education of Mamanwa workers on other people’s culture including the corporate culture • Cultural revival activities • Occupational safety and Exposure to elements and • Stringent policies and programs of GRC on health rockfalls, musculo‐skeletal occupational safety and health stress, physical injuries, loss of • General employee induction and regular hearing, respiratory diseases, safety training exposure to hazardous reagents – Negative, temporary to • Safety inspections and toolbox meetings permanent, moderate • Regular medical examinations • PPEs • Bunds at the waste dump area • First‐aid and mine rescue trainings • Public health Vector and water‐borne • Coordination with the Department of Health diseases, traffic hazards, (DOH) for the implementation of programs for respiratory diseases, spread of vector‐borne diseases diseases by migrant workers, • Continuation of GRC’s community water heavy metals, AMD, hazardous treatment and distribution system January 2009 10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization reagents, rockfalls – Negative, • Vehicle speed limits, safety signages, temporary to permanent, pedestrian walkways and restriction from moderate mine access and haul roads • Observance of buffer or exclusion zone from the TSF and waste rock dump perimeter. Some 49 to 69 households are targeted for relocation. • Rockfall protection fence south of TSF3 • Management measures for dust, noise, AMD, and reagents • Hiring and regular medical check‐up of all employees and contractuals and selected samples from the impact barangays Construction • Surface earthworks and Land civil works – roads, tailings • Terrestrial biology Limited loss of grasslands and • Minimized ground clearings and disturbances storage facility (TSF), ricefield habitats – Negative, settling pond, open pit, • Recovery and use of topsoils accommodations, plant, medium‐term, moderate • Enrichment planting along edges of the warehouse, shops, property installations, etc. • Ban on wildlife hunting and gathering of duck eggs within the property • Inclusion of flora and fauna protection programs in the SDMP Air Dust and noise – Negative, • Training on proper equipment use temporary, moderate • Water sprays • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zones surrounding the TSF embankment and waste rock dump perimeter. Some 49 to 69 households are targeted for relocation. • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Proper maintenance of equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers • Pit dewatering Land • Terrestrial biology Loss of wetland habitat of • Enrichment planting to include fruit trees Philippine Duck – Negative, along edges of the property medium‐term, moderate • Enforcement of ban on wildlife hunting and gathering of duck eggs within the property • Inclusion of flora and fauna protection programs in the SDMP Water • Hydrology Change in channel geometry – • Monitoring and control of pit dewatering flow Negative, temporary, moderate rates during high‐rainfall periods Flooding along Dayano Creek – • Opening of the diversion structures of the Negative, temporary, moderate irrigation dam to divert water to the ricefields January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 11 Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Water quality Dissolved solids and flow – • Monitoring and control of pit dewatering flow • Freshwater biology Negative, temporary, moderate rates during high‐rainfall periods • Discharge of pumped out pit water into a settling pond and then geotextile tubes prior to discharge to Dayano Creek • Regular monitoring of pit water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge People • Socioeconomics Loss of community water supply • Installation of 5 dewatering bores near the – Negative, temporary, eastern edge of the pit moderate • Use of water pumped out from the bores to feed the community water supply • Pit development and build‐ Land up of TSF and waste rock • Geomorphology Physical instability of pit, TSF, • Geotechnical site investigations and dump and waste rock dump – engineering design of structures Negative, temporary, moderate • Design implementation with strict quality control (QC) • Use of dewatering bores and ground support where required at the open pit • Regular stability inspections and monitoring, including phreatic surface of the TSF embankments and waste rock dump • Observance of buffer or exclusion zone from the edge of TSF embankment and waste rock dump. • Non‐placement of large continuous volumes of clay‐rich material within the waste rock dump • Construction of safety bunds or catch fences around the pit edge • Emergency planning and testing Water • Hydrology Flooding of open pit – Negative, • Hydrological and hydrogeological studies to temporary, moderate determine pit, TSF, and waste rock dump water balances Overtopping of TSF • Installation of pit perimeter drainage, embankment – Negative, temporary to medium‐term, dewatering bores, TSF decant, spillway, and minor to significant freeboard, and stormwater system Flooding and erosion at waste • Flood monitoring during heavy rains rock dump area ‐ Negative, • Use of settling ponds and geotextile tubes temporary to medium‐term, • Emergency planning and testing minor to significant January 2009 12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Water quality Heavy metals, AMD ‐ Negative, • Geochemical testworks of waste rocks • Freshwater biology temporary to medium‐term, • NAG pH=4 tests as required on blasthole minor to significant cuttings of Domain 600 primarily and Domains 100 and 400, secondarily; classification of waste rocks from the open pit into potentially acid‐forming materials (PAF) and non‐acid‐ forming (NAF); and placement of materials in a manner to prevent acid generation • Collection of surface runoff including pumped pit water into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of pond water quality prior to discharge • pH treatment at the pond if required Air Dust and noise – Negative, • Training on proper equipment use short‐term, and moderate • Water sprays • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zones • Proper maintenance of equipment • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers Air blast and flyrocks – Negative, • Use of delays, reduced hole diameter and short‐term, and moderate deck loading to reduce the maximum instantaneous charge • Complete isolation of the area prior to blasting. A siren is sounded 5 minutes before the blast for warning • Gold cyanidation plant Water commissioning and pH, NaOH, CuSO , HCl, diesel, • Water quality 4 • Physical systems to fully contain chemicals, subsequently, flotation NaCN, metals – Negative, e.g., events ponds and bunds plant commissioning • Freshwater biology temporary, moderate • Personnel training on chemicals and their management • Management system and procedures for chemicals handling • CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge to TSF • Underground development Land works – Portal and decline, • Geomorphology Ground subsidence – Negative, • Detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological levels, raises, and temporary to short‐term, studies electricals negligible • Subsidence prediction, formulation, and implementation of subsidence control measures Water • Hydrology Drying of rivers and wells ‐ • Detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological Negative, temporary to short‐ studies li ibl January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 13 Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization term, negligible • Hydrological impacts prediction, formulation, and implementation of hydrologic control measures Flooding of underground • Hydrological and hydrogeological studies workings – Negative, temporary, • Installation of pit perimeter drainage and moderate dewatering bores • Emergency planning and testing • Water quality AMD, heavy metals – Negative, • Discharge of pumped out underground water • Freshwater biology temporary, moderate into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of underground water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge • pH treatment of water if necessary • Discharge of compliant water into geotextile tubes for filtration of suspended solids Operations • Open pit, TSF, and waste Land rock dump operations • Geomorphology Physical instability of pit, TSF, • Construction with strict QC waste rock dump – Negative, • Use of dewatering bores and ground support temporary, moderate where required at the open pit • Regular stability inspections and monitoring, including phreatic surface of the TSF embankments and waste rock dump • Observance of buffer or exclusion zone from the edge of TSF embankment and waste rock dump • Non‐placement of large continuous volumes of clay‐rich materials at the waste rock dump • Emergency planning and testing Water • Hydrology Flooding of open pit – Negative, • Operation and maintenance of pit perimeter temporary, moderate drainage, dewatering bores, decant and pump, and stormwater system Overtopping of TSF • CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge embankment – Negative, temporary to medium‐term, to TSF minor to significant • Recovery of tailings water for process plant Flooding and erosion at the use waste rock dump area – • Flood monitoring during heavy rains Negative, temporary to • Emergency planning and testing medium‐term, minor to significant • Water quality Turbidity, NaCN, heavy metals, • Classification of waste rocks into PAF and NAF • Freshwater biology tailings, and AMD – Negative, and placement of materials in a manner to temporary to medium‐term, prevent acid generation minor to significant • Stormwater drainage to keep clean water away from dirty water January 2009 14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Collection of surface runoff and pumped out pit water into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of pond water quality • pH treatment at the pond if required • CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge to the TSF • Reuse of tailings water for processing • Use of settling ponds and geotextile tubes Air Dust and noise – Negative, • Training on proper equipment use short‐term, moderate • Water sprays • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zone from TSF embankment and waste rock dump edge • Proper maintenance of equipment • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers Airblast and flyrocks – Negative, • Use of delays, reduced hole diameter and short‐term, moderate deck loading to reduce the maximum instantaneous charge • Complete isolation of the area prior to blasting. A siren is sounded 5 minutes before the blast for warning • Gold cyanidation plant Water operations (combined with • Water quality Turbidity, pH, CN, heavy metals, • Physical systems to fully contain chemicals, flotation plant and other reagents such as e.g., events pond and bunds subsequently) • Freshwater biology NaOH, CuSO , HCl, NaCN, and 4 • CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge diesel – Negative, temporary, to TSF moderate • Personnel training on chemicals and their management • Management system and procedures for chemicals handling • Underground operations – Land Drill, blast, load, haul, and • Geomorphology Ground subsidence – Negative, • Regular stability monitoring both surface and dewater temporary to medium‐term, underground minor to significant • Use of suitable mine support • Filling of void with combination of waste material, tailings, and cement • Implementation of subsidence control measures • Observance of buffer or exclusion zone from the TSF embankment and waste rock dump perimeter • Emergency plan for cave‐ins and subsidence Water January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 15 Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Hydrology Drying of rivers and wells – • Monitoring of streamflows and well Negative, temporary to discharges medium‐term, minor to • Implementation of hydrologic control significant measures • Filling of voids with combination of waste materials, tailings, and cement Flooding of underground • Operation of pit perimeter drainage, and workings – Negative, temporary, dewatering bores, and pumps moderate • Emergency plan for flooding • Water quality Turbidity, heavy metals, AMD – • Discharge of pumped out underground water • Freshwater biology Negative, temporary, moderate into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of underground water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge • pH treatment of water if necessary • Discharge of compliant water into geotextile tubes Abandonment • Closure of operations Land Wastes, non‐blending of • Visual aesthetics • Haul out of reagents, oil and chemical spills, structures with background – and waste Negative, medium‐term, • Removal of cables, pipes, concrete, masonry, moderate storage tanks, equipment, and structures that will not fit the post‐mining land use or will not be needed by the barangays • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, deep ripping of hardstands and recontouring of surfaces and slopes to blend structures with natural background • Geomorphology Physical instability of structures • Slope, surface, and drainage modifications to – Negative, medium‐term, suit minimum factors of safety (FOSs) and moderate design rainfall at closure • Drying of tailings pond Subsidence – Negative, • Monitoring of mining‐related subsidence medium‐term, moderate within the property and vicinities and implementation of control measures • Land use No post‐mining land use – • Determination of the best post‐mining land Negative, medium‐term, use of the 240‐ha property considering local moderate needs, socio‐economics, and physical conditions of the site • Terrestrial biology Abandoned site not conducive • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, to flora and faunal propagation deep ripping of hardstands and recontouring – Negative, medium‐term, of surfaces and slopes moderate • Soil conditioning • Planting of endemic species including fruit trees January 2009 16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Impacts Key Activity Environmental Management Plan Environmental Component Characterization • Reflooding of pit and underground workings as habitat for the Philippine Duck Water • Hydrology Re‐flooding of open pit and • Monitoring of water level and water quality underground workings changes in Dayano Creek, Magpayang River, Drying of rivers and wells – and wells Negative, medium‐term, • Implementation of corrective measures if moderate required • Water quality Turbidity, metals in tailings, oil • Slopes and surfaces including dried tailings • Freshwater biology and grease, reagents – Negative, fully stabilized and covered with endemic medium‐term, moderate floral and fruit‐bearing species • Drainage for design rainfall installed • Stockpiles, reagents, and wastes removed from the site Air Dust – Negative, medium‐term, • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, moderate recontouring of surfaces and slopes for long‐ term physical stability • Soil conditioning • Planting of endemic species People • Socioeconomics Loss of jobs and community • Retrenchment package programs – Negative, temporary • Labor support programs to short‐term, significant • Possible transfer of social assets and services such as water supply and electricity Notes: Environmental impacts are characterized in terms of the following: 1. Change – Positive (beneficial), negative, or neutral 2. Duration – Temporary (impact lasting 1 year or less), short‐term (impact lasting 1 to 7 years), medium‐term (impact lasting 7 to 20 years), long‐term (impact lasting 20 to 50 years), and permanent (impact lasting over 50 years) and 3. Effect – Negligible (no environmental damage), minor (temporary impact; no impact on sensitive resources), moderate (recoverable environmental loss with localized impact on sensitive resources), significant (severe environmental loss with regional impact on sensitive resources), and serious (widespread chronic environmental loss with widespread impact on sensitive resources). 5. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Table ES 6. Environmental monitoring plan Limit Level for Sampling Monitoring Objectives Project Phase Monitoring Compliance Parameters (Ambient, Station Frequency effluent) ‐1 To monitor the water quality Construction, TSS (mg L ) ≤ 30 % increase, W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly and quantity impacts of the Operation, and 70 IW 1 to 6 Daily Project Abandonment Oil and grease (mg 2, 5 W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly ‐1 ) January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 17 Limit Level for Sampling Monitoring Objectives Project Phase Monitoring Compliance Parameters (Ambient, Station Frequency effluent) ‐1 L ) IW 1 to 6 Quarterly ‐1 BOD (mg L ) 7(10), 50 W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly 5 IW1 Quarterly Total coliform (MPN 5000, 10000 W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly 100 mL‐1 ) IW1 Quarterly Total dissolved solids W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly ‐1 (mg L ) IW 1 to 6 Quarterly Heavy metals – As, As 0.05, 0.2; Cd W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, 0.01, 0.05; Cu IW 1 to 6 Quarterly ‐1 Zn (mg L ) 0.05; Hg 0.002, 0.005; Pb 0.05, 0.3 pH 6.5 – 8.5, 6.5 ‐ 9 W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly IW 1 to 6 Daily ‐1 Free CN (mg L ) 0.05, 0.2 W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly IW 1 to 6 Daily during Plant commissioning and operations Changes in W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly composition and structure of stream macroinvertebrate communities Participatory fish LM 1 to 6 Quarterly stock assessment for Lake Mainit ‐1 Streamflow (L s ) W/B 2,W/B 4 to 7 Weekly Water level (m) W/B 2, W/B 4 to During heavy 5, W/B 7 rains IW 1 to 6, TSF, open pit and underground works Complaints on water Direct and Weekly and as quality, water supply, indirect impact needed flooding, fish catch barangays and their resolution To monitor the land impacts of Construction and Ground subsidence – Within a 500‐m Weekly the Project Operation tension cracks and distance from the other signs of pit edges surficial failure January 2009 18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Limit Level for Sampling Monitoring Objectives Project Phase Monitoring Compliance Parameters (Ambient, Station Frequency effluent) Stability factors – TSF, waste rock Weekly tension cracks, dump, pit walls scarps, settling, erosion, rockfalls, seepage, phreatic surface Acid generation Blasthole cuttings During blasthole potential of waste of waste rocks at drilling when rocks through net open pit Domains 100, acid generation 400, and 600 are (NAG) pH=4 observed Heavy metals – As, As indicated W/B 1 to 8 Quarterly Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, earlier ‐1 Zn (mg kg ) Terrestrial flora and TB 1 to 6 Quarterly fauna – Species composition and dominance, diversity indices, ecological communities Complaints on rice Direct and Weekly and as land inundation, indirect impact needed erosion, and barangays subsidence and their resolution Abandonment Visual aesthetics – Project area Weekly types and volumes of wastes left at site Ground subsidence – Within a 500‐m Monthly tension cracks and distance from the other signs of pit edges surficial failure Stability factors – TSF, waste rock Monthly tension cracks, dump scarps, settling, erosion, rockfalls, seepage Drainage channels TSF, waste rock Monthly stability – blocks and dump, other scour areas Vegetation – TSF, waste rock Semestral transects, density dump, other cover, diversity, areas ecological function analysis (EFA), regeneration January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 19 Limit Level for Sampling Monitoring Objectives Project Phase Monitoring Compliance Parameters (Ambient, Station Frequency effluent) Complaints on rice Direct and Weekly and as land inundation, indirect impact needed erosion, and barangays subsidence and their resolution To monitor the air and noise Construction, TSP, SO , NO , (μg TSP 230, 300; SO A/N 1 to 4 Quarterly 2 2 2 ‐1 impacts of the Project Operation, and Ncm ); noise 180, 340; NO 2 Abandonment 150, 260; noise – various Airblast and flyrocks Open pit area During blasts Complaints on dust, Direct and Weekly and as noise, and foul smell indirect impact needed and their resolution barangays To monitor the socio‐ Construction, Socioeconomics – Direct and Annual economic, cultural, and health Operation, and percentage of indirect impact impacts of the Project Abandonment population below barangays poverty/ subsistence line; employment, industries, and income – Project and non‐project‐related; proportion of 6‐12 years old not in elementary school; proportion of 13‐16 years old not in secondary school; proportion of households with make‐shift houses; new malaria/TB cases per 1,000 population; under 5 mortality rate per 1,000 live births; percentage of malnourished children below age of 5. January 2009 20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Limit Level for Sampling Monitoring Objectives Project Phase Monitoring Compliance Parameters (Ambient, Station Frequency effluent) Culture ‐ Proportion Direct and Semestral of Mamanwas indirect impact directly employed to barangays total Mamanwas in the direct impact barangays; number of skills and training activities, trainees, and trainees actually employed; number of cultural awareness programs and participants; changes in material culture Occupational safety GRC and Quarterly and health – Safety contractors and health program; monthly safety reports; safety meetings, trainings, and inspections; PPEs; accident statistics and reports; medical records Public health – Blood Samples from the Annual chemistry for metals, direct and hepatitis test, basic indirect impact blood chemistry, CBC communities and blood typing, urinalysis and fecalysis Complaints on Direct and Weekly and as employment, SDMP, indirect impact needed culture, and health barangays and their resolution Notes: 1. The locations of the monitoring stations are shown in Figure 6‐1. 2. Ambient values without parentheses are yearly averages; value with parentheses is maximum . 3. Effluent values are maxima which must not be exceeded. 6. EMF AND EGF COMMITMENTS After the grant of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) to the Siana Project, GRC will comply with the requirements of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 1996‐40 on the establishment of a Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF). The MRF consists of a Monitoring Trust Fund (MTF) which supports the activities of the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) amounting to no less than P 100,000.00 and a Rehabilitation Cash Fund (RCF), equivalent to whichever is lower January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 21 of 10 % of the budget required for an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) or P 5 million. The RCF will fund the Project’s approved rehabilitation activities and schedules including research programs as defined in the EPEP or Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP). The MRF is deposited as a trust fund in a government bank and maintained by GRC up to the end of the post‐decommissioning period of ten (10) years. The MMT is established by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office prior to construction to monitor the Project’s compliance with the conditions of the ECC, Environmental Management Plan of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), EPEP, and AEPEP. GRC proposes the following composition of the MMT: • MGB Regional Office and EMB Regional Office representatives as Co‐chairpersons • Representatives of the Barangay Governments of Cawilan, Siana, Dayano, del Rosario, Magpayang, and Pongtud as members • Representative of the Lake Mainit Development Alliance as member • Representative of an environmental NGO as member. GRC will also put up a Mine Waste and Tailings Fee to compensate any damages to property caused by the Project. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1‐1 1 BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION Parameter Project Particulars Project Name Siana Gold Project Project Site Location Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod Municipality; Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Mainit Municipality, Province of Surigao del Norte, Region 13, Northeastern Mindanao Nature of Project Mining Project Mining Tenement MPSA No. 184‐2002‐XIII Threshold Limits Applied For Open pit mine extraction 121,000 to 10.5 million tonnes per year (TPY) waste rocks 40,000 to 800,000 TPY ore Underground mine extraction 300,000 TPY expandable to 500,000 TPY Process plant capacity 750,000 TPY expandable to 1 million TPY Products Gold and silver dore bars, zinc concentrate, zinc‐lead‐copper concentrate Proponent Name Greenstone Resources Corporation Contact Details Contact Person Gregory C. Edwards Designation Managing Director Address Level 2, NOL Tower, Commerce Avenue cor. Acacia Avenue, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City Telephone/Fax Number +632 8072790, +632 8076658 Email address gedwards@red5limited.com, lgovey@red5limited.com EIA Preparer BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. Contact Details Contact Person Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. Designation President Address 12C PET Plans Tower, EDSA Guadalupe, Makati City Telephone Number +632 8905902, +632 8974012 Fax Number +632 8973984 Email address bmpenvironment@yahoo.com January 2009 1‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 1‐1. Project site map January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐1 2 PROJECT’S EIA PROCESS TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE EIA STUDY Table 2‐1. Major issues of the Siana Project Major Issue Finding or Reference to Resolution in this EIS EIARC Socioeconomic and biodiversity Lake Mainit is not a protected area. However, it ranks high in the Philippine Biodiversity importance of Lake Mainit Conservation Priorities (Ong, et al., 2002). The fourth largest freshwater lake in the country, 3 it has an approximate surface area of 17,100 ha (BFAR), a water volume of 18 km , lakeshore circumference of around 69 km, and a total catchment of 87,100 ha (LMDA). The lake fisheries provide food and livelihood to about 31 barangays in four (4) municipalities and two (2) provinces. The 240‐ha site of the Siana Project is within the 5,700‐ha catchment of the Magpayang River. The river, together with 27 other streams, drains into Lake Mainit which ultimately discharges to Bohol Sea. A stream discharge and sediment loading study conducted in 2003 found that Magpayang River contributes a mere 1.09 % of the lake’s total sediment load (Tumanda, 2005). BMP observed 13 genera of phytoplankton and 5 genera of zooplankton within the lake in 2005. In terms of species and individuals, the numbers are much lower than those reported in 1971, 2003, and 2004. The station near Magpayang River had the least numbers. BMP also noted 10 species of fish caught in the lake compared to about 12 which were recorded in 1971. Fishermen who were interviewed lamented the decline in fish catch which was reportedly due to overfishing. The dominant fish caught was the benthic gobiod species. Very few water column species were being caught. Long‐term benefits of the Project The closure of the SURICON mine in 1990 was premature. Based on GRC’s exploration and to the community feasibility study, some 5.4 million t of gold ore remain. If extracted and managed properly from the socio‐environmental viewpoint, the wealth generated by the Project will benefit the host and adjoining communities in terms of poverty reduction, development of sustainable skills and industries, education, health, sanitation, community organizations, physical infrastructures, and governance. The Project will also allow the completion of a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan that will remove the site physical and chemical stability risks and transform the Project site to its best post‐mining land use. 3 Effects of dewatering to the Direct rainfall and groundwater accumulated 8.2 million m of water in the 90‐m deep Siana community open pit. Since 2003, GRC has sampled the pit water for metals, pH, DO, BOD , coliform, 5 NO‐N, and PO ‐P. In 2005, BMP sampled the pit water column at 5, 15, 20, and 40‐m 3 4 intervals down to the bottom for TDS and metals. The sampling results established the pit water quality at Class A of DENR’s river classification system. Because of the superior water quality, GRC, since 2005, has used the pit water as source for the potable water supply and distribution system it set up for the three (3) direct impact barangays of Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano. Compared to the Dayano Creek water, the pit water is better in terms of total coliforms and probably phenols. Thus, its discharge to the Dayano Creek will actually improve the creek’s water quality. In terms of water quantity, a simulation using the 2003 daily rainfall data for PAGASA’s Surigao City station over the surveyed sections of the Dayano Creek and ‐1 Magpayang River assuming a pit water discharge at 780 L s during the less rainy months of April to September found that the overflow would occur only six (6) days more than the baseline case. No significant difference was observed on the overflow depth. The simulation assumed that both diversion gates of the Dayano Creek irrigation dam were fully opened. Basic design and drawings of The major pollution control devices of the Project are SO ‐air cyanide detoxification circuit, 2 pollution control devices TSF3, TSF4, waste rock dump, sediment traps, plant water feed pond , and geotextile tubes. hbidi d i dh hfh di h iSi3fhi January 2009 2‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Major Issue Finding or Reference to Resolution in this EIS The basic design, drawings, and photographs of these devices are shown in Section 3 of this EIS. Community Fairness, transparency, and During the Re‐scoping Meeting with sectoral representatives of the direct impact barangays absence of politics in the Project’s on 24 April 2008, GRC’s G Edwards assured the participants that hiring for the Project will hiring process be fair. BMP’s M Cuaño said that the Brgy. Captain’s certification is merely to ensure that the applicant is a resident of the barangay. Can GRC prevent the recurrence of The reason for the hydro‐meteorological studies that preceded the TSF and waste rock floods, sediments, and fish kills dump design as commissioned by GRC is to ensure that these structures will have a when it operates? stormwater drainage to rout the flows and minimize erosion during heavy rains. At the TSFs, a decant system will minimize the impounded water by pumping to the process plant or to a storage pond. An emergency spillway that discharges to Dayano Creek is likewise provided. At the waste dump and open pit areas, sized diversion canals will keep clean water out. The dirty water will be conveyed by drainage channels to the sediment traps, settling ponds, and then the geotextile tubes. The traps and pond will capture the coarse sediments; fine sediments will be trapped in the tubes. What are the adverse effects of The pit water will improve the quality of the Dayano Creek water. By restricting the flow to ‐1 the pit dewatering to the river and the creek to a maximum of 780 L s and monitoring and control of pit dewatering flow farmlands? during high rainfall periods, the pit water can be used to irrigate the ricefields of Brgys. Siana, Magpayang, and Pongtud without causing floods. Project’s compensation of The compensation of mining‐related damages to crops and property is assured and damages to crops and property facilitated by DAO No. 1996‐40 which was issued after the closure of SURICON operations may be unfair as what happened in 1990. The compensation will be drawn from the Mine Waste and Tailings Fee (MWTF) during SURICON days. which GRC is required to pay to the MGB. Claims for compensation are investigated by a Regional Investigation and Assessment Team headed by the MGB Regional Director and withmembers drawn from the regional offices of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the National Irrigation Administration, among others. The Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund Steering Committee headed by the MGB Director decides on the claims for compensation. What will happen to the people In the interest of safety, people living close to TSF3 and the waste rock dumps, numbering living close to the Project facility? about 42 to 56 households within Puroks Riverside and Hilltop of Brgy. Siana and 7 to 13 What is the company’s relocation households in Purok Bulawanon of Brgy. Cawilan, are earmarked for relocation. The policy? relocation will be implemented after due consultation with the affected households. The households are given the option of cash compensation or resettlement within the same barangay with improved living conditions. If necessary, livelihood restoration or employment may be provided. Will the mined‐out and disturbed At the end of Project life, GRC will implement the FMRDP. The major activities are removal areas be rehabilitated during of unused reagents and wastes, dismantling of plant structures and removal of unnecessary closure? equipment, re‐flooding of pit and underground workings and drying of TSFs, recontouring and drainage works, spread of topsoil or soil reconditioning and revegetation, retrenchment package and labor support programs for employees, and transfer of social assets to the communities. GRC must implement livelihood GRC has implemented major community programs even during exploration while the and community development company is not earning any income from mining. The company will continue to implement projects. similar programs during construction and operation as part of the Project’s SDMP. The programs will be formulated, prioritized, and implemented in close collaboration with the community and MGB. What are the assurances for all GRC is required to pay the MWTF at a government bank every six (6) months for each tonne these? of mine waste and tailings generated. It is also required to deposit the Mine Rehabilitation Fund in a government bank. This fund is earmarked for the physical and social rehabilitation of areas and communities affected by mining activities. DAO 1996‐40 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐3 Major Issue Finding or Reference to Resolution in this EIS establishes systems and controls on the use of these funds. Every year, GRC will submit an AEPEP and ASDMP to the MGB Regional Office. Once approved, this Office will monitor GRC’s compliance with the approved programs and required expenditures. EIA TEAM GRC commissioned BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. (BMP) to undertake the EIA for the Project. Based on the EIA needs, BMP organized an EIA Team whose membership is shown in Table 2‐2. Messrs. Gary Gomonit and Ricky Oclarit of GRC provided the BMP Team logistical support including coordination with the local leaders and community members. They also conducted grassroots information, education, and communication (IEC) about the Project at the direct and indirect impact barangays. For the updating of GRC’s community programs including the potable water supply and the documentation of the April 2008 meeting with the stakeholders, Mr. Ricky Oclarit was very helpful. Table 2‐2. BMP’s EIA Team and module assignments Consultant Areas of Expertise EIS Module Rolando V. Cuaño, Ph.D. • Geology and geohazards • Geology and geohazards • Erosion and sediment control • Environmental risk assessment • Environmental risk assessment • Team leadership, editing, and • Environmental management system integration of EIS Jose N. Tanchuling • Water quality • Project description • Mining process • Water quality Felixberto M. Centeno • Meteorology • Meteorology (CRL Environmental Corporation for • Air quality and noise • Air quality and noise air quality and noise measurements) • Hydrology • Hydrology Perfecto P. Evangelista, Ph.D. • Soils and erosion • Soils and erosion • Agriculture and land use • Land use Bibiano P. Ranes, Ph.D. • Terrestrial flora and fauna • Terrestrial flora and fauna (2005) Carmela P. Española • Terrestrial fauna • Terrestrial fauna (2008) Roberto C. Pagulayan, Ph.D. • Freshwater biology • Freshwater biology of streams • Freshwater biology of Lake Mainit Cesar L. Villanoy, Ph.D. • Hydrodynamic modeling • Hydrodynamic modeling of Lake Mainit Marita G. Cuaño • Socio‐economics • Socio‐economics • Public health • Public health • Stakeholder engagement Nestor T. Castro, Ph.D. • Indigenous people and culture • Mamanwa culture January 2009 2‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA STUDY SCHEDULE Table 2‐3. EIA study period Activity Date Season BMP’s initial site inspection of Project area 11 December 2004 Rainy Ambient air and noise measurement 6 to 7 January 2005 Rainy Terrestrial flora and faunal survey 6 to 8 January Rainy Site assessment of Mamanwa culture 6 to 8 January Rainy Freshwater biological assessment of inland rivers 6 to 8 January Rainy Community timelining and situational assessment with leaders 13 to 14 January 2005 Rainy of Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria; Brgys. Magpayang, Siana, and Dayano, Mainit; and Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod Soil and land use assessment 15 to 17 January Rainy Bathymetric and hydrodynamic assessment of Lake Mainit 17 to 19 February Rainy Participatory agriculture and fishery resources and livelihood 15 to 17 February Rainy assessment Water and sediment quality sampling along rivers 18 February Rainy Data gathering and interviews on socioeconomics and health 16 to 18 March Rainy Water sampling of the open pit 19 March Rainy Grassroots IEC about the Project at Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, 20 March; 10, 16, 17, and 27 Rainy and less rainy Dayano, Magpayang, del Rosario, and Pongtud April Limnological survey of Lake Mainit 29 April to 1 May Less rainy Community mapping with Barangay Health Workers and 29 April Less rainy training on household survey Household surveys for Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, Dayano, del 30 April to 1 May Less rainy Rosario, Magpayang, and Pongtud Topographic and bathymetric survey of Dayano Creek and 20 to 26 April 2008 Less rainy Magpayang River sections Site re‐assessment to update physical conditions at the Project 23 April Less rainy site Meeting with Officials and Sectoral Representatives of Brgys. 24 April Less rainy Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano Avifaunal survey at the Project area and vicinities 9 to 11 May Less rainy EIA STUDY AREA The EIA study area covers the 240‐ha Siana mine property and radiates outward to the direct impact barangays of Cawilan to the north, Siana to the west and east, and Dayano to the south (Figure 2‐1). The indirect impact barangays of del Rosario to the west, Magpayang to the southwest, and Pongtud to the south are covered as well. The Project area is part of the Magpayang River catchment which drains into Lake Mainit. For completeness, a water and biological sampling station was established in Motorpool, the northernmost point of the EIA study. Down south, January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐5 the bathymetry and hydrodynamics of Lake Mainit were studied to predict potential impact areas of sediment or tailings releases. This was supplemented by a limnological study of the lake. EIA METHODOLOGY Table 2‐4. EIA Methodology Methodology EIA Study Module Primary Secondary Land Land use and classification • Land classification Land classification map Nos. 689 and 1224, NAMRIA • Land use Field mapping Ikonos 2005 satellite image • Locations of ecological, cultural, Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan of historic, and recreational Tubod (1999 – 2008) significance Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Mainit (2001‐2011) Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Alegria (1999 – 2008) 2004 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas and Wildlife Resources Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities, 2002 Geology • Economic geology Feasibility Study, Siana Gold Project, September 2007, GRC and Intermet Engineering Mineral Resource Estimate, Siana Gold Project, October 2006, H&S • Geomorphology Field mapping Geology and Mineral Resources of the Philippines, 1981, BMG Ikonos 2005 satellite image Landsat 7 2005 natural color image NAMRIA’s 1:50,000 topographic map, 1988 • Regional geology and Geology and Mineral Resources of the stratigraphy Philippines, 1981, BMG • Structures and Geohazards Interviews and community timelining PHIVOLCS’ Subduction zones in the Philippine archipelago PHIVOLCS’ Location of nearest active volcanoes PHIVOLCS’ Record of significant earthquakes Siana Gold Project TSF, Surigao Philippines, Seismic Hazard Assessment, October 2006, SRC and ES&S Siana Gold Project Proposed Revisions to the Feasibility Study, 1 October 2008, GHD Pty Ltd January 2009 2‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Methodology EIA Study Module Primary Secondary Bankable Feasibility Study, Tailings Storage Facility, Siana Gold Project, Philippines, June 2007, Golder Associates Bankable Feasibility Study, Geotechnical Investigation for the TSF, June 2007, Mining One Pty Ltd Further Waste Dump Stability Assessment, 30 August 2008, PETER O’BRYAN & Associates • Geochemistry Semi‐detailed Assessment of Abandoned/Inactive Mine Sites in the Philippines, 2003, Tetra Tech Acid‐base Accounting of Waste Rock Samples Siana Gold Project, 2007, BMP Geochemical Characterization of Process‐ Tailings‐Slurry Sample (Static Testwork), 2006, GCA Pedology • Soil type Auger borings and soil characterization Bureau of Soils’ Soil Map of Surigao del using FAO Guidelines for soil description Norte, 1984 and the Maunsell soil color chart NAMRIA’s 1:50,000 topographic map, 1988 Ikonos 2005 satellite image • Soil fertility and suitability Field mapping Bureau of Soils and Water Management’s Comparison of soil properties with plant Micronutrient status of some Philippine soils, requirements and of agricultural yields 1988 with national standards Terrestrial biology • Flora and faunal species Habitat description Avifauna of Lake Mainit Mindanao, 2003, CJ inventory, abundance, Transects and sampling plots Garingarao and OM Nuneza frequency and distribution Ethnobiological survey PICOP Bislig Surigao del Sur trip Report, 2004, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines • Species endemicity and Interviews 2004 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas conservation status Assessment of stressors and Wildlife Resources Philippine Red Data Book: Red List of Threatened Animals, 1997, Wildlife Conservation of the Philippines IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2007, International Union for the Conservation of Nature Water Hydrology and hydrogeology • Drainage system Topographic and bathymetric survey of Ikonos 2005 satellite image riverbanks and river system from pit NAMRIA’s 1:50,000 topographic map, 1988 outflow into Dayano Creek down to Conceptual Site Runoff Version 2 – Magpayang River Incorporating New Waste Dump Design January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐7 Methodology EIA Study Module Primary Secondary Numerical modelling for flood peaks and Siana Gold Project, 7 September 2008, mean flows Meyer Water & Environmental Solutions Water Report for Bankable Feasibility Study, Siana Gold Project, April 2007, MWES • Hydrogeology Hydrogeological Reconnaissance of Mainit at Surigao del Norte, 2003, MGB Water Report for Bankable Feasibility Study, Siana Gold Project, April 2007, MWES • Water usage Field mapping Water Report for Bankable Feasibility Study, Interviews of water users Siana Gold Project, April 2007, MWES Water quality • Streams and lake Field mapping Surigao Consolidated Mining Co., Inc., Semi‐ Water and sediment quality sampling detailed Assessment of Abandoned/Inactive Mine Sites in the Philippines, 2003, Tetra Tech MWES’ Quarterly Water Reports • Wells and springs Hydrogeological Reconnaissance of Mainit at Surigao del Norte, 2003, MGB Water Report for Bankable Feasibility Study, Siana Gold Project, April 2007, MWES • River classification Water quality sampling DENR Administrative Order No. 1990‐34 Freshwater biology • Macroinvertebrate species Characterization of water physico‐ Limnological and Water Quality Assessment composition, abundance, and chemical properties of Lake Mainit, 2005, Tumanda, M.I. pollution sensitiveness Rapid biological assessment – sampling Biology and Fishery of Indigenous Gobies of • Planktonic composition and for macroinvertebrates, plankton, and fish Mainit Lake, 2000, Galicia A.M. et al. abundance Interviews with residents Limnological Survey of Lake Mainit, 1973, Lewis W.M. • Fish species composition, abundance, and type Lake hydrodynamics • Bathymetric survey Bathymetric survey using sounder with Limnological and Water Quality Assessment transducer and GPS of Lake Mainit, 2005, Tumanda, M.I. • Hydrodynamic modeling Measurements of temperature of surface currents Modeling using the Princeton Ocean Model • Prediction of potential impact Estimation of dispersal patterns using a areas from sediment release Lagrangian dispersal model Air Meteorology • Climatological normals and PAGASA’s Modified Coronas Climate extremes Classification PAGASA’s Climatological Normals for Surigao January 2009 2‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Methodology EIA Study Module Primary Secondary City 1971 to 2000 PAGASA’s Climatological Extremes for Surigao City, Temperature 1903‐2003, Greatest Daily Rainfall 1902 – 2003, Highest Wind 1950 – 2003, Sea Level Pressure 1949 ‐ 2003 PAGASA’s Rainfall Intensity‐Duration‐ Frequency Data for Surigao City based on 39 years of record • Wind rose diagrams PAGASA’s Wind rose analysis for Surigao City 1987 ‐ 1996 • Tropical cyclones Interviews and Community timelining PAGASA Office of Civil Defense Air quality and noise • Ambient air quality and noise Ambient air quality and noise measurement • Air pollutant dispersion 1‐hour short term and long‐term air Standby generator data and typical mine modeling dispersion modelling using ISCST3 and extraction and hauling fleet provided by GRC ISCLT3 models of USEPA Topography and receptors data 2003 daily climatological data of PAGASA • Noise modeling Prediction of construction noise using the Typical mine extraction and hauling fleet US Federal Highway Administration’s data provided by GRC Roadway Construction Noise Model People Socioeconomics • Population, settlements, land Big meetings, focus group discussions, Census conducted by GRC in 2004 area, sex and age, literacy, water workshops, interviews, community Municipal Land Use Plans and Socio‐ supply and demand, mapping, household surveys economic Profiles and Annual Investment transportation, power supply Plans of Tubod, Mainit, and Alegria and demand Provincial Physical Framework Plan of Surigao del Norte, 1993 – 2002 Provincial Medium‐Term Development Plan of Surigao del Norte, 2001 – 2005 National Census and Statistics Office and National Statistical Coordination Board data on population, income, and poverty Department of Interior and Local Government website Department of Budget and Management website National Economic and Development Authority website Mines and Geosciences Bureau website • Resources, livelihood, income, Participatory agriculture and fishery Tubod Agrarian Reform Community inputs resources and livelihood assessment Development Plan, 2003 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐9 Methodology EIA Study Module Primary Secondary • Public perception Big meetings, focus group discussions, GRC Report on Grassroots IEC, 29 April 2005 workshops, interviews, and household surveys Public health • Morbidity and mortality data Interviews of the Municipal Health Mortality and morbidity data and and trends Officers of Tubod, Mainit, and Alegria environmental health and sanitation data of Interviews of the BHWs of the direct and Tubod, Mainit, and Alegria • Notifiable diseases including endemic diseases indirect impact barangays Department of Health website Field mapping Food and Nutrition Research Institute • Local health resources website • Environmental health and sanitation Indigenous people and culture • Mamanwa culture, impact Interviews and focus group discussions Survey of the Socioeconomic, Religious, and assessment and management with Mamanwas, household survey, Educational Conditions of Mamanuas of observation of Mamanwa daily life in Northeast Mindanao, 1954, Maceda, M.N. Cawilan Culture of the Mamanua as Compared with that of the Other Negritos of Southeast Asia, 1964, Maceda, M.N. Environmental risk assessment (ERA) Hazards analysis, quantitative risk Feasibility Study, Siana Gold Project, Surigao assessment, risk management, emergency del Norte Philippines, 2007, GRC and response planning Intermet MSDSs of various chemicals World Bank’s Techniques for Assessing Industrial Hazards, 1988 January 2009 2‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Table 2‐5. Public participation EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Pre‐Public Scoping 6 January 2005 Alegria Mayor Jessie Aguiliera None Alegria Municipal Council None Mainit Mayor Rogelio Gatpolintan Project is alright as long as it does not affect Magpayang River The Project has built‐in pollution control measures such as and Lake Mainit controlled pit dewatering, cyanide detoxification circuit, sediment traps, settling pond, geotextile tubes, sewage treatment plant, and chemical management plan to protect Magpayang River and Lake Mainit. Why will the Project employ open pit mining and not As discussed in Section 3 of the EIS, the mining method is underground mining? defined by the location, dimensions, and physical properties of the orebody as well as project economics, health and safety, and the environment. Surface mining is employed when the deposit is found near the surface, where the overburden is relatively thin, or when the deposit is structurally not suitable for tunnelling. When the deposit occurs deep below the surface, where the overburden is thick, or the mineral occurs as veins in hard rock, underground mining methods are used. GRC’s geotechnical, engineering, and economic evaluation showed that open pit mining initially to a depth of 200 m from the initial depth of 90 m and subsequently by underground mining appear feasible. The approach is also environmentally sound because it will not excessively enlarge the present open pit area. The process plant must be located in Mainit. To minimize the Project’s environmental footprint, GRC confined its Project facilities within the 240‐ha old SURICON property (Figure 1‐1). Available Brgy. Siana space inside this property is limited and occupied by the TSF3 and the open pit. The only viable location for the process plant is north of TSF3 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐11 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response which is in Brgy. Cawilan. Potable water system must be developed for Brgys. Siana and GRC installed a potable water supply, storage, and distribution Dayano. system for Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano in 2005. Since then, the residents have been enjoying high‐quality drinking water. GRC must implement community livelihood projects. Even during exploration when no income from mining is realized, GRC has implemented major community development and livelihood programs. GRC will continue to implement similar programs during Project construction and operations as part of the SDMP. GRC must fund the repair of the Harrison bridge. The repair of the bridge together with other proposed projects will be considered during the formulation of the SDMP by the community. 7 January 2005 LMDA Project Director Kaiser A minimum 200 m setback of tailings pond from the river and As mentioned, the Project has minimized its environmental Recabo water depth in the pond of no more than 7 m. The latter is to footprint. Thus, the required setback cannot be provided. ensure the breakdown of cyanide in the tailings water by Also, water ponding will be minimized to ensure the stability sunlight. of the dam embankment. In lieu of passive natural degradation of cyanide, the Project will put up an SO ‐air 2 process of cyanide detoxification which will treat the tailings for compliance with DENR standards prior to discharge to the TSF. Public Scoping (Second‐ 15 January 2005 George Leros (Cawilan resident) Would crops damaged by GRC be compensated? GRC’s G Edwards said that damaged crops will be Level) compensated fairly. Qualified residents will be considered for employment. Ramie Antonio If land would be affected by the Project, the compensation G Edwards said that GRC would pay the landowners a fair may be unfair as was the experience with SURICON. price based on the zonal valuation. Donald Preston Can the affected landowners be hired by the Project? His son G Edwards explained that the son was hired when the drilling was employed in the drilling but was terminated without a was inside D Preston’s area and his employment was month’s notice. extended even when the drilling activity was over. Johnny Villapane (Sangguniang What would happen if the operation commits a grave EMB’s Reynaldo Digamo replied that the ECC is only a f ii) ililildhCCbkd li ifi h i i i h S January 2009 2‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Bayan of Mainit) environmental violation, would the ECC be revoked to stop compliance certificate. To stop the operations, it is the MPSA the operation? Does the proponent have a written which needs to be revoked. A grave environmental violation rehabilitation plan for the project? Can the proponent may warrant the revocation of the ECC. guarantee that nothing environmentally threatening will G Edwards said that the rehabilitation plan would be happen during their operation? incorporated in the EIS and a copy would be given to the local government unit. On the last point, G Edwards answered that technology has improved a lot since SURICON’s operations. GRC’s project will include a cyanide destruction plant that neutralizes the cyanide before it leaves the plant. Settling ponds will be used to catch sediment. Mainit Mayor Roger Gatpolintan The people of Mainit, Tubod, and Alegria should be given This is the primary objective of the employment policy agreed priority in the hiring process. upon by GRC and the Brgy. Chairmen of the direct and indirect impact areas. Alegria Vice Mayor Ernesto Odjinar Nothing negative will happen to the rivers and farmlands Based on quality, the pit water is classifiable as Class A. There during the pit dewatering? are no toxic or deleterious substances. In fact, it is the feed water for GRC’s potable water system. The pitwater discharge will also be controlled and confined to the less rainy months of April to September to minimize flooding. The agricultural lands of Brgys. Siana, Magpayang, and Pongtud can use the water for irrigation. George Banzon (former Mainit What would happen to the lands bought by GRC when the MGB’s Josefino Bernaldez stated that the lands, being Mayor) Project closes? privately owned, belong to whoever has the title. The law, however, provides that the operator must rehabilitate the disturbed lands. Evelyn Amancio, Luzviminda What compensation package will GRC provide to farmers G Edwards answered that the farmers will be compensated Fabiosa, Neciporo Leyros, and currently farming inside the mine property? fairly. A resettlement area will be provided to those families Pablito Manliques whose land would be used by the Project. Joel Pacatang (Cawilan resident Can GRC help the farmers and community with livelihood R Digamo explained that the law requires mining operators to and president of farmers’ group) programs or domestic water system? spend 1 % of direct mining and milling cost for social development programs. The two items can be considered by January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐13 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response GRC. Leopoldo Suyman (Municipal The Visayan term used in the handout to describe Dr. R Cuaño apologized for the wrong choice of word and Sanitary Officer of Tubod) rehabilitation means the restoration to the original form explained that the intention is to rehabilitate the disturbed which he doubts can be done by GRC. lands into something useful. Reynaldo Juanite (Cawilan Brgy. Is the amount of 1 % of direct mining and milling cost enough R Digamo said that it is not the responsibility of GRC to build Councilor) to build infrastructures and roads? all the structures. Rather, it is the local government’s. Marcelo Galido (Pongtud resident) The waste solution being released by the operation is not The SO ‐air cyanide detoxification circuit will make the tailings 2 totally free of toxic chemicals. In case it overflowed and goes water compliant with DENR standards prior to discharge to to our creeks, our water will be affected. Is there a way to the TSF. The sediment traps, plant water feed pond, and completely free the solution of any toxic chemicals? geotextile tubes will capture the coarse and fine sediments in the surface runoff. In the process plant area, containment bunds and pond will prevent chemical spills from reaching the streams. Rosalita Amarille (Siana resident) We rely on CIDSS for the fish cages within the pit lake. What Fish cages, which were present in 2005, no longer existed in will happen to us once GRC uses the pit? 2008. According to GRC’s R Oclarit, the operators pulled out because fish growth was stunted. Maria Ajoc (Treasury Office, There were destructions during SURICON operations. GRC The rationale for the EIA is to minimize, if not prevent, the Mainit) may add more destruction especially to rice fields. negative impacts of the Project such as the destruction to the rice fields. The EIS specifies the needed measures and structures in the Environmental Management Plan. Remegio Lopez (Cawilan resident) Does GRC have the solutions to prevent the recurrence of GRC commissioned hydro‐meteorological studies to enable destruction during SURICON operations, particularly the the correct layout and sizing of stormwater, erosion, and floods which brought stones and silt to our creeks and rice sediment control systems. Coupled with standard operating lands? measures, the control systems can minimize the floods and sediments from the Project site. Esmeraldo Flores (Farmer and We live in Purok Bulawanon at the Duplex Compound. We Households living close to TSF3 and the waste rock dumps will Cawilan Purok President) request GRC to give us a new house when operations start. be relocated to assure their safety. They will be consulted and given the option of cash payment or resettlement within the barangay with improved living conditions. If necessary, livelihood restoration or employment may be provided. January 2009 2‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Carmelito Manting (Mainit Chief Does GRC provide its personnel with PPE? Is there a health GRC provides PPE to its workers. A health and safety Sanitary Inspector) and safety committee? committee is in place. Marlene Coquilla (Alegria What benefits can Brgy. Pongtud get from the operation? We As an indirect impact area, Brgy. Pongtud will have a share in Sangguniang Bayan member) will be affected because the waste passes through us. Can the the Project’s employment and SDMP. It is not entitled to a Municipality of Alegria get a portion of the excise tax, the share in the excise tax because national revenue regulations same as Tubod and Mainit Municipalities? are clear on the matter: the reckoning of excise tax beneficiary is the point of extraction of ore. Grassroots IEC on the Siana 20 March 2005 Joel Pacatang Considering the life of only 5 to 6 years and the high cost of R Gomonit of GRC said the feasibility study is continuing. At Project, Brgy. Cawilan reopening the mine and dewatering the pit, it’s hard to completion, GRC will decide what to do with the property. believe there will be investors. Based on the most recent Project design, the mine will have an operating life of 10 years. Boy Moril Cawilan residents need a job. Can they be given a higher R Gomonit said if the company will operate, the sharing will share of the employment since Cawilan has a bigger be resolved by the Brgy. Officials of the direct and indirect population? impact areas. Brgy. Captain Guilalas Based on the ongoing negotiations, Cawilan will get a bigger share of employment because of its population. Wilson Cadenas Is there an assurance the area mined will be rehabilitated R Gomonit said that the law requires companies to deposit a after decommissioning? Mine Rehabilitation Fund before operating. Can the tailings dam withstand calamities and chemical spills R Gomonit explained that part of the EIA study is better prevented? understanding of the climate which is vital to the design of structures. Students of Tubod enjoy free miscellaneous fees through the R Gomonit stressed that though in the exploration stage, GRC generosity of Mayor Romarate. What benefits can GRC offer? has provided school supplies, school painting, and other infrastructure assistance to the schools. Joel Pacatang Is the development stage included in the 5 to 6 years R Cuaño said that development is around 2 years, operation 5 operation? to 6 years, and 1 year rehabilitation after decommissioning. Based on the most recent Project design, development is around 1.5 years, operation will be for 10 years, and decommissioning and rehabilitation is another 0.5 year. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐15 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Simeon If the company will operate, is it open cut or underground? Is R Gomonit answered that if GRC will operate, it will be open there assurance what happened to SURICON will not recur? cut. The laws are more stringent now to make sure the failures of the past don’t happen again. Wilson Cadenas If the company will operate, where do we apply? R Gomonit said there is a MOA requiring that employees for the project come from the host barangays with the Bargy. Captain’s recommendations. Esmeraldo Flores Is it possible Purok Bulawanon will be relocated? R Cuaño said that if relocation will happen, a standard resettlement plan will be made. Based on the final Project development plan, some 13 households within Purok Bulawanon will be relocated. Grassroots IEC on the SIana 10 April 2005 Cenesia Perayo If there is a calamity, can we expect help from GRC? Is there R Gomonit said GRC plans to put up disaster response teams if Project, Brgy. Pongtud any guarantee structures like the tailings dam can withstand it decides to operate. Part of the EIA study is better calamities? understanding of the climate which is vital to the design of structures. Mrs. Taer If my land in Bayagnan becomes part of GRC’s development R Gomonit stressed that GRC’s policy is to consult and discuss plan, can I refuse to sell my land? first with the landowner with the full knowledge of the Brgy. Captain. Andres Madelo During SURICON days, many ricefields were damaged in Brgy. R Gomonit explained MGB’s requirements for a Mine Waste Dayano. If this recurs, do we have assurance for and Tailings Fee and mandatory compensation of mine‐ compensation? related damages. Virgilio Aposaga If the landowner sells the land, will the tenants be paid R Gomonit said that he would refer the matter to separately? Who will claim the compensation in case of mine management and MGB. damages? Manuel Josue What is GRC’s plan for rehabilitation? R Gomonit explained the process of Mine Rehabilitation Fund and the preparation by the company of a Final Mine Rehabilitation Plan for discussion with the community. Lourdes Not all residents will be employed, what other benefits can R Gomonit explained that through the SDMP, sustainable the people expect? livelihood programs will be implemented. It will be a joint effort of GRC, community, and government agencies. January 2009 2‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Virgo Aposaga You presented a cyanide destruction machine. How do we R Gomonit replied that tests are ongoing for the design of the know it is effective? machine. The results will be presented to the people. Grassroots IEC on the Siana 16 April 2005 Calinico Lazarte What will be the situation of the community if there will be a R Gomonit explained that GRC’s policy is to inform and Project, Brgy. Siana mine? consult the community on future plans. If a mine will be put up, there will be jobs and business opportunities. An SDMP will be implemented. Will there be relocation? R Gomonit said that he cannot answer the question now. If there will be, proper information and consultation will be done by GRC. Based on the final Project development plan, some 42 to 56 households within Puroks Riverside and Hilltop of Brgy. Siana and 7 to 13 households of Purok Bulawanon of Brgy. Cawilan need to be relocated. From what I learned from a friend geologist, no investor is R Gomonit replied that the Project is still in the feasibility willing to operate a small deposit because their standard is 15 study stage. years or more. Isabel Garcia If there will be an operation, will it be open cut or R Gomonit said it will be open pit. underground? The Project’s final development plan provides for open pit mining initially, followed by underground mining. If open pit, when will dewatering start? When will operations R Gomonit explained that the project is still in the feasibility commence? study stage. The people will be informed when the study is completed. Maria Ajoc Why does GRC pay a bigger tax in Tubod Municipality than in R Gomonit promised to refer the matter to management. Mainit? Why is the address of the Siana Project Cawilan, Tubod? Based on the presentation, 1 % of direct mine and milling R Gomonit clarified that the DMMC will be estimated in the cost (DMMC) goes to the SDMP. How much is the DMMC? feasibility study. We heard the plan to use the pitwater as water source for R Gomonit explained that continuous water sampling by GRC the impact barangays. Is the water safe for consumption? A confirmed the water’s best quality. GRC will put up a water DOH approval is needed. treatment plant to ensure safety. The RHU will be involved in January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐17 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response DOH approval is needed. the water quality tests. Brgy. Captain Raul Ajoc Based on what I learned, after SURICON closed down, Mainit R Gomonit stressed that the water treatment and distribution converted the industrial land classification to agricultural system will be installed before the mine is put up. Thus, in land. That is why Tubod gets bigger taxes. What they said case GRC decides not to operate, the system will be left as 1 about the pit water quality is true. GRC’s legacy to the barangays. Diochar Patagan People plant on GRC land and in their own lands. If GRC uses R Gomonit noted that in the Public Scoping which some of the these lands, will they be compensated? residents attended, G Edwards said that they will be compensated. Rosalinda Amarille If the pit will be dewatered, can I be compensated for my fish R Gomonit committed to refer the matter to management. cage? Brgy. Captain Ajoc G Edwards said that GRC will help relocate the fish cage. Rosario Mijares How sincere is GRC in its proposal? R Gomonit said that the written proposal was already submitted to the three barangays. Brgy. Captain Ajoc He showed the proposal and enumerated GRC’s community assistance projects. William Sardovia If Siana residents won’t agree to a mine, will GRC push R Gomonit explained that the EIA is ongoing. Part of the study through? Is there an assurance of rehabilitation? is to determine the social acceptability of the project and GRC. He explained the legal requirements on rehabilitation. Mr. Abella If there will be a mine, what areas will be affected? Is there R Gomonit answered that the feasibility study is ongoing. If an assurance the affected residents will be paid? How much? there is a mine, issues such as relocation, payments, etc. will be discussed with the community. Grassroots IEC on the Siana 16 April 2005 Hermelito Cadavero SURICON closed down after 1995. Why was it not covered by R Gomonit clarified SURICON closed down in 1990. Project, Brgy. Magpayang Mining Act? Is there an assurance of rehabilitation if GRC will operate? He explained the legal requirements on mine rehabilitation. Bebie Jumamoy During SDMP implementation, in case a livelihood project R Gomonit said no. fails, will the members be obliged to pay? 1 Based on Mainit’s Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan for 2001 to 2011, the old SURICON 240‐ha property is still classified as an industrial area. January 2009 2‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Mr. Richard In Manila Mining which is covered by the Mining Act, why is it R Gomonit said that from what he learned from MGB, Manila that many employees are not being paid their length of Mining is not declaring a permanent shutdown. service rendered? Is there an assurance this won’t happen in GRC? Alner Alce On the SDMP, the barangays must manage it well for the future generations. We must not repeat the mistakes with past grants and associations. We must be vigilant in safeguarding our community and environment in case there will be another operation. Bonnie Amplayo In 1964, SURICON’s tailings pond overflowed and damaged R Gomonit said that the EIA and feasibility studies are looking the riceland and killed the fishes. What is the assurance this closely at the environmental and operational factors to ensure will not recur? that this does not happen. Hermelito Cadavero Did the Mining Act violate DENR laws? He stressed that the Mining Act was created in consultation with government agencies. Bebe Jumamoy What is the process of breaking down the cyanide? R Gomonit said that cyanide is composed of carbon and nitrogen. Their bond is broken through exposure from oxygen. The cyanide destruction machine hastens the decomposition process. Aida Montero How is the rehabilitation program carried on? R Gomonit explained the legal provisions on mine rehabilitation. Bonnie Amplayo There are primary and secondary impact barangays. If there is For now, there is no agreement yet. If the decision is to a mine, what is the employment share of secondary impact operate, GRC will discuss the issue with the barangay barangays? captains. Grassroots IEC on the Siana 17 April 2005 Cerelo Bug‐os What are the mitigating measures of the company to address R Gomonit said that the EIA and feasibility study are ongoing. Project, Brgy. Dayano the mining environmental risks? The measures will be presented once the studies are completed. Rico Cuizon We are interested in the results of the EIA to comprehend R Gomonit promised to come back once the studies are what is going to happen socially and environmentally if completed. there’s a mine. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐19 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Mr. Peñaflor Is there an assurance that the SDMP as presented will be R Gomonit stressed that if GRC will operate, the SDMP will be provided by GRC? implemented. That’s a requirement of the MGB. What will the company do if the residents won’t agree to the R Gomonit explained that the EIA is ongoing, part of that is reopening of the mine? social acceptability. There are residents inside the company property. If GRC will He recalled that the question was raised during the Public operate, are they going to be paid? Scoping. G Edwards’ reply was they would be paid. Rico Cuizon Why is the CTWG meeting limited only to Brgy. Officials and R Oclarit of GRC said these officials represent the residents. sectoral leaders? Grassroots IEC on the Siana 27 April 2005 Mrs. Ragas If the company will operate, what works and skills are R Oclarit said that definitely, many workers will come from Project, Brgy. Del Rosario needed? the impact barangays. No exact figures are available. Brgy. Captain Ronaldo Esmeralda What happened to the summer job for the impact R Gomonit said that last year, the summer job was for the barangays? I’ve sent applicants but until now, no response. primary impact barangays. This year, it will be expanded. The matter will be referred to management. Mr. Marcos Is Brgy. Del Rosario primary or secondary impact? R Gomonit answered it is secondary. Why is it that nobody from del Rosario was given work during He said tha the EIA identified del Rosario as a secondary exploration? impact barangay. Because of this, it is now included in the proposed job and community programs during operations. Luzviminda Dano Is it true that applicants for GRC need Barbers’ R Gomonit answered no. Only a recommendation from the recommendations? Brgy. Captain is required. It is the company which decides if the applicant is qualified. Kgwd. Ajoc Who are qualified for the summer job? R Gomonit answered preferably college students. They will be given 15 days to work on a rotation basis. Five each will come from the direct impact barangays and the rest will be shared by the secondary impact ones. Re‐Scoping Meeting with 24 April 2008 Virgilio Elsisura (Brgy. Kagawad of Who is the real owner of the Siana property? Mr. Bagondol G Edwards explained that the surface rights and MPSA were Officials of Brgys. Cawilan, Cawilan) who claims to be Gotesco’s caretaker had the old SURICON transferred from Gotesco to Merrill‐Crowe of Metrobank. Siana, and Dayano staffhouse torn down. He is collecting rent and asking for a Love Manigsaca of GRC advised that the problem has already half of copra income as Gotesco’s share. been referred to Merrill‐Crowe and GRC will follow up. January 2009 2‐20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Bebot Gonzales of GRC said that he will give the Cawilan Brgy. Council a copy of the agreement between GRC and Merrill‐ Crowe. Alfredo Pagapong (Brgy. Kgwd. of Water from Dayano is limited during summer. Once R Cuaño said that during the pit dewatering, the water will be Siana) operations start, will our irrigation water be affected? During distributed to the farmers. During operation, the bores will SURICON time, water in the river became dirty. continue to supply the community potable water supply and irrigation. Ricky Oclarit of GRC said that mitigating measures will be implemented to make sure the sediment does not go to the river. Virgilio Elsisura (Brgy. Kgwd. of In case GRC operates, what happens to the people living in R Cuaño explained that the area is near the waste dump Cawilan) the Duplex? where dust and noise impacts are likely. If the EIA study finds the noise level to be high, mitigating measures will be recommended. If the impact is too much, the affected households will have to be relocated. Soniefe Lopez (Brgy. Cawilan) Many in Cawilan don’t have jobs. All they do is plant. In case R Cuaño stated that once the plants and lands to be affected the Project starts, what happens to their plants? are ascertained, the community will be informed and negotiations with GRC can commence. Dioschar Patagan (Brgy. Kgwd. Of Will GRC need additional lands for its operation? R Cuaño said that as per the plan, GRC will confine its Siana) operations within the Merrill‐Crowe property. Ariel Odtojan (Siana SK Chairman) Will the community be deformed after operation? M Cuaño explained that mining companies are required to submit a final mine rehabilitation plan. This plan is discussed with the community. G Edwards said that the mine will not wait for closure to commence rehabilitation. Dioschar Patagan (Brgy. Kgwd. Of How about the employment policy? G Edwards said that GRC will stick to the prior agreement by Siana) the six barangays on employment. R Orcullo discussed the agreement – 95% of total employment will come from the six barangays. Magpayang, del Rosario, and Pongtud get 10 % share each. The remaining 65 % is allotted to Dayano at 18 %, Siana 23 %, and Cawilan 25 %. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐21 EIA Stage Date Sectors Engaged Issues Raised Proponent’s Commitment/Response Re‐Scoping Meeting with 24 April 2008 Cenecio Onque (Dayano Irrigators We accept that the project will proceed. But there were M Saclag explained that the damaged palay will be paid and Sectoral Representatives of Association) problems during SURICON days with silt. Will GRC pay for the damaged land will be rehabilitated. If planting cannot be Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and damages to ricelands? done in the next cropping season, lost income will be Dayano compensated. The prices are based on fair market values. Leticia Serrano (Siana) We own land near the tailings dam. Will GRC pay for our G Edwards said that GRC’s policy is to allow the use of land by plants? If the land will be used by the company, can we still others if the company does not need it yet. If GRC will use the pass and harvest the coconuts? land, notification is done three (3) months ahead. Isabel Garcia (Siana) If GRC operates, can our sons work? G Edwards explained that the employment policy assigns a fixed percentage to the primary impact barangays. This will be followed by the contractors. Joel Pacatang (Cawilan Farmers GRC’s rice production program seems unfair because there R Oclarit said that GRC consulted with the Barangay Councils. and Irrigators Association) was no consultation on the recipients. The Councils determined the recipients based on guidelines and lot specification by GRC. Titing Gabeon During operation, what will happen to Purok Bulawanon? M Cuaño said that will depend on the results of the EIA since the area is close to the waste dump. Based on the final Project development plan, some 7 to 13 households within Purok Bulawanon are targeted for relocation. Teofilo Peñaflor (Dayano Farmers With the present hiring practice, an applicant needs a M Cuaño said the certification is to ensure the applicant is a Association) Barangay Chairman’s certification. If one is not close to the barangay resident. Chairman, he is not given a certification and so he cannot G Edwards assured there will be fair hiring for all residents of work. This is the practice in UPD (drilling contractor) now. affected barangays. January 2009 2‐22 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 2‐1. The original First‐Level Scoping of the Siana Gold Photo 2‐2. The original Second‐Level Scoping at the GRC Project (22 December 2004). corehouse (15 January 2005). Photo 2‐3. Mainit Mayor Gatpolintan addresses the crowd. Photo 2‐4. Cawilan’s George Leros wanted to know if crops damaged by the Project would be compensated. Photo 2‐5. GRC’s G Edwards responds to a participant’s Photo 2‐6. Community timelining and situational analysis at question. Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria (13 January 2005). January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐23 Photo 2‐7. Community timelining and situational analysis at Photo 2‐8. Community timelining and situational analysis at Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit (13 January 2005). Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Mainit (14 January 2005). Photo 2‐9. Community timelining and situational analysis at Photo 2‐10. Brgy. Pongtud residents doing the trend diagram Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod (14 January 2005). for the participatory livelihood and resources assessment (15 February 2005). Photo 2‐11. Brgy. Pongtud residents present their output tables Photo 2‐12. Participatory resources and livelihood assessment and diagrams. at Brgy. Cawilan (16 February 2005). January 2009 2‐24 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 2‐13. Participatory resources and livelihood assessment Photo 2‐14. Brgy. Magpayang residents listen to the objectives at Brgy. Dayano (16 February 2005). of the participatory assessments (17 February 2005). Photo 2‐15. Brgy. Siana residents build up their diagrams for Photo 2‐16. Grassroots IEC on the Siana Project at Brgy. the participatory assessment (17 February 2005). Cawilan (20 March 2005). Photo 2‐17. BHWs doing the community map as guide for the Photo 2‐18. BHWs get ready to present their community selection of samples for the household survey (29 maps. April 2005). January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2‐25 Photo 2‐19. The Re‐scoping Meeting for the Project (27 March Photo 2‐20. Siana Brgy. Kgwd. Pagapong inquires about the 2008). effects of the Project to the irrigation water (24 April 2008). Photo 2‐21. Siana SK Chairman A Odtojan is concerned with Photo 2‐22. Cawilan Brgy. Captain Juanite discusses the mine rehabilitation. Bagondol issue. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐1 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA The Siana Gold Project is located approximately 39 km south of Surigao City, northeastern Mindanao (Figure 3‐1). It is within the 240‐ha Siana mine property formerly operated by Surigao Consolidated Mining Company (SURICON), portions of which fall within Brgy. Cawilan of the Tubod Municipality and Brgys. Siana and Dayano of the Mainit Municipality, province of Surigao del Norte. It is covered by a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA). Access to the project is either from Surigao City through a 40‐minute land trip or from Butuan City through a 2‐hour land trip, both via the National Highway. Surigao City and Butuan City can be reached from Manila through commercial planes. The Siana property is within the 5,700‐ha catchment of the Magpayang River, about 6 km upstream of Lake Mainit. Lake Mainit has an approximate surface area of 17,100 ha (BFAR) and catchment size of 87,100 ha (LMDA). It is not a protected area. Based on the second iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in 2002, the lake is rated very high in the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (Ong et al., 2002). PROJECT BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE The Siana property was operated as an underground mine between 1938 and 1960 by SURICON. The mine produced ‐1 614,200 oz of gold (Au) from 1.59 million t of ore with an average grade of 12.01 g t Au. From 1981 to 1990, the property was operated as an open pit mine. It produced 321,000 oz Au from 2.98 million t of ore with an average ‐1 grade of 3.35 g t Au. The closure of operations in 1990 was premature. The immediate cause was two major pit wall failures that cut the main access ramp and covered a substantial portion of the ore. The remnants of SURICON operations are a flooded open pit, two dried and grassy tailings pond, one tailings pond with a pool of water, three grassy waste rock dumps, and a workshop. In September 1997, JCG Resources Corporation (JCG) applied for an MPSA covering the Siana property and other areas. In June 2002, Bremer Resources NL executed a Siana Joint Venture Heads of Agreement with JCG. The Agreement has several phases, namely, due diligence and technical review, initial drilling, exploration, and mining joint venture. In December 2002, JCG was granted MPSA No. 184‐2002‐XIII which covered the Siana property. Bremer later assigned its interest in the Joint Venture to GRC. GRC commenced reverse circulation percussion and diamond drilling in February 2003. In view of encouraging results, this was followed by a major resource diamond drilling program from November 2003 to February 2005. Additional drilling works were undertaken. By October 2006, a total of 64 holes with an aggregate length of 25,133 m were completed and became the basis of the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for the Siana Project. On 15 August 2005, through a Deed of Assignment, JCG assigned to Merrill Crowe Corporation (MCC), a company of MetroBank Corporation, its rights and obligations on the Siana MPSA and conveyed to the same entity full possession and control of the entire land area covered by the MPSA. On 19 August 2005, through an Agreement, GRC, among others, affirmed its consent to the assignment of claims. The Agreement likewise provided that MCC will immediately cause the transfer of the Siana MPSA from JCG to MCC and immediately thereafter to a Filipino company. Figure 3‐2 shows the corporate structure that will operate the Siana Project. Philippine tax and legal experts confirm that the corporate structure shown complies with Philippine foreign ownership laws and particularly with the Philippine requirement which limits non‐Filipino ownership of Philippine “patrimony” property to not more than 40 %. January 2009 3‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project R5 Services Co Technical Services Agreement Red5 Asia Incorporated Greenstone Merrill Crowe [name pending] 40% Resources Co 10% Corporation Siana MPSA 50% Surigao Holdings 100% 40% and Investments 60% Corporation NOTE: 60% in SHIC 60% initially held by MCC, to be transferred to PERF at a later date Roja Oro Philippine Employee Property Group Inc. Retirement Fund Figure 3‐2. Corporate structure of Greenstone Resources Corporation Central to the Project structuring is the conversion of GRC to a 60 % Philippine shareholding (with 50 % owned by Surigao Holdings and Investment Corporation (SHIC) and 10 % owned by MCC. The balance of 40 % will be held by a newly incorporated Red5 wholly owned Philippine subsidiary, Red5 Asia, Inc. (R5AI). Upon transfer from MCC, GRC will become the mining operating entity and the registered holder of MPSA 184‐2002‐ XIII and relevant surface rights. As part of this corporate structure, a newly formed Philippine Employee Retirement Fund (PERF) to be administered by MetroBank will become a major stockholder of SHIC. Dividends (with a minimum safety net) will flow into PERF for the benefit of the Filipino employees of GRC. ‐1 ‐1 The BFS estimated a total probable reserve of 3.16 million t at 3.4 g t Au and 8.5 g t silver (Ag), equivalent to 339,700 oz Au and 0.87 million oz Ag and mineable by open pit over a 4.5‐year mine life. In late 2006, a series of encouraging high‐grade drill intersections immediately below the proposed pit prompted an evaluation of the underground mining potential of the Siana deposit. A scoping study based on an underground inferred resource model and a preliminary mine design indicates that a combination open pit/underground operation can recover approximately 720,000 oz Au and 1.34 million oz Ag from a 5.4 millon t inventory over a ten (10) – year mine life. At a gold price of US $ 650 oz‐1, silver price of US $ 13 oz‐1, and discount rate of 8 %, GRC estimated a pre‐tax net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) for a 10‐year combined open pit/underground operation at US $ 86.6 million and 38.3 %, respectively. The estimates are rough and need to be refined by a drilling program, development of a resource model, detailed geotechnical evaluation, estimation of underground capital costs, and source quotations from local mining contractors. If extracted and managed properly from the environmental and social viewpoints, the wealth from a redevelopment of the Siana property will benefit the impact and adjoining communities in terms of poverty reduction, development of January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐3 skills and industries, education, health, sanitation, community organizations, physical infrastructures, and governance. The redevelopment will also allow the completion of a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan that will remove the site physical and chemical stability risks and transform the Project site to its best post‐mining land use. PROJECT ALTERNATIVES Table 3‐1. Project alternatives and evaluation Project Parameter Alternatives Evaluation Facility siting The siting of facilities for a mining project is GRC deliberately minimized its project footprint constrained primarily by the location of the by confining all facilities within the 240‐ha Siana orebody. This is because of the volume of property. The only new area for development is materials for extraction and transport and the the access road. This will be built to avoid high dependence of the costs on transport project impacts on the available narrow roads distances. Thus, for the Siana Project, facilities that pass through Brgys. Cawilan and Siana. for ore processing, waste storage, offices, and Around 0.8 ha of rice land is within the accommodations are sited as close to the proposed road alignment. orebody as possible. Mining method The mining method is defined by the location, The current maximum depth of the Siana pit is dimensions, and physical properties of the approximately 90 m. GRC proposes to extract orebody as well as project economics, health the remaining ore in the pit down to 200 m and safety, and the environment. depth by open pit. The open pit method is Surface mining is employed when the deposit is technically feasible. It is also environmentally found near the surface, where the overburden is sound because it will not excessively enlarge the relatively thin, or when the deposit is present pit surface area of 21 ha. In the structurally not suitable for tunnelling. When proposed open pit plan, the maximum pushback the deposit occurs deep below the surface, of the pit is about 70 m at the northeastern where the overburden is thick, or the mineral portion. The final pit surface area is about 32 occurs as veins in hard rock, underground ha. mining methods are used. Beyond the 200 m depth mineable by open pit, the ore extension will be mined by underground mining. This is to avoid the large costs of pit development, i.e., overburden extraction, and the associated environmental impacts. Processing method The processing methods for gold are flotation, The drawbacks of cyanide use in gold leaching gravity concentration, amalgamation, and pertain to toxicity, i.e., handling and cyanidation. environmental toxicity. The lixiviants superior to Flotation is used mainly on finely disseminated cyanide in terms of toxicity are thiosulfate and base metal ore that contains small quantities of thiocyanate. However, both suffer in terms of gold. Gravity concentration is applicable mostly extraction economics and cost. Thiosulfate is to gold placer deposits. Amalgamation is most also inferior because of its limitations and non‐ effective on loose or free gold particles with recyclability. Thiocyanate has no large‐scale clean surface. Its use is now restricted because application. of costs, inefficiency, non‐suitability of available Another lixiviant, malonitrile, is better than ores, and environmental concerns. Cyanidation cyanide in terms of handling. However, it has is the predominant method of gold problems in availability, costs, recyclability, and beneficiation. It is best suited to fine‐grained large‐scale application. gold in disseminated deposits. Thus, cyanide is still the best and most common Economics as well as occupational health and lixiviant for gold‐bearing ores. safety and environmental considerations led to Metallurgical testworks by GRC’s various the research and development of lixiviants that consultants confirmed the suitability of the will replace cyanide in gold leaching. Seven (7) Siana ore to cyanidation with gravity pre‐ alternatives gained recognition, namely, concentration. To offset cyanide’s disadvantage thiourea, thiosulfate, thiocyanate, bisulfide, of environmental toxicity, GRC proposes to ammonia, halogens, and malononitrile. detoxify the tailings prior to discharge to the January 2009 3‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Parameter Alternatives Evaluation Gos and Rubo (undated) developed a set of TSF. criteria for the evaluation of the lixiviants. This includes from the economic viewpoint, capital investment, extraction economics, availability, and costs considering detoxification and recycling; in terms of process applicability, limitations, recyclability, detoxifiability, and large scale applications (proven technology); and with respect to toxicity, emissions, handling, and environmental toxicology. They found thiourea and thiosulfate not favorable in terms of extraction economics, costs, limitations, and recyclability. Thiourea was also not favorable with regard to handling and environmental toxicity. Thiocyanate, bisulfide, and ammonia were not favorable with respect to capital investment. Thiocyanate and ammonia also suffered from extraction economics. Thiocyanate and bisulfide were not favorable in cost and large‐scale application. Bisulfide had additional disadvantages such as limitations, handling, and environmental toxicity. Ammonia was not favorable in regard to capital investment, extraction economics, detoxifiability, large‐scale application, handling, and environmental toxicity. Halogens had problems in terms of costs, detoxifiability, handling and environmental toxicity. Finally, malononitrile was found to be unfavorable with respect to availability, costs, recyclability, large‐scale application, and environmental toxicity. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND PROJECT COMPONENTS Project Development Plan Siana Deposit The Siana gold (with silver, lead, and zinc) mineralization is considered a high‐sulphidation regime of epithermal affiliation, hosted predominantly within tectonized and altered carbonate and basaltic lithological assemblages. The stratigraphy of the area is grouped into six (6) lithological domains, namely (GRC and Intermet, 2007 and Figure 3‐ 3): • From west to east are the three (3) major domains – Domain 100 which is a package of barren to weakly mineralized west dipping sediments and interbedded basalts; Domain 200, a central strongly mineralized black to dark grey carbonate‐rich sedimentary package; and Domain 400, a well‐mineralized eastern basalt assemblage with interbedded sediments and breccias. January 2009 E - W Cross Section Central Pit Region N - S Cross Section Central Pit Region Source: GRC EIS of the bmp Geologic cross sections Siana Gold Project 3-3 Figure No. EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐5 • Domain 200, the central carbonate assemblage which is often brecciated and consists of a very poorly sorted accumulation of manganoan limestone fragments with minor mudstone, siltstone, coal, sandstone, and volcaniclastic debris set in a dark, calcareous muddy matrix. It includes as sub‐domain, Domain 700, an area disturbed by underground mining. • Less volumetrically important are Domain 300, a thin domain of mixed basalt and sediments immediately west of the central carbonate zone; Domain 500, an essentially barren black mudstone unit underlying the carbonate zone, and Domain 600, a barren to weakly mineralized feldspar porphyry intrusive. Mineralization is predominantly hosted in the central carbonate (Domain 200) and eastern basalt domains (Domain 400) with strongly altered zones comprising the fine grained clays, quartz, and carbonate. The three (3) major domains are interpreted as separated by major faults. As a consequence, the central carbonate domain has been largely and strongly brecciated and veined during multiple tectonic and hydrothermal alteration events (Ibid.) Gold is generally fine grained, i.e., finer than 75 μm, and well distributed within the altered host rocks. SURICON operations and metallurgical testworks conducted during the BFS confirm that the gold ore is free‐milling, i.e., amenable to gold cyanidation. Site Conditions The 240‐ha Project site is the former mine and industrial facility of SURICON. The major land features are a flooded open pit, two (2) dried and grassed tailings ponds – Tailings ponds 1 and 2, one tailings pond with a pool of water – Tailings pond 3, three (3) grassed waste rock dumps – Waste dumps 1, 2, and 3, and a workshop. Figure 3‐4. Major features of the Siana property January 2009 3‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 3‐1. The flooded Siana open pit. Photo 3‐2. The dried and grassy portion of SURICON’s tailings pond 3. Photo 3‐3. The dried tailings pond 1. Photo 3‐4. The grassy waste dump 2 immediately north of the flooded pit. Project Development Objectives and Challenges The overriding consideration in GRC’s Project Development Plan is to confine all mine facilities and development works inside the 240‐ha Siana property. This will minimize the new areas for disturbance and the Project’s environmental and social impacts. For the open pit, the first major challenge is dewatering. The impounded water volume is estimated at 8.2 million m3. The excellent quality of the water is confirmed; the task is to prevent flooding along the channels of Dayano Creek and Magpayang River during water release. The less rainy period of April to September provides a good window for the dewatering. The next challenge is to minimize the surface impacts of mining the Siana deposit. The BFS found that a total probable reserve of 3.16 million t is mineable by open pit over a 4.5‐year mine life. The open pit operation will employ drills, excavators, front‐end loaders, AWD trucks, graders and dozers. RSG Global Consulting Pty Ltd (RSG) estimates the total pit shell at 650 m long and 450 m wide at its biggest section, extending to a depth of 200 m below the surface. By steepening the pit walls without compromising safety, the expansion of the pit surface and excavation works is minimized. In the current open pit plan, the maximum pushback of the pit is around 70 m at the northeastern portion, still within the Siana property. This portion collapsed in 1989 and led to the premature closure of SURICON operations. Mining One Pty Ltd (Mining One), GRC’s geotechnical consultants, attributed the failure to a mix of weak rock materials and flat, undulose west dipping structures. The pushback which results in the flattening of pit slopes is intended to January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐7 improve the ground stability. The final pit surface area is estimated at 32 ha, an 11‐ha increase over the current pit area. Additional gold resources were reported below the open pittable reserve. Based on RSG’s evaluation, these resources can be extracted by underground mining method. Access is though a decline with portal at 50 m above the ultimate pit floor and 150 m below the pit crest on the main pit ramp to the eastern side. Mining is by up‐hole benching or any other suitable method. The broken material is removed from the level with loaders, loaded into low profile underground trucks and hauled to the surface. For ground stability, the void is filled with a combination of waste material, mill tailings, and cement. RSG estimates that the underground operation can prolong mine life to 10 years and result in a total recovery for the open pit and underground mine of 720,000 oz Au and 1.34 million oz Ag. Aside from economics, two factors favor the extraction of the deeper resources by underground method: lesser volume of waste materials for extraction and, if done correctly, minimal surface disturbance. More works are needed to refine the underground mining plan. These include a drilling program, development of a JORC‐compliant resource model, detailed geotechnical evaluation, review of underground capital costs, and sourcing of quotations from local mining contractors. After the selection and optimization of the mining method, the next challenge is keeping the open pit and underground workings dry. Meyer Water Environmental Solutions (MWES) estimated annual inflows to the pit at 5.9 million m3 from groundwater and 1.1 million m3 from rainfall. To manage these flows, GRC will install five (5) dewatering bores outside the pit perimeter and in‐pit pumps. The dewatering bores will handle 3.3 million m3 and the balance of 3.6 million m3 is for pumping. A duplicate pumping system will be established to provide 100 % backup in case of failure. The Siana deposit contains gold and silver. During the underground phase, significant amounts of copper, lead, and zinc will be encountered. The established gold beneficiation processes are base‐metal flotation, gravity concentration, amalgamation, and cyanidation (USEPA, 1994a). Flotation, by the addition of reagents, induces particles of a single mineral or group of minerals to adhere preferentially to air bubbles. It is chiefly used on base metal ore that is finely disseminated and generally contains small quantities of gold in association with the base metals. Gold is recovered as a by‐product of the base metal recovery. Gravity concentration techniques are used mostly on placer deposits and rely on gravitational forces to suspend and transport gangue away from the heavier valuable mineral. In amalgamation, metallic gold is wetted with mercury to form a solution of gold in mercury which is referred to as an amalgam. The method is most effective on loose or free coarse gold particles with clean surfaces. Because of its high surface tension, mercury does not penetrate into the interstices of ore particles as sodium cyanide does. Use of amalgamation is now restricted because of its high cost, inefficiency in large‐scale operations, and scarcity of suitable ores. Cyanidation which uses solutions of sodium or potassium cyanide (NaCN or KCN) as lixiviants to extract precious metals from the ore is the predominant gold beneficiation method. It has various forms, namely, heap or valley fill leaching followed by carbon adsorption (carbon‐in‐column adsorption) which is suited for low‐grade gold ores, agitation leaching followed by carbon‐in‐pulp (CIP), or agitated carbon‐in‐leach (CIL). As discussed in the preceding Section, in view of toxicity issues in the handling and use of cyanide (CN), researches on alternative lixiviants were undertaken. To date, however, the alternatives with less toxicity, i.e., thiosulfate, thiocyanate, and malonitrile, are still inferior to cyanide in terms of availability, extraction economics and cost, recyclability, and large‐scale application (Gos and Rubo, undated). Various consultants, namely, Independent Metallurgical Laboratories, Outukumpu Technology, Orway Mineral Consultants, and Intermet Engineering, conducted metallurgical testworks on the Siana gold ore. They concluded that a CIL circuit with a gravity pre‐concentration is the best processing method. The process design comprises single‐stage crushing, SAG milling, gravity concentration and high‐intensity cyanidation, leaching and adsorption (CIL), followed by carbon elution and electrowinning to produce combined gold and silver dore. The plant nominal throughput is 750,000 January 2009 3‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project ‐1 ‐1 TPY of ore at an average feed grade over the life of mine of 3.35 g t Au and 8.56 g t Ag. The gold and silver recoveries are estimated at 85.4 % and 75.5 %, respectively. When underground mining commences, GRC proposes to modify the process plant by installing flotation cells after the gravity circuit and treating the flotation tailings in the CIL circuit used for the open pit ore. Zinc concentrates and combined copper‐lead‐zinc concentrates will be thickened and filtered at site prior to transportation to the port. The total amount of tailings to be generated from the open pit operation is about 3.1 million t. Because of the primary objective of minimizing the project’s environmental impacts, the challenge is to construct the new tailings storage facility (TSF) over SURICON’s original tailings ponds. Low river terraces and flood plains of Magpayang River located west of the original tailings ponds have elevations of about 40 to 45 m. The tailings elevation in the existing Tailings pond 1 varies between 43 to 45 m; at Tailings pond 2, between 47 and 48 m, and in Tailings pond 3, between 51 and 53 m. The crest elevation of Tailings dam 1 varies from 47 to 49 m, for Tailings dam 2 from 48 to 51 m, and for Tailings dam 3 at roughly 55 m. Based on geotechnical testworks done by Mining One, Golder Associates Pty Ltd (Golder) found it feasible to build the TSF as two cells, namely, TSF3 at the southeast and TSF4 at the northwest. Prior to the plant commissioning, TSF3 will be built first over the old Tailings pond 3 to an initial stage embankment elevation of 60 m. The tailings are discharged into TSF3. The second cell, TSF4 is constructed over Tailings ponds 1 and 2 during the first year of operation to the same initial stage embankment elevation. After the TSF3 stage 1 reaches its capacity, the tailings are discharged into TSF4. TSF3 is then built up to its second stage elevation of 65 m in time for the filling up of TSF4 stage 1. The latter is built up to the same second‐stage elevation in time. After completion of stage 2 for both TSFs, the crests will have a maximum height of 25 m above the Magpayang floodplains. GHD Pty Ltd was commissioned by GRC to undertake the detailed design for the TSFs. GHD noted that TSF4 is approximately 10 m lower than TSF3. To place the storage facility in balance, GHD proposed to build TSF4 first (instead of TSF3) to the same initial stage embankment elevation. This will provide storage capacity for approximately 18 months. TSF3 is then raised in time for the filling of TSF4 to 60 m, at a storage capacity of approximately 12 months. Before TSF3 is filled up, TSF4 is raised to the final elevation of 65 m, providing storage capacity for roughly 8 months. The final lift of TSF3 to the same elevation is expected to have a storage life for 14 months. GHD’s proposed TSF build‐ up sequence is more of an operational change than a design change. TSF3 and TSF4 will be located close to Magpayang River and Dayano Creek. Both streams are used by the local residents for irrigation, bathing, washing, and sometimes fishing. The subsequent challenge therefore is to minimize the risks of CN releases into the streams. Several methods are available for the detoxification of CN. One popular method is the Degussa peroxide process which ‐ uses hydrogen peroxide (H O ) to oxidize free and WAD cyanides to cyanate (CNO). Cyanate is further hydrolyzed to 2 2 biodegradable ammonium (NH +) and carbonate (CO 2‐). Metals complexed with CN are precipitated as hydroxides and 4 3 iron cyanide complexes. Another treatment step precipitates the iron cyanide complexes by combining it with copper ion (Environment Australia, 2003). The limitations of H O treatment are handling and costs. Specifically, H O is a hazardous material and expensive. 2 2 2 2 Special equipment for H O use may increase the total capital cost. The treatment process also generates ammonia 2 2 which is toxic to fish (USPEPA, 1994b). A variation of the Degussa process is peroxymonosulfuric acid (H SO ) or Caro’s acid which can be generated safely on 2 5 site from H O and sulfuric acid (H SO ). Because Caro’s acid is a stronger oxidizing agent than peroxide, the CN 2 2 2 4 destruction is faster at a cost much lower compared to using H O solely. In some applications, the levels of CN 2 2 attained were lower than those of the Degussa peroxide process (FMC, undated). Other applications, namely, the INCO SO2‐air and Noranda processes use sulfur dioxide (SO2) or ferrous sulfate and air in the presence of copper ion to oxidize cyanide in solution to cyanate. Sulfuric acid (H SO ), which is a by‐product of 2 4 the oxidation process, is neutralized with lime. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐9 In the INCO process, wastewater is fed into a mixing vessel where it is reacted with SO or sodium bisulfite. Air is 2 sparged into the vessel; copper sulfate (CuSO ) is added as a catalyst, and the pH is controlled by the addition of lime. 4 Treatment may be done in a single vessel or reactor or two reactors in series. Data from bench‐scale tests and actual operations indicate that a total CN concentration of 0.1 mg L‐1 is achievable (USEPA, 1994b). The limitations of the INCO process include the slowing down of reactions at low temperatures and non‐removal of thiocyanate (SCN‐), ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ cyanate (CNO), or ammonia (NH ). SCN and CNO are less toxic than free CN. Their median lethal concentrations 3 ‐ ‐1 ‐1 (LC ) for fish are 50 to 200 mg L and 34 to 54 mg L , respectively against free CN’s LC of 0.1 mg L (Environment 50 50 Australia, 2003). The Noranda process is suited to ores with significant antimony (Sb) or arsenic (As) concentrations. Firstly, copper and ferrous sulfate (FeSO ) is added to the cyanide effluent. In the presence of hydroxide ions, the ferrous ion is oxidized 4 3+ 2+ 2+ to ferric oxide while the cupric ion (Cu ) is simultaneously reduced to cuprous ions (Cu ). The Cu removes the free ‐ CN as an insoluble precipitate, Cu(CN)2. This creates a shortage of free CN in solution, which leads to further removal of CN through dissociation of soluble metal complexes of Cu, Zn, and Ni into simple CN and metal ions. The final removal of CN is completed by the addition of H O at high pH in a second stage to oxidize the residual simple cyanides. 2 2 AMMTEC Ltd (AMMTEC) conducted cyanide detoxification tests on cyanide slurries generated from the Siana Project’s gravity tailings. Two detoxification procedures were run and their results on achieved WAD CN levels compared. The first procedure used the Caro’s acid triple salt which contains 45 % KHSO . The KHSO contained in the triple salt 5 5 behaves functionally the same as Caro’s acid produced from the reaction between H SO and H O . The leach slurry 2 4 2 2 series of tests involved dosages of 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 of KHSO to WAD CN on a mole for mole basis. None of the tests 5 ‐1 ‐1 achieved WAD CN < 0.5 mg L , i.e., the lowest level attained was 2.3 mg L . The results indicate that an excessive amount of reagent will be needed to achieve the target level. The second procedure tested was the INCO process. Three (3) tests at various dosages of SO to WAD CN on a gram for 2 gram basis were run, i.e., 5.39, 3.63, and 4.39. AMMTEC found the SO to WAD CN of 5.39 sufficient to obtain less than 2 0.5 mg L‐1 WAD CN in the treated effluent. In view of the AMMTEC test results, GRC provided a two‐reactor single stage SO ‐Air process in the plant design. Slurry 2 will gravitate from the carbon safety screen underflow to the first of two cyanide detoxification reactors. At the reactor, the slurry will react with sodium metabisulfite and CuSO4 solutions. Air is sparged into the reactor and the slurry pH maintained at 10 with the addition of lime slurry. The two reactors will provide a total of 90 minutes residence time. The aim is to reduce the WAD CN level from an anticipated level of 150 mg L‐1 at CIL circuit discharge to less than 1 mg L‐1 WAD CN before deposition to the tailings pond. Finally, RSG estimates the total volume of waste rock materials for extraction from the redeveloped Siana pit at 8.7 million bcm. The waste rocks will go to the main dump immediately northeast of the pit, the secondary dump southwest of the pit ramp exit, and the embankment build‐ups of TSF3 and TSF4. Project Components Figure 3‐5 is the General Arrangements Map of the Siana Gold Project. The Project components or facilities and their surface areas are shown in Table 3‐2. Table 3‐2. Project facilities and surface areas 2 Facilities Approximate Area (m ) Tailings Dam 404,145 Plant Area 78,230 Main Waste Rock Dump 345,715 Secondary Waste Rock Dump 56,490 January 2009 3‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2 Facilities Approximate Area (m ) Open Pit 325,895 Plant Area Accommodations area 6,550 Substation 610 Reagents Store 240 Events Pond 770 Cyanide Store 150 Lime storage 50 Workshop warehouse 350 Laboratory 360 Plant Office 225 Goldroom 80 Elution 170 MCC 65 Security office and first aid 60 Grinding 280 Cyanide Mixing 85 Potable water plant 20 Main office 650 Fuel dispensing 715 Mine fleet maintenance 1,090 Laydown area 1,730 Detoxification tank area 915 Settling pond A 18,050 ROM PAD 9,305 Access Access road 10,650 Causeway crossing 830 Settling pond B 14,310 Settling pond C 30,550 Geotextile tubes area 1,500 Magazines 5,610 Sources: GRC, Intermet, and GHD DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT PHASES The Project has two phases, namely, open pit and underground mining. The latter is expected to commence roughly two (2) years prior to the depletion of the open pittable ore reserve. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐11 Open Pit Mining Pre‐Construction The major pre‐construction activities for the open pit mining phase are: • Community consultations and management program – Part of the EIA is the community consultation on major community milestones, resources, sources of livelihood, organizations, and problems. Based on the results of the community consultation, GRC crafted a Community Assistance Proposal for the three (3) direct impact barangays. Most of the programs contained in the proposal were implemented by GRC since 2005. 1. Potable water supply – The system provides 40,000 L d‐1 potable water to the residents of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano. Water is pumped from the Siana pit into a holding tank. The water is sterilized with chlorine in batches; the sterilized water is then filtered to remove any suspended solids. The water is released to the community water distribution system. 2. Elementary school education – Assistance has been provided by GRC through donation to the students of books and classroom materials and building maintenance. 3. Public health and safety –Children’s feeding programs, medical missions, establishment and manning of the GRC Clinic in Brgy. Cawilan with a Doctor and Nurse, provision of non‐prescription medicines to the community, and ambulance service. 4. Peace and order – Supply of uniform and medical kits to the Barangay Police. 5. Road maintenance – Regular maintenance of barangay road network. 6. Church maintenance – Partially implemented by GRC. 7. Public infrastructures – Programmed for implementation during Project construction and operation, the assistance will cover the Barangay offices, waiting sheds, multipurpose halls, learning materials for day care centers, and new access road and causeway crossing. 8. Agricultural support – GRC assisted the barangays in researches on high‐yield rice varieties and donation of seeds for pilot test programs. The other components for implementation are provision of irrigation water during the pit dewatering, micro‐loan financing for farmers, and formation of a Marketing Division as part of the SDMP. 9. Employment policy – The employment policy for the Siana Project has been ratified by the Barangay Chairmen of the direct and indirect impact areas. The policy provides that 95 % of the unskilled workforce will come from the impact barangays. Specifically, Brgy. Cawilan will provide 25 %, Siana 23 %, Dayano 17 %, and the indirect impact barangays of Pongtud, Magpayang, and del Rosario 10 % each. 10. Livelihood assistance – This will be implemented as part of an early SDMP, i.e., the SDMP to be conducted ahead of Project operation. 11. Disaster relief – GRC has provisions for assistance to the community during disasters. 12. Environmental awareness – Through its floral nursery, GRC provides the community with seedlings for plantation. The company also started to integrate its solid waste management and that of the three (3) direct impact barangays with the municipal system in Timamana. January 2009 3‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 3‐5. Residents of the impact barangays dig the Photo 3‐6. Pipe laying by the barangay residents. trench for the water distribution pipeline donated by GRC. Photo 3‐7. GRC staff fixes the pipe network. Photo 3‐8. The potable water treatment plant donated by GRC to the three (3) direct impact barangays. Photo 3‐9. The Siana Elementary School Reading Center Photo 3‐10. GRC also funds the brushing of school permises. Shed GRC helped to build. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐13 Photo 3‐11. The beautification of school buildings is part of Photo 3‐12. GRC staff donates school supplies to the GRC’s community assistance program. children. Photo 3‐13. The children of Brgy. Dayano benefit from the Photo 3‐14. GRC’s feeding progam at Brgy. Siana. company’s feeding program. Photo 3‐15. The feeding program at Brgy. Cawilan. Photo 3‐16. The medical clinic and ambulance GRC provides to the direct impact barangays. January 2009 3‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 3‐17. GRC’s community medical clinic is equipped Photo 3‐18. A barangay resident has her blood pressure read with a dental chair. by GRC’s nurse. Photo 3‐19. GRC’s Clean and Green Program provides the Photo 3‐20. GRC distributes seedlings to the students of barangays with vegetables for plantation. Siana Elementary School. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐15 Photo 3‐21. Seedlings distribution at the Tubod National Photo 3‐22. Tree planting along the Siana roadside. High School. Photo 3‐23. Tree planting by members of the Union of Photo 3‐24. One of three (3) children’s playgrounds donated Christian Churches of the Philippines. by GRC to the direct impact barangays. • Exploration – Mineral exploration works conducted by GRC included review of SURICON reports and maps, geologic mapping, reverse circulation percussion, diamond drilling, sampling and analyses, orebody modeling, and ore reserve estimation. • Environmental impact assessment and other environmental studies – The studies established the environmental and social baselines of the impact barangays. Based on the baselines, the impacts of the Project were assessed and their management plans formulated. This EIS highlights the findings and conclusions of the environmental studies. • Geotechnical studies – Mining One undertook the geotechnical investigations for the open pit design, processing plant design, and TSF design which comprised test pitting, boreholes, and laboratory soil testing. The properties of potential foundation materials were assessed. Ten (10) boreholes were drilled around the existing tailings dams and at the proposed plant feed water dam site. An additional five (5) boreholes were drilled at the process plant site. The borehole depths ranged from 7.5 m to 41.6 m. Mining One collected disturbed samples generally at 1.5 m intervals using a split spoon sampler and undisturbed samples using thin wall tubes. January 2009 3‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The boreholes were augmented by nine (9) test pits excavated around the toe of the existing tailings dams and seven (7) test pits around the proposed plant site. The maximum depth of excavation was 5 m. Dynamic cone penetrometer test and hand‐held shear vane tests were conducted within the test pits. Golder implemented a laboratory testwork program on samples of process tailings and a composite sample from Tailings dams 1 and 2. The tests included particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, soil particle density, one‐dimensional consolidation, settling tests, and air‐drying tests. Seismology Research Centre (SRC) and Environmental Systems and Services Pty Ltd (ESS) conducted a seismic hazard assessment for the Project site. They recommended an operating basis earthquake (OBE) of 0.25g and maximum design earthquake (MDE) of 0.60g for the tailings dam design. The OBE is generally considered as the earthquake with a 10 % probability of exceedance in a 50‐year period which is equivalent to a recurrence period of 475 years. It is used to assess the stability of tailings storages for the operating life of the structure. On the other hand, the return period of the MDE is typically about 1 in 10,000 years. The MDE is normally used for the design of closure measures for the tailings storages (Golder, 2007). • Geochemical tests – BMP undertook an acid‐base accounting of waste rock samples obtained from the waste wall zone of the Siana deposit. Acid‐base accounting is a two‐part analytical procedure for determining both the acid potential and neutralizing potential of waste rocks. The test results indicate that for Domain 100 which makes up about 33 % of the total waste rocks for extraction, only 13 % of the total 15 samples is PAF. For Domain 400 which is about 27 % of the estimated waste rocks, 15 % of the total 13 samples is PAF. For Domain 600 which is roughly 16 % of the estimated waste rocks, 38 % of the total 8 samples is PAF. The rest of the samples which represent 24 % of the estimated waste rocks is NAF. Graeme Campbell & Associates implemented geochemical testworks on a metallurgical laboratory prepared sample of process tailings and tailings slurry water. It was concluded that the process tailings solid sample is NAF due to the strongly calcareous minerals. The tailings slurry water had concentrations of minor elements, including cyanide‐complexing metals and CN forms, which were below or close to the detection limits. • Hydrologic and hydrogeologic investigations – MWES carried out the hydrologic and hydrogeologic investigations for the Project which included the establishment of groundwater monitoring bores, streamflow measurement sites, and surface water quality monitoring sites. • Engineering design of major structures – Golder designed the TSFs following the guidelines and recommendations of the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) on factors of safety (FoS) and design storms. The FoSs are (ANCOLD, 1999): • Steady state static loading, no seismic, FoS = 1.5 • OBE under pseudo‐static conditions, FoS = 1.2 • MDE, FoS = 1.0 The ANCOLD (2000) guideline in the selection of a design storm for the TSF is a storm event between 1:10,000 years average return interval (ARI) and 1:10,000,000 years ARI as the probable maximum precipitation event (PMP). Golder’s general design approach provides for the cyclic deposition of tailings into paddock‐type tailings storage cells from the perimeter embankments. The embankments are constructed using waste rock. The TSF design consists of two cells, TSF3 and TSF4, developed in stages. At final height, the combined surface area of the TSFs is approximately 34 ha. The combined footprint is roughly 40 ha. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐17 Golder assessed the stability of selected sections of the tailings dam design under static, OBE, and MDE earthquake loads. The material strength parameters adopted are based on the findings of the geotechnical investigations of Mining One and Golder’s process tailings testworks as well as Golder’s experience with similar materials. A conservative phreatic surface was assumed, i.e., the surface passes through the existing embankment and the tailings remain saturated except those adjacent to the embankment. The predicted minimum FoSs for static conditions and under OBE seismic loading exceeded ANCOLD’s recommended minima of 1.5 and 1.2, i.e., 2.4 to 2.1 vs. 1.5 and 1.2 to 1.1 vs. 1.2. Under MDE seismic load conditions, however, the predicted FoSs are less than ANCOLD’s minimum, i.e., 0.7 to 0.6 vs. 1.0. Golder stressed that an FoS less than 1.0 under earthquake loading does not necessarily imply failure of the embankment. It indicates that the embankment will undergo some permanent deformation. Following Newmark’s simplified approach, Golder estimates a horizontal displacement of the potential failure mass of about 50 mm. Based on the empirical relationships developed by Swaisgood, vertical settlements of up to 1 m may be expected. To strengthen the reliability of the stability assessment, Golder recommended laboratory shear strength tests once the tailings materials become available. For tailings water and surface runon management, Golder’s design provides for decants located at the center of the cells and emergency spillways. The decant in TSF3 is a floating pontoon mounted pump, accessed from the end of the decant causeway by a floating gantry. The decant tower for TSF4 will comprise slotted reinforced concrete sections mounted on a reinforced concrete base, founded in natural soils. The tower is surrounded with selected filter rocks to impede the inflow of tailings fines to the decant tower. Each decant installation will be supplied with power and equipped for pumping water either back to the plant circuit or to the plant feed water dam. A secondary pump for each is also provided to remove excess water in the TSF as a result of rainfall events. As part of its detailed design works for the TSFs, GHD noted that the earth decant access platforms to the center of each TSF as proposed by Golder will reduce storage capacity and require large volumes of construction materials. GHD then proposed to locate the decant systems not at the center of the TSFs but adjacent to the dividing embankment of TSF3 and TSF4. The concrete tower, surrounded by filter materials, will be installed on stable foundation material. Golder’s design storm is a 6‐hour storm event ranging from 750 mm (for the 1:10,000 years ARI) to 1,160 mm (the PMP). To discharge stormwater from rainfall in excess of the design storm, spillways with a base width of 20 m will be provided at both TSFs. The spillway for TSF4 would have discharged into the Magpayang River; the TSF3 spillway into the Dayano Creek. GHD noted that its revised development sequence of raising TSF4 ahead of TSF3 enables the spilling of TSF4 into TSF3. It then proposed a spillway at the dividing embankment, adjacent to the decant structures. The spillway will be lined to prevent erosion or scour of the embankment during spillage. For TSF3, GHD proposed the location of the temporary spillway along the southern perimeter which is consistent with the Golder’s design. The spillway will be raised during the build‐up of TSF3 and will become the permanent spillway at the end of mine life. At a process water reticulation rate of 80 %, maintenance of a small supernatant pond size, emergency spillway depth of 1 m, and 1 m for potential deformation as a result of an MDE earthquake event, Golder recommended an operational freeboard of 3 m for each TSF. o The Main Waste Rock Dump is designed at 5‐m high batters forming 30 and separated by horizontal berms that vary in width from 10 m to 15 m. At a total maximum height of approximately 50 m, the overall angle of the dump is roughly 15o. January 2009 3‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Peter O’Bryan and Associates (O’Bryan) assessed the stability of the Main Waste Rock Dump using material shear strength properties that were based on information provided by Mining One, SRC, and ESS. They concluded that: 1. The location of the proposed dump immediately northeast of the open pit has a negligible effect on pit wall stability. 2. Under static and dry loading conditions, the proposed waste rock dump will be stable. 3. Under seismic and dry loading conditions, the dump will essentially remain stable, i.e., some localized movement of near‐surface material may occur. 4. Only a limited saturation of the dump can be tolerated. Water levels exceeding roughly 105 mRL within the dump would be expected to destabilize the slopes. An earthquake of sufficient magnitude or proximity to apply a horizontal acceleration of at least 0.25g coincidental with a water level within the dump of above 104 mRL would cause failure. O’Bryan recommended that GRC should avoid placing large “continuous” volumes of clay‐rich material within the dump. 5. A worst‐case situation in which earthquake‐induced vibration coinciding with the presence of a substantial volume of water in the dump would be expected to cause slope instability. Slope movement would occur within the zone roughly 10 m behind or below the slope face. Breakout would occur near the toe of the slope. Consequently, some movement of waste towards the open pit is possible in the northern, northeastern, and eastern sectors. O’Bryan recommended bunding or the construction of catch fences around the pit edge to contain the material movement. • Consultations with households at risk from the TSF3 and waste rock dumps and relocation – Based on the Project’s final development plan, some 42 to 56 households within Puroks Riverside and Hilltop of Brgy. Siana and 7 to 13 households within Purok Bulawanon at Brgy. Cawilan will have to be relocated to give way to TSF3 and the Main and Secondary Waste Rock Dumps (Figure 3‐4). Two (2) resettlement sites within the two (2) barangays have been selected. A resettlement action plan will be formulated in accordance with IFC Performance Standard No. 5. • Feasibility study – This refers to the process of technical analysis to determine the viability of the Project. It has three (3) distinct phases, namely, scoping studies, prefeasibility studies, and definitive feasibility studies. As the Project advances, the project phases become more detailed and focus on a single option of developing the Project. • Land acquisition – GRC needs to acquire land for the access road and the two (2) resettlement sites. • Permitting – The major Government permits and approvals required prior to construction and operation are approval of the EPEP, SDMP, and FMRDP; approval of the Declaration of Mining Feasibility; conversion of MPSA exploration into MPSA for operation; registration of GRC as hazardous waste generator, wastewater discharge permit, etc. • Detailed engineering – This covers the preparation of detailed engineering design to implement the best option determined in the definitive feasibility study. • Procurement – All services, equipment, reagents, supplies and materials needed by the Project and identified during the detailed engineering are acquired. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐19 Construction • Installation of environmental and social management systems – The systems are intended to prevent or minimize adverse impacts, enhance and make more sustainable and equitable the positive impacts, monitor the impacts for continual system improvement, and manage the residual impacts. Included in the systems are the EPEP and SDMP. • Construction of power line and substation – Power will be supplied to the Project from a SURNECO 69 kV incoming power line. SURNECO agreed to build a 69 kV substation with landing gantry, 69 kV isolators, CTs, surge diverters, and a 69 kV circuit breaker with the main plant step‐down transformer. Cabling from the transformer LV terminals will supply a medium voltage switchboard from where power will be reticulated around the site to the various load centers and plant substations. One 750 kVA generator will be installed to provide emergency power for emergency lighting, security system, firewater system, potable water system for safety showers, all slurry agitators, detoxification and tailings pumps, process water pumps, mill inching drive, and accommodation village. • Access road and causeway crossing construction – The Siana Project site will be accessed from the National Highway along Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod Municipality by a newly built 16‐m wide approximately 1 km long all‐ weather road and causeway crossing over Magpayang River (Figure 3‐5). This will prevent impacts on the road networks of the barangays. The proposed road alignment is a mix of coconut land and ricefields. The area of affected ricefields is about 0.8 ha. • Pit dewatering and development – The impounded 8.2 million m3 of water inside the Siana pit will be pumped out into Dayano Creek. Taking into account the additional inflow of 0.6 million m3 of rainfall and 2.8 million m3 of groundwater during the 6‐month period, the required mean pumping rate is 780 L s‐1. GRC proposes to use four (4) pumps, each powered by a 375 Kw electric motor governed by variable speed drives with a combined capacity of 800 L s‐1 over a 100 m head. The pumps would be mounted on a floating pontoon and discharge into parallel 450 mm diameter HDPE pipes to be extended as the water level falls. Pipes will discharge into a settling pond which overflows into Dayano Creek. As soon as the pit water level has dropped to safe levels and the bearing capacity of the pit ground is confirmed to be adequate for the earthmoving equipment, pit widening works at the surface will commence. The greatest pushback will be at the northeast sector to achieve flatter slopes and the removal of weak materials. 3 Slimes, currently estimated at 10 m thickness equivalent to 240,000 m , have accumulated at the pit bottom. During pit dewatering as the water level approaches the pit floor, a 10 m long flexible suction hose will be attached to the pump inlet. The suction hose will hang straight down and act like a dredge in sucking up slurry. During this process, the slurry density being discharged will be monitored continuously to prevent blockage. If necessary, clear water will be brought back to the pit. It will take roughly 12 months for mining to reach the level so a large quantity of the slimes can be pumped out. To complete the final clean‐up, 12m deep voids will be blasted on either side of the existing pit floor. Dewatering sumps are excavated and the dewatering pump installed. The swell of the blast is dozed and side cast to mix with the slimes on the pit floor. • Construction of tailings storage facilities and pipelines – Prior to construction of the embankment, a drainage system comprising an aggregate‐filled drain and pump sumps will be constructed on the existing tailings beach adjacent to the upstream edge of existing perimeter embankments. A seepage cut‐off (keyway) trench is excavated below the embankments either on natural or previously disturbed ground. On natural soil, the keyway is excavated to a minimum depth of 1 m below the natural ground level. The keyway will be backfilled with moisture‐conditioned and compacted clay. January 2009 3‐20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Organic rich soils located under the proposed embankments will be stripped prior to placement of fill. Where embankments are built over existing tailings beaches, the tailings shall be deep ripped and compacted prior to the placement of the embankment fill. The excess pore water pressures will be monitored during construction and appropriate measures taken to accelerate the dissipation of pore pressure if necessary. Low safety bunds will be constructed on the outer margin of the perimeter embankments and the embankment crests will be shaped with a 2% crossfall towards the upstream side of the embankment to direct incidental runoff water into the facility. In areas of soft tailings, a high‐strength geotextile will be placed over the tailings and covered with a layer of granular fill. The purpose of the geotextile is to provide tensile support to the embankment foundation during the initial placement of embankment fill. The granular layer will provide a drain for the foundation tailings. As proposed by GHD, TSF4 will be built first on the existing Tailings dam 1 and Tailings dam 2 at an initial embankment crest elevation of 60 m and storage of roughly 8.5 ha. The tailings in said area are stronger than those in TSF3. The western and northern embankments will be built upstream of the existing embankments. To the east, it will be founded on natural ground and in places, over a thin veneer of tailings. At the initial embankment crest elevation, TSF4 will have a storage capacity of approximately 18 months. TSF3 will cover the existing Tailings dam 3 facility and extend over previously disturbed ground to the southeast and existing embankment downstream batter slopes. It will have an initial stage 1 embankment crest height of 60 m and storage area and capacity of approximately 18 ha and 12 months, respectively. Construction will include clearing of ground to the southeast of Tailings dam 1 and stripping of vegetation from the downstream slopes of existing embankments. The northern and western embankment raises will be on top of shallow tailings deposits. No strengthening of the underlying tailings is required in said areas. At the southeast where the ground is previously disturbed, the embankments will be keyed into suitable foundation soils. At the southern part where the tailings are thick and there is an old supernatant pool, a high‐strength geotextile and granular layer are proposed over the tailings beach. TSF4 and TSF3 will both be constructed using the upstream method. Perimeter embankments will be constructed with an inner compacted clay zone (or other low‐permeability material) and an outer shell of non‐acid forming waste rockfill. Embankments will have a nominal downstream batter slope of 1V:3H. Internal upstream embankments for TSF4 and TSF3 and will be 1V:2.5H. Sections subject to long‐term inundation will be sheeted with mine waste or granular fill as a buttress to avoid sloughing and as protection against wave erosion. Figure 3‐6 is the layout of TSF Stage 2 with embankment crest elevation of 65 m. Figure 3‐7 shows typical TSF embankment sections. Figures 3‐8, 3‐9, and 3‐10 are layouts of stage 1 and stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4, and stage 5 and stage 6 of the TSF construction, respectively. • Construction of waste rock dump – GRC estimates the total tonnage of waste rocks for removal from the open pit at 8.7 million bcm, equivalent to 10.9 million lcm. About 1 million bcm of waste rocks will be used to construct the TSFs. GRC proposes two (2) waste rock dumps to accommodate the excess rocks. One dump located immediately northeast of the pit will have a capacity of 7.9 million bcm; another which is to the immediate southwest of the pit ramp exit will have a capacity of 0.8 million bcm. The dumps are designed with batter angles of 30o and 10‐m to 15‐m berms at various vertical intervals (Figure 3‐11). The overall slope angle is 15o. To ensure structural stability, the placement of clay‐rich materials at the dump will be staggered. Piezometers will also be installed for the regular monitoring of the phreatic surface. To protect against rain erosion, the slopes will be revegetated as soon as practical with fast growing grasses and vines. To protect personnel and equipment from waste rock dump rockfalls, bunds consisting of large boulders or catch fences will be placed near the pit edge. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐21 • Construction of process plant, mine services area, and ancillaries – The process plant area is generally flat with a gentle slope to the west and vegetated with grass and saplings. Located roughly 1 km northwest of the Siana pit, it will host several structures, namely, the workshop/warehouse, laboratory, process plant and office, chemicals storage, security office, and first‐aid facilities (Figures 3‐11 and 3‐12). The laboratory will be for mill and grade control. It consists of an office, balance room, wet chemical room, AAS room, and store room. The plant site will be cleared, grubbed, and contoured for drainage. The extension to the existing run‐ of‐mine stockpile area will be constructed with mine waste. The mine services area will be located east of the process plant adjacent to the pit access road just beyond the safe blasting perimeter of the open pit. It includes the mining contractor’s workshops and offices, refueling station, and mine control facilities (Figure 3‐5). The site will be cleared, grubbed, and provided with pads. Explosives magazines will be located south of the pit (Figure 3‐5). • Construction of administration building, accommodations, and waste facilities – The administration building will be located between the process plant and mine services areas (Figure 3‐5). The accommodation and messing facility is to the northwest of the plant site adjacent to the main access road. Only expatriate and senior local staff will be accommodated on a single status basis. For its solid waste, the Project will implement the ecological waste management. Waste will be sorted at the source into biodegradable, recyclable, and non‐biodegradable. The sorted waste is delivered to a Material Recovery Facility where the final sorting of the wastes is undertaken, i.e., green wastes for composting, recycled plastics, recycled bottles, non‐recyclable plastics, etc (Figure 3‐5). The non‐recyclable, non‐ compostable, and non‐hazardous materials such as used rubber gloves and boots, used leather shoes and harnesses, soiled rugs and towels, and worn‐out wheels are stored separately for pick‐up by the Mainit Municipal dumptruck once a week. GRC will implement an information and education program for all Project employees and contractors on the HOW, WHAT, and WHY of the proper segregation of different types of waste materials. If an additional waste facility will be required on top of the Mainit Municipal Landfill, GRC will have a small landfill, about 200 m east of the pit, built. The landfill site is constructed and maintained to ensure that watercourses and groundwater are not impacted. Sewage and wastewater will be treated by a bacteriological sewage treatment system. Preferably BioMAX or an approved equivalent, the system will have five (5) chambers, namely, an anaerobic chamber, aerobic chamber, clarification chamber, disinfection chamber, and pump‐out chamber. Individual treatment systems will be installed at each building and sized to suit the number of occupants • Installation of water system – Primary raw water for the process plant will be sourced from the pit dewatering bores pumped to the plant feed water pond and from the TSFs. A pump station at the plant feed water pond will convey the water to a process plant holding tank. For potable water, raw water will be drawn from the pit dewatering bores or pontoon pumps, then treated in the expanded potable water treatment plant for storage in the potable water tank located within the process plant area. • Construction of stormwater and sediment control system ‐ The objective of the Project’s stormwater system is to ensure that clean water and dirty/untreated water do not mix. Thus, runoff from the eastern highlands will be diverted away from the minesite, through diversion bunds, either to the north of the proposed waste rock dump or to the south of the pit into the Dayano Creek. Dirty water from the waste rock dumps, mine workings, TSFs, and portions of the process plant area go through a series of sediment traps, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes before discharging into Dayano Creek. January 2009 3‐22 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 3‐14 is theProject’s stormwater drainage design. As shown, there are three (3) settling ponds. • Pond A, to be constructed between the process plant and the main waste rock dump, will collect runoff and settle the suspended sediments from the waste dump and portions of the process plant area. The pond will also store decant water from the TSF. It will have a spillway and sediment trap along the southern perimeter from where excess overflow will discharge to Pond B. For added safety, Pond A can be divided into two compartments – one compartment to receive TSF decant water that may be contaminated with CN and the other compartment to receive surface runoff. • Pond B will be located southeast of TSF3. Just like Pond A, it can be divided into two compartments. One compartment will receive potentially contaminated TSF decant water; the other will receive surface runoff and water pumped out from the open pit. Pond B will have a spillway to release excessive inflow into the Dayano Creek. • Pond C, to be built southeast of the open pit, will contain runoff from the eastern side of the pit and from the main waste rock dump. It will be provided with sediment traps upstream and with a spillway into the Dayano Creek. Supernatant water from the TSF will be pumped either to the process plant, Pond A or Pond B. From Pond A or Pond B, excess decant water will flow into the Dayano Creek. Testworks indicate that the process tailings are fine‐grained with approximately 30 % to 37 % of the sample as clay (finer than 2μm), 60 to 65% as silt (2 to 75 μm), and 2 to 5 % sand fraction. The problem with clay and the fine silt is that they will not settle to the pond bottom. Thus, they will remain suspended in the supernatant water and likely flow out into Dayano Creek. One control measure successfully applied to the filtration of waste materials with high water content and high percentage of fine particles passing 74 μm is the geotextile tube. A geotextile tube is constructed by sewing one or more layers of permeable but soiltight geotextiles together to form a container that will retain a saturated material. The material may come from a variety of sources such as mining operations, waterway dredging, wastewater treatment facilities, paper mills, and agricultural and industrial sites. During filling, the geotextile tube is pressurized with the soil‐water mixture, allowing discharge of the liquid through the fabric pores but retaining the solid particles. The result is a “soil sausage” with lower water content and high percent solids. The shear strength of the solids will increase with time making them suitable for use as a construction material (Moo‐Young et al., undated). Photo 3‐25. A typical layout of geotextile tubes in a construction site. To evaluate factors affecting the filtration and dewatering capacity of geotextile tubes, Moo‐Young et al. (undated) conducted pressure filtration tests on five (5) different types of high‐water content materials. The tests results showed filtration efficiencies in excess of 90 %. Thus, although most of the solid particles in the January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐23 materials have a grain size much smaller than the apparent opening size of the geotextiles, the geotextiles still retain a very high percentage of the solids. The workers concluded that the mechanism of filtration depended on the porous structure of the geotextile and the formation of a filter cake inside the geotextile. In turn, the latter depended on sludge properties such as porosity, viscosity, and specific gravity; geotextile hydraulic properties; flow condition, and filtration pressure. Apart from filtration efficiencies, the other advantages of geotextile tubes are: • They are not a mechanical device. Hence, they will not break down or malfunction like a centrifuge, belt press, or vacuum or drum filter. • Tubes can be used for short‐term or permanent containment. • They can be stacked to minimize space requirements and maximize storage capacity. Geotextile tubes should be installed downslope of Pond B, immediately prior to the Dayano Creek discharge. • Process plant commissioning – This entails a series of test runs and instrumentation checks within the gold process plant to ensure physical integrity, optimality of operating parameters, and smooth functioning of the various plan components. Figures 3‐15 and 3‐16 are the gold cyanidation flowsheet and piping and instrumentation diagram for the CN detoxification, respectively. The chemicals to be used are lime, hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium cyanide (NaCN), copper sulfate (CuSO4), sodium metabisulfite (SMBS), and activated carbon. Of these chemicals, five (5) have significant hazard ratings. Table 3‐3. Chemicals with significant hazard ratings NFPA H a z a r d R a t I n g s Chemical Health Flammability Reactivity Contact CuSO4 2 0 0 ‐‐‐ NaCN 3 0 2 3 NaOH 3 0 1 3 HCl 3 0 2 3 SMBS 2 0 1 3 Notes: NFPA is National Fire Protection Association. A hazard rating of “0” means no hazard; a rating of “4” means extreme hazard. Sources: MSDS of chemicals. Figure 3‐17 is the Gantt chart of Project construction activities. Operation • Open pit mining – RSG’s pit development plan provides for batter angles of 55.5o to 63o for the east wall and o o o o o 63 to 63.5 for all other walls. The overall angles are 40 for the north wall, 44 for the east wall, 41 for the south wall, and 44o for the west wall. The basic sequence of mining involves drilling for blast holes, blasting, loading, and hauling. Diesel hydraulic rigs will drill 6m deep 89 to 102‐mm diameter holes at grids of 4 m by 4 m. Blasting will use ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil. For watery holes, waterproof explosives such as emulsion are used. Blasting is in 5‐m lifts and excavation is in 2.5‐m intervals using hydraulic backhoes. Diesel hydraulic backhoes with a bucket size of 5.7 lcm will load the waste and ore into articulated trucks. The trucks will bring the ore to the ROM pad beside the process plant. January 2009 Source : GRC bmp Gantt chart of Project construction activities EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3-17 Figure No. 3‐24 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 3‐3 shows the planned material movements at the open pit. Figure 3‐18 is the annual pit cross‐ sections. Table 3‐4. Planned open pit material movements Mined Unit Total ‐1 1 2 3 4 5 Waste Kbcm 9,034 3,991 3,347 835 1,551 233 277 Ore Kbcm 1,288 3 231 317 306 297 135 LG Kbcm 1 Total Kbcm 10,322 3,993 3,578 1,152 857 530 212 Waste Kt 22,600 10,052 8,476 2,012 1,317 561 181 Total Kt 25,710 10,059 9,053 2,775 2,049 1,276 498 Ore Kt 3,110 7 577 763 731 716 317 Ore Au g t‐1 3.41 2.64 3.12 3.48 3.53 3.64 2.96 Ore Ag g t‐1 8.71 13.96 15.78 9.6 6.09 6.52 5.53 LG Kt 1 1 1 LG Au g t‐1 1.22 1.19 1.23 LG Ag g t‐1 24.2 30.11 22.4 Source: RSG Notes: 1. The numbers in the column headings are in years. 2. LG is low‐grade ore recovered from SURICON’s low grade stockpiles. • Pit water management – During pit operation, groundwater inflows into the pit, estimated at 5.9 GL annually, and pressures on the pit walls have to be managed. GRC will install five (5) dewatering bores outside of the pit perimeter to the east. Two (2) bores are sited in the southeast through the karstic limestone, three (3) bores are in the eastern pit wall. The limestone bores are equipped with 50 L s‐1 submersible pump each; the eastern bores with 17 L s‐1 submersible pump each. Siting of the boreholes was based on the open fractures or cavities inferred from core images, geotechnical logs, and lithology logs. Apart from the groundwater inflows, 1.06 GL of rainfall is expected annually. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and March. GRC’s pit water management plan provides for the pump‐out of rainwater over a 3‐month period at 0.6 GL monthly which is equivalent to a minimum of 230 L s‐1. For the remaining nine (9) months, the pumping rate is a minimum of 115 L s‐1. GRC will put up a static booster slurry pump at ‐ 50 RL to receive pit water from a pontoon mounted slurry pump. A duplicate system will provide 100 % back up in case of failure. Sumps will be established in the waste in the pit floor as mining progresses deeper to provide surge capacity. The two (2) pumps in series will be linked telemetrically. • Gold cyanidation ‐ The main steps of the process are crushing, grinding, gravity concentration, CIL, carbon elution, carbon regeneration, and gold recovery (Figure 3‐15). Ore from the ROM pad is reclaimed by a front‐end loader and fed to a 70‐t ROM bin. The bin has a grizzly with 700 mm opening and provided with a variable speed apron feeder. From the crusher, the ore goes to the semi‐autogenous grinding (SAG) mill and then through a cyclone. The cyclone overflow passes through a screen for removal of the coarse particles. Spray water is applied to the screen deck. The screen underflow gravitates to a centrifugal concentrator for recovery of the coarse free gold particles. The concentrator tails and screen overflow are returned to the mill feed chute. January 2009 Pit cross section, west to east - Year 1 Pit cross section, west to east - Year 2 Pit cross section, west to east - Year 3 Pit cross section, west to east - Year 4 Pit cross section, west to east - Year 5 Pit cross section, south to north - Year 1 Pit cross section, south to north - Year 2 Pit cross section, south to north - Year 3 Pit cross section, south to north - Year 4 Pit cross section, south to north - Year 5 Source : RSG bmp Annual pit cross sections EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3-18 Figure No. EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐25 At the CIL section, gold and other precious metals from the ore are dissolved, collected, and separated for purification. The cyclone overflow gravitates to one of six (6) agitated CIL tanks. Flow is sequential through the six (6) tanks with the cyanide solution in contact with the counter‐current flowing activated carbon stream. The carbon, which is called “loaded carbon” because it is laden with gold and silver values, is collected through screens. Using diluted sodium hydroxide and cyanide, the loaded carbon is stripped of its values. The pregnant solution passes through electrowinning cells where the metallic elements adhere as precipitate. The stripped carbon is activated in a kiln. Photo 3‐26. A cyanide SO ‐air detoxification circuit (AM 2 King Industries, Inc.) • Cyanide detoxification using a two‐reactor single stage SO ‐Air process ‐ The carbon safety screen underflow, 2 i.e., tailings, will report to the first of two cyanide detoxification reactors. At the reactor, the slurry will react with sodium metabisulfite and CuSO4 solutions. Air is sparged into the reactor and the slurry pH maintained at 10 with the addition of lime slurry. Figure 3‐16 is the piping and instrumentation diagram of the cyanide detoxification circuit. • Operation and maintenance of TSF and waste rock dump ‐ During the normal operation of the TSFs, tailings will discharge via HDPE delivery pipelines at a nominal solids content of 32.5 % by mass from the perimeter embankment. A beach surface that grades downward towards the center of the facility will be formed. Supernatant water will be collected from the TSFs by decants located near the dividing embankment and pumped either to the process plant, Pond A or Pond B. • Implementation of EPEP and SDMP. • Periodic review of the FMRDP. Underground Mining Pre‐construction • Exploration – This will involve the driving of additional diamond drill holes within the target stoping block down to ‐400 m RL for detailed ore reserve assessment following the JORC code. • Detailed hydrogeology and geotechnical studies – These studies will focus on the target blocks and the overlying rocks, particularly, with respect to faulting, weathering, groundwater, hydrothermal alterations, and intrusions by dikes, stocks, and sills. The objectives are prediction of subsidence and hydrological impacts and formulation of control measures. January 2009 3‐26 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Feasibility study – The ore reserve assessment, hydrogeology, and geotechnical studies will determine the mining plan. Based on the plan, the capital and operating requirements and costs over the mine life are estimated. The feasibility of the operating scenario in terms of net present value and discounted cash flow rate of return on investment is computed. • Detailed engineering ‐ This covers the preparation of detailed engineering design to implement the best option determined in the definitive feasibility study. • Procurement – All services, equipment, reagents, supplies and materials needed by the underground mine and identified during the detailed engineering are acquired. Construction • Development of portal and declines – Based on RSG’s initial plan, access to the underground workings is through a 1V:7H decline with portal at ‐100 m RL, i.e., 50 m above the ultimate pit floor and 150 m below the pit crest on the main pit ramp to the eastern side (Figure 3‐19). The opening is 4.5 m x 4.5 m to accommodate articulated trucks. • Installation of electrical substation – The substation will power the lighting, ventilation, and other requirements of the underground mine. • Driving of waste and ore levels and ventilation raises – RSG’s initial mining plan is for stoping blocks at 10 m interval on strike and on 25‐m sublevels to achieve a minimum annual production rate of 300,000 t. For smooth operations, waste and ore levels and ventilation raises need to be driven. • Construction of fill batch plant – RSG proposes filling of the stoping voids with a combination of waste material, mill tailings, and cement. A fill batch plant may have to be installed near the underground workings. • Installation of flotation circuits at process plant – To recover the copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the deeply‐seated ore, two (2) flotation circuits will be installed in series after the gravity circuit (Figure 3‐20). The first circuit, a Cu‐Pb flotation circuit, will use SMBS and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) to depress the Zn minerals. Gold in the Cu‐Pb concentrate will be dissolved using intensive cyanidation and extracted from solution in the gold room. The Cu‐Pb concentrate is sold to smelters. The second circuit, Zn flotation, will accept the Cu‐Pb flotation tailings. The Zn minerals are activated using CuSO . The Zn concentrate containing 53 % Zn and 7 % Fe will be sold to an overseas smelter. The Zn 4 flotation tailings will flow to the CIL circuit used for the treatment of open pit ores. Table 3‐5 lists the flotation chemicals with significant hazard ratings. Table 3‐5. Chemicals with significant hazard ratings NFPA H a z a r d R a t I n g s Chemical Health Flammability Reactivity Contact Aerophie 3418A 2 1 0 0 Promoter MIBC Frother 2 2 0 0 ZnSO 1 0 1 2 4 Notes: NFPA is National Fire Protection Association. A hazard rating of “0” means no hazard; a rating of “4” means extreme hazard. Sources: MSDS of chemicals January 2009 bmp EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3-19 Underground mining conceptual plan Figure No. 300,000 tpa Gravity Tail Copper / Lead Zinc To Carbon-in-leach SAG Mill Circuit 299,700 tpa Flotation 296,700 Flotation 283,700 tpa 2.6 %Zn 0.1 %Cu 0.1 %Pb Concentrate Concentrate Concentrate 300 tpa 3,000 tpa 13,000 tpa 1000 g/t 7 %Cu 53 %Zn 9 %Pb 25 %Zn 500 g/t Au Intensive Solution Gold Room Cyanidation Solids Thickener Thickener Filter Filter Transported to Port Transported to Port Sold to smelter Sold to smelter Source : GRC bmp Additional Cu-Pb and Zn flotation circuit EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3-20 Figure No. EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐27 • Implementation of the EPEP and SDMP. Operation • Mining by up‐hole benching or other suitable technique – Up‐hole benching involves the development of strike drives to the extent of mineralization, then retreating back to a central pillar by drilling and blasting up holes between levels. Mineralization that is not easily recovered by remote loading on the level is exposed on the level below as mining progresses downwards. In narrow areas of the orebody, hand‐held stoping methods may be employed. The feasibility study will finalize the underground mining method. • Void filling – GRC is evaluating two (2) options for void filling – cemented hydraulic fill or paste fill. Cemented hydraulic fill has the advantage of less cement than paste fill but it needs time to drain water and cure and requires pumping capacity. Paste fill uses more cement and is expensive; however, it requires no drainage and cures quickly in 30 days. • Flotation and gold cyanidation. • Cyanide detoxification. • Implementation of EPEP and SDMP. • Periodic review of the FMRDP. Abandonment The activities spelled out in the FMRDP will be implemented at this stage. These include: • Removal of unused reagents and wastes – This will involve the haul out of unused reagents in the reagent storage and process plant areas, oil and chemical spills, and wastes. • Dismantling of plant structures – Plant structures that will not fit the post‐mining land use and those that will not be needed by the barangays will be dismantled. The associated cables, pipes, concrete masonry, storage tanks, equipment and structures are removed as well. • Re‐flooding of pit and underground workings and drying of TSFs – During mine closure, the pit and underground workings will accumulate water. This will benefit the Philippine Duck reproduction. For long‐ term stability, the TSFs will be dried. • Recontouring and drainage works – Consistent with the post‐mining land use, the cleared mining areas, including the dried tailings, will be recontoured. Subsequently, a new sustainable drainage network is established and the hardstands deep ripped. The slope, surface, and drainage modifications must suit the minimum FoSs and design rainfall during closure. • Spread of topsoil or soil reconditioning and revegetation – Available topsoil will be spread over the recontoured surfaces. Alternatively, subsoil reconditioned with compost or any other suitable materials established during the field revegetation trials may be used. Endemic floral species are planted. • Retrenchment package and labor support programs – These comprise the employee benefits and programs which GRC will provide during or before mine closure. The labor support programs include job search, employee re‐training, and entrepreneurial skills development. • Transfer of social assets – The social assets which may be transferred by GRC to the community, subject to future discussions, include water supply and electricity. January 2009 3‐28 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Wastes, Issues, and Control Measures Table 3‐6. Wastes, issues, and control measures by Project phase Associated Wastes Environmental/Social Issues or Project Phase Activities/Environmental Aspects Risks Pollution Control Measures Type Generation Rate Estimated Volume ‐1 All phases Maintenance of accommodations, Domestic solid waste 0.5 kg person‐day 91 t pa for 500 Visual aesthetics and foul smell • Waste segregation mess hall, and offices people • Composting 57 t pa for 312 • Landfill east of the open pit near the waste rock people dump 3 3 Sewage 75,000 m pa 75,000 m Visual aesthetics, foul smell, Bacteriological sewage treatment system, (construction) water‐borne diseases preferably BioMAX 3 3 Sewage (operations) 48,300 m pa 240,000 m 3 Ground clearings, excavations, and Surface runoff and 2.5 m rainfall excess pa 6 million m surface Turbidity of washing, bathing, and Stormwater and sediment control system consisting grading at the process plant area, suspended runoff pa irrigation water of: mine services area, access and haul sediments Flooding • Diversion bunds to convey runoff from the roads, open pit, waste rock dump, Sedimentation of ricefields eastern highlands away from the minesite either and TSFs Effects on fishes to the north of the waste rock dump or to the south of the pit into Dayano Creek. • Drainage channels, sediment traps, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes for the dirty water from the waste rock dumps, mine workings, and process plant area Dust To be estimated in the Nuisance • Water sprays air quality impacts Respiratory diseases • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zones modeling Noise To be estimated in the Nuisance • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zones noise impacts • Less noisy and shielded equipment modeling 3 3 Operation and maintenance of Used oil 91 m pa 91 m Visual aesthetics • Oil‐water separator at mine fleet maintenance plant and equipment (construction) Non‐suitability of water for area Used oil (operations) 52.4 to 1.7 m3 3 washing and bathing • Oil drip trays at fuel storage and dispensation pa 106 m Destruction of aquatic habitats • Used oil collection, storage, and disposition January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐29 Associated Wastes Environmental/Social Issues or Project Phase Activities/Environmental Aspects Risks Pollution Control Measures Type Generation Rate Estimated Volume ‐1 3 ‐1 Construction Pit dewatering Pumped out water 780 L s over 6 months 11.6 million m of Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Controlled discharge to a maximum of 780 L s and suspended water irrigation water • Monitoring and control of pumping and sediments Flooding discharge during high rainfall periods Sedimentation of ricefields • Sediment trap, settling pond, and geotextile Effects on fishes tubes • Opening of irrigation dam Pit development and build‐up of Waste rocks – NAF 4.1 million bcm pa 4.1 million bcm Visual aesthetics • The main waste rock dump northeast of the pit waste rock dump and TSFs and minor PAF Space to accommodate waste with capacity of 9.6 million lcm rock dumps • Waste rock dump southwest of the pit ramp exit Physical stability of waste rock with a capacity of 0.3 million lcm dump • Both dumps designed with batter angles of 30o and 10‐m to 15‐m berms at varying vertical intervals. • 1 million bcm of waste rocks to be used as borrow materials for the TSFs • Classification of waste rocks into PAF and NAF and placement of materials in a manner to prevent acid generation • Staggered placement of clay‐rich materials into the main waste rock dump 2.5 m excess rainfall pa 2.6 million m3 Pit, waste rock pa Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Diversion bunds for clean water from the dump, and TSF irrigation water eastern highlands runon and AMD • Pit dewatering bores and pumping suspended Flooding • Drainage channels, sediment traps, settling sediments Sedimentation of ricefields ponds, and geotextile tubes for the dirty water Effects on fishes • Regular monitoring of Pond A and B TSF decant water quality prior to discharge and pH treatment at the pond if required January 2009 3‐30 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Associated Wastes Environmental/Social Issues or Project Phase Activities/Environmental Aspects Risks Pollution Control Measures Type Generation Rate Estimated Volume Plant commissioning Reagent spills – Should be insignificant The eight (8) listed chemicals have The Project will employ a physical system that will CuSO , NaCN, NaOH, significant hazard ratings with prevent and fully contain the escape of chemicals to 4 HCL, SMBS, respect to health, flammability, the environment from their delivery to site down Aerophine, MIBC, reactivity, and contact. to the disposition of wastes or residues: ZnSO4 • Sturdy packaging and bulk containers • Delivery by experienced and well‐equipped personnel • Under‐cover, well‐placarded, and bunded storage areas with a holding capacity equal to 100 % of the aggregate storage capacity • Storage areas are segregated considering the 1 incompatibilities of the various chemicals. • Events pond to contain chemical spills Tailings 40,000 t 40,000 t Physical and chemical • Tailings will go through a CN detoxification degradation of streams, ricefields, circuit prior to discharge to the TSF and lake • TSF is engineered for seismic and Human health and safety hydrometeorological risks Underground development works Groundwater inflow Volume of water for Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Diversion bunds for clean water from the and suspended handling to be irrigation water eastern highlands sediments estimated during the AMD • Pit dewatering bores and pumping hydrogeology and Flooding • Drainage channels, sediment traps, settling geotechnical studies Effects on fishes ponds, and geotextile tubes for the dirty water for underground mining • Regular monitoring of Pond A and B TSF decant water quality prior to discharge and pH treatment at the pond if required January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐31 Associated Wastes Environmental/Social Issues or Project Phase Activities/Environmental Aspects Risks Pollution Control Measures Type Generation Rate Estimated Volume Operations Open pit/underground mining and Waste rocks – NAF 2.2 million to 0.06 4.6 million bcm Visual aesthetics • The main waste rock dump northeast of the pit waste rock dump build‐up and minor PAF – million bcm pa Space to accommodate waste with capacity of 7.9 million bcm from the open pit rock dumps • Waste rock dump southwest of the pit ramp exit Physical stability of waste rock with a capacity of 0.8 million bcm dump • 1 million bcm of waste rocks to be used as borrow materials for the TSFs • Classification of waste rocks into PAF and NAF and placement of materials in a manner to prevent acid generation • Staggered placement of clay‐rich materials at the main waste rock dump Waste rocks from Volume is much Use of waste rocks to fill stoping voids. The storage underground smaller compared to of any excess waste rocks to be finalized during the that of the open pit. feasibility study. Volume to be estimated during the feasibility study for underground mining 3 Pit and waste rock 2.5 m excess rainfall pa 1.6 million m pa Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Diversion bunds for clean water from the dump runon and irrigation water eastern highlands suspended AMD • Drainage channels, sediment traps, settling sediments Flooding ponds, and geotextile tubes for the dirty water Sedimentation of ricefields • Regular monitoring of plant feed water pond quality prior to discharge and pH treatment at the pond if required Groundwater inflow To be estimated during Turbidity of washing, bathing, and Pit dewatering, pumping, and treatment of water in and suspended the hydrogeology and irrigation water the plant feed water pond. The scheme will be solids geotechnical studies AMD finalized during the feasibility study for for underground Flooding underground mining. mining Sedimentation of ricefields January 2009 3‐32 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Associated Wastes Environmental/Social Issues or Project Phase Activities/Environmental Aspects Risks Pollution Control Measures Type Generation Rate Estimated Volume Operation of gold cyanidation plant Reagent spills – Should be insignificant The five (5) listed chemicals have Project’s physical system for chemicals (combined with flotation plant NaOH, CuSO , HCl, significant hazard ratings with 4 subsequently) diesel, NaCN respect to health, flammability, reactivity, and contact. Operation and maintenance of TSFs Tailings from open 750,000 t to 82,000 t 3 million t Physical and chemical • Tailings will go through a CN detoxification pit pa degradation of streams, ricefields, circuit prior to discharge to the TSF and lake • TSF is engineered for seismic and hydrometeoro‐ Human health and safety logical risks Tailings from 300,000 t pa Roughly 1.5 million t TSF for underground mining operations will be underground designed during the feasibility study. 3 TSF supernatant For TSF3, 295,250 m Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Supernatant water will be collected from the water during open pa to Pond B irrigation water TSFs by decants supplied with power and pump pit mining 3 to deliver the water either to the process plant For TSF4, 122,710 m Heavy metals in suspended clays pa to Pond A of supernatant water or Ponds A and B The total volume of • For seepage and stability control, water held on supernatant recovered storage in the TSFs is kept to a minimum. by the process plant is • Geotextile tubes filter the supernatant before 1.25 million m3 pa. discharge to Dayano Creek. Abandonment Closure of operations Wastes, structures To be estimated during Wastes • Haul out of wastes and unnecessary structures, and ancillaries that the preparation of the Non‐blending of structures with equipment, and ancillaries do not fit with the Final Mine background • Drying of tailings pond post‐mining land use Rehabilitation and Turbidity of washing, bathing, and • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, Surface runoff and Decommissioning Plan irrigation water recontouring, deep ripping, soil conditioning, suspended sediment (FMRDP) Nuisance dust and respiratory and revegetation Dust ailments Notes: 1. NaCN and SMBS are incompatible with acids and oxidizers. Thus, HCl needs to be stored farther away. HCl is also incompatible with NaOH. Thus, it is stored separately from the acid and two different collecting sumps are maintained for the two chemicals. ZnSO is incompatible with calcium and hydroxides. Hence, these substances are separated by a distance in the storage area. 4 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐33 MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS Based on the agreement among the Barangay Captains, 95 % of total unskilled employment generated by the Project will come from the six (6) direct and indirect impact barangays. The indirect impact barangays of Magpayang, del Rosario, and Pongtud will provide 10 % each. The direct impact barangays of Dayano, Siana, and Cawilan will get 18 %, 23 %, and 25 % of the total employment, respectively. During construction, it is expected that about 700 employees, both GRC‐hired and contractor‐based, will be required. The number of GRC‐hired employees will build up to about 350 during the latter part of the construction. During operations, the total number of GRC employees is estimated at 500. As shown in Figure 3‐21, the Operations Manager will be responsible for all Project site activities. He will be assisted by a Manager for Mining, Manager for Processing, and Manager for Administration. An Environment and Community Manager will be responsible for the Project’s environmental and community commitments. He will be assisted by an Environmental Engineer who will also act as the Project’s Pollution Control Officer (PCO). The Project’s safety and health concerns will be handled by a Safety and Health Manager. The Environment and Community Manager and Safety and Health Manager will report to the Manager for Administration. Table 3‐7 lists the various positions required by the Project excluding exploration and additional laborers. Table 3‐7. GRC’s manpower requirements Division/Position Development Operation Operations manager 1 1 Secretary 1 1 Receptionist 1 1 Administration Clerk 2 2 Health and safety manager 1 1 Secretary – Health and safety 1 1 Safety officer 1 1 Security guards 40 40 Doctor 1 1 Dentist 1 1 Nurses 3 3 Environment and community manager 1 1 Secretary – Environment and community 1 1 Environmental engineer and PCO 1 1 Community relations officer 4 4 Nursery labourer 4 4 Rehabilitation labourer 4 4 Human resources manager 1 1 Human resources officer 1 1 Laborer – Cleaner 6 6 Commercial manager 1 1 Secretary – Commercial 1 1 Accountant 2 2 January 2009 GREENSTONE RESOURCES CORPORATION BOARD Managing Director SITE BASED E = Expatriate Position Operations Manager (E) Operations Manager Manager Mining (E) Manager Processing (E) Manager Administration Secretary Mining Manager Manager Manager Processing (E) Administration Processing Secretary Clerk Secretarial Pit Operations Technical MTCE Services Contractor Safety & Environment Human Health & Community Resources Receptionist Commercial Superintendent Manager Manager Manager Admin Clerk Manager Superintendent Laboratory Senior Process Process (E) Supervisor Metallurgist Maintenance (E) Secretary Mine Foreman Contractor Rep Plant Plant Secretary Community Human Secretary Supervisors Chemist Metallurgist / Typist relations Resources / Typist Maintenance Maintenance Officers Officer Supervisor Planner Safety Workshop Loader Sample Officer Secretary Labourer - Accountant Date Clerk Shift Supervisors Crews / Typist Cleaner Operators Preparers Security Environmental Payroll Crushing Analytical Instrument Guard Engineer Operators Technician Technician Senior Mine Senior Dentist Commercial Plant Operators Planning Engineer Mine Geologist Milling Clerk Operators Filter Nursery Labourer Doctor Tenements CIL Electrician Officer Operators Rehabilitation Pit Crews Labourer Procurement Goldroom Boilermaker Nurses Officer Junior Drill & Blast Geotech Surveyor Operators /Welder Engineers Engineer Engineer Expediter Reagents Maintenance Operators Labourer Labourers Senior Tailings Cleaners Storeperson Operators Drilling Blasting Survey Plant Day Store Contractor Contractor Assistants Crew Labourer bmp Organizational chart EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3-21 Figure No. 3‐34 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Division/Position Development Operation Payroll 1 1 Commercial clerk 3 3 Tenements officer 1 1 Procurement officer 2 2 Officer – expediter 1 1 Senior Storeperson 1 1 Stores labourer 6 6 Total Administration 95 95 Mining manager 1 1 Secretary 1 1 Data clerk 2 2 Mine foreman 1 1 Senior mine geologist 1 1 Mine geologist 3 3 Senior planning engineer 1 1 Geotechnical engineer 1 1 Drill and blast engineer 1 1 Senior surveyor 1 1 Surveyor 1 1 Survey assistants 6 6 Junior geologists 4 4 Junior engineers 4 4 Sampler/spotter 12 12 Shift supervisor 3 3 Excavator operator 6 6 Truck operator 36 36 Dozer operator 6 6 Grader operator 3 3 Water truck operator 3 3 Pump crew 10 10 Service crew 6 6 General labor / timber pickers 14 14 Maintenance tyres 4 4 Crane operator 3 3 Total Mining 134 134 Processing manager 1 1 Secretary/receptionist 1 1 Clerk 1 1 Senior metallurgist 1 1 Metallurgist 1 1 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐35 Division/Position Development Operation Process superintendent 1 1 Plant supervisor 1 4 Loader operators 1 4 Crusher operators 2 8 Mill operators 2 8 CIL operators 2 8 Goldroom operators 2 2 Reagent operators 2 2 Tailings operators 1 4 Day crew 1 4 Chemist 1 4 Laboratory supervisor 1 1 Analytical technician 1 1 Sample preparation 1 4 Process maintenance superintendent 1 1 Maintenance supervisor 1 2 Planner maintenance 1 1 Instrument technician 1 1 Fitters 1 4 Electricians 1 4 Boilermaker/welder 1 3 Maintenance labourer 1 4 Maintenance cleaner 1 3 Total Processing 33 83 Source: GRC and Intermet PROJECT COST The Project’s total capital cost, excluding underground mining and the flotation circuits, is estimated at US $ 60 million. Table 3‐8 breaks down the capital cost estimate. Table 3‐8. Capital cost estimate for the Siana Gold Project Particulars US $ PhP (at PhP 45 = US$ 1) Plant and Infrastructures Process plant 17,255,534 776,499,030 Buildings 1,477,077 66,468,465 Mobile equipment 566,000 25,470,000 Site earthworks 388,547 17,484,615 Tailings dam (geotextile and liner) 400,000 18,000,000 January 2009 3‐36 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Particulars US $ PhP (at PhP 45 = US$ 1) Transportation 524,400 23,598,000 Site cost 499,747 22,488,615 Sub‐total 21,111,304 950,008,680 Indirect Costs 10,067,105 453,019,725 Pre‐Production Mining capital (including TSF construction) 5,713,932 257,126,940 Mining pre‐production 11,573,162 520,792,290 Plant pre‐production labor and administration 766,330 34,484,850 Owner costs 2,199,000 98,955,000 Working capital 969,570 43,630,650 Miscellaneous capital 2,020,754 90,933,930 Sub‐total 23,242,748 1,045,923,660 Project Contingency 5,442,116 244,895,220 Total Project Capital Cost 59,863,274 2,693,847,330 Source: GRC and Intermet The Mining capital cost included under Pre‐production covers the following: • Pre‐mining labor to set up pit operations valued at US $ 225,874 (PhP 10,164,330) • Fleet‐related purchases (excluding leased equipment) at $ 3,584,450 (PhP 161,300,250) • Dewatering of flooded pit at $ 426,886 (PhP 19,209,870) • TSF3 stage 1 construction at $ 1,099,910 (PhP 49,495,950) • Sub‐contractor establishment at $ 350,000 (PhP 15,750,000) • Diversion channels at $ 26,832 (PhP 1,207,440). Owner costs include costs for project management, engineering consultants, site administration, and equipment needs during final design phase and construction: • TSF at US $ 255,000 (PhP 11,475,000) • Environmental reviews at $ 56,000 (PhP 2,520,000) • Financial, tax, and corporate expenses at $ 75,000 (PhP 3,375,000) • Mine final design at $ 90,000 (PhP 4,050,000) • Engineering and construction project management at $ 1,040,900 (PhP 46,840,500) • Project services at Perth and site at $ 184,100 (PhP 8,284,500) • Operations computing hardware and software at $ 110,000 (PhP 4,950,000) January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3‐37 • Workshop tools and benches at $ 150,000 (PhP 6,750,000) • Training hardware and construction first aid at $ 100,000 (PhP 4,500,000) • Vendor representatives commissioning at $ 50,000 (PhP 2,250,000) and • Miscellaneous minor items at $ 88,000 (PhP 3,960,000). Miscellaneous capital covers the following: • Major legal costs that include financing of due diligence studies and documentation, purchase of access road and resettlement land, permitting costs, and disbursements such as Philippine and Australian stamp duty on bank loan agreements valued at US $ 1,079,232 (PhP 48,565,440). $ 40,850 (PhP 1,838,250) and $ 16,700 (PhP 751,500) are for the purchase of access road and resettlement land, respectively. • Environment and community cost at $ 268,532 (PhP 12,083,940) for new housing for families for resettlement. • Geology cost at $ 20,663 (PhP 929,835). • Geotechnical cost for instrumentation for stability monitoring at $ 287,719 (PhP 12,947,355). • Hydrogeology cost at $ 22,209 (PhP 999,405). • Financial costs for bank review of feasibility study and engineering, procurement, and construction monitoring at $ 229,443 (PhP 10,324,935) • Opportunities and threats at $ 112,957 (PhP 5,083,065) for additional risk assessment, security matters, and insurance at $ 112,957 (PhP 5,083,065). The total Project capital cost of US $ 59,863,274 (PhP 2,693,847,330) excludes subsequent capital expenditures which total US$ 3,092,200 (PhP 139,149,000) detailed in Table 3‐9. Table 3‐9. Post‐commissioning capital estimates Capital Cost Total Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Sustaining US $235,000 45,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 10,000 PhP 10,575,000 2,025,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 2,700,000 4,500,000 Replacement 496,000 124,000 124,000 124,000 124,000 22,320,000 5,580,000 5,580,000 5,580,000 5,580,000 TSF 1,861,200 723,800 1,137,400 83,754,000 32,571,000 51,183,000 Decommissioning 200,000 200,000 9,000,000 9,000,000 Rehabilitation 300,000 300,000 13,500,000 13,500,000 Total 3,092,200 169,000 907,800 1,321,400 184,000 510,000 139,149,000 7,605,000 40,851,000 59,463,000 8,280,000 22,950,000 Source: GRC and Intermet January 2009 3‐38 EIS of the Siana Gold Project PROJECT DURATION AND SCHEDULE As discussed previously, the Project has four (4) phases, namely, pre‐construction, construction, operation, and closure and a total life of 12 years. The specific activities required for each phase are as follows: Pre‐Construction and Construction The activities for this phase are: • Environmental approvals and permitting – This covers, among others, the lodging and review of the Project’s EIS by the EMB and DENR; issuance of an ECC by the DENR; preparation and submission of an EPEP, SDMP, and FMRDP to the MGB; preparation and submission of a Project Feasibility Study to the MGB; approval by the MGB of the EPEP, SDMP, FMRDP, and Project Feasibility Study; conversion of the MPSA for exploration to MPSA for operation; and issuance by the EMB of chemicals permit, wastewater discharge permit, and permit to construct and operate air pollution sources. • Detailed engineering • Procurement and • Construction – The major activities are pit dewatering; roads, buildings, and earthworks; open pit development works; build‐up of waste rock dumps and TSFs; and process plant commissioning This phase is expected to last for one and a half (1.5) years. Operations The open pit and underground mining operations will last for ten (10) years. The estimated life of the open pittable mineral resource is five (5) years. On the third year of open pit operations, construction works for the underground mining will commence. Prior to commencement, GRC will have completed the pre‐construction works for the underground operations which include: • Exploration and ore reserve evaluation • Hydrogeology and geotechnical studies • Project feasibility study • Detailed engineering and • Procurement. Based on an initial assessment by RSG, the underground operations will lengthen the total project life to ten (10) years. Closure After the depletion of the underground reserve, GRC will implement the FMRDP. Mine closure activities are expected to consume a half year. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐1 4 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION THE LAND Land Classification and Use Methodology This entailed mainly the use of secondary data listed in Table 2‐4 and complemented by a site assessment in January 2005 and April 2008. Baseline Conditions Figure 4‐1 shows the land classification of the Siana Project site and vicinities based on NAMRIA’s Land Classification Map Nos. 689 and 1224. Superimposed on the land classification are the proposed facilities of the Project. As shown, the whole Project site together with the adjoining lands to the west is classified as alienable and disposable (A&D). Thus, claims or titles may be applied by private individuals over these lands for settlement, agricultural, and other production purposes except mining. Figure 4‐1 also shows the extent of land owned by Merrill Crowe Corporation (MCC). Except for some sections of the proposed main access road, chiefly from the National Highway to Magpayang River the proposed Project facilities fall inside MCC land. Lands far north of the Project are classified as part of Timberland Block D. Lands far south and to the southeast are “Unclassified Public Forest”. Presidential Decree No. (PD) 705 provides that no private claims for surface ownership may be made over these lands. Eastern portions of the MCC property but outside of the proposed Project site fall inside the unclassified public forest. The Project site and surroundings are inside the 2,024‐ha northern block of MPSA No. 184‐2002‐XIII which has been transferred to MCC. Through an Agreement dated 19 August 2005, MCC will transfer the MPSA to a Project company which will be owned 60 % by GRC. Figure 4‐2 is the actual land use of the Magpayang River catchment which includes the Project site as inferred from the Ikonos 2005 satellite image. The land use within the Project site and surroundings, roughly 0.5 km from the property line, shown in the Figure has been verified through a rapid field mapping in April 2008. The Project site is predominantly grassland. The minor exceptions are the ricelands west of the site and along the Magpayang River banks, the forests at the Timamana highlands to the east, and the coconut lands southeast of the property. Figure 4‐2 also shows the households of Brgy. Cawilan which are located inside or immediately adjacent to the MCC property, specifically SURICON’s main waste rock dump to the north, and the Brgy. Siana households southwest of the property and adjacent to Tailings dam 3. Gold small‐scale mining without permits is active at the waste rock dump and tailings pond areas. During the less rainy period, the number of small‐scale miners is usually less than ten (10). The number can double or triple during the rainy days. Near the southeastern end of Tailings dam 3, a gold CIL plant, non‐ existent in 2005, operates without a permit. January 2009 4‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Photo 4‐1. Materials at the waste rock dump are Photo 4‐2. The gold CIL plant southeast of Tailings mined, crushed, and the heavy fines dam 3. recovered in the sluice box and placed in sacks. There are no protected areas or sites of ecological, cultural, historic, and recreational significance within the Project site and immediate vicinities. About 6 km downslope of the site is Lake Mainit. Though not a protected area, the lake is rated very high in the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities (Ong et al., 2002). It is an important source of fisheries for the Municipalities of Mainit, Alegria, Kitcharao, and Jabongga. Impacts As shown in Figure 3‐1, portions of the Project site fall within Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod Municipality and Brgys. Siana and Dayano of Mainit Municipality. In Tubod’s 1999 Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan (MCLUP) and Mainit’s 2001 MCLUP, the approved use of the Project site is industrial. This is consistent with the proposed re‐development of the site for mining. Tubod presently classifies the proposed access road as agricultural. About 0.8 ha of the road alignment is planted to rice. After an ECC is issued to the Project, agricultural lands within the road right of way need to be reclassified for infrastructure use. Geology and Geomorphology Methodology The assessment relied largely on secondary data listed in Table 2‐4. The data were complemented by field mapping, interviews, and community timelining by the residents of the impact barangays. Baseline Conditions Geomorphology – Figure 4‐3 is the Landsat 7 Natural Color Image of Northern Mindanao. For the Project site and vicinities, there are three (3) main physiographic features: • NNW‐SSE trending predominantly andesitic ridge that parallels and is adjacent to the west coast of the Surigao Peninsula. Characterized by steep hillsides and narrow valleys, the peak is Mt. Malimono at the north with an elevation of 900 masl. Geomorphologically, this is a structural landform created by massive earth movements due to plate tectonics. The Philippine Fault Zone Surigao Segment marks the eastern edge of the landform. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐3 • Central portion marked by clusters of volcanic peaks and conical hills, some reaching 600 masl at the north, and the Lake Mainit basin down south. The deepest portion of the lake is at 219 mbsl. Geomorpologically, this is another structural landform. The Paco area northwest of the Project site, with a 2‐km diameter crater‐like depression, resembles a large conical volcanic edifice. Three (3) other depressions are discernible, namely, one in Capayahan and two others, which are probably explosion craters previously, are Lake Mahukdam and the small lake of Brgy. Silop. Mt. Binga, a prominent peak adjacent to Brgy. Binga, is a volcanic plug with slopes covered by coconut trees. Aligned with this plug in a roughly northwest direction are Masapelid Hill and Mt. Maragon‐ong. • Eastern portion which forms the northern extremity of the East Mindanao Ridge. The ridge is marked by gentle to moderate slopes on the western peripheries abruptly interrupted on the east by numerous irregular depressions typical of limestone areas. The maximum elevation is about 1600 masl at the south. The highlands north of the Lake Mainit catchment are separated by two (2) distinct narrow N‐S trending lowlands of the Mayag River valley to the west and Magpayang River valley to the east. Both are depositional landforms formed from the deposition of surface materials weathered and eroded from the limestone and andesitic ridges. The most productive agricultural lands in the area, they consist of the alluvial floodplains and the transitional upland fringe. The floodplains, which are areas on one or both sides of the stream channel that are inundated by floodwaters at some time, are planted to rice. The transitional upland fringe, a portion of the upland on one or both sides of the floodplain that serves as transitional zone or edge between the floodplain and the surrounding landscape, is planted to coconuts. The Project site is southeast of the Magpayang River catchment. As shown in Figure 4‐4, the Project site is bounded to the north and west by the low river terraces and floodplains of the Magpayang River. The western river terraces have an elevation of 40 to 45 masl and slope of 0 to 3 %. Eastward are the Timamana limestone hills with a local peak elevation of 400 masl and slopes in excess of 50 %. South of the site are the alluvial floodplains of the Magpayang River and Dayano Creek. Magpayang River and Dayano Creek are both meandering streams. Mining One (2007) believes that, based on the drillhole results, both streams are highly likely to have once passed the TSF western embankment and proposed Pond B footprint. The Project site, which is generally part of the transitional upland fringe, has a mean elevation of 50 masl and slopes of 8 to 18 %. The tailings elevation in the existing Tailings dam 1 varies between 43 to 45 masl, at Tailings dam 2 between 47 and 48 m, and at Tailings dam 3 between 51 and 53 m. The crest elevation of Tailings dam 1 varies from 47 to 49 masl; for Tailings dam 2, from 48 to 51 masl; and for Tailings dam 3, at roughly 55 masl. The old waste rock dumps adjacent to the open pit have elevations of 55 to 60 masl. Figure 4‐5 is the geomorphological map of the Magpayang River catchment. Regional Geology and Stratigraphy – Figure 4‐6 is the regional geology of northern Surigao. Figure 4‐7 is the stratigraphy inferred by the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (1981). GRC’s geological mapping indicates that the site is a mixed bedrock lithological package including interbedded coarse grained pebbly polymictic epiclastics, laminated algal limestones, semi‐massive to karstic limestones, sandstones, siltstones, mudstones, thin coal seams, and basalts. Mining One’s geotechnical investigation inferred the near surface deposits to be interbedded fluvial, alluvial and colluvial deposits overlying residual bedrock. The depth and sequence of the deposits vary considerably. January 2009 4‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐7. Regional stratigraphy Where SURICON had its facilities, a highly variable fill material is encountered. The material ranged from moderately dense gravel with varying quantities of cobbles, sands, silts, and firm to very stiff clays; tailings; stiff to very stiff clay with sand/silt and trace cobbles (fluvial sediments); alluvial/colluvial sediments; carbonaceous muds; residual soils; and extremely weathered volcanic rock, siltstone/sandstone, and moderately weathered to slightly weathered limestone. Structures and Geohazards – The Project site occurs in a complex tectonic region. As shown in Figure 4‐8, about 25 km west of the Project site is the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ). The PFZ is a predominantly strike‐slip fault which oftentimes displays components of normal and thrust type of faulting. It is about 1600 km long, extending from the Lingayen Gulf in Western Luzon and through the offshore Pujada Peninsula in southeastern Mindanao. It has been the site of many large historical earthquakes, i.e., M larger than 5, and more numerous moderate to small events. The 1879 Surigao s earthquake with magnitude M of 7.4 was attributed to the fault zone (Rimando, 1994). s Roughly 135 km eastward of the site is the Philippine Trench where the Philippine Sea Plate is being subducted. On the far west side, about 405 km, the seafloor of the Sulu Plate subducts along the Sulu Trench near the northwest side of Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Archipelago. Southwest of the site, the Celebes Sea Plate subducts near the west side of Central Mindanao along the Cotabato Trench and in Davao Gulf along the Davao Trench (Punongbayan, 1994). The major converging subduction zones framing Mindanao such as the Philippine Trench, Sulu Trench, and Cotabato Trench led to the formation of volcanic centers and complexes. Five (5) active volcanoes are within 200 km from the Project site. The most active, Mt. Hibok‐Hibok in Camiguin Island, is about 103 km west of the Project site (Martinez, 1994). Considering the distance, a Mt. Hibok‐Hibok eruption can bring ash fall to the Project site. Figure 4‐9 locates the epicenters of destructive earthquakes from 1608 to 2002. It also indicates the dates of occurrence, magnitude, and maximum intensity of the earthquakes. Within a 300‐km distance from the Project site, the earthquake with the strongest magnitude is the earthquake of 12 July 1911 with M of 7.7 and epicentre 67 km SE s January 2009 115° E 120° E 125° E N N 2000 Jul16; 6.4; VII ° ° 0 1744; 6.9; VI 0 2 2 A 1981 Nov22; 6.7; VIII 1627 Sep; 7.4; VII P E 1931 Mar19; 6.9; VIII 1619 Nov03; 8.4; IX H 1687 Sep19; 6.9; VI I 1983 Aug17; 6.5; VIII S L I 1897 Aug15; 7.9; VI 1688 Oct19; 7.4; VII P A 1721 Jan14; 7.4; VII 1892 May06; 7.9; VIII 1977 Mar19; 7.0; VIII P I N 1796 Nov05; 8.4; IX 1968 Aug02; 7.3; IX N I 1645 Nov30; 8.4; IX H 1970 Apr07; 7.3; IX E 1999 Dec12; 6.8; VII 1735 Dec25; 7.4; VII 1990 Jul16; 7.8; VIII 1880 Jul18; 7.4; VII 1828 Nov09; 6.9; VI 1658 Aug20; 6.9; VI S N C 1869 Oct11; 7.4; VII 1824 Oct26; 7.4; VII E N ° 1889 May26; 6.9; VI 1743 Jan12; 8.4; IX A ° 5 5 1 H 1840 Mar22; 7.4; VIII 1 T 1677 Dec07; 7.4; VII 1937 Aug20; 7.5; VIII 1830 Jan18; 7.4; VII U 1863 Jun03; 7.9; VIII 1982 Jan11; 7.1; VIII 1862 Mar04; 6.9; VI 1973 Mar17; 7.0; XI O 1852 Sep16; 7.9; VIII 1877 Jul06; 6.9; VI S 1994 Nov15; 7.0; VII 1907 Nov24; ?; X 1675 Jul; 6.9; VI 1925 Nov13; 7.3; IX 1750; 6.9; VI 1996 Jun12; 7.0; VI 1954 Jul02; 6.7; IX 1873 Nov14; 6.9; VI 1995 Apr21; 7.3; VII 1869 Aug16; 7.4; VII 1995 Apr21; 7.0; VI 1621 Dec; 7.9; VIII 1865 Oct19; 7.9; VIII 1787 May13; 7.9; VIII 1665 Mar25; 6.9; VI 1990 Jun14; 7.0; VII 1863 Sep27; 7.4; VII 1948 Jan25; 8.3; IX 1897 Oct19; 7.4; VII 1890 Feb07; 7.4; VII 1608 Dec03; 7.4; VIII N 1743; 6.9; VI N ° 1998 Feb11; 5.9; VII ° 0 0 1 1879 Jul01; 7.4; VII 1 1911 Jul12; 7.7; X 1887 Feb02; 7.4; VII 1929 Jun13; 7.2; X 1990 Feb08; 6.6; VII 1902 Aug21; ?; X 1955 Apr01; 7.5; X 1924 Aug30; 7.3; IX 1885 Jul23; 6.9; VI 1999 Jun07; 5.1; VII 1893 Jun21; 6.9; VI 1871 Dec08; 7.4; VII 1976 Aug17; 7.9; X 2001 Jan01; 7.2; VII 1897 Sep21; 7.9; VIII EA S 1924 Apr15; 8.3; IX U 2002 Mar06; 6.8; VII L SU 1918 Aug15; 8.3; X N N ° 1917 Jan31; ?; IX 1913 Mar14; 7.9; IX ° 5 5 CELEBES SEA 115° E 120° E 125° E Map Projection: LEGEND Longitude - Latitude Historical Earthquake Source : Instrumental Earthquake PHIVOLCS 2002 1897 Sep21 Date of Occurrence 100 0 100 8.4 Magnitude kilometers IX Maximum Intensity Project site EIS of the bmp Philippine significant earthquakes 1608 - 2002 Siana Gold Project 4-9 Figure No. EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐5 of the site. The earthquake wrought great havoc in many parts of Mindanao. It destroyed houses and felled many big trees. It caused massive landslides and tsunami which penetrated far inland (Mangao et al., 1994). Thenhaus et al. (1994) developed a probabilistic ground‐motion hazard model for the Philippines. Through this model, peak horizontal ground accelerations (PGA) that have a 10 % probability of being exceeded in 50 years have been estimated for rock, medium soil, and soft soil. From Figure 4‐10, the estimated peak ground accelerations for northern Mindanao range from 0.25 to 0.29g for rock, from 0.40 to 0.56 for medium soil, and from 0.70 to 0.80g for soft soil. SRC and ESS conducted a seismic hazard assessment specific to bedrocks at the Project site in 2006. They used seismicity data and geology to partition the study area into seismotectonic area source zones. Seven (7) source zones were modelled, namely, Philippine Trench mid, Philippine Trench south, Samar, Philippine Fault mid, Philippine Fault south, Negros‐Cebu, and Cotabato. Within each zone, earthquakes were assumed to be distributed uniformly with depth, up to 20 km for crustal earthquakes and up to 300 km for subduction zones. The long‐term level of earthquake activity was assumed to be uniform. A rate of activity was assigned to each zone based on the Gutenberg‐Richter seismicity recurrence equation. SRC and ESS then used the Atkinson and Boore (2003) attenuation function to estimate the PGA recurrence and uniform probability response spectral recurrence. The PGA for an OBE at a 1:500 year return period is estimated at 0.25g; the PGA for an MDE at a 1:10,000 year return period is 0.60g. Golder (2007) conducted a preliminary assessment of the liquefaction potential of the existing tailings and prepared process tailings sample using Fell et al.’s (2005) simplified model. They found that: • Existing tailings have a moderate to high in‐situ density and they will not liquefy. • Proposed tailings are susceptible to liquefaction, with the most recently placed (surficial) tailings at greatest risk. • Because of their high density and clay content, the foundation soils and embankment materials will not liquefy due to seismic loads. The NE corner of SURICON’s open pit failed in 1989. RSG (2007) attributes this to a combination of flat west dipping structures which daylighted in the slope, in conjunction with steep dipping cross cutting structures that transect the Siana orebody. The steep structures acted as release mechanisms for the failure and most probably as conduits for groundwater. Available evidence suggests that the flat west dipping structures are present throughout the east basalt. SURICON’s east wall did not fail due to the absence of release structures. Geochemistry ‐ Chemical analyses for heavy metals were undertaken on the waste rocks and process tailings and tailings slurry water samples through various sampling episodes. Table 4‐1 summarizes the results. The individual readings are shown in Table 8‐1. Table 4‐1. Chemical analyses of waste rocks and tailings Sample Episode As Cd Cr Cu Hg Pb Zn Waste rocks Tetra Tech 2003 20 ‐ 51 BDL ‐‐‐ 62 – 152 0.34 – 43 ‐ 142 108 ‐ 208 0.71 Waste rocks GRC various 1 ‐ 558 ‐‐‐ ‐‐‐ 6 – 1249 ‐‐‐ 2.5 – 779 10 – 1114 Tailings Tetra Tech 2003 233 ‐ 264 1 ‐ 3 184 ‐ 224 5.83 – 425 – 754 ‐ 19.49 1525 1371 Prepared process tailings GCA 2006 131 7 197 272 0.70 1126 1629 solids Prepared tailings GCA 2006 BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL BDL slurry water ‐1 Note: All metal readings are in mg kg . January 2009 Project Site . 2 .37 0 A E S U .40 L SU . 100 0 100 .43 40 .56 . kilometers MINDANAO 4 .34 0 .40 .18 .20 CELEBES SEA Peak Horizontal Ground Acceleration Amplitude for Medium Soil .25 Project Site Project Site .20 .80 .60 EA .29 .30 S U .2 SEA UL .22 5 . S U 70 .21 MINDANAO L .67 U . .20 S 0 .50 . 7 MINDANAO .5 6 0 0 .13 .60 .6 .56 .20 0 .10 .45 .40 .75 .20 .60 . .40 60 CELEBES SEA CELEBES SEA Peak Horizontal Acceleration Amplitude Peak Horizontal Ground Acceleration Amplitude for Soft Soil for Rock Source: Thenhaus et al., 1994 bmp Peak horizontal ground acceleration amplitudes for Northern Mindanao EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4-10 Figure No. 4‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Apart from the chemical analyses, acid‐base accounting of waste rock samples and laboratory prepared sample of process tailings and tailings slurry water was conducted. The waste rock tests found that for the major waste rocks, i.e., Domains 100 and 400, which comprise 60 %, only 13 to 15 % of the samples are PAF. For samples from Domain 600 which makes up 27 % of the waste rocks for extraction, 38 % of the samples are PAF. The rest of the samples which represent 24 % of the estimated waste rocks is NAF (BMP, 2007). The prepared sample of process tailings was found to be NAF due to the strongly calcareous materials (GCA, 2006). Impacts Figure 4‐11 is a perspective view of the proposed Project facilities. From the standpoint of geology and geomorphology, the potential impacts of or to the Project are: 1. Ground shaking and liquefaction of tailings from strong earthquakes can cause failure of proposed Project structures, especially the TSF and waste rock dumps. The impacts of a structural failure are physical impacts like burial, inundation, or habitat smothering and chemical impacts due to heavy metals in the tailings. The TSFs are paddock‐style facilities; hence, the impact areas of a dam breach or tailings release depend on the location of the breach. The potential impact areas may be the open pit, Brgy. Siana, Dayano Creek, Magpayang River, process plant and mine service areas, or Brgy. Cawilan. The potential impact areas of a waste rock dump failure are the open pit, process plant and mine service areas, or Brgy. Cawilan. 2. The location of the TSF, especially the western side, and Pond B embankment on highly permeable soil foundation may lead to uncontrolled underseepage and erosion. 3. Open pit mining can cause ground instability or failure of the pit wall. The impacts will be confined to Project personnel, structures, and equipment. 4. Underground mine development or operation can cause a pit wall failure or ground subsidence. GRC will prevent or manage the impacts through the following: • Geotechnical site investigation • Engineering design prior to earthworks • Implementation of design with strict quality control • Regular stability inspection and monitoring • Observance of a buffer or exclusion zone from the edge of the TSF embankment and waste rock dump • Staggered placement of clay‐rich materials at the waste rock dump • Emergency planning and testing. The TSF and waste rock dumps are major risk sources. To reduce the risks, the MGB prescribes certain policy guidelines and standards for mine wastes and mill tailings management which are contained in DENR Memorandum Order (MO) No. 99‐32. Table 4‐2 summarizes the Project’s compliance with the MO. January 2009 Lake Mahakdum TUBOD Po b l aci on C re ek Cawilan Cawilan Creek T ee u r k bodC Community Plant Livelihood Farm JV Surface Rights Plant Office Area Waste Dump TSF Pond A1 No. 1 Del Rosario 4 Spillway TSF 3 Spillway Silt Pit Traps Emulsion/ANFO T i n k Pit Access Road a e g- e a r n C Siana Pond C Pond B1 to Mainit Proper k Pond B2 ee o Cr an Mini y Da Waste Dayano Magpayang Dump MAINIT Pongtud N A T I ON T A L I R N O R A G IVE AI AN R D Y ALEGRIA A GP AKE M A L M bmp Perspective view of the Proposed Project Facilities EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4-11 Figure No. EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐7 Table 4‐2. Project compliance with DENR MO No. 99‐32 DENR MO Section Guidelines on Site Selection and Design Project Compliance Waste rock dump Sec. 8 a Waste storage shall be located far from old There are no old‐growth or virgin forests or growth or virgin forest, proclaimed any of the sensitive sites listed in Sec. 8a in watershed forest reserves, wilderness areas, the vicinity of the Project site. mangrove forests, national parks, greenbelts, game refuge, bird sanctuaries and areas proclaimed as marine reserves/marine parks, and tourist zones 8 b Waste storage shall be located away from The nearest distance from the main waste water bodies rock dump and secondary dump to Dayano Creek is roughly 900 m and 150 m, respectively. 8 c Waste storage close to the coast shall be Not applicable to the Project. above the maximum storm surge level and a buffer of not less than 500 m from the mean low tide level along the coast. 8 d Waste storage shall consider the expected All enumerated factors were considered in life of the mine, geology, hydrology, the dump design. geochemistry, ecology, land use, topography, possible mineralization of site area and climate. 8 e Mine waste storage as much as possible shall The total tonnes of waste rocks for removal accommodate mine waste produced from from the open pit are estimated at 8.7 the entire life of mine operation million BCM. About 1 million tonnes BCM of waste rocks will be used to build the TSF leaving a waste surplus of 7.7 million BCM. GRC proposes two waste rock dumps with individual capacities of 7.9 million BCM and 0.8 million BCM. 8 f Mine waste storage shall not be located on The waste storage site is confirmed not to areas that might promote the generation of generate ARD. ARD. 8 g Mine waste storage shall be designed and The storage site is not flood‐prone. constructed above the maximum flood level. 8 h In‐pit dumping of mine waste shall be used The option of in‐pit dumping is not available whenever applicable. to the Project. Sec. 9 a The expected life of the mine, geology, local The Project has considered all the factors in and regional seismicities, hydrology, the design. geochemistry, ecology, land use, topography, climate, area of land available, vegetation of the site shall be considered in the design of waste dumps. 9 b Drainage system shall be constructed to Figure 3‐14 is the Project’s stormwater handle heavy rainfall event. A 50‐year flood drainage design. The details of the drainage shall be used for minimum design purposes. channel and culvert sizes to accommodate the design flood at a minimum return period of 50 years will be estimated during the detailed design and engineering for the Project. 9 c ARD potential of mine wastes for GRC commissioned an acid‐base accounting impoundment shall be established. of waste rock samples obtained from the January 2009 4‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project DENR MO Section Guidelines on Site Selection and Design Project Compliance waste wall of the Siana deposit. The results are discussed on page 3‐16 of the EIS. Tailings storage facility Sec. 13 a TSFs shall be located far from declared The Project has complied with this. watershed areas and free from spillage, slides and washing away of tailings by surface runoff during heavy rains into adjacent areas and natural drainage systems. 13 b Impoundment in valleys shall be designed The TSF is a paddock‐style of embankment. and constructed above the maximum flood level. 13 c Placement of tailings solids into mined‐out This is not applicable to the Project. areas, whether on the surface or underground shall be carried out whenever this is both proven safe and practicable. Sec. 15 a Impoundment close to the coast shall be This is not applicable to the Project. above the maximum storm surge level. 15 b Seismic consideration in the design of As discussed on pages 3‐16 and 4‐5 of the impoundment shall not be less than 0.15 and EIS, the peak ground acceleration adopted 0.25 g under an operation basis earthquake by the Project designers for the OBE and (OBE) and maximum credible earthquake MCE are 0.25g and 0.60g, respectively. (MCE), respectively. 15 c Ground/impoundment foundation shall be As discussed on pages 3‐15 and 3‐16 of the thoroughly analyzed to include drilling with EIS, foundation testworks consisted of water pressure test (WPT), rock quality borehole coring and test pits. For the designation (RQD), unconfined/uniaxial boreholes, standard penetration tests (SPTs) compressive strength (UCS), permeability (K), and on‐site geotechnical logging were direct shear test, and rock mass rating (RMR) undertaken. Piezometers were installed in several boreholes for groundwater measurements. For the test pits, on‐site geotechnical logging and dynamic cone penetrometer tests were performed. Disturbed and undisturbed samples collected from the boreholes and test pits were subjected to laboratory tests. The tests determined moisture content, unit weight, Atterberg limits (i.e., liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, linear shrinkage), particle size distribution (i.e., % gravel, % sand, % silt, % clay, % passing 0.075 mm sieve), consolidation, CU triaxial, UU triaxial, and permeability. Impoundments formed of earth or earth and The stability of selected sections of the rock materials shall be designed and tailings dam design under static, OBE, and constructed with a factor of safety against MDE earthquake loads was assessed. The failure of at least 1.2 under static loading and results are presented on pages 3‐16 and 3‐ at least 0.98 – 1.2 under maximum probable 17 of the EIS. The predicted minimum FOSs earthquake loading conditions. for static conditions were 2.4 to 2.1 vs. the MO’s 1.2. For MDE seismic loading, the minimum FOSs were 0.7 to 0.6 vs. MO’s 0.98 to 1.2. The designer stressed that an FOS less than 1 under earthquake loading does not imply failure of the embankment. It indicates that the embankment will undergo January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐9 DENR MO Section Guidelines on Site Selection and Design Project Compliance some permanent deformation. The designer estimated a horizontal displacement of the potential failure mass of about 50 mm and vertical settlements of up to 1 m. They recommended Cone Penetrometer Testing with pore water pressure measurements (CPTu) during detailed design. A CPTu investigation of tailings was also recommended for better understanding of the liquefaction potential of the material. Materials to be used for embankment shall Geotechnical testworks were conducted on also be analyzed as to its gradation, Atterberg samples representing all lithological domains limits, Unified soil classification system within the proposed open pit. The tests (USCS), consolidation, optimum moisture included densities, UCS, triaxial, and direct content, unconfined/uniaxial compressive shear. strength (UCS) on remolded sample, and direct shear test. Embankments shall be compacted to no less This is one of the assumptions of the than 90 % of proctor density geotechnical stability analysis. Detailed design works for the TSF are ongoing. Filter/drain zone shall always be provided Filters and keys are provided in the current along the entire length of the embankment. TSF design. Detailed design works for the Provision of key (width = 0.25H), buttress, TSF are ongoing. grout curtain, apron, etc. shall be implemented whenever necessary. During closure, the TSF and waste rock dumps will be vulnerable to slope failure and wind‐ and rainfall‐driven erosion. The FMRDP will implement slope, surface, and drainage modifications to suit minimum factors of safety (FoSs) and design rainfall at closure, drying of tailings pond, and consistent with the post‐mining land use, deep ripping of hardstands and recontouring of surfaces and slopes to blend structures with the natural background. Pedology Methodology Secondary information on soil of the project area was gathered from the 1984 Soil map of Surigao del Norte Province. The 2005 colored Ikonos imagery of the project area was used to observe the geomorphological features/processes and land cover and to determine the representative soil observation sites. Two (2) broad soil groups were apparent: soils of the alluvial plain and upland soils. Seven (7) auger borings, broken down into four (4) bores for the alluvial plain and three (3) for the upland soils, were conducted from 15 to 17 January 2005 to characterize the soil profiles using the FAO guidelines for soil description and the Maunsell soil color chart. Slopes in the observation sites were determined using the abney hand level. Disturbed soil samples were collected for physico‐chemical analyses at the soils laboratory of the BSWM. The auger boring observations are shown in Table 8‐2. The observations of 2005 remain valid to the present time. January 2009 4‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Baseline Conditions Soil Types – Table 8‐3 presents the results of the physico‐chemical analyses. The inferred soil map is Figure 4‐12. The soils in the Project area are classified into alluvial and upland soil or soil which evolved from igneous rocks and limestone. The soil of the alluvial plain is clay loam to silty clay loam over clay, deep, and generally poorly drained. It is strongly to moderately acidic with medium to high organic matter. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation percentage are all high. Cu is very high and Mn is low to medium. Overall, the soil has high fertility. The soil in the upland that developed from igneous rocks is clayey, deep, and well drained. It is very strongly acidic with medium content of organic matter. P is low, K is high, CEC is high, and base saturation percentage ranges from low to medium. Cu is very low and Mn is from low to medium. Generally, the soil has medium fertility. The upland soil that developed from limestone is loam over clay, deep, and well drained. It is strongly acidic with medium content of organic matter. P, K, CEC, and base saturation percentage are high. Cu and Mn are low and medium, respectively. Overall, the fertility of the soil is medium. Soil Suitability ‐ A qualitative suitability classification of selected forest tree species, fruit bearing trees, and agricultural crops was made by comparing the plant’s environmental requirements with the physico‐chemical properties of the different soils. The plant’s requirements are listed in Table 8‐4. From Table 8‐5, the selected forest tree species of Agoho and Mahogany and fruit bearing trees such as lanzones and rambutan are suitable in soils with slopes ranging from 8 to less than 30 %. Acidity and low P and Zn content are the limitations. The forest tree species and Vetiver are suitable in the limestone area with more than 50 % slopes. All fruit‐bearing trees considered are not suitable due to the steep slopes. Upland annual crops such as ginger, gabi, and arrowroot are suitable in the upland with 8 to 18 % slopes. Paddy rice is suitable in the alluvial plain, while forest tree species, fruit bearing trees, and upland annual crops are not suitable due to the poor drainage condition. Where drainage is possible, corn and monggo can suitably be planted in the rice areas to serve as cash crop and for soil productivity improvement. Photo 4‐3. The unproductive coconut grove in Brgy. San Photo 4‐4. Coconut intercropped with rainfed paddy rice in Pedro, Tubod. Brgy. Cawilan, Tubod. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐11 Photo 4‐5. Irrigated paddy rice on the alluvial plain of Brgy. Photo 4‐6. The dense limestone forest of karst landscape Magpayang, Mainit. east of the open pit. Agricultural Livelihood ‐ The Magpayang River catchment is mainly agricultural, except for the upland to the east which is predominantly a limestone forest. The usable portion of the upland including the transitional fringe is devoted to coconut; the alluvial plain is planted to paddy rice. Photo 4‐7. Abundance of Golden Kuhol in paddy rice in Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit. Rice production in the alluvial plain can be sustained with appropriate fertilization, proper cultural practices, and pest and disease control through the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Golden Kuhol is common in the paddy fields. This pest can be controlled through biological means, i.e., hand picking, as feed for ducks or use of organic‐based pesticides like “Botong” (beach type plant species). Monggo can be broadcast in the paddies just after harvest for additional income and nutrition of the household members. Monggo biomass can be incorporated into the soil as green manure for paddy soil improvement. Coconut is the dominant landuse in the transitional fringe and upland. Based on the suitability classification (Table 8‐ 5), there is a big potential for the improvement of coconut land productivity. High‐value fruit trees and upland crops can be intercropped with the coconuts. The fruit trees, which may be planted on areas with slopes up to 30 %, are Lanzones, Rambutan, Citrus, Banana, Coffee, and Cacao. Upland crops for slopes up to 18 % are Ginger, Gabi, Arrowroot, and Pineapple. Intercropping will allow increased land utilization, increased productivity, and more efficient use of farm labor. It will also increase coconut yield as a result of improved physical condition of the soil due to cultivation, improved nutrient status due to fertilizer application, and weeding of intercrops. January 2009 4‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Soil Erosion – The current drivers of soil erosion in the Magpayang River catchment are ricefield tillage and irrigation in the alluvial plain, slash‐and burn farming in the andesitic and limestone upland which is discernible from Figure 4‐3, and small‐scale mining in SURICON’s waste rock dump and tailings. All activities involve the clearing of vegetation, breakage of soil, and soil compaction. Tillage aids in the development of hard pan – a layer of increased soil density and decreased permeability that restricts the movement of water into the subsurface (FISRWG, 2001). The consequences of the disturbances are sheet and rill as well as gully erosion, increased surface runoff, increased streambank erosion, unstable stream channels, and impaired habitat. Photo 4‐8. This sediment plume along Magpayang River Photo 4‐9. A close‐up view of the same sediment plume immediately west of the planned TSF taken during a rainy day. originates from the ricefields of Brgy. Del Rosario, Tubod. Impacts The Project will aggravate soil erosion in the following ways: • Stripping works for the access road and facility sites including the process plant area, mine service area, TSF embankment foundations, and open pit pushback removes the soil binding and cover provided by grass and saplings. This exposes the soil to impact, detachment, and transport by rainwater. • Rock breaking, crushing, and grinding fragments the rock into smaller pieces, thus enhancing the erodibility. • As the open pit progresses, slopes are added and steepened. These slopes concentrate and accelerate the velocity of runoff, thereby aggravating the scouring effect. • The natural drainage system is also altered. Sometimes, this is blocked by muckpiles or spoils causing the runoff to erode new and wider areas. The eroded coarse sediments are usually deposited at short distances from the source. Vulnerable from erosion are the ricefields of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, Magpayang, and Alegria. The finer sediments are transported farther. They are expected to impact aquatic habitats including those within Lake Mainit. Apart from the physical effects, the sediments may also be enriched in heavy metals such as Cu, Pb, and Zn. Cu adsorbs to most soil constituents, particularly, soil organic matter, clay minerals, and metal hydroxides, more strongly than any other toxic metal except Pb. However, it has a high affinity to soluble organic ligands. The formation of these complexes may greatly increase its mobility in soil (FRTR, undated). 3+ Pb, just like Cd and Cr , is not mobile in the environment and remains relatively close to the point of initial deposition. Under neutral to basic soil conditions, it is strongly adsorbed on the clay fractions of the soil (USEPA, 1997). January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐13 Zn is readily adsorbed by clay carbonates or hydrous oxides. Rainfall removes Zn from soil because the Zn compounds are highly soluble. As with all cationic metals, Zn adsorption increases with pH. It forms complexes with inorganic and organic ligands (FRTR, undated). The Project’s management measures for erosion and sediment include: • Minimization of ground clearings • Surface runoff diversion from disturbed areas • Recovery and use of topsoil • Placement of spoils in designated areas away from streams and channels • Grading and sloping of work areas and channels • Scheduling of construction during the dryer months • Sediment traps, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes • Mine rehabilitation and decommissioning at the end of mine life. Terrestrial Biology Methodology A total of nine (9) observation stations were established to assess the terrestrial flora and fauna (Figure 4‐13). The first assessment for flora and fauna was done from 5 to 10 January 2005 which was a rainy period. A second assessment for fauna was completed on 9 to 11 May 2008, a less rainy period. No second floral assessment was undertaken in view of unchanged conditions as confirmed by a site assessment. For trees, the point‐centered quarter method of sampling was employed; for undergrowths, the line‐intercept method, both as described by Mueller‐Dombios and Ellenberg, 1974. For bird sampling, a line transect survey was conducted following Bibby et al. (1998) and Sutherland et al. (2004). Whenever possible, a 1.5 to 2‐km transect line was established in each station and the straight line route was maintained to minimize duplication of recorded species. Birds encountered by sight or sound on either side of the transect were recorded. Mammals and herpetological species observed during the bird survey were also noted. To augment the data from transect walks, local guides and residents were interviewed. Pictures and other visual materials to aid the identification process were made available. The following diversity indices were computed from the bird data obtained in 2008: Mergalef’s Index for species richness, Shannon‐Weiner Index for species diversity, Simpson’s Index for species dominance, and Pielou’s Index for evenness (Brower et al. 1990). Species Richness which is the number of species represented in a sample was measured using Mergalef’s Index D D = (S‐1) / ln N where S is the number of species and N is the total number of individuals. Species Diversity incorporates the concepts of species richness and species evenness or the relative abundance of species. Relative abundance refers to the number of individuals of a given species divided by the total number of species. The species diversity was computed using the Shannon‐Weiner formula: January 2009 4‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project H′ = ‐ ∑ pi ln pi th where pi is the proportion of individuals found in the i species. The maximum likelihood estimator of pi is ni/N, where ni is the observed abundances for each species i and N is the total abundance observed in the sample. Species Dominance is the probability that two individuals chosen at random belong to the same species. The measure of species dominance used was the Simpson’s Index: ʄ = Σ pi2 Evenness Index is a measure of how the individuals of the population are partitioned among species. The value approaches one with increasing evenness. Pielou’s Evenness Index has the formula: J = H / ln S One major limitation of the faunal surveys was the non‐coverage of the breeding, non‐breeding, and migration seasons. The breeding season for many species differs and at times, it occurs several times in a year. The southward migration of birds, on the other hand, is from September to November corresponding to winter in the northern hemisphere. This is followed by a northward return flight, i.e., spring migration in February to April. The survey results were complemented by secondary data listed in Table 2‐4. Baseline Conditions Typical of the Greater Mindanao Biogeographic Zone (Heany, 1984), the Project area and vicinities were originally dominated by the Dipterocarp forest types. These also support a variety of associated wildlife populations. To meet the material requirements for house construction, mining supports, piles, bridges, and railroad ties during the logging and mining booms, the dipterocarps and the associated wildlife habitats were decimated. The opening up of the forestlands led to the establishment of unplanned agriculture‐based settlements by the migrant labor force. Terrestrial Flora – Table 8‐6 lists the forest tree species, introduced fruit trees, climbers, palms, and herbs, weeds, and grasses observed in the nine (9) sampling plots in 2005. A total of 55 forest tree species in 26 families were recorded. The most common were Antipolo and Rimas. There were twelve (12) species in seven (7) families of introduced fruit‐ bearing trees; four (4) species in four (4) families of climbers, and 21 species in ten (10) families of herbs, weeds, and grasses. Terrestrial Fauna – Table 8‐7 gives the faunal species, particularly, birds, mammals, and reptiles, observed in the nine (9) transects in 2005. Tables 8‐8 and 8‐9 list the bird species and the mammals and herpetological species recorded in 2008. • Birds – In 2005, 31 species in 25 families were observed. The commonly observed species were the passerines and they include the Sunbirds Nectarinia jugularis, Cane Grass Warbler Megalurus palustris, and the Tree Sparrow Passer montanus. The migratory species include the Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica, and Painted Snipe Rostratula benhalensis. Three (3) species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II, i.e., national and international trade of such species is strictly regulated. They are the Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus, Philippine Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus, and Philippine Hanging Parakeet Loriculus philippensis. One species, the Philippine Duck Anas luzonica is considered “vulnerable” and included under the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources RED List (IUCN, 2007). As defined by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), “vulnerable” refers to a taxon that is not critically endangered or endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium‐term. In 2008, a total of 83 species of birds, of which, 15 are from interviews, five (5) are migrants, 20 are country endemics or near‐endemics, and 43 are residents, were recorded. The increase in species over the 2005 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐15 observation is most likely due to the less rainy period that prevailed during the 2008 sampling. Only 13 of the 31 species identified in 2005 were observed during the 2008 transects. Three (3) species were identified as “vulnerable” under the IUCN Red List. These are the Philippine Duck Anas luzonica, Philippine Eagle‐Owl Bubo philippensis, and Visayan Flowerpecker Dicaeum haematostictum. Except for the B. philippensis which was recorded from interviews, the rest were observed first‐hand during the transects. Additionally, seven (7) birds were listed under the CITES Appendix II. These are the Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus, Guaiabero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus, Colasisi Loriculus philippensis, Philippine Eage‐Owl Bubo philippensis, Mindanao Tarictice Penelopides affinis, Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus, and Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax. The endemic A. luzonica was reportedly found in most of the wetland habitats within the Siana property. During the survey, a small flock was observed swimming in the flooded open pit; another was flying low over Station 5 in the Waste dump 3 area. Security guards manning the tower overlooking the pit reported more than a hundred A. luzonica visiting the pit at certain times of the year. The guides described the breeding behavior of the ducks which is not yet fully known to science. They reported that they occasionally flush out adult ducks from the tall grasses and reeds in the hills, leaving the ducklings scurrying for cover. The ducks lay their eggs, which number from 12 to 14, inside tall grasses or reeds in the hilly areas surrounding the open pit. Local people gathered the eggs that are all white and are as large as the eggs of domestic ducks for food. It is surmised that after the eggs hatch, the ducklings are allowed to grow into almost adult size within the waterlogged reed and grassland areas. Fully grown, they are brought by the parent ducks to the large body of water. This corresponds with the popular observation that no ducklings accompany adult ducks when foraging in ponds. Ducks feed on fish, shrimps, insects, rice, and young vegetation. Their population undergoes a rapid and continuing decline due to extensive overhunting and widespread conversion of wildlife habitat. The Visayan Flowerpecker D.haematostictum is found in a variety of habitats in the lowlands and hills generally below 1,000 masl. This includes primary and secondary forests, heavily degraded forests, scrubby habitats, and even gardens where it frequents fruiting or flowering trees. The local guides frequently see the birds feeding on the nectar of flowering fruit trees and shrubs cultivated near houses. A guide even mentioned grabbing a bird at night by blinding it with bright light. Another threatened species that is reportedly hunted in the area is the Philippine Eagle‐Owl Bubo philippensis. The species is locally persecuted because it is considered an omen of death due to the eerie call it makes. It is found in disturbed, selectively logged and secondary forest and even coconut plantations with patches of thick secondary growth. The most abundant species was the Yellow‐vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier followed by Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta, Island Swiftlet Aerodramus vanikorensis, and Chestnut Munia Lonchura malacca. The most widely distributed species were the Yellow‐vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier, Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta, and Chestnut Munia Lonchura Malacca. Considering the heterogeneous habitat characteristics of each observation site and the short distances between sites, it is likely that by lengthening the survey period, most of the recorded species will be found in all of the sites. Majority of the species recorded during the survey were edge specialists, i.e., those that thrive best in disturbed forests and mixed habitats. However, species like the Mindanao Tarictic Penelopides affinis are cavity‐nesters which require good forest and large‐diameter trees in order to breed successfully. It is significant that these birds were recorded in good numbers in the limestone forest. From interviews with the local people, the P. affinis comes to feed in the lowlands and even near houses at the foot of the hills. This can be explained by their diet which is predominantly frugivorous but also includes insects, frogs, and even small rats which are abundant in agricultural habitats. However, the birds still require healthy forests as cover from predators, as secure breeding sites, and as sources of fruits. Interestingly, the more charismatic hornbills such as Rufous Hornbill Buceros hydrocorax and Writhed Hornbill Aceros leucocephalus, which have the same feeding requirements as the P. January 2009 4‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project affinis, can no longer be found in the area. This may be due to hunting and the absence of undisturbed nesting sites. Table 4‐3 presents the computed bird species diversity indices for each of the sample sites and for all sites. Site 1 (Mototrpool) is the most rich and diverse of all the sites followed by site 8 (old Tailings Ponds 2 and 3), site 7 (old Tailings Pond 1) and site 5 (old waste rock dump). Overall, the species diversity is high (Brower et al. 1990) at H′ = 3.64. The evenness index is above average at J = 0.86. Evenness index values range from 0 to 1 with populations having an even distribution of individuals among species getting a value equal to one. There are no dominant species in the population as shown by the very low overall Simpson’s Index of ʄ=0.04. Table 4‐3. Bird species diversity indices in 8 sites in the Siana Gold Project in Surigao del Norte, May 2008 Index S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 overall Mergalef’s Index (D) 7.62 3.28 1.88 2.74 4.21 2.03 4.74 5.37 9.89 Shannon‐Weiner Index (H’) 3.36 2.34 1.69 2.12 2.58 1.82 2.85 3.00 3.64 Simpson’s Index (ʄ) 0.05 0.14 0.25 0.15 0.10 0.22 0.07 0.06 0.04 Pielou’s Evenness Index (J) 0.89 0.85 0.77 0.85 0.86 0.83 0.89 0.92 0.86 • Mammals – The 2005 assessment identified seven (7) species in six (6) families. One species, the Long‐tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis, is listed under CITES Appendix II. Another species, the Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippensis, is considered vulnerable (IUCN, 2007). In 2008, a total of nine (9) mammals were recorded. Of the seven species identified in 2005, only three (3) were recently noted. Of the nine (9) species, two are under the vulnerable category of threat, i.e., the Philippine Brown Deer Cervus mariannus and Philippine Warty Pig Sus philippensis (Ibid.). Two are listed under CITES Appendix II. These are the Long‐tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis and the Philippine Tarsier Tarsius syrichta. An unknown species of flying fox that reportedly flew in big numbers and darkened the skies have not been seen for more than a decade already. These flying foxes are hunted by the Mamanwas living at the foot of the hills. As regards the Philippine Brown Deer Cervus mariannus, Mr. Felipe Bartoli, a 54 year old forester residing in Brgy. Siana, mentioned that the last time he saw deer meat in the market was in the 1980s. The last time he saw a Sus philippensis was a week before the interview when he bought several kilos of meat from Philippine Warty Pig a hunter. According to the local hunters, Philippine Warty Pigs still abound in Brgy. Dayano. • Herpetological Species – A total of six (6) reptilian species in five (5) families were recorded in 2005. Two (2) species are listed under CITES Appendix II: the Monitor Lizard Varanus salvator and Reticulated Python Python reticulates. In 2008, a total of twelve (12) herpetological species were recorded. Only two (2) of the reptilian species observed in 2005 were recorded. The Mindanao Fanged Frog Limnonectes magnus is the only species considered “vulnerable” (IUCN, 2007). Four (4) species are listed under CITES Appendix II, namely, Reticulated Python Python reticulates, Samar Cobra Naja samarensis, King Cobra Ophiophagus Hannah, and Variable Malay Monitor Lizard Varanus salvator. Cobras and most snakes are indiscriminately killed on sight because they are known to be poisonous and deadly. The other species are prized by hunters for their meat which is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and for the pet trade locally and abroad. Habitats – The current terrestrial flora and fauna assemblages within the Project site may be classified into four (4) types: January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐17 1. Remnant agro‐forest habitats ‐ This is represented by Stations 1 (Motorpool) and 3 (Bubudhan), as shown in Figure 4‐13. The dominant tree species are Balobo Diplodiscus paniculatus, Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi, Hagimit F. minahassae, Rimas A. Altilis, and Tibig F. nota. Other associated species include Malugai Pometia pinnata and Amamali L. aculeate. According to local Mamanwas in the Motorpool Area, the once common species of Molave Vitex parviflora and Narra Pterocarpus indicus, both classified as premium species by the DENR, have been extirpated to supply local demand for furniture making. In this habitat type, the dominant avian species are the passerines represented by the species Sunbird Nectaria jugularis, Starlings Aplonis panayensis, and Wood Swallow Artamus leucorynchus. The associated forms include White‐collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris. Two species are considered migratory, namely, Barn Swallow Hirundo sp. and Brown shrike Lanius cristatus. The diurnal raptor group Falconiformis is represented by the Brahminy Kite Haliastus indus, a resident species of the Family Accipitridae with a wide distribution that extends as far as India and mainland Asia (Rabor, 1975) and the Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus. Native Mamanwas report the presence of Kulasisi, an indigenous psittaciform of the species Loriculus and the Philippine Red Jungle Fowl or Labuyo Gallus gallus. With respect to mammals, the local informants report the thriving troops of monkeys Macaca fascicularis, which local coconut farmers consider as pests; the Palm Civet locally called Milo Paradoxurus sp., a vivirred; giant field rats Rattus sp., representing the murid rodents; the Phil. Musk Shrew Suncus occultidens; and the Warty Pigs Sus philippensis. The Chiropterans or true flying mammals are represented by species belonging to Pteropus sp. Among the reptilian forms, secondary data reveal the existence of Bayawak Varanus salvator and Sail‐fin Lizard Hydrosaurus palustris, a varanid and an agamid lizard, respectively, and the Reticulated Python Python reticulatus and the Philippine Cobra Naja naja. In tribal practices, the above‐mentioned mammalian and herpetological species are considered a delicacy and served to supplement their protein requirements. Photo 4‐10. The Station 1 transect runs parallel to Magpayang River which is bordered by limestone karst hills to the west and agricultural fields to the east. January 2009 4‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2. Fully developed agricultural habitats ‐ This type is represented by Station 2 (Cawilan). The farming system is coconut‐based. Maximization of land productivity is achieved through rice farming under coconuts where irrigation water is either rainfed or provided through pumping of water from the Cawilan River. Photo 4‐11. The Station 2 transect is in the vicinity of Cawilan Creek which supplies irrigation water to the extensive ricefields. The tree forms associated with coconuts include Ipil‐ipil Leucaena leucocephala, a neotropical species introduced into the Philippines by the Spaniards. This species is a good source of fuelwood. Faunal forms are limited to those that could adjust to altered habitat conditions – the generalists. For birds, the most common species are Sunbirds, Warblers and Starlings. The mammals are mostly represented by murid rodents. The reptiles are limited to gekkonid and scincoid lizards, although Reticulated Python and the Philippine Cobra are occasionally reported. 3. Secondary forest habitats (plant succession) ‐ This is represented by Stations 4 (Edge of Mine Pit) and 6 (Waste Dump No. 2). Practically bare during the active years of mining, these sites have been left undisturbed with SURICON’s termination of operations in early 1991. In a span of barely 14 years, the mechanisms of natural plant succession, as described by Whitmore (1979), have taken over. The assemblage of vegetative cover has grown past the grass stages and is now dominated by secondary tree species. Pioneer species such as Anabiong Trema orientalis, Batino Alstonia macrophylal, and Malapapaya Polyscias nodosa are discernible. The former is so far the only known non‐leguminous tree species that has a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria Rhizobium. This bacterium is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrates for plant nutrition. The associated avifauna are similarly dominated by the passerines. The cuculiforms are represented by the Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis. These sites are reported to be within the feeding range of the Brahminy Kite. As manifestation of its fast‐tracked natural restoration, Mr. Joel Pacatang, a local resident experienced in hunting as a hobby, reported the presence of the Jungle Fowl, monkeys, and the Palm Civet in the area. Similarly, the Warty Pigs use the sites as feeding grounds and as passageways to natural waterholes. The facility by which the sites are colonized by faunal forms is explained by their proximity to the remaining natural forests in the headwaters adjacent to and outside the MPSA area. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐19 Photo 4‐12. Station 4 was at the edge of the flooded Photo 4‐13. The Station 6 transect passes through open pit. paddy fields near Dayano Creek. 4. Wetland habitats ‐ This is represented by Sampling Areas 5 (Waste Dump 2), 7 (Tailings Pond 1), and 8 (Tailings Pond 2). The dominant vegetative covers are those adapted to periodic waterlogged conditions, i.e., members of Family Poacea, Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Cattail Typha latifolia is a gregarious species that thrives up to the Northern hemisphere (Dr. Gruezo, pers. Comm.). The local people use the plant for torch making. They tie the stalks into bundles and soak them with diesel fuel. When ignited, the improvised torch can lighten footpaths and ease movement in paddy fields during moonless nights. The associated avifauna is dominated by wetland species, all belonging to Family Rallidae. Two species of wild ducks, namely, the Philippine Duck Anas luzonica and the Wandering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata use the wetlands as alternate sites, adjunct to their feeding and roosting sites within the flooded Siana Pit. The Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis, a migratory species was observed to be common during the survey in January 2005. Photo 4‐14. The Waste rock dump at Station 5 with its Photo 4‐15. Station 7 is a waterlogged area for most part grassland or reed habitat is where the of the year. The tall grass and reed habitat vulnerable Philippine Ducks have been supports a population of waterbirds. observed by locals to breed. Current Stressors – Three (3) human activities threaten the extant biodiversity resources. These are: 1. Hunting and gathering activities by the Mamanwas – Mamanwas hunt wildlife mainly for food. Excess materials are sold to lowlanders. They also gather and sell rattan, saplings, and other minor forest products. January 2009 4‐20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Interviews conducted in 2005 with Messrs. Felipe Morales and Bernabe Mayan, headmen of the ten (10)‐ household Mamanwa community near the Mariano Darap Elementary School in Brgy. Cawilan revealed several wildlife trapping techniques. One is the “Lit‐ag” where the bait is tied to a rattan strip and held taut by a bent tree branch. When the bait is disturbed, the branch is released, and the wildlife is caught through the limbs or neck. The Labuyo, Palm Civet, and Giant Field Rats are caught by this trap. Another is the “Tugop” which is an adhesive exudate extracted from the Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi tree species. Spread over twigs on roosting sites of birds, the “Tugop” catches small parrots. A previously caught parakeet is usually placed on the roosting site to attract the other birds. A third type is the “Batong” which is used for wild pigs. It is a net made of abaca ropes or nylon twines usually more than 20 m long and not less than 1 m wide. It is set in strategic sites along tracks or near waterholes where the wild pigs are forcibly driven into. Cornered into the net, the wild pig is usually killed using bolos or spears. The last type is the “Lugpit” which draws its trapping mechanism from the strength of a partially split branch. The bait is placed so that the limb of the monkey or Palm Civet will pass through the slit. When the bait is disturbed, the split part closes in. 2. Small‐scale gold mining‐ Both the lowlanders and Mamanwas are engaged in this activity. They operate at the tailings ponds and waste rock dumps of the Siana property. They excavate, manually crush, and sluice the materials. Gold that is recovered is sold to buyers; the processed materials are sacked and sold to small CIL plants located in Brgy. Timamana, Tubod and Brgy. Siana, Mainit adjacent to Tailings dam 3. During the interviews, the miners denied using mercury to extract the gold. Small‐scale miners impact the wildlife when they use toxic chemicals like mercury or when they collect eggs or trap wildlife encountered near their working areas. On the other hand, small‐scale mining can also have a positive contribution when it dampens the hunting and gathering propensity of the Mamanwas. 3. Agriculture – Lowland and upland agriculture requires vegetative clearing and human presence that restricts the movement of wildlife. Impacts 1. Remnants of forest tree species, such as Antipolo Artocarpos blancai, Rimas A. altilis, Balobo Diplodiscus pariculatus, Dalunot Pipterus arborescens, etc. and wildlife will be affected as the demand for wood materials and other forest‐based resources increases because of the relocation and community development aspects of the Siana Project. 2. The abandoned waste rock dump and tailing pond areas which are now in the process of plant adaptation and succession by Anabiong Trema‐orientales, Anilau Coloma serratifolia, Bayok Pterospermum diversifolium, Talahib Saccharum spontaneum Cogon Imperata cylindrica, Hagonoy Chromolaena odorata, etc. will be affected. The loss of vegetation in these areas will restrict the movement and foraging of wildlife. 3. The wetland habitats of the Philippine Duck, i.e, the flooded pit and wetlands in the tailings ponds and waste rock dump areas, will be lost. 4. Dust, noise, vibration, and airblast from operations will drive the wildlife farther into the uplands. The appropriate management measures are: • Enrichment planting at the remnant agro‐forest and secondary forest habitats – Augmentation planting of about 500 to 600 seedlings of Narra, Malapapaya, Mangium, and fruit trees will increase the stocking density and improve the area’s productivity. The increase in vegetative cover will enhance the support systems for the maintenance of viable wildlife populations. The recolonization by wildlife is best facilitated through vegetative corridors within the Project areas that join with the adjacent natural forests. Narra and Malapapaya are endemic in the area. Acacia mangium, an exotic species, was included for mixing with the endemic species only on the open patches of the area to be enriched. Being a fast‐growing species, January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐21 A. mangium will inhibit the growth of undesirable weeds and grasses. It will produce biomass and nitrogen‐ fixing bacteria that will complement the growth of the planted trees and enhance plant succession in the area. • Rattan plantation – The remnant agro‐forest and secondary forest habitats will be developed into rattan plantation to further improve the carrying capacity and create an alternative livelihood for the Mamanwas Calamus omatus Blume, Ditaan Daemonorops mollis Blanco and Palasan Calamus and lowlanders. Limuran merrillii Becc are the recommended species. The species were not part of those observed inside the sampling plots. However, their presence in the area is indicated by the Limuran fruits as well as Ditaan and Palasan poles being sold along the highway of the locality. • Contour trenches, fiber mats, and mulches – These are appropriate for the waste dump areas and edges of the open pit which will no longer be disturbed during operations. Contour trenches are constructed at certain intervals to collect or obstruct runoff along the slope. Coconut fiber mats are placed to cover the slopes pending the full growth and cover by the pegs and mulch. The recommended peg materials are Narra, Ipil‐ipil, Kahoy dalaga, Gumamela, and Alagaw. The mulches are Pakpak paniki and Damong kalabaw. • Shrub and mulch cover and matting – This is recommended for the exposed embankments of the TSFs. The appropriate pegs (shrubs) are Alagaw, Gumamela, and Kahoy dalaga. The suggested weed and grass are Vetiver and Pakpak Paniki. • Collaboration with the local governments in sponsoring an ordinance that will ban hunting, collection of eggs, and logging within the Project site and surrounding watershed except to meet the cultural needs of the Mamanwas. • Information, education, and communication campaign (IEC) for the Project employees and contractors and surrounding communities on basic ecological and conservation concepts that encourage a balance between natural resource exploitation and preservation of the ecological functions of the environment. The IEC will also address the local people’s negative perceptions on certain wildlife species. • Support to the establishment of a woodlot to serve as source of fuel and lumber for the community. The inadequately stocked forest area has been designated as the area for enrichment planting using the endemic timber‐producing Narra and Malapapaya. Open areas of the mining claim which will not be affected by mining operations as well as the banks of creeks and rivers are identified as plantation sites for fuel wood, e.g., Giant Ipil‐ipil. THE WATER Hydrology and Hydrogeology Methodology The assessment made use of secondary data listed in Table 2‐4. These data were supplemented by a topographic and bathymetric survey of riverbanks and river system from the pit outflow into Dayano Creek down to the Magpayang River conducted from 20 to 26 April 2008, numerical modelling for flood peaks and mean flows and for water usage, a field mapping and interviews of water users. Baseline Conditions Catchments ‐ The Project site with an area of approximately 240 ha falls within the 5,700‐ha catchment of the Magpayang River. The river drains into Lake Mainit. The lake drains towards Bohol Sea. January 2009 4‐22 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figures 4‐2, 4‐4, and 4‐5 are the land use map, slope map, and geomorphological map of the Magpayang River catchment. The catchment extends as far north as Brgy. Timamana, Tubod; Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit and Brgy. Pongtud, Alegria to the south; and Brgy. Candiis, Alegria to the southeast. The easternmost part of the catchment with slopes in excess of 50 % and where the Timamana Limestone occurs is forested. Forest growth is likewise found at the equally steep northwestern andesitic portion up to the vicinity of the access road to Lake Mahakdum. The gentler slopes adjacent to the forests comprising the transitional fringe of the stream corridor are planted to coconuts. At the alluvial plains of Magpayang River are the ricefields. Along the National Highway and secondary roads that lead to the other barangays are the built‐up areas for settlements, markets, eateries, government offices, churches, and variety stores. Magpayang River and 27 other rivers and creeks drain into the Lake Mainit (Figure 4‐14). The lake is the fourth largest 3, a freshwater lake in the Philippines. It has an approximate surface area of 17,100 ha (BFAR), a water volume of 18 km lakeshore circumference of around 62 km, and a total catchment of 87,100 ha (LMDA). The lake water elevation fluctuates at different times of the year. During heavy rains, the lake water level rises by as much as 1 m. During episodic storms, it rises by 2 to 3 m (Tumanda et al., 2005). The Kalinawan River at the southern end drains the lake into the Bohol Sea. The lake is bounded on the west by the Malimono Range; on the north by Mount Maniayao and the floodplains of Mayag and Magpayang River; on the east by the lowlands and northern Diwata Range; and on the south by the Kalinawan River floodplains. During the Southwest Monsoon which is from May to October, the western part of the lake is protected by the Malimono Range. At the eastern coasts, Alegria and Magpayang are impacted by the wind‐ generated waves. The Northeast Monsoon winds blow without restraint in the lake from October to March. During this time, the Malimono coasts are hammered by wind‐generated waves that begin at the northeastern coasts. The lake orientation is NNW‐SSE which is identical to those of the adjacent Philippine Fault Zone, Tubay Valley, and Maniayao volcanic complex. With maximum and average depths of 260 m and 122.5 m, respectively, the lake is relatively deep. The basin walls at the west are steep; the eastern, northern, and southern parts are gentler with a shelf region. The tectonic origin of the lake is apparent from the collocation of its western and eastern ends with the observed and inferred portions of the fault (Figure 4‐3). The lake straddles two provinces ‐ Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. The lakeshore municipalities include Mainit and Alegria of Surigao del Norte and Kitcharao and Jabongga of Agusan del Norte. About 31 barangays in the four (4) municipalities depend on the lake’s fisheries for food and livelihood. Photo 4‐16. Fishing using a huge net at Lake Mainit. Drainage – The major drainage of the catchment is the 15.3‐km long dendritic Magpayang River. The river is a fourth‐ order single‐thread stream that flows southeasterly from the headwaters in Brgy. Timamana, Tubod. Before reaching Brgy. Motorpool, the flow becomes southwesterly. At Brgy. Marga, the flow switches again to the southeast. Starting at Brgy. Poblacion, the river generally flows southwesterly ultimately discharging into Lake Mainit. The overall slope or relief ratio of the Magpayang River is 0.51 %. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐23 Table 4‐4 provides some details for the tributaries of Magpayang River. The karst topography at the eastern portion of the catchment reduced the surface water flow. This is apparent in the relatively smaller drainage density of the adjacent creeks, particularly the Spanish Ditch which partially drains the northernmost portion of the Project site, or the complete absence of streams. Table 4‐4. Tributaries of Magpayang River Tributary Stream Order Total Length (m) Subcatchment Overall Slope Drainage Density ‐1 Area (ha) (m ha ) Unnamed Creek 1 2 3910 420 2.5 % 9.4 Timamana Creek 2 5660 600 7.2 9.5 Motorpool Creek 2 2655 285 3.7 9.3 Unnamed Creek 2 1 1380 75 4.8 18.6 Unnamed Creek 3 2 2010 190 4.5 10.6 Lambuyo Creek 1 1175 55 5.2 20.6 Hubasan Creek 1 1755 110 5.2 15.7 Unnamed Creek 4 2 2825 155 2.8 18.3 Tubod Creek 1 3515 210 3.1 16.9 Poblacion Creek 2 3555 205 3.6 17.2 Unnamed Creek 5 2 4555 230 2.1 19.8 Tinag‐an Creek 2 3295 165 1.4 20.2 Unnamed Creek 6 1 725 35 5.7 20.7 Unnamed Creek 7 1 790 35 2.1 22.6 Cawilan Creek 2 3700 540 7.3 6.8 Spanish Ditch 1 1200 270 5.7 4.4 Dayano Creek 4 7245 915 3.3 7.9 Notes: 1. Stream ordering follows the Strahler System. 2. The overall slope is a weighted average using five sections along the channel. 3. Drainage density is total stream length divided by the subcatchment area. From Figure 4‐1, the Spanish Ditch to the north, Magpayang River to the west, and the Dayano Creek to the south drain the property. MWES established five (5) streamflow monitoring stations along Magpayang River, two (2) stations along Dayano Creek, and one (1) station along the Spanish Ditch immediately upslope of Magpayang River. Streamflow was estimated from the measurement of water height (which corresponded to a water cross‐section area since the channel cross‐section has been pre‐determined) and flow velocity using an impellor‐type velocity meter. MWES’ accumulated streamflow estimates are graphed in Figure 4‐15. Along both Magpayang River and Dayano Creek, the lower flow measurements downslope reflect the diversion of river water into the irrigation canals. 3 ‐1 The maximum flow estimate recorded along Magpayang River was more than 12 m s recorded at Siana Bridge in 3 ‐1 3 November 2004. Along Dayano Creek and the Spanish Ditch, the maximum flow was more than 2.5 m s and 0.12 m s‐1, respectively during the same sampling episode. In the site investigation conducted by MWES for the planned causeway crossing across Magpayang River, the maximum known flood was reckoned to occur on 18 December 2003 at a peak flood level of 42.5 mRL. From the water cross‐section area and assumed mean velocity of 0.2 L s‐1, MWES 3 ‐1 estimated the peak river flow at 90 m s . SURICON’s open pit has a surface area of 21 ha and average depth of 90 m. The volume of impounded water is estimated at 8.2 million m3. To enable the redevelopment of the open pit, GRC plans to pump out the water over a period of four (4) to six (6) months into Dayano Creek. During the dewatering period, GRC estimates an additional January 2009 4‐24 EIS of the Siana Gold Project inflow of 0.6 million m3 of rainfall and 2.8 million m3 of groundwater. This is based on historical records, discussions with a former SURICON dewatering engineer and the numerical groundwater flow model. The required average rate of pumping is 780 L s‐1 at a maximum head of 100 m. 3 During the operating year, annual water inflows to the pit are estimated at 5.9 million m from groundwater and 1.06 million m3 from rainfall. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and March. Groundwater – The lithologic formations underlying the Magpayang River catchment allow groundwater flow in varying degrees (Figure 4‐6). For the highly permeable sand and gravel deposits of the Quaternary Alluvium, the groundwater occurs mainly in unconfined condition. For the Timamana Limestone, the solution cavities and karstic nature are favorable to groundwater flow. The other stratigraphic units such as andesites and basalt allow groundwater flow either through the weathered mantle, solution‐enlarged joints and fractures, or bedding planes (MGB, 2003). At the Project site, MWES (2006) inferred three (3) main aquifers: • Alluvial aquifer which is 6 to 12 m thick and located beneath the near‐surface soils. It comprises yellow, orange and brown sands and gravels with inter‐layered clays. • Saprolite aquifer is within the highly weathered bedrock and above the fresh bedrock. • Bedrock fractured aquifer which includes volcaniclastics, basalts on the eastern side of the pit, and karstic limestone. Mining One’s geotechnical investigation and monitoring of water levels around the tailings dam and proposed process plant site suggest that the groundwater in the deeper aquifers flows towards Siana open pit from the north and west. Groundwater in the near‐surface alluvial aquifer flows towards Magpayang River from the east and northeast and the area of the existing tailings dams. Water Usage ‐ The local residents rely on the Magpayang River for their agricultural needs, washing of clothes, bathing, and care for their animals. The river is also a source of fish. Water to irrigate the rice fields on the alluvial plains is extracted either by pumping or through irrigation canals (Figure 4‐16). At Brgy. Marga, river water is diverted into the irrigation channels of that barangay and Poblacion. Downstream of the discharge point of SURICON’s old tailings pond and immediately upstream of the bridge that connects Brgy. Siana to the National Highway is the irrigation intake for the rice fields of Brgy. Magpayang. The water of Cawilan Creek is also used to irrigate the rice fields. Along Dayano River, downstream of the discharge of the Siana pit, is an irrigation dam for the ricefields of Brgy. Siana. Pumps are also installed at some sections of the river for the fields outside of the irrigation network. The Siana Pit water is used for washing clothes and bathing. In 2005, fish cages with fingerlings provided through the DSWD‐CIDDS program were observed inside the pit. Currently, the fish cages no longer exist. Up to 2005, springs and shallow wells are the sources of potable water in the area (Figure 4‐16). Songkoy Spring near Lake Mahakdum, which is hosted by diorite and floats of andesite, provides drinking water to Brgys. Marga, Poblacion, San Pablo, Del Rosario, and Cawilan of Tubod and even Brgy. Magpayang of Mainit. A spring in Brgy. Dayano, in an andesite porphyry, provides drinking water to that barangay and Brgy. Siana. Brgy. Pongtud residents get their potable water from a spring and shallow well. In 2005, GRC established a potable water supply and distribution system for the direct impact barangays. The water source is the open pit. Treatment consists of chlorination and filtration. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐25 Photo 4‐17. The irrigation dam at Magpayang River for Photo 4‐18. This irrigation dam at Dayano Creek services Brgy. Magpayang. the rice fields of Brgy. Siana. Photo 4‐19. The small irrigation dam across Cawilan Photo 4‐20. Some fields at Brgy. Siana are irrigated by Creek. pumped water from Dayano River. Photo 4‐21. Brgy. Cawilan residents bathe and wash Photo 4‐22. The fish cages and huts at the Siana Pit in their clothes at Magpayang River near the 2005. To date, these structures no longer bridge. exist. Impacts The hydrological and hydrogeological impacts of and to the Siana Project are the following: 1. Pumped out water from the pit will discharge into Dayano Creek and Magpayang River. An uncontrolled release coinciding with heavy rain may alter the channel geometry and cause flooding. To evaluate the flooding impacts of the pit dewatering on the river system, BMP implemented a topographic and bathymetric survey of the riverbanks starting from the pit discharge into Dayano Creek, along Dayano Creek and then Magpayang River, down to its mouth in Lake Mainit. The survey stations were selected January 2009 4‐26 EIS of the Siana Gold Project based on changes in river cross‐section, tributary occurrence, and bends or change in flow direction. Figure 4‐17 shows the location of survey stations and surveyed cross‐sections. The USEPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was then used to generate, rout, and track the quantity of runoff and the flow rate and depth in each stream channel during the simulation period. The computational period used in the modelling was three (3) hours. Two (2) simulation runs were made: one assumed no pit dewatering, i.e., the baseline condition; the other assumed pit dewatering. For the dewatering case, the open pit was assumed to have a total water volume of 11.15 million m3 to account for runon and groundwater contribution during the dewatering. Pumps with a total normal capacity of 780 L s‐1 would be used. The two (2) diversion gates of the irrigation dam along Dayano Creek located downstream of the open pit were assumed fully open during the whole simulation period (Figure 4‐17). The simulations used the 2003 daily rainfall data and rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency curve for Surigao City. The total rainfall recorded for that year was 4,073 mm which is higher than the mean annual rainfall of 3,573 mm for the period 1984 to 2004. Specifically, the simulations used rainfall data for the less rainy months of April to September. The modelling results for the baseline case show overflow occurring at various depths, times, and periods in ten (10) canal reaches, i.e., Canals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 in Dayano Creek and Canals 14, 15, 18, and 19 in Magpayang River, out of the 22 canal reaches (Figure 4‐17). The predicted overflow depth ranges from 0.02 m at Canal 1 to a maximum of 0.79 m at Canal 5 for Dayano Creek and from 0.01 m at Canal 15 to 1.58 m at Canal 14 for Magpayang River. The overflow occurs from 3 hours to a maximum of 9 days and for a total of 133 days in a year. For the dewatering case which lasted for 166 days, there were 56 flooding days. This is six (6) days more than the 50 days of flooding for the same period without dewatering. The observed extension of the overflow period is from three (3) to six (6) hours. No significant difference is observed on the overflow depth between the baseline and dewatering cases. Beyond the riverbanks, the area on both sides of Dayano Creek and Magpayang River is mostly paddy rice. If the rice production is at the initial growing stage, the water overflow from the stream to the paddy field will not have a negative impact, i.e., growing rice needs to be flooded to a certain depth with excess water draining into the canal. 2. During the operating year, annual water inflows to the pit are estimated at 5.9 million m3 from groundwater and 1.06 million m3 from rainfall. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and March. This can flood the open pit and underground works. To prevent this, GRC will install a pit perimeter drainage to keep surface runoff away from the open pit, dewatering bores, and pumps. 3. Clearings of grasslands and saplings and earthworks at the TSF, process plant, mine services area, waste rock dump, and access road will increase surface runoff. This can cause flooding and erosion which will impact the adjacent ricefields primarily along Dayano Creek and secondarily along Maypayang River. To manage the water inflows, GRC proposes to install sized drainage channels, sediment traps, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes (Figure 3‐4). For human safety, the measures will be complemented by emergency planning and decommissioning. During mine closure, mine rehabilitation and decommissioning works will be undertaken. 4. Underground mining can cause ground subsidence and the formation of open cracks, fissures, or pits. Connected either directly or indirectly to surface water, the openings may lead to partial or complete loss of water that is drained to the lower strata or mine workings. GRC will conduct detailed geotechnical and hydrogeological studies to predict the hydrological impacts of underground mining. Hydrologic control measures will then be formulated and implemented. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐27 Water Quality Methodology The surface and ground water bodies within the SURICON facility as well as the surrounding and receiving creeks, rivers, and lake were subjected to water and sediment sampling on various occasions. Figure 4‐18 plots the sampling locations while Table 4‐5 provides details of the sampling episodes. Table 4‐5 groups the sampling stations by location, i.e., inside the SURICON facility, along a stream upstream of the facility, and along a stream downslope of the facility. Tetra Tech commenced sampling (on a one‐time basis) within the SURICON site in February 2001. GRC started its sampling works in March 2003; said sampling was continued to the present on a quarterly basis. BMP conducted supplementary samplings in February, March, and May 2005. Table 4‐5. Details of sampling episodes Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler SURICON facility • Tailings ponds • Water TP1, TP2, TP3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech EM, Inc. TSY 5 June 2003 GRC 5 April 2005 12 July 2005 8 November 2005 25 April 2005 26 July 2006 7 November 2006 30 January 2007 1 May 2007 24 July 2007 30 October 2007 • Groundwater SMRC5 (TP3) 19 March 2003 GRC 27 July 2003 19 November 2003 4 March 2004 15 December 2004 • Tailings sediment TP1, TP2, TP3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech • Soil TP1, TP2, TP3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech • Waste dumps • Rock WD1, WD2, WD3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech • Settling pond • Water SP1 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech • Open pit • Water OP1 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Pit near‐surface 19 March 2003 GRC 27 July 2003 19 November 2003 3 March 2004 17 December 2004 6 April 2005 January 2009 4‐28 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler 12 July 2005 8 November 2005 25 April 2006 27 July 2006 8 November 2006 31 January 2007 2 May 2007 30 October 2007 Pit center 19 March 2005 BMP 1‐05, 1‐20, 1‐40, 1‐80, 1‐ 88.5 (5, 20, 40, 80, and 88.5m deep) Near limestone 19 March 2005 BMP 2‐05, 2‐20, 2‐70 (5, 20, and 70m deep) Far from limestone 19 March 2005 BMP 3‐05, 3‐20, 2‐40 (5, 20, and 40m deep) • Sediment OP1 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech • North of open pit • Groundwater SMRC7 19 March 2003 GRC 27 July 2003 19 November 2003 3 March 2004 16 December 2004 5 April 2005 • North of WD1 • Groundwater SMRC8 19 March 2003 GRC 4 June 2003 27 July 2003 20 November 2003 3 March 2004 River upslope of facility • Magpayang River • Water STA2 (d/s Cawilan 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Bridge, u/s Spanish Ditch) Stn 3 (Cawilan Bridge) 20 March 2003 GRC 28 July 2003 19 November 2003 3 March 2004 15‐16 December 2004 3‐4 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐29 Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler 24 April 2006 25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 Timamana 18 February 2005 BMP • Sediment STA2 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 3 28 July 2003 GRC Timamana 18 February 2005 BMP • Spanish Ditch • Water STA3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 4 (d/s STA3) 28 July 2003 GRC 19 November 2003 3 March 2004 16‐17 December 2004 5 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 24 April 2006 25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 • Sediment STA3 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 4 28 July 2003 GRC 4 March 2004 • Dayano Creek • Water Stn 12 (u/s Dayano 4 June 2003 GRC Bridge) 16 December 2004 3‐4 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 24 April 2006 25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 • Sediment Stn 12 4 June 2004 Greenstone January 2009 4‐30 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler River downslope of facility • Magpayang River • Water STA4 (d/s TP3, u/s 5 to February 2001 Tetra Tech Harrison Bridge), STA5 (d/s Dayano and Magpayang confluence) Stn 8 (Harrison Bridge) 28 July 2003 GRC 20 November 2003 4 March 2004 16 December 2004 4 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 24 April 2006 25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 Stn 9 (Siana Bridge) 19 March 2003 GRC 4 June 2003 28 July 2003 20 November 2003 3 March 2004 15‐16 December 2004 3 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 24 April 2005 24 July 2005 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 Stn 10 (d/s National 20 March 2003 GRC Highway) 28 July 2003 20 November 2003 3 March 2004 17 December 2004 4 April 2005 27 April 2006 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐31 Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler 24‐25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 • Sediment STA4, STA5 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 8 28 July 2003 GRC 4 March 2004 Stn 9 4 June 2003 GRC 28 July 2003 Stn 10 28 July 2003 GRC Magpayang 18 February 2005 BMP • Dayano Creek • Water STA1 (d/s Dayano Bridge) 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 2 (Dayano Bridge) 20 March 2003 GRC 4 June 2003 27 July 2003 19 November 2003 3 March 2004 16 December 2004 3 April 2005 12 July 2005 7 November 2005 24 April 2006 25 July 2006 6 November 2006 29 January 2007 30 April 2007 23 July 2007 29 October 2007 • Sediment STA1 5 to 7 February 2001 Tetra Tech Stn 2 4 June 2003 GRC Lake Mainit • Water Lake (various depths of 1 17 December 2004 GRC – 12 m) 6 April 2005 14 July 2005 8 November 2005 27 April 2006 27 July 2006 8 November 2006 31 January 2007 January 2009 4‐32 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Location Type of Samples Sampling Stations Dates of Sampling Sampler 1 May 2007 25 July 2007 30 October 2007 Sta 3 (2 and 10m deep, 1 May 2005 BMP Magpayang River mouth) Sta 4 (5m deep, NW of 1 May 2005 BMP Sta 3) Sta 2 (10 m deep, 1 May 2005 BMP fronting Alegria) • Sediment Sta 3, Sta 4, Sta 2 1 May 2005 BMP Baseline Conditions Tables 8‐1 and 8‐10 present the laboratory results of the sediment and water quality sampling, respectively. The sequence of discussion of the results is by water body and subsequently by location referenced to SURICON’s facility. Table 4‐4 extracts the water quality laboratory results for some key parameters for comparison with the reference values for freshwater body classification as per DAO No. 1990‐34. Results for oil and grease were excluded for non‐ reliability as evidenced by readings on commercial bottled drinking water control samples. It should be noted that for classification purposes, yearly average values for certain parameters are required. The compilation of sampling data over a full year has not been achieved for some parameters such as total coliforms, phenols, NO as N, and PO as P. 3 4 Hence, what is possible is just a tentative classification of the water bodies. Table 4‐6. Classification of water bodies based on sampling results Parameter Water Body Sampling Results Class AA Class A Class B Class C Class D pH All 6.7 – 8.6 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 9.0 o Temperature C All 25.0 – 31.9 ‐1 DO mg L or % All 6.31 – 10.19 5 5 5 5 3 71 – 100 % 70 % 70 % 70 % 60 % 40 % ‐1 BOD mg L Magpayang River <1 – 8.8 1 5 5 7 (10) 10 (15) 5 Spanish Ditch <1 – 3.8 1 5 5 7 (10) 10 (15) Dayano Creek <1 – 6.1 1 5 5 7 (10) 10 (15) Open pit <1 ‐ 4.4 1 5 5 7 (10) 10 (15) Lake Mainit <1 – 2.7 1 5 5 7 (10) 10 (15) Total Coliforms Magpayang River 34 ‐ 1600000 50 1000 1000 5000 ‐‐‐ ‐1 MPN 100mL Spanish Ditch <2 ‐ 30000 50 1000 1000 5000 ‐‐‐ Dayano Creek 80 ‐ 16000 50 1000 1000 5000 ‐‐‐ Open pit <2 ‐ 300 50 1000 1000 5000 ‐‐‐ Lake Mainit 9 ‐ 1600 50 1000 1000 5000 ‐‐‐ ‐1 Phenols mg L Magpayang River <0.001 – 0.2 nil 0.002 0.005 0.02 ‐‐‐ Spanish Ditch <0.001 nil 0.002 0.005 0.02 ‐‐‐ Dayano Creek <0.001 – 0.3 nil 0.002 0.005 0.02 ‐‐‐ Open pit <.001 nil 0.002 0.005 0.02 ‐‐‐ January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐33 Parameter Water Body Sampling Results Class AA Class A Class B Class C Class D Lake Mainit <0.001 ‐ 0.3 nil 0.002 0.005 0.02 ‐‐‐ NO ‐ N Magpayang River <0.002 – 1.8 1 10 10 ‐‐‐ 3 ‐1 mg L Spanish Ditch 0.07 – 2.9 1 10 10 ‐‐‐ Dayano Creek < 0.001 – 0.99 1 10 10 ‐‐‐ Open pit <0.001 – 0.88 1 10 10 ‐‐‐ Lake Mainit <0.001 – 0.58 1 10 10 ‐‐‐ PO ‐ P Magpayang River 0.06 – 0.5 nil 0.1 0.2 0.4 ‐‐‐ 4 ‐1 mg L Spanish Ditch 0.07 – 0.21 nil 0.1 0.2 0.4 ‐‐‐ Dayano Creek <0.01 – 0.47 nil 0.1 0.2 0.4 ‐‐‐ Open pit <0.01 – 0.07 nil 0.1 0.2 0.4 ‐‐‐ Lake Mainit <0.01 – 0.8 nil 0.1 0.2 0.4 ‐‐‐ ‐1 Pb mg L Magpayang River <0.03 – 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.10 Spanish Ditch < 0.03 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.10 Dayano Creek <0.03 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.10 Open pit <0.03 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.10 Lake Mainit <0.03 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.10 CN mg L‐1 Magpayang River <0.001 – 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ‐‐‐ Spanish Ditch <0.001 – 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ‐‐‐ Dayano Creek <0.001– 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ‐‐‐ Open pit <0.001 – 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ‐‐‐ Notes: 1. The reference values without parentheses are yearly average values. Those enclosed in parentheses are maximum values. 2. When applied to lakes or reservoirs, the PO4 as P concentration reference value should not exceed an average of 0.05 mg/L or a maximum of 0.1 mg/L. 3. The reference values for total coliform are the geometric mean of the most probable number of coliform organism during a 3‐month period. The limit indicated shall not be exceeded in 20 % of the samples taken during the same period. 4. The standards for water body classification are taken from DAO No. 1990‐34. Table 4‐5 presents the tentative classification. As shown, total coliforms, phenols, and PO4 as P are the limiting factors. Magpayang River is tentatively classifiable as Class C. Dayano Creek is either Class A or C. Lake Mainit though classifiable as Class A may slide down to Class C or D depending on future samplings on oil and grease and phenols. It is interesting to note that the Environmental Management Bureau Caraga Regional Office classified the lake as Class A. Phenols were not included in the parameters for evaluation. Table 4‐7. Tentative classification of water bodies Parameter Magpayang River Spanish Ditch Dayano Creek Lake Mainit Open Pit BOD5 A A A A A Total coliforms C C A AA AA Phenols C A D D ‐‐‐ NO – N AA AA AA AA AA 3 PO – P C B AA AA AA 4 Pb AA AA AA AA AA CN AA AA AA AA AA January 2009 4‐34 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The water quality sampling results do not manifest any consequences of prior SURICON operations. The possible effects include elevated metal concentrations and acid mine drainage (AMD). The former is due to the exposure and dissolution of metals. AMD which enhances the dissolution of metals is the consequence of oxidation of sulfide minerals such as pyrite (FeS2) in the presence of water. Sulfides, primarily pyrite, galena (PbS), and sphalerite (ZnS) are present in the Siana Orebody. The sulfides are in the tailings ponds and the waste rock dumps. In the presence of water and oxygen, sulfides oxidize and form sulfuric acid. This is typified by the oxidation of pyrite (Lowson, 1982 and Nordstrom, 1982): FeS+7O+HO→Fe2++2SO2−+2H+ 2 2 2 2 4 As the oxidation continues, pH goes down. Aided by bacterial oxidation at pH values below 4.1 (Brierly, 1978; Lundgren and Silver, 1980; Torma and Banhegy, 1984; Ahonen et al., 1986), the ferrous iron is oxidized: 2Fe2++1O +2H+→2Fe3++H O 2 2 2 The ferric iron does not remain in solution at pH above 3. It forms the ferric hydroxide precipitate which is a distinguishing feature of AMD: Fe3++3HO→Fe(OH) +3H+ 2 3 At the Siana site, the pH does not go down after the oxidation of pyrite. This is due to the high buffering capacity of the limestone (CaCO ) in the various formations. The calcareous formations include the Timamana Limestone, 3 Mabuhay Formation, Bacuag Formation, and Siana Formation. These formations are responsible for the Ca present in + the waters of the Magpayang and Dayano Rivers and at the Siana Pit. CaCO reacts with H in the following manner: 3 CaCO +2H+ →Ca2+ +H CO 3 2 3 CaCO +H CO →Ca2+ +2HCO− 3 2 3 3 With enough CaCO3, calcium and bicarbonate alkalinity becomes available for acid neutralization reactions. The water quality sampling results also do not show any effects of gold small‐scale mining. This may be attributed to two factors, namely, the limited volume of materials excavated and processed and the reagents used to extract the gold. One additional remark is needed for Table 8‐10. Conductivity which measures the ability of the water to conduct an electric current shows a background level of 269 to 316 µS/cm for the Magpayang River and Dayano Creek, respectively. For the Tailings Pond 1 and Tailings Pond 2 water samples, conductivity rose to 657 and 482 µS/cm. The elevated concentration and valency of ions is due to the amount of exposed minerals and water ponding at the two sites. The conductivity readings were confirmed by TDS measurements. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐35 At the Siana Pit, conductivity and DO saturation were measured at various depths using a Yeokal probe. Surface water measurements were 388 µS/cm and 100 % saturation. As expected, conductivity increased at depth, reaching 596 µS/cm at 90.8 m below surface. DO saturation decreased, bottoming out to 35 %. Five months later, water samples were taken from the pit at various pre‐determined depths using a Van Dorn Bottle. As shown in Table 8‐10, there was no marked deviation from the near‐surface measurements at depth. This may be due to the aerobic conditions even at the bottom. As regards TDS, the measurements were not consistent with the earlier conductivity readings. Either the conditions changed or there were problems in the laboratory measurements. The sediment sampling results shown in Table 8‐1 indicate no significant elevation of Cu, Hg, Cd, and As in the stream or lake sediment downslope of the SURICON facility. For Pb and Zn, however, a rise in concentrations is discernible. For instance, Pb was less than 10 ppm upslope. Downslope, the measurements ranged from 40 to 82 ppm. For Zn, the upslope measurements were 44 to 74 ppm. Downslope, the readings were 113 to 297 ppm. Photo 4‐23. GRC’s Insoy Caballes collects the deep pit water sample from the Van Dorn Bottle. Impacts The prospective water quality impacts of the Siana Gold Project are: 1. Sediments – The Pedology Section of this EIS discussed how the Project will aggravate soil erosion and bring sediments to the Spanish Ditch, Dayano Creek, and Magpayang River. The water will become turbid and unfit for washing and bathing. Aquatic organisms and their habitats will be lost. The ricefields near the stream channels may be overwhelmed with sediment resulting in the loss of their productivity. 2 2 Magpayang River has a catchment area and relief ratio of 57.37 km (22.15 mi ) and 0.5 %, respectively. The 2 2 2 corresponding figures for Dayano Creek and the Spanish Ditch are 9.16 km (3.54 mi ) and 3.3 %, and 2.71 km 2) and 5.7 %, respectively (Table 4‐2). The Roehl Curve relates the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) of (1.04 mi streams to the size of the drainage area, sediment grain size, and relief ratio. Based on the Roehl Curve shown in Figure 4‐19, the SDR of Magpayang River ranges from 14 % for average to coarse grain size to 35 % for average to fine grain size. For Dayano Creek and the Spanish Ditch, the SDRs are higher, i.e., from 20 to 42 % and from 42 to 48 %, respectively. January 2009 4‐36 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐19. The Roehl Curve The low SDR for Magpayang River indicates the increased likelihood for deposition of the eroded sediment, especially the coarse‐grained particles, along the channel. The channel shoaling in turn leads to flooding. During big river flows, the deposited sediment is re‐suspended. It may deposit farther downslope or along the banks and adjacent rice fields. shows the settling velocities of different sediment sizes as low as 0.01 mm. Obviously, coarser Figure 4‐20 materials with high settling velocities are deposited close to the source. Finer materials are transported significant distances from the source before settling down. Figure 4‐20. Estimated settling velocity for different sediment sizes (Jenkins, 2002). Lake Mainit is the repository of discharges along the Magpayang River and Dayano Creek. To determine potential impact areas within the lake if sediment is released via Magpayang River, a hydrodynamic modeling of the lake forced by wind and river input and output was performed. A lake bathymetric survey and measurements of temperature, conductivity, and surface currents were conducted from 17 to 19 February 2005. Based on the findings, a hydrodynamic model of the lake was developed using the Princeton Ocean Model (POM, Blumberg and Mellor, 1987). The POM is a three dimensional primitive equation circulation model which uses a bottom‐scaled vertical coordinate system called the sigma‐coordinate. For the lake modeling, no open boundaries were prescribed. The model was January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐37 initialized with a thermal stratification derived from the measurements and forced by both wind and river fluxes. No fluxes of heat and freshwater were assumed to occur at the water‐air interface. Three (3) simulations were conducted. The first was designed to examine the significance of river input and outflow out of the lake in influencing circulation pattern. This was done by prescribing the inflow from the Magpayang River and allowing the same volume of water to exit from the southernmost tip of the lake, i.e., Kalinawan River. The remaining two simulations were wind‐driven simulations – one blowing to the northeast and the other to the southwest. In the absence of any wind records over the lake, climatological wind speeds and directions compiled at the Surigao City PAGASA station were used. A Lagrangian dispersal modeling, which entailed the release of some 1,000 virtual neutrally buoyant passive particles from the Magpayang River mouth, was then performed on the three (3) lake circulation situations. Compared to actual sediment, a neutrally buoyant particle remains in the water column far longer. During the modeling, each particle, as advected by prevailing currents and influenced by diffusion, is tracked over time. The river discharge‐forced Lake circulation shows advection towards the south with the spread of particles dependent on the diffusion rate used. As shown in Figure 4‐21a, the impact areas are most likely within 1.2 km on either side of the river mouth. In the presence of winds, particles floating at the surface will either be trapped along the coast in case of southwest winds or advected directly offshore for northeast winds. From Figure 4‐21b, during southwest wind‐forcing, the advection of particles within the first three days is along the coast north of the river mouth. The particles follow the coast for about 2 km before turning and moving offshore. In contrast, during the northeast wind‐forcing, the advection of particles within the first three days is southward beyond the boundary of Alegria and Kitcharao (Figure 4‐21c). Some particles move farther south up to the boundary of Kitcharao and Jabonga. Based on the Lagrangian dispersal modeling results, the areas most likely affected by the release of sediment (or tailings) via the Magpayang River are the easternmost coast of Mainit, the coast of Alegria, and to a lesser degree, the coast of Kitcharao. Figure 4‐22 highlights the potential impact areas. The management measures for erosion and sediment control have been discussed in the Pedology Section of this EIS. Figure 4‐22. Impact areas of sediment or tailings release. January 2009 (a) (b) (c) bmp Particle dispersal modeling (a) River discharged-forced EIS of the (b) Southwest wind-forced, (c) Northeast wind-forced Siana Gold Project 4-21 Figure No. 4‐38 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 2. Tailings – The Project will crush and grind the ore. After the gold is extracted, the ground materials will pass a CN destruction circuit. The CN‐cleansed tailings are then deposited at the TSF. The tests for engineering properties carried out on the process tailings and remined tailings samples found that about 35 % and 30 % of the remined and process tailings are clay sized, i.e., diameter less than 2 ʅm. Settling tests established that due to the high clay content, the particles settle at a very slow rate. Tailings consolidation is also very slow. From these tests, it may be inferred that the clay and fine silt portions of the tailings solids will remain suspended in the supernatant water and be released into Dayano Creek. The results of GCA’s geochemical testworks shed light on the composition of the tailings solids – Al at 7.33 %, Ca 8.71 %, Fe 6.4 %, K 2.43 %, Mg 1.11 %, As 131 mg kg‐1, Cr 197 mg kg‐1, Cu 272 mg kg‐1, Mn 4425 mg kg‐1, Pb 1126 mg kg‐1, Zn 1629 mg kg‐1, Cd at 7 mg kg‐1, and Hg 0.70 mg kg‐1. The heavy metal content is comparable to that of solid samples taken from SURICON’s tailings dams (Table 8‐1). Apart from release through decant or spillway discharge of excess water from the TSFs, there are other pathways for tailings release: 1. As an extreme event which is a dam break – As discussed in the Geology and Geomorphology Section, the preventive measures are geotechnical site investigation and engineering design prior to earthworks, implementation of design with strict quality control, regular stability inspection and monitoring, observance of buffer or exclusion zone, emergency planning and testing, and mine rehabilitation and decommissioning. 2. Seepage – Golder (2007) simulated seepage through the TSF based on site survey data, design drawings of the embankment, and air‐lift and recovery tests on three (3) holes. They found as likely the development of a gentle groundwater mound in the lower portion of the TSF, drainage of TSF3 groundwater towards the open pit, and non‐seepage at the toe of the TSF. The planned placement of tailings over the existing tailings surface will assist in reducing the rate of seepage loss during the initial tailings deposition. 3. Leak from the tailings delivery pipe – During the normal operation of the TSFs, tailings will be discharged via HDPE delivery pipelines from the perimeter embankment. The pipelines will be contained inside a lined channel. Any leak will be collected and brought to a collection pond in the process plant area (Figure 3‐4). Considering that the sources of potable water for the communities are either upslope or far from the Project site, the risk of direct ingestion by humans of heavy metals in released tailings is insignificant. The likely pathway for human ingestion is by consumption of metal‐contaminated fish or other edible organisms from Magpayang River, Dayano Creek, and to a limited extent, Lake Mainit. The human health effects of heavy metals vary: • When ingested, Pb can affect almost every organ and system. The most sensitive is the central nervous system. Pb also damages kidneys and the immune system. • Long‐term exposure to low levels of Cd leads to build‐up in kidneys and possible kidney damage. Other long‐term effects are lung damage and fragile bones. • The long‐term ingestion of As at low levels can cause skin darkening and small corns or warts. High levels can cause death. Lower levels can cause nausea and vomiting, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm and damage to blood levels. • Mercury has a number of effects on humans. These are disruption of the nervous system; damage to brain functions; DNA damage and chromosomal damage; allergic reactions resulting in skin January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐39 rashes, tiredness and headaches; and negative reproductive effects such as sperm damage, birth defects, and miscarriages. The tailings will be managed through CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge to the TSF; design of TSF embankment following the ANCOLD guidelines, and other measures listed in the Geology and Geomorphology Section. 4. Chemicals – Tables 3‐4 and 3‐5 list the chemicals with significant hazard ratings which will be used by the Project in the process plants. Other chemicals with hazard ratings will also be used at the open pit and underground operations: ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) explosive and diesel. Oil and grease will require the following management measures: training of personnel on proper oil handling, drip trays, oil spills containment, oil‐water separators, and the collection, containment, and disposition of used oil. Management of the other chemicals will entail personnel training, physical systems to fully contain or prevent the escape of chemicals, and systems and procedures on the transport, handling, storage, use, and disposal of chemicals and their chemical wastes. 5. AMD – As discussed previously, notwithstanding the sulfide minerals present in the Siana orebody such as PbS, ZnS, and FeS2, no AMD is generated from SURICON’s tailings ponds and waste rock dumps. This is attributed to the abundance of calcareous materials within the orebody itself and the surrounding areas. Such conditions are expected even with GRC’s redevelopment of the Siana orebody. BMP’s (2007) acid‐base accounting of waste rock samples found that 24 % of the estimated waste rocks is NAF; for 60 % of the waste rocks, 13 % to 15 % is PAF; for 16 % of the waste rocks, 38 % is PAF. Assuming a good statistical representation by the samples, only about 15 % of the total waste rocks is PAF. This means that NAF materials are more than adequate to encapsulate the PAF materials. To ensure that PAF materials are identified and placed properly in the waste rock dump, NAG pH=4 tests on blasthole cuttings of Domain 600 (feldspar porphyry) primarily and Domains 100 (volcaniclastics, mudstone, sandstone, tuff, basalt, and coal) and 400 (basalt) will be conducted. GCA (2006) likewise conducted static tests on a metallurgically prepared sample of process tailings. It was concluded that the tailings solid sample is NAF due to the strongly calcareous minerals. 6. Sewage – About 75,000 m3 of sewage will be generated annually during construction. This will decline to about 48,300 m3 annually during operation. Sewage impacts on the visual aesthetics. It generates foul smell, degrades the stream, and gives rise to water‐borne diseases. GRC proposes to install bacteriological sewage treatment systems, preferably BioMAX. 7. Solid waste – During construction, about 91 t of domestic solid waste will accumulate annually. This is expected to reduce to 57 t during operations. GRC will implement a waste segregation, recycling, and composting. Non‐usable wastes are deposited in a landfill near the waste rock dump. Freshwater Biology Methodology Available literature on Lake Mainit limnology and water quality was reviewed (Table 2‐4). Using NAMRIA’s 1988 1:50,000 topographic map and the Ikonos 2005 satellite image, sampling stations were selected. Five (5) stations were established along Magpayang River; two (2) stations along Dayano Creek, and six (6) stations within Lake Mainit (Figure 4‐18). The freshwater biological assessment of inland waters was conducted on 6 to 8 January 2005; the limnological survey of Lake Mainit was from 29 April to 1 May 2005. January 2009 4‐40 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The biological sampling focused on plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish and other aquatic vertebrates. Plankton samples were collected from approximately 50 L of river water that passed an 80 µm mesh net. The samples were immediately preserved in 10 % formalin. In the laboratory, the samples were concentrated to a volume of 5 mL. For each sample, a 1 mL sub‐sample was examined. Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were obtained from different habitat types: leaf packs (submerged macrophyte beds), sand, and riffle rock. An approximate habitat surface area of 1 m2 was examined for each habitat type. A 500 ʅm mesh net was used as sieve for the collection of samples. Uncollected but visually observed organisms were noted. All collected macroinvertebrate samples were immediately preserved in 75 % ethanol for processing and identification. Fish sampling was not undertaken due to the strong current and deep water. The sampling information was supplemented by interviews of local residents on river biota. Baseline Conditions Inland Streams – A total of 241 individuals from 31 macro‐invertebrate taxa were collected and identified (Table 8‐11). The list includes aquatic insects, mollusks, freshwater earthworms, crabs, and shrimps. • Aquatic Insects ‐ The aquatic insects were dominated by the groups Coenagrionidae (damselfly nymph), Heptageniidae, and Baetidae (mayfly nymph). In Dayano Creek, there were more insect larvae taxa found in the reach downstream of the SURICON facilities (Station 2). However, these are the moderately tolerant to tolerant types. The absence of sensitive species in the downstream sampling site may be due to: 1. Fewer bank vegetation and tree cover compared to the upstream station; thus, fewer suitable habitats for the adults or 2. Relatively deeper and sandy muddy type of substrate which is unsuitable for insect larvae. The effects of water outflow from the adjacent flooded open pit are ruled out because of the good water quality. In Magpayang River, the Motorpool (Station 7) sampling site, which is the most upstream sampling station, has the highest total number of individuals and species. The site apparently receives fewer disturbances from human activities. The rocky‐stony substratum creates many riffle areas suitable for benthos and some fishes. Most taxa collected were of the sensitive type, dominated by the mayfly nymph Baetidae. There were some moderately tolerant species such as the Coenagrionidae damselfly nymph. The next sampling station downstream, Cawilan Station 4, contains about four (4) species taxa of insect larvae. Three (3) are sensitive and one is moderately tolerant. Farther downstream, the Tailings Pond Station 3 contains about five (5) taxa of insect larvae. Of this, two (2) are sensitive and two (2) are tolerant types. In the more downstream sampling stations along Magpayang River, the collection of insect larvae, even on the riverbanks, was difficult because of the very deep waters. Furthermore, the substratum is a combination of stone, sand, and mud. Sandy‐muddy substrates are usually not preferred by insect larvae, even if the water is relatively clean. Two (2) moderately tolerant insect larvae taxa were collected from Alegria Station 5. • Other Invertebrates ‐ Other aquatic invertebrates are present in Dayano Creek and Magpayang River. As regards molluscs, the relatively swifter upstream portion of Dayano Creek contains two species of melaniids, while the relative slower downstream portion contains other epiphytic molluscs aside from the bottom dwelling melaniids. A notable mollusc species collected in the downstream portion of Dayano Creek is Oncomelania hupensis January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐41 quadrasi, the intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum. This confirms the report that schistosomiasis is present in the area. The shrimp, Macrobrachium mammilodactylus, is present in both sampling sites along Dayano Creek. It is also found in Motorpool Station 7, Tailings pond Station 3, and Cawilan Station 4. • Plankton ‐ As shown in Table 8‐12, plankton collection in the sampling sites was relatively low. Lotic systems in general contain much lower plankton as compared to standing water systems like lakes and ponds. In the case of Magpayang River and Dayano Creek, the collection was further affected by the heavy rains which made the flows bigger and swifter. • Fish ‐ The bad weather condition during the time of sampling prevented the collection of fish from both rivers. According to the local fishermen, the following fishes are present: Oreochromis niloticus ‐ "tilapia" Clarias batrachus ‐ "hito" Glossogobius giuris ‐ "biya" Ophieleotris aporos ‐ "biya" Ophiocephalus striatus‐ "dalag" Anguilla marmorata ‐ "igat" Puntius binotatus ‐ "pait" It is highly probable that there are more fish species that inhabit the rivers. Lake Mainit – Tumanda et al. assessed the physical, chemical, and biological characteristrics of the lake in October 2003 and January and April 2004. The lake characteristics that were investigated include morphology, bathymetry, visibility, vertical temperature‐DO profile, baterial load profile, and the vertical variations of nutrients in the lake basin including those from the river tributaries. • Physico‐Chemical and Bacteriological Properties – The following were extracted from Tumanda et al. (2005): o 1. The surface temperature of Lake Mainit ranged from 27 to 30.7 C. The vertical water temperature was from 26.6 to 30.7oC. There are hot springs in the northern and eastern part of the lake and possibly within as indicated by temperature anomalies. The epilimnion or mixed layer is found at the upper 10 m; Lewis (1973) measured it at 12 m. The mixing may be expected to reach 30 m during intense weather conditions. The thermocline layer was observed between 10 to 35 m; the hypolimnion was beyond 35 m. 2. Secchi depth measurements ranged from 3.2 to 6.65 m. The Mainit, Kitcharao, and Alegria areas close to the ricefields had very low water clarity. Areas away from the tributaries and those close to the Malimono Rangehad higher visibilities. 3. The oxycline was observed to be between 10 to 35 m at about 27.5 to 30oC. DO is more or less uniform in the epilimnion, i.e., from 7.31 to 7.67 mg L‐1. DO rapidly decreases below the thermocline to less than 2 mg L‐1 at 50 m depth. DO levels of 5 to 6 mg L‐1 are required for growth and activity of aquatic organisms. DO less than 3 mg L‐1 is stressful to most aquatic organisms; DO less than 2 mg L‐1 can no longer support fish life. 4. The mean pH observed at the surface water down to a depth of 5 m was 7.9. The pH decreased to 7.2 at 45 m depth. January 2009 4‐42 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5. Nutrient concentrations in the lake showed a strong vertical gradient. Mean NO3‐N varied from 0.099 ‐1 ‐1 mg L at 35 m depth to 0.507 mg L at the surface. The mean NH ‐N concentration was uniform from 3 ‐1 ‐1 the surface down to 60 m depth at 0.004 mg L , gradually increasing with depth to 0.037 mg L . The ‐1 mean PO ‐P levels ranged from below detection at the surface to 0.20 mg L at 200 m. 4 Nutrients like P and N can enter a lake from surface runoff, groundwater, streams, and by atmospheric deposition as well as recycling from bottom lake sediments. The main source of nitrate is sewage. It is also widely used in inorganic fertilizers, explosives, and as raw chemical in industrial processes. P in PO4 form is present in most fertilizers, synthetic detergents, and toothpastes. It is also present in almost all volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The excreta of aquatic organisms are very high in ammonia. 6. Pb was not detected in most parts of the lake, except near the Municipality of Mainit at 0.04 mg L‐1. Cd ‐1. Among the was measured in several locations within the lake, ranging from 0.001 to 0.044 mg L twelve lake tributaries, Tapian River had the highest Cd concentration at 0.016 mg L‐1, followed by Roxas River and Tagbuyawan Rivers at 0.013 mg L‐1. Hg was not detected in the water samples. Sediment ‐1 ‐1 samples from Magpayang and Agong‐ongan Rivers had 208 ʅg L and 139 ʅg L Hg, respectively. 7. The discharge rate of lake tributaries and their TSS were measured in October and November 2003. The inferred sediment load and contributions to the lake are presented in Table 8‐13. As shown, Magpayang River contributes a mere 1.09 % of the total daily sediment load of 88.84 t. Mayag River delivers 87.66 % of the total sediment load. Kalinawan River which drains the lake is inferred to discharge only 4.43 % of the sediment inflow. 8. Twelve sites within Lake Mainit were sampled for heterotrophic plate counts (bacterial density), total coliforms, and fecal coliforms. From Table 8‐14, the sites with the highest bacterial densities were ‐1 ‐1 Mainit and Jaliobong at 41,333 cfu mL and 14,329 cfu mL , respectively. Total coliform and fecal coliform counts were also highest in Mainit, followed closely by San Roque at 1,600 MPN mL‐1. The other areas had far lesser densities and counts. The least readings were for stations at the center of the lake, away from the sources. • Phytoplankton – Lewis (1973) identified ten (10) genera and 21 species belonging to five (5) phytoplankton families within the lake (Table 8‐15). Tumanda et al. (2005) identified 27 genera and 11 species belonging to five (5) families (Table 8‐16). Tumanda et al. reported that: 1. The important genera of Bacillarophytes, or diatoms, are the Nitzchia, Diatoma, Fragillaria, and Melosira. All belong to pinnate groups except Melosira which belongs to the centric group. The Bacillarophytes comprise about 0.82 % of the observed phytoplankton population. 2. Chlorophytes are the most abundant, i.e., 94.05 % of the population. Comprising the major group of green algae that exhibits tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions, they include the unicellular, colonial, fiulamentous, membranous, and tubular forms. Its member genera include the Apiocystis, Bactrachospernum, Chlorosarcina, and Golenkenia. 3. The Cyanophytes, or blue‐green algae, make up 4.28 % of the observed phytoplankton population. The member genera are Gomphosphaera, Anabaena, Anacystis, and Lyngbia. 4. The Dinoflagellates were observed in minimal numbers, i.e., 0.84 % of the population. The member genera are Gonyaulax, Glenodinium, Ceratium, and Peridinium. BMP’s limnological survey in 2005 identified a total of thirteen (13) genera of phytoplankton – five (5) genera of blue‐green algae, six (6) genera of green algae, and two (2) genera of diatoms in the six (6) lake stations (Table 8‐ 17 and Figure 4‐18). Of the blue‐greens, Anabaena and Lyngbya were dominant. Individuals of the genus Aphanothece were third in abundance. Of the green algae, Oocystis was present in all stations. It is the only genus January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐43 present in Stations 3 (Magpayang River mouth) and 5 (off the shore of Mainit poblacion). Of the diatoms, only Synedra and Melosira were present and distributed throughout the lake. Station 1 (off Kitcharao) was the most species‐rich with twelve (12) genera present in the coastal waters. Individuals of the genera Lyngbya, Anabaena and Aphanothece dominated the blue‐green algae. Individuals representing all six (6) genera of green algae (Chlorophyta) were represented but in relatively low counts. Individuals of the genus Chroococcus, present in all other stations, were not observed in the samples from the coast of Kitcharao. The diatoms (Synedra and Melosira) were present in moderate amounts, relative to other sites. The phytoplankters of Station 2 (Alegria) appeared similar to Station 1. The waters of Station 2 hosted a relatively greater number of Anabaena and Synedra cells than Station 1. Station 3 (Magpayang River mouth) had the least number, i.e., seven (7), of genera represented. Of the green algae, only the genus Oocystis was represented. There was also a general reduction in the number of individuals in all the genera present. Station 3 was the most turbid of the six (6) stations. The phytoplankters of Station 4 represented eleven (11) genera. The station was similar to Station 2 but had comparatively lower individual cell counts, except for the diatoms. Station 5 (shore of Mainit town) appeared to be similar to Station 3, although the former contained a greater number of Anabaena, Oocystis, and Melosira individual cells and lower numbers for the other genera. The waters of Station 6 (western side, Jabonga) contained phytoplanktons that represented nine (9) genera. This station had all the blue‐greens present in the samples and had the most number of individuals in the group. It also had the most number of diatoms – with the number of Synedra individuals the highest among all the stations. Conspicuosly low are the green algae (Chlorophyta). The number of phytoplankton species and individuals observed in 2005 was much lower than those reported by Lewis (1973) and Tumanda et al. (2005). • Zooplankton – Lewis (1973) listed one (1) phylum, one (1) sub‐class, one (1) order, one (1) genera, and seven (7) species of zooplankton (Table 8‐18). Tumanda et al. (2005) identified a greater number, i.e., one (1) phylum, two (2) sub‐classes, one (1) order, nine (9) genera, and ten (10) species (Table 8‐19). They reported that: ‐1 ‐1 1. The average population density was 184 indiv. L with the highest population of 578 indiv. L observed in Puyo and the lowest of 22 indiv. L‐1 in Pakuyab. 2. The eggs, nauplii, and adult stages comprised the copepod group while Brachionus spp., Keratella, and Proales made up the rotifers. The cladecorans were represented by the Diaphanosoma sp. 3. The zooplankton does not graze solely on phytoplankton. Bacteria largely make up the diet of some zooplankton species. It was observed that the copepods outnumbered the cladecorans which may indicate an unproductive community. The zooplankton genera observed during BMP’s limnological survey are listed in Table 8‐20. Again, the number and individuals are less compared to the two earlier surveys. Stations 1 (Kitcharao) and 2 (Alegria) had the greatest number of zooplankters. Stations 3 (Magpayang River mouth), 4 (northwest of Station 3), and 5 (off Mainit poblacion) had a lesser number of zooplankters. The copepods (probably belonging to the genus Thermocyclops) and rotifers were the dominant taxa. The copepods and their larval stages were present in all the stations, although there were more individuals present in Stations 1 (Kitcharao) and 2 (Alegria). The cladocerans were present only in Stations 1 and 2. The rotifers were also present in almost all stations except for the absence of individuals of the genus Keratella in Station 3. The rotifers were abundant in Stations 1, 2, and 6. Interestingly, the numbers of zooplankton and phytoplankton in the lake are positively correlated. January 2009 4‐44 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Ichtyofauna – Lewis (1973) identified about 12 species of fish in the lake. Gracia (1981) reported that seven (7) species are commercially exploited by fishermen. Some were migratory or introduced by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or private individuals. The most dominant in terms of fish catch, i.e., about 63.3 %, was the gobies (pidianga). The rest of the catch was distributed among the other groups such as tilapia, mudfish, catfish, common carp, eel, and some miscellaneous species. Ten (10) species of fishes caught in the lake were noted in BMP’s 2005 survey (Table 8‐21). The decline in fish catch from the lake was established from the interviews with fishermen. The latter admitted that the catch per ‐1 unit effort was a dismal 0.5 kg fisherman‐hr ; fewer species, confined to the benthic gobiod species and to the exclusion of water‐column species like tilapia, carps, and guoramis, were being caught. The fishermen said that to enhance the lake productivity, aquaculture was tried. However, this failed due to unfavourable weather conditions that destroyed the aquaculture structures. • Other Lake Biota – Three (3) crustacean taxa were observed during the 2005 survey: the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium mammilodactylus caught from the lake shore with the use of bamboo/chicken wire traps or crab traps and is being sold fresh or dried in the market; the smaller Atya sp. which is included in the catch being sold in the market as “bolinao” together with N. thessa and the juveniles of gobies; and the freshwater crab of the genus Varuna. Impacts 1. The proposed Project can cause stressors that are directly toxic to freshwater biota. These include heavy metals, high pH, reduced DO, AMD, and toxic chemicals like CuSO4, NaCN, NaOH, HCl, and diesel. An erosion and sediment control plan, chemicals management plan, and AMD management plan are needed to prevent the release of these stressors to the aquatic environment. 2. The Project can also generate non‐toxic stressors that affect the ecosystems and biota. These are flows from the pit dewatering or tailings water releases and turbidity. The latter reduces DO and light penetration in the water column. It also interferes with the interaction between air and water, a natural process crucial to DO. Mud accumulation leads to anoxic and unstable conditions unfit for many aquatic organisms. Fine particulate matter easily suffocates newly‐hatched larvae, clogs or damages the gill structures of fishes, decreases their resistance to diseases, and prevents proper egg and larval development. Excessive flows to the streams will be regulated and confined to the less rainy months of April to September. Turbidity will be addressed by the stormwater management plan and erosion and sediment control plan. THE AIR Climate Climate Type and Controls ‐ The climate at the Project site is classified as Type II under the Modified Coronas Classification (Figure 4‐23). This climate type does not have a dry season; a very pronounced maximum rain period occurs from November to February. Two of the major climatic controls are air streams or masses and tropical cyclones. The Northeast Monsoon1, Southwest Monsoon, and the North Pacific Trades are the principal air streams. The Northeast Monsoon generally affects the country in October and gradually weakens in March. The Southwest Monsoon arrives in early May and gradually disappears in October. The North Pacific Trades is dominant in April and early May and over the central and southern Philippines in October. The air stream typically overlies the Northeast Monsoon over the eastern section of the country. 1 A monsoon is defined as a seasonal shift in wind direction. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐45 Tropical cyclones are destructive weather disturbances that are marked by strong winds and heavy rains. They have a low‐pressure center which is called the “eye” of the storm with no clouds and wind. In the northern hemisphere2, the winds of a tropical cyclone blow around this low‐pressure center in a counter clockwise direction with increasing magnitude nearer the center. Tropical cyclones are classified in the Philippines according to the accompanying maximum winds. A tropical ‐1 ‐1 depression has winds of less than 63 km hr , a tropical storm has winds of speed from 63 to 117 km hr , a typhoon has ‐1 wind speeds of more than 117 km hr . The typhoon season begins in May and lasts until December. Tropical cyclones may form as early as January to April but these are relatively few in number. Most typhoons occur from July to September. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), an average of 22 typhoons hit the country each year. Of these, five will be destructive (Gonzales, 1994). The paths of tropical cyclones vary with the season. Figure 4‐23 plots the average cyclone tracks for each month. The residents of the communities adjacent to the Project site recall the devastating effects of two typhoons. One was Typhoon Ining in 1964. The other was Typhoon Nitang which ravaged the country from 31 August to 4 September 1984. According to the residents, Typhoon Ining damaged agricultural lands, houses, schools, and other properties. Many carabaos and one person died. Typhoon Nitang was worse. Five persons reportedly died. In Brgy. Pongtud, Municipality of Alegria, around 60 % of the houses were destroyed. Based on the records of the Office of Civil Defense, Typhoon Nitang caused 900 deaths and a total property damage of P 3.913 billion nationwide. Rainfall ‐ The synoptic station closest to the Siana Project site is PAGASA’s Station 653 in Surigao City. It is 30 km northwest of the site. The succeeding discussions are based on data gathered at the Surigao City station. Table 8‐22 presents the climatological normals based on data compiled from 1971 to 2000. Table 8‐23 shows the climatological extremes based on various periods up to 2003. Table 8‐24 is the rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency data. Figure 4‐24 plots the mean monthly rainfall for Surigao City. The months of May to September are less wet, corresponding to the Southwest Monsoon. October to March, the period when the Northeast Monsoon is operative, are wet months. The mean annual rainfall stands at 3,556.4 mm. From Figure 4‐23, the heavy precipitation during the months of November to January is also due to the tropical cyclones. During said period, the mean cyclone path passes very closely to the Project site. Rainfall data for Surigao City 700 Mean monthly ) 600 rainfall m 500 Greatest daily (m400 rainfall l l fa300 n i a 200 R 100 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Figure 4‐24. Line chart for mean monthly and greatest daily rainfall. 2 The Philippines is part of the northern hemisphere. January 2009 4‐46 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐24 also plots the greatest daily rainfall recorded for each month. In some months, i.e., from April to December, the greatest daily rainfall exceeds the average total rainfall for the month. The average number of rainy days per month is shown in Figure 4‐25. The trend closely mimics that of the mean monthly rainfall. Mean number of rainy days for Surigao City 30 s 25 y 20 a d 15 y n i 10 a R 5 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Figure 4‐25. Line chart of mean number of rainy days. Figure 4‐26 is taken from the rainfall intensity‐duration‐frequency dataset (Table 8‐24). The two years’ 24‐hour storm has an estimated precipitation of 204.8 mm. For a hundred years’ 24‐hour storm, the computed rainfall is 593.6 mm. Computed extreme 24-hr rain for Surigao City 700 ) 600 m 500 (m 400 l l 300 fa n i a 200 R 100 0 2 5 10 15 20 25 50 100 Return period (yrs) Figure 4‐26. Estimated rainfall for 24‐hour storms of various return periods. Temperature ‐ Based on the climatological normals (Table 8‐22), the mean monthly temperature at Surigao City varies from a low of 26.0oC in January to 28.4oC in May, August, and September. From the climatological extremes data o (Table 8‐23), the lowest temperature on record was 18.2 C in February. On the other hand, the highest temperature o was 37.5 C in June. Relative Humidity ‐ The annual average dry and wet bulb temperatures are 27.3oC and 25.1oC, respectively (Table 8‐22). The annual average relative humidity (RH) is 84 %. The monthly mean RH is lowest at 80 % in August and September and the highest at 88 % for December and January. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐47 Surface Wind ‐ Based on the climatological normals (Table 8‐22), the annual mean wind speed is 2 m s‐1. The monthly mean wind direction blows from five directions (Figure 4‐27): • From the east during the months of February to May • Southwest from June to July • West‐southwest from August to September • From the west in October • From the east in November and • Northeast in December and January. The highest wind speed of 60 m s‐1 blowing from the east‐northeast direction was measured in September (Table 8‐23). Air Quality and Noise Methodology One‐hour sampling including noise measurement was undertaken at four (4) locations on 6 to 7 January 2005 to evaluate the ambient air quality at the Project site (Figure 4‐28). The weather at the time of sampling was cloudy with scattered rain showers and slight to moderate wind. The air pollutants evaluated included Particulate Matter 10 micron (PM‐10), Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), Sulfur Dioxide (SO ), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO ). No resampling 2 2 for air quality and noise was done in 2008 in the absence of any significant new developments in the place. Baseline Conditions Tables 8‐25 and 8‐26 present the measured ambient air pollutant concentrations and noise levels, respectively. Compared to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards prescribed under the Clean Air Act of 1999, the measured ambient air pollutant concentrations were either minimal or not detectable. This is understandable considering the state of development of the area and the existence of air pollution sources. With respect to noise, all measurements exceeded the maximum allowable noise level for areas within 100 m away from the school site and residential areas. The noise sources included the students of the schools, residents, and some animals. Impacts • Air Quality – The quantity of air pollutants generated from any source or activity is regulated by the Philippine Clean Air Act (RA No. 8749), its implementing rules and regulations contained in DAO No. 2000‐81, and those prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment. DAO No. 2000‐81 defines two (2) sets of threshold values, namely, the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (NAAQGVs) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs). The NAAQGVs are concentrations of air pollutants over specified periods, classified as short‐ term or long‐term, which are intended to serve as goals or objectives for the protection of public health and welfare. They are used for air quality management purposes such as determining time trends and evaluating stages of deterioration or enhancement of the air quality. The NAAQSs are concentrations of air pollutants which, for the protection of public health and welfare, shall not be exceeded at any time. The standards are enforceable and must be complied with by the facility owner. Table 8‐27 provides the NAAQGVs and NAAQSs applicable to the Siana Project. Air dispersion modelling using ISC3 was performed to estimate the pollutant impacts, i.e. TSP, SO , and NO , from 2 2 emissions sources of the Siana Project. ISC3 is a steady‐state Gaussian plume model. Operating in both long‐term and short‐term modes, the model can account for settling and dry deposition of particles; downwash; point, area, January 2009 January February March April Annual May June July August November December September October Source: PAGASA bmp Wind roses EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4-27 Figure No. 4‐48 EIS of the Siana Gold Project line, and volume sources; plume rise as a function of downwind distance; separation of point sources; and limited terrain adjustment. ISC3 has two acknowledged limitations. Firstly, its emission factors are derived from a number of samples collected within the United States’ western surface coal mining. Secondly, the predicted concentrations are relatively higher than the observed ground level concentrations by a factor as high as 5. The inputs to the ISC3 modeling are as follows: 1. Topography and receptors – X, y, and z for each receptor or North‐south, East‐west, and elevation coordinates were determined from NAMRIA’s 1:50,000 topographic map. The map was digitized and transformed into grid elevations using AUTOCAD. To comply with the maximum number of receptors, a 10 km by 10 km area was considered with grid interval of 500 m. 2. Meteorological input data – Using the model developed for the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Orgnaization, PAGASA Surigao City Station’s daily climatological data for 2003 were processed to obtain the hourly values and hourly mixing height. 3. Pollution sources – There are two (2) primary sources of pollution during Project construction and operation: earth movement and operation of diesel generator. Table 8‐28 gives the input parameters for these two (2) pollution sources. The use of explosives or blasting was not included in the ISC3 modeling for air quality impacts because of the following: • There will be no blasting within the pit up to a depth of 30 m below surface. Up to such depth, the rocks are weathered and free‐diggable with standard earthmoving equipment. Thus, there is practically a minimum enclosure of 30 m vertical distance for any blast. From the depth of 30 m to 60 m below surface, the rock will be 60 % free‐diggable on the average. With only 40 % of the material requiring explosives, this would result in a much smaller volume of materials and suspended particulates moved by blasting. Full blasting will employed beyond the 60 m depth. By then, the vertical enclosure will be more than sufficient to contain any dust emission. • Generally, there will be one blast per day. On occasions when the working areas are separated, two smaller daily blasts may be needed. The number of blast holes per blast will range from 150 to 850. The average powder factor is expected to be 0.30 kg/BCM for dry blasting and 0.35 kg/BCM for wet blasting. These factors are low by industry standards. • The houses are a good 450 to 500 m from the edge of the pit. There will be structures such as the secondary waste rock dump, old waste rock dump, and main waste rock dump to shield the houses from the noise and any dust which can escape the pit enclosure. • Finally, the results of the dust monitoring and emission inventory done in the area of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines Pty Ltd (KCGM) in Western Australia are instructive (Environment Australia, 1998). KCGM manages the large open cut mine commonly known as the Super Pit, adjacent to the city of Kalgoorlie‐Boulder in Western Australia. Commercial and residential areas of the city are immediately west of the mining operation. KCGM’s operation is large‐scale, involving the mining of around 70 million tonnes of ore and waste rock annually. Most of the material requires blasting to enable its removal from the pit. Consequently, blasting is frequent. The dust emission rates of blasting compared to those of truck haulage and truck loading is very minor, about 1/8. The ISC3 modeling returned the following: January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐49 1. Fugitive dust – For the open pit, exceedance of the NAAQS/NAAQGV at averaging periods of 1 hour and 24 hours, respectively will occur only at selected portions of Puroks Bulawanon and Malipayon 1, Brgy. Cawilan, immediately adjacent to the waste rock dump (Figure 4‐29). For the TSF and waste rock dump, the NAAQS/NAAQGV at averaging periods of 1 hour and 24 hours, respectively have not been exceeded at the residential areas of Brgys. Cawilan and Siana (Figure 4‐30). The 750‐kVA standby generator is expected to have negligible impacts with respect to TSP for both 1‐ hour and 24‐hour averaging periods (Figure 4‐31). Figure 4‐32 shows the aggregate TSP contours from the earthworks and generator operation at 1‐hour and 24‐hour averaging periods. For Brgy. Cawilan, Purok Malipayon 1 and a portion of Purok Bulawanon are expected to have ambient TSP in excess of the NAAQS, i.e., 1‐hour averaging. For the 24‐hour averaging, Puroks Malipayon 1 and Bulawanon will have ambient TSP in excess of the NAAQGV. For Brgy. Siana, the NAAQS, i.e., 1‐hour averaging threshold, is predicted to be exceeded in Purok Riverside. The NAAQGV, i.e., 24‐hour averaging threshold, is expected to be exceeded in Puroks Riverside and Hilltop (Figure 4‐32). As discussed previously, the ISC3 model predictions are limited by the use of western United States’ surface coal mining data and by overestimation which can be five (5) times the actual ground level concentration. Thus, during construction and operation, regular air quality monitoring is indispensable to validating the ISC3 predictions. For public and occupational safety and health, GRC will implement dust control measures such as training on equipment use; dust suppression through water sprays, enclosures, and barriers, and dust PPEs. 2. Generator emission – Generally, the operation of the standby generator will not cause exceedance of the DENR standards for SO and NO (Figures 4‐33 and 4‐34). Based on the results of the dispersion 2 2 modelling, there is only one (1) occasion that the 1‐hour NAAQS for NO will be exceeded at a location 2 ‐1 close to the generator stack, i.e., at 267 ʅg Ncm . • Noise ‐ Noise is unwanted sound that affects human health. It results in hearing loss, stress, high‐blood pressure, lost productivity, and distraction. The atmosphere that noise travels in is a “commons” or a public good. Noise emissions must be limited to one’s property and measures or controls must be instituted to eliminate or limit noise that affects people located beyond the property boundary. Employees or workers inside the property must also be protected from excessive noise. Noise standards have been provided in “general” areas and in the workplace (Tables 8‐29 and 8‐30). The Project will involve the operation of different small and heavy equipment that will generate noise. A noise prediction model is employed to determine the combined impact of the expected equipment use. The Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) is the United States Federal Highway Administration’s (USFHWA) national model for the prediction of construction noise. It provides a construction noise screening tool to easily predict construction noise levels and to determine compliance with noise limits for a variety of construction projects. The model is based on a spreadsheet tool which was developed in support of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston, Massachusetts, the largest urban construction project ever implemented in the United States. It allows the estimation of L , the maximum noise level, and L , the equivalent continuous and steady sound max eq level which is equal in energy to the fluctuating level over the interval period, at receptor locations from a maximum of 20 pieces of equipment. The RCNM has been applied to the Siana Project since its equipment database includes the same equipment proposed to be used for the Project. The RCNM modelling and results are as follows: January 2009 4‐50 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1. For the open pit area, the modelling assumes the simultaneous operation of thirteen (13) items of equipment in the open pit area during construction and operation. The equipment items are excavator, dump truck, dozer, grader, loaders, water cart, crane, rock breaker, pit bores, pumps, and pick‐up trucks. At a distance of 5 m from the source, L is estimated at 110.1 dBA (Table 8‐31). At a distance of eq 100 m, L goes down to 84.1 dBA. It should be noted that the predicted L s are maximum since the eq eq modelling assumes the location of the equipment close to each other. Figure 4‐35 shows the contours of the noise level estimates. Because of the pit’s confining topography and distance from the residential areas, only the mine workers will be affected. 2. The TSFs and waste rock dump are located adjacent to residential areas. For the TSFs, the modelling assumes the simultaneous operation of a dozer, compactor, and two (2) dump trucks. At a 10‐m distance from the source, L is estimated at 95.3 dBA (Table 8‐32). The L is predicted to reduce to eq eq 54.9 dBA at a distance of 1,050 m. Figure 4‐35 shows the contours of the noise level estimates. Based on the RCNM model predictions, the residents of Brgys. Siana and Purok Malipayon 1 of Brgy. Cawilan will be impacted. 3. For the waste rock dump, the modelling assumes the simultaneous operation of a dozer and two (2) dump trucks. From Table 8‐30, the estimated L is 93.7 dBA at a distance of 10 m. An L of 54.6 dBA is eq eq achieved only at a distance of 900 m. From Figure 4‐35, the residents of Puroks Malipayon 1 and Bulawanon of Brgy. Cawilan will be impacted by the noise. Since the noise generators are assumed for simplicity to be adjacent to each other, the model predictions will overestimate the actual noise levels. Moreover, the RCNM model does not take into account the effects of wind, topography, and temperature gradients which will definitely affect the noise propagation. It is also worth noting that the background noise levels in the area were measured at 60 to 65 dBA. The ambient noise will mask the noise generated by the equipment. To safeguard the health of the residents as well as its workers and contractors, GRC will regularly monitor the noise during construction and operation. The company will implement noise management measures such as the use of less noisy and shielded equipment, training on equipment use, proper equipment maintenance, and noise PPEs to workers. THE PEOPLE Socio‐Economics and Public Health Methodology The assessment relied on municipal and provincial socio‐economic data. These were supplemented by interviews with the Municipal Mayors and other officials; small meetings with Barangay leaders and residents on the community timeline and problems; small meetings with leaders and members of local irrigators, farmers, and fishermen’s groups; community mapping with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and household surveys. Baseline Conditions The socio‐economic profile of the impact municipalities is discussed in Annex 8‐7. Impact Areas ‐ The primary impact area consists of Brgy. Cawilan in the Municipality of Tubod and Brgys. Siana and Dayano in the Municipality of Mainit. (Figure 4‐36). The mine, ore processing, and ancillary facilities are located in these barangays. The secondary impact area comprises Brgys. Del Rosario in Tubod, Magpayang in Mainit, and Pongtud in Alegria. Del Rosario is impacted because a new all‐weather road, that is approximately 1 km long and 16 m wide, will be built from January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐51 the minesite to the national highway (Figure 4‐36). The proposed road alignment is a mix of grassland and ricefields. The area of affected ricefields is about 0.8 ha. This road will bypass the existing barangay road network so as not to affect the users and households alongside the road. Not for the exclusive use of the Project, it will facilitate the transport of farm products. Figure 4‐36. Impact barangays Barangays Magpayang and Pongtud are in the path of the Magpayang River. The river is the recipient of possible sediments, heavy metals, and chemicals from the Project’s tailings ponds and waste rock dumps as well as the 8.2 million m3 of water to be pumped out of the open pit. The Project is likely to impact the residents and other resource users within the six (6) barangays. The latter includes the seasonal gold small‐scale miners, fishermen, and farmers who source irrigation water from the rivers. Social Context ‐ The residents have witnessed the opening, closure, re‐opening and closure of the SURICON mine, spanning a total of 52 years from 1938 to 1990. They are familiar with both underground and open pit mining as the company used both methods to extract the gold ore. The area has a long mining history. In the early 1800s, a Frenchman mined in the area. In 1882, six (6) Spaniards constructed the Spanish Ditch, which still exists but is much smaller and shallower. In 1887, the Spaniards made the first authenticated gold discovery in the then barrio of Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte which is now called Siana. SURICON started underground mining in 1938. It was closed during the Second World War. In 1946, the company was the first gold mine to resume production. Fourteen years later, in 1960, the company was forced to close down due to severe operational problems aggravated by the low gold price. In the early 70s, the company embarked on reopening the mine. A drilling program and a feasibility study were completed in 1979. In 1981, SURICON commenced development works for an open pit mine and a 1,000 TPD per day CIP‐CIL mill. In July 1982, the project was fully operational and was producing gold and silver bullion. In 1990, major landslides within the pit led to a premature mine closure. The community timeline sessions conducted with the impact barangays revealed the people’s unpleasant and depressing experiences during the years when the SURICON mine was operating. In Brgy. Cawilan, the senior citizens recalled that underground mining was done using picks and shovels. Approximately 5 % of the workers came from the barangay. SURICON reportedly did not give any assistance to the January 2009 4‐52 EIS of the Siana Gold Project community. When the company closed down in the 60s, the caretaker sold the scrap and other materials that were left. The people resorted to small‐scale mining to survive. When the mine reopened in the 80s, the open pit method was used. The residents remembered the damage to the rice fields caused by chemical wastes. They said that the company went from house to house to negotiate for the payment of damages. Some landowners were forced to sell their land for P 0.30 m‐2 when the going rate was P 5. According to them, a few have not been paid up to now. They also recalled that only one person from the barangay was employed and they lamented the “bata‐bata” system or favoritism of the managers. Brgy. Siana had a similar experience. According to the residents, only a few people from the barangay were employed by the mine. They recounted that in the 60s, many people suffered from the unpleasant odor from the buried trees. In the 80s, the residents remembered the dust, noise, and polluted air and water coming from the mine. The worst incident involved the death of a man who was hit by boulders during blasting operations. The Siana residents validated the claim of the Cawilan folks that in the 80s, the people were forced to sell their land at P 0.30 m‐2. They narrated that SURICON provided a relocation area (now called Purok Relocation) for the landowners but some of them have not been paid until now. The company employed about 5 % of the population but most of them were landowners. It also provided a hospital and high school for the exclusive use of its employees. The residents recalled a one and only medical mission conducted by the company in its entire lifetime. In Magpayang, the people related the death of some animals and fishes in the river apparently contaminated by SURICON’s chemicals. The ricefields were also damaged resulting to a decline in harvest. It was only when the company closed down in 1990 that the barangay was able to improve. Reports revealed that insurgency was also one of the causes of Suricon’s closure. Some residents claimed that the rebels burned the administration building which contained important records of the mining operation after the mining company left. GRC commenced its exploration program in the SURICON property in February 2003. Mindful of the community’s economic plight and prior experiences, GRC initiated a number of projects to help improve the quality of life in the impact barangays. The most notable project is the provision of potable water and a Level 2 distribution system to the three (3) direct impact barangays. The other projects include provision of medical care through the establishment of a medical clinic with a fulltime doctor and nurse, provision of medicine, feeding programs for the malnourished, playground construction, repair of schools and provision of schools supplies, tree planting, and benevolent grants. Photos 3‐5 to 3‐24 document some of these projects. Population ‐ As of 1 August 2007, a total of 6,527 people live in the impact barangays (Table 4‐8). Two‐fifths (40 %) are in the primary impact area and three‐fifths (60 %) reside in the secondary impact barangays. Half of the population in the host barangays lives in Cawilan. Of the other half, a third resides in Dayano and two‐thirds lives in Siana. In the indirect impact area, four out of ten stay in Magpayang and the balance is shared almost equally by Del Rosario and Pongtud. Overall population in the impact area increased by an average of 0.09 % per year from 2000 to 2007. Over this period, however, only Cawilan and Siana registered population increases. Dayano’s population decreased by 3 people, from 405 in 2000 to 402 in 2007. When an actual household count was conducted in May 2005 as part of the EIA household and perception survey, there were 73 households in this barangay. Applying the average household size of 5 in the area, total population is computed as 365. From 2005 to 2007, this barangay’s population actually increased by 37 or 10 %. Cawilan’s average population increase of 2.45% is slightly higher than the Philippines’ 2.16 %; more than double Tubod’s 1.03 % and 60 % greater than Surigao del Norte’s 1.53 % growth rate for the same period. Siana’s population increment of 1.56 % approximates the province’s but is nearly double Mainit’s 0.80 % growth rate. The population increase in the host barangays is mainly attributable to the Siana Project. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐53 Table 4‐8. Population of impact barangays, 1995, 2000 and 2007 POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION BARANGAY CY 1995 CENSUS CY 2000 CENSUS CY 2007 CENSUS Cawilan 1,243 1,101 1290 Dayano 340 405 402 Siana 878 786 872 Total Direct Impact Area 2,461 2,292 2,564 Del Rosario 1,221 1,302 1249 Magpayang 1438 1,520 1498 Pongtud 1307 1,371 1216 Total Indirect Impact Area 3,966 4,193 3,963 TOTAL 6,427 6,485 6,527 Source: NCSO Population Density ‐ The direct impact barangays, which are classified as rural, occupy 17.92 km2 (Table 4‐9). The population density is 143 people km‐2. The Siana Project’s footprint covers 2.4 km2 or 13 % of the direct impact area. The indirect impact barangays encompass 16.37 km2 but its population density is higher at 242.1 persons km‐2. Of the three secondary impact barangays, only Del Rosario is rural. Being urban barangays, Magpayang and Pongtud account for the higher population density. Table 4‐9. Population density of impact barangays, 2007 2 Population Density Population Density Population 2007 Land Area (km ) ‐2 (Persons km ) Cawilan 1,290 5.42 238.10 Dayano 402 7.00 57.43 Siana 872 5.50 158.55 Total Direct Impact Area 2,564 17.92 143.10 Del Rosario 1,249 4.96 251.76 Magpayang 1,498 6.66 224.99 Pongtud 1,216 4.75 256.00 Total Indirect Impact Area 3,963 16.37 242.10 TOTAL 6,527 34.29 190.36 Sources: MPDOs Dates of Creation ‐ Pongtud is the oldest among the impact barangays. Created in 1935, it is the only affected barangay that predates SURICON. Magpayang and Siana were delineated as barangays in 1956, Dayano was formed in 1959, and both Cawilan and Del Rosario were officially recognized as barangays in 1960. Barangay Income ‐ Practically a hundred percent of the income of the impact barangays comes from the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA, i.e., the share of the local government units in the taxes collected by the National Government and is allocated based on population and land area. For 2008, the total IRA for the six impact barangays is P 3.96 million (Table 4‐10). The Local Government Code mandates that a maximum of 20 % be allocated as January 2009 4‐54 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Development Fund. This fund is to be used for infrastructure and other social development projects. For 2008, the Development Fund for the impact barangays is P 793,000. This translates to an average per capita development fund of P 121 or P 10 person‐month‐1. Table 4‐10. Internal revenue allotment, impact barangays, 2008 POPULATION P 80,000 FOR SHARE BASED PER CAPITA BARANGAY CY 2000 BRGYS. OF ON EQUAL TOTAL DEVELOPMENT POPULATION DEVELOPMENT CENSUS 100 OR MORE POPULATION SHARING (ROUNDED) FUND (20%) CY 2007 FUND POPULATION Cawilan 1,101 80,000 278,631 307,020 665,650 133,130 1,290 103 Dayano 405 80,000 102,494 307,020 489,513 97,903 402 244 Del Rosario 1,302 80,000 329,498 307,020 716,518 143,304 1,249 115 Magpayang 1,520 80,000 384,667 307,020 771,687 154,337 1,498 103 Pongtud 1,371 80,000 346,960 307,020 733,979 146,796 1,216 121 Siana 786 80,000 198,913 307,020 585,933 117,187 872 134 TOTAL 6,485 480,000 1,641,163 1,842,118 3,963,280 792,656 6,527 121 Source: Department of Budget and Management Barangay Facilities ‐ Table 4‐11 presents the facilities in the impact barangays. These were taken from the social maps (Figures 4‐37 to 4‐42) accomplished by the BHWs and Barangay Officials during the Community Mapping Sessions conducted in April 2005. Table 4‐11. Facilities in the impact barangays, April 2005 Parameter Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Rosario Magpayang Pongtud Total Classification Rural Rural Rural Rural Urban Urban 2007 Population 1,290 402 872 1,249 1,498 1,216 6,527 Households (May 2005) 247 73 188 244 306 218 1,276 Number of Puroks 7 2 4 7 6 7 33 School 1 1 1 1 3 1 8 Day Care Center 1 1 5 7 Chapel/Church 1 1 1 3 2 1 9 Basketball Court 1 1 1 2 1 6 Gym 1 1 Multipurpose Hall 1 1 Health Care Center 1 1 1 1 2 7 Barangay Hall/Office 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Waiting Shed 2 1 3 1 7 Potable Water 4 4 Cemetery 1 1 2 Cockpit 1 1 Dryer 0 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐55 Parameter Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Rosario Magpayang Pongtud Total Rice Mill 1 1 1 3 Green Bank 1 1 2 Public Market 1 1 2 Typical of a rural agricultural setting, the basic facilities consist of health centers, elementary schools, barangay halls, daycare centers, churches and basketball courts that double as solar dryers during harvest time. The Green Bank of Caraga, a rural bank that provides micro‐credit to farmers and individuals, has branches in Del Rosario and Pongtud. Of the six barangays, only Del Rosario has a dryer, a cockpit, and a cemetery. Cawilan and Siana have rice mills that were acquired with Kalahi CIDSS funding. Educational Facilities – With the exception of Dayano, all impact barangays have complete elementary schools (Table 4‐ 12). The Dayano Primary School offers only Grades 1 and 2. Of the six barangays, only Magpayang has a secondary school, the Magpayang High School. Elementary graduates from the five other barangays pursue high school education in Magpayang High School, San Nicolas Academy or Tubod National High School. Table 4‐12. Elementary Schools in Impact Barangays, May, 2005 Parameter Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Rosario Magpayang Pongtud Name of School Mariano Dapar Dayano Primary Siana Calang Custodio Magpayang Pongtud Elementary School Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary School School School School School Grades Offered 1 to 6 1 and 2 1 to 6 1 to 6 1 to 6 1 to 6 Number of 9 1 8 7 8 8 Rooms Number of 8 1 7 7 7 7 Teachers Other Facilities Mini Library Mini Library Mini Library Complete Library Mini Library and Mini Laboratory Sources: School Principals Agricultural Profile ‐ The following profile is based on the Participatory Agriculture and Fishery Resources and Livelihood Assessment in the impact barangays conducted from 15 to 17 February 2005 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 13 with the assistance of the Lake Mainit Development Authority (LMDA) and Municipal Agriculturists and Technicians of Tubod, Mainit and Alegria. Crops Planted The major agricultural crops are rice and coconut. Other crops planted include cassava, sweet potato, gabi, banana, corn, ginger and vegetables. During off‐season, farmers plant watermelon and vegetables. Rice Farming • The farm sizes range from 1 to 1.8 hectares (Table 4‐13). • Farmers plant twice a year. The first cropping is from January to April and the second is from June to October. Five croppings could be done in a two‐year period to maximize the yield (Table 4‐14). January 2009 4‐56 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Planting is done at the same time for pest control purposes. Cutting the continuous food supply of pests such as field mice and black bug controls the population. Table 4‐13. Number of farmers and average farm size, February 2005 Barangay and Municipality Number of Households, No. of Farmers Average Farm Size (ha) 2005 Cawilan, Tubod 257 32 1.50 Siana, Mainit 183 173 1.25 Dayano, Mainit 76 140 1.00 Magpayang, Mainit 350 136 1.50 Pungtod, Alegria 272 67 1.80 Table 4‐14. Average yields per hectare, February 2005 Barangay and Yield ha‐1 Croppings Municipality Crops (average) Year‐1 Cawilan, Tubod Rice 70 cavans 2 croppings Siana, Mainit Rice 66 cavans 2 croppings Dayano, Mainit Rice 66 cavans 2 croppings Magpayang, Mainit Rice 77 cavans 2 croppings Pongtud, Alegria Rice 85 cavans 2 croppings • Carabao and small machinery such as paddy rotavator or ‘turtle’ are used in land preparation. • Average yields vary from 66 cavans to 85 cavans per hectare depending on the technology and inputs. • Maximum yields over the past 30 years have increased from 70 to 90 cavans per hectare in the 80s to 80 to 120 cavans in 2000s. The increment is mainly due to irrigation and technology improvement (Table 4‐15). Table 4‐15. Maximum yield of rice crop in the respondent Barangays for the past 30 years Maximum yield ha‐harvest‐1 Barangay and Municipality 80s 2000s Remarks Cawilan, Tubod 90 cavans 110 cavans Increase in yield attributed to irrigation facility which started in 1985. The use of fertilizer was maximum due to cheaper prices before 1995. Fertilizer price increased after 1995, reducing usage to half. Siana, Mainit 70 cavans 80 cavans Before 1965, without an irrigation facility, the average yield ‐1 was 30 cavans ha . With irrigation facility, the yield ‐1 increased to 70 cavans ha . With tailings run off from ‐1 mining operation, the yield decreased to 40 ‐ 50 cavans ha due to “labod”. Dayano, Mainit 80 cavans 108 cavans All yields are with irrigation facility installed. The water source was perceived to be at critical level due to the establishment of a reservoir for potable water purposes. This concern is no longer valid given the potable water supply established by GRC. Magpayang, Mainit 70 cavans 120 cavans With good irrigation facility. Farmers applied packaged technology for rice. The problem was the high price of January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐57 Maximum yield ha‐harvest‐1 Barangay and Municipality 80s 2000s Remarks certified seeds and fertilizers. Fertilizer usage was reduced to half. Pongtud, Alegria 70 cavans 100 cavans With irrigation facility. Usually, limited planting from November to February due to “goob”. Rat infestation is a constant problem if there is “goob”. “Dogman”, a lake grass species, is washed inland when there is “goob” affecting the rice fields. • The residents of Siana narrated that when SURICON was operating, the yield of 70 cavans per hectare decreased to 40 to 50 cavans during tailings spill episodes. Sticky mud which they refer to as “labod” cover the fields. • In barangays nearer Lake Mainit such as Magpayang and Pongtud, yields decrease when the lake overflows and inundates the rice fields. The stagnant water, termed “goob”, attracts the rats. • There are more owners than tenants in Cawilan (62 %) and Magpayang (54 %). The tenants dominate the rice planters in Siana (68 %), Dayano (75 %) and Pungtod (71 %). • There is no irrigation facility in Dayano. The ricefields in Siana, Magpayang and Pongtud are irrigated. Cawilan has a small water impounding project where farms source water (Table 4‐16). • Three financing institutions that cater to the needs of farmers operate in the area. These are the Green Bank of Caraga, the Surigao Bank and the Surigao Enterprise Development Foundation (SEDF). Table 4‐16. Existing agricultural facilities in respondent Barangays Multi‐Purpose Small Water Barangays FMR Rice Mill Pavement/ Irrigation Impounding Loan assistance Dryer Project Cawilan, Tubod √ √ √ ‐ √ Green Bank of Siana, Mainit √ √ √ √ ‐ Caraga; SEDF and Surigao Dayano, Mainit √ ‐ √ ‐ ‐ Bank Magpayang, Mainit √ √ √ √ ‐ Pungtod, Alegria √ √ √ √ ‐ • The farmers estimated the cost of agricultural inputs as P 10,000 per hectare in the 80s to 90s. This increased by 50 % to P 15,000 per hectare in the 2000s. The farmers noted that prices of fertilizer have doubled in January 2005, compared to 2002. • The farmers identified the problems or causes of decreasing yield as well as the proposed solutions. These include: o Planting of trees to prevent flood and soil erosion o Stopping of mining operations to prevent the sedimentation of the fields with ‘labod’ or sticky mud tailings o Sanitation, baiting, and use of pesticides to prevent infestations of rodents, tungro, and black bug January 2009 4‐58 EIS of the Siana Gold Project o Use of guano which is abundant in Barangay Dayano to replace the expensive chemical fertilizers o Revival of the seed growers association to address the insufficiency of certified seeds o Stopping of small‐scale mining operations to stop sedimentation and the depletion of water supply o Construction of dikes, canals, and spillways to divert overflows from the lake and mining operations Fishing • In the direct impact barangays, the fishermen number 43. All of them fish in the Magpayang and Dayano Rivers. None of the 15 fishermen from Cawilan owns a banca. Of the 18 from Siana, only 5 possess non‐ motorized bancas. In Dayano, 2 out of ten fisherfolks have non‐motorized bancas. • The fishermen in Magpayang and Pongtud fish in Lake Mainit. Of the 35 fisherfolks in Magpayang, 10 have motorized bancas and 15 own non‐motorized ones. In Pongtud, only 7 of 45 fishermen have no banca. The rest owns non‐motorized bancas. • Limas, fish traps, electric fishing, and pole and line are the fishing methods employed in the direct impact barangays. Limas entails temporarily constructing a dike to trap the fishes and then draining out the water manually. Although electric fishing is illegal, it is rampant in the area. • In the indirect barangays, pole and line, strap fishing, and spear guns are used. • Fish catch has been declining since the 80s (Table 4‐17). In the direct impact barangays, daily fish catch used to range from 5 to 10 kilos. Now, the fishermen yield only 0.5 to 1 kilo per day. In Magpayang and Pongtud, harvest used to be 9 to 10 kilos daily in the 80s. Now, this is down to 2 to 3 kilos. Table 4‐17. Average fish catch by Barangay regardless of gears for the past 20 years ‐1 Average Fish Catch (kg fishing effort‐day ) Barangay and Municipality 80s 90s 2000s Cawilan, Tubod (river) 5 2 < 0.5 Siana, Mainit (river) 5 2 1 Dayano, Mainit (river) 10 5 1 Magpayang, Mainit (Lake) 9 6 2 Pongtud, Alegria (Lake) 10 6 3 San Juan, Alegria (Lake) 12 8 6 • The fisherfolks attribute the declining fish catch to the destruction of habitat, increase in population and rampant illegal fishing. Some fishermen also cited the mining operations as a major culprit. They said that when the tailings dam overflows, traces of toxic chemicals end up in the rivers and lake. • To improve fish catch, the fisherfolks recommend the following: o Strict enforcement of fishery laws to stop electric fishing, use of fine mesh nets, and catching of goby fries. The goby used to be abundant in Lake Mainit. Its population is declining because even the fries are being caught. o Proper mine waste management o Strengthening of the fisherfolks association through provision of training and funding. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐59 Figure 4‐37. Social Map of Cawilan Figure 4‐38. Social Map of Siana January 2009 4‐60 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐39. Social Map of Dayano January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐61 Figure 4‐40. Social Map of Del Rosario January 2009 4‐62 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐41. Social Map of Magpayang January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐63 Figure 4‐42. Social Map of Pongtud Household Socio‐economic and Perception Survey ‐ Conducted from 30 April to 1 May 2005, the survey covered 186 households in the six impact barangays. Table 4‐18 details the enumeration samples. Table 4‐18. Distribution of samples by barangay Barangay Type Households Sample Size % of Households Cawilan Host and impact 247 52 21% Dayano Host and impact 73 15 21% January 2009 4‐64 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Barangay Type Households Sample Size % of Households Siana Host and impact 188 36 19% Direct Impact Barangays 508 103 20% Del Rosario Impact 244 25 10% Magpayang Impact 306 33 11% Pongtud Impact 218 25 11% Indirect Impact Barangays 768 83 11% Total 1,276 186 15% The 186 households surveyed consist of 1,016 members. This translates to an average household size of 5.46 which is almost 10 % higher than the Philippine average of 5. Sample Design The sample design of the Survey was guided by the objectives of the survey and sampling theory (Freund, 1988). Among others, the Survey sought to assess the public approval of the Project. This was considered the overriding survey objective. The relevant Survey question, i.e., Do you approve of the Project?, required a straightforward answer of Yes or No. The statistical problem then becomes an estimation of proportion given two (2) possible outcomes. If we assume that for each independent trial or respondent survey, the probability of a Yes – the parameter to be estimated – has the constant value p, then the sampling distribution of the counts is the binomial distribution with the mean ʅ = np and standard deviation where n is the sample size. The binomial distribution can be approximated by a normal distribution when np and n(1 ‐ p) are both greater than 5. This means that for n = 50, 0.10 < p < 0.90. For n = 100, 0.05 < p < 0.95. For n = 200, 0.025 < p < 0.975. Considering the associated levels of p, the sample sizes of 50 and 100 were taken as initial estimates of sample size. The sample size was finalized based on the following: • Project approval is correlatable to Project impacts. Hence, it makes sense to stratify the respondents into the Direct Impact Area Barangays (DIAs) and the Indirect Impact Area Barangays (IIAs). • The DIAs composed of three (3) barangays appear homogenous in terms of socio‐economic circumstances. They also were exposed to the same set of environmental and social impacts when Surigao Consolidated Mining Company was still in operation. This homogeneity surfaced during the public consultations. Thus, no further stratification within the DIAs was made. The total number of DIA households was 508. A sample size of 100 would mean a sampling intensity of about 20 %. • The IIAs composed of another three (3) barangays also seem homogenous in terms of socio‐economic circumstances. They were also exposed to the same set of impacts but less severe compared to those of the DIAs when SURICON was still in operation. This was confirmed during the public consultations. Hence, no further stratification was made among the IIAs. The total number of IIA households was 768. A sample size of 50 means a sampling intensity of 6.5 %. This was adjusted to 10 % so that the intensity would be half of that for the DIAs. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐65 Respondent Selection Systematic sampling was employed to select the respondents for the survey. For the DIAs at a sampling intensity of 20 %, this meant sampling every fifth house on a side of a street. For the IIAs at an intensity of 10 %, this required sampling every tenth house. Landmarks, usually the Barangay Hall, were selected as reference points for the start of the count. In case the selected household is not available, the next adjacent one is selected. Counting for the next respondent is referenced from the selected available household. Population Distribution by Age and Gender Figure 4‐43 shows the distribution of the samples according to age and gender. There is an almost equal distribution of the sexes, i.e., a ratio of 102.6 males per 100 females. Of the 500 females, half belongs to the reproductive age group of 15‐49 years. Of this group, 43 % is between 15‐24 years old. Filipino women are among those with the highest fertility rates in Southeast Asia at 3.5 births per woman.3 90 83 80 76 64 70 Male 62 65 71 60 Female r 50 46 42 e 30 b 39 34 m 40 37 37 u 33 34 33 N 30 30 2726 20 19 16 19 9 13 9 9 13 10 4 7 3 75 35 21 0 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 & W - - 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 O 1 5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 8 EL 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 B Age Range Figure 4‐43. Population distribution by age and gender Figure 4‐44 shows almost the same age pattern for the impact barangays. The population is young. Half (51 %) is below 20. The infants (less than 1) comprise 1 %; the children (1‐14), 37% and those of schooling age (5 – 24) 49 %. The median age is 19. Those belonging to the 15‐64 age group, also called the economically productive or working group, number 590 and comprise 58 % of the sample population. Of the non‐working age group (42 %), 91 % are child dependents (0 – 14) and 9 % are adult dependents (65 and over). The dependency ratio is 100:72, i.e., for every 100 persons belonging to the working group, there are 72 dependents. 3 Source: WHO Country Health Information Profiles 2005 January 2009 4‐66 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 50 45 CAWILAN 44 40 DAYANO 38 DEL ROSARIO 35 33 32 MAGPAYANG n 30 31 o 2828 PONGTUD ti 25 25 25 25 26 a 23 23 SIANA l 22 u 20 20 20 21 p 19 Po 18 17 1177 15 15 15 14 1122 12 12 1122 12 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 99999 8 8 88 8 7 777 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 55 5 5 4 5 5 4 55 44444 3 3 333 3 3 22 2 2 2222 2 1 1 1 1111111 0 1 0 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 4 9 00 4 9 4 0 9 0 r 0000 - - 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 e W 1 5 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 o O 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 L & E 0 B 8 Age Range Figure 4‐44. Population distribution by age by barangay Educational Profile Figure 4‐45 presents the educational profile of the samples aged 5 years old and above. The females are more educated than the males. This trend is consistent with the trend in the Philippines. 31 No Data 30 10 None 13 Vocational 5 Female Post Graduate 1 1 Male College Graduate 33 21 36 College Level 36 High School 42 61 90 High School Level 99 54 Elementary Graduate 45 131 Elementary Level 11 157 Pre-School / Daycare 11 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Population Figure 4‐45. Highest educational attainment As indicated in Table 4‐19, the educational attainment of the samples does not vary significantly from the educational statistics for the CARAGA Region published in the 2004 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐67 Table 4‐19. Educational attainment of samples (2005) vs. CARAGA Region (2004) Highest Grade Completed TOTAL Impact Areas CARAGA Difference (2005) Region (2004) Pre‐School / Daycare 22 2.40% 2.10% 0.30% Elementary Level 288 31.37% 30.10% 1.27% Elementary Graduate 99 10.78% 12.20% ‐1.42% High School Level 189 20.59% 19.30% 1.29% High School Graduate 103 11.22% 12.60% ‐1.38% College Level 72 7.84% 9.70% ‐1.86% College Graduate or Higher 56 6.10% 6.60% ‐0.50% Vocational 5 0.54% 0.10% 0.44% None 23 2.51% 7.40% ‐4.89% No data 61 6.64% 6.64% Total 918 100.00% 100.10% ‐0.10% Sources: APIS 2004 and household survey of impact barangays, May 2005 Religious Profile Eight out of ten persons in the impact barangays are Roman Catholics. Iglesia ni Cristo, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Born Again Christians, Church of the Latter Day Saints and United Peoples Church (UPC) each have a 2% share of the sample population. Land Tenure Figure 4‐46 shows the house and lot tenure in the project area. Seven out of ten households own their residential house and lot. Some (15 %) are leasing while others (12 %) are allowed to occupy the houses of relatives and friends rent‐free. House and lot ownership is highest in Dayano (93 %) and lowest in Cawilan (63 %). A third of the households in this barangay said that they are leasing their residential units from Suricon. These are the former company staff houses located in Purok Bulawanon. Of the 102 households engaged in farming, 43 (42 %) do not own the lots that they cultivate. The tillers are either lessees (67 %), tenants (14 %), caretakers (4 %), contract farmers (4 %) or laborers (10 %). Rental in the form of a 25% share of the harvest is the most common arrangement for rice lands. For crops such as cassava and camote, the harvest is normally divided equally between the landowners and the farmer. Housing Construction Strong materials for roofing include GI sheets and tiles. Light materials are cogon, nipa, bamboo and the like. As reflected in Figure 4‐47, nearly half (47 %) of the houses of the samples have GI sheet roofing and nearly a third (27 %) have cogon or nipa roofing. Houses that have mixed roofing materials constitute 26 %. January 2009 4‐68 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 35 33 Pongtud 30 28 Siana 25 22 Dayano r20 19 19 Del Rosario e 17 b15 14 Magpayang m u N Cawilan 10 5 5 6 6 5 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 Own Lease Tenant Others Figure 4‐46. Residential house and lot tenure Pongtud Siana 30 Dayano Del Rosario 27 25 Magpayang Cawilan 20 18 18 s 14 1514 e s 15 12 u o 10 H 8 8 9 8 9 10 66 6 5 5 2 0 Mixed Cogon/Nipa GI Sheet Material Figure 4‐47. Roofing materials Concrete and brick stone are classified as strong walling materials. Wood, bamboo amakan, lawanit and coco lumber are light materials. Of the samples, 41 % have strong walls and 58 have walls with light materials. There is one house with no walls and another one with tarpaulin walls. Only four (4) samples reported tiled floors. At the extreme, there are 30 houses with bare earth as flooring. Four out of ten houses have cement floors, three out of ten have wooden floors, and one in ten have bamboo floors. Household Appliances and Work Tools Among the household conveniences, the color TV is the most visible in the homes of the impact community, i.e., available in 102 out of 186 or 55 % of the samples. This is followed by the casette recorder (30 %) and refrigerator (25 %). Table 4‐20. Household Appliances Appliance Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Rosario Magpayang Pongtud Total Color TV 25 5 24 13 20 15 102 Casette Recorder 13 2 13 7 10 8 53 Refrigerator 8 1 11 9 12 6 47 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐69 Appliance Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Rosario Magpayang Pongtud Total Stereo/ Component 9 2 8 4 11 9 43 Transistor Radio 4 4 6 9 7 4 34 Washing Machine 11 2 5 2 7 2 29 BW TV 2 4 1 1 3 11 CD player 9 9 Electric Fan 1 2 5 8 Rice cooker 2 1 3 Oven toaster 2 2 Electric Iron 1 1 Ceiling fan 1 1 Video 5 1 1 Others 2 1 3 Total 72 18 72 46 73 66 347 As the project area is predominantly agricultural, most households have jungle bolos and grass cutters (karet). A few have hand tractors and carabaos; two residents own tricycles with sidecars; one household owns a chainsaw. Other work tools include carpentry and masonry tools such as hammer, hacksaw and shovel. Cooking Fuel, Water Sources, and Sanitation Majority (56 %) of the samples use wood and charcoal as cooking fuel. A third use LPG; a tenth cook with Kerosene gas and 3% use electricity. The Level 2 system or community faucet is the predominant water source (Figure 4‐48). Three fourths (62 %) of the households obtain water from these communal faucets. Nearly a third (31 %) have piped water (Level 3). Fourteen houses (7 %) get water from jetmatic pumps and wells (Level 1). Pongtud 50 Siana 46 45 Dayano 40 Del Rosario d 35 Magpayang l 30 Cawilan o 25 h 25 22 e 20 s 19 u 20 o 13 H 15 12 10 9 5 5 4 6 5 2 11 3 0 123 Level Figure 4‐48. Water source January 2009 4‐70 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Figure 4‐49 shows the types of toilet of the sample population as of May 2005. Overall, the percentage of homes with sanitary toilets (flush and water sealed) is 85 %. Those without toilets comprise 8 %. Cawilan has the highest proportion of households without toilets. One in five houses in this barangay has no toilet. Pit Type Buhos w/o 9 septic tank Public None 5% 3 1 15 2% 0% 8% Flush Type 23 12% Buhos Type with Septic Tank 135 73% Buhos Type with Septic Tank Flush Type None Pit Type Buhos w/o septic tank Public Figure 4‐49. Toilet Burning is the predominant garbage disposal method practiced by 6 out of 10 households in the project area (Figure 4‐ 50). Three in ten households compost their solid wastes. The rest throw them in open pits, rivers and creeks. Of the six barangays, only Magpayang is serviced by the Municipal Waste Truck. 45 42 40 35 Pongtud 28 29 Siana d 30 l 24 Dayano o 25 22 h Del Rosario e s 20 Magpayang u 15 15 o 15 14 Cawilan H 11 12 11 10 9 5 6 6 5 2 2 1 11 0 t g g i k l n n p e i i a mp t n re u rn s p o e C i D p c Bu r/ i e mp O ve n st o i Mua C R W Disposal Methods Figure 4‐50. Garbage disposal Household Income and Poverty Figure 4‐51 is the income profile of the samples. More than half (54 %) earns less than P 5,000 a month. Three in ten households subsist on less than P 100 per day. The lowest monthly household income is P 600; the median income is P 4,456; the average income is P 6,189, and the highest is P 32,000. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐71 30 29 25 24 21 22 s 20 20 d l o h 15 e 12 s u o H 10 7 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 3 3 2 2 3 2 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 & 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 9 4 9 0 9 0 0 - - - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 4 9 , 0 - - - - - - - - - - 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 , , , , , , , , , 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , , , , , , , , , , 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 5 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 5 Income Range Figure 4‐51. Monthly household income The Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold Level (APCPTL) is the amount required to satisfy a person's food and non‐food basic needs. If a person's income is below this level, he is considered poor. The Annual Per Capita Food Threshold Level (APCFTL), also called subsistence threshold or food poverty line, refers to the minimum cost of the food items that provide 100 % of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein and energy equivalent of 2,000 kcal and 80 % adequacy for the other nutrients per person. The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) computes these amounts for all the provinces in the Philippines yearly. They are used in determining poverty incidence. For 2005, the APCPTL and APCFTL for all areas in Surigao del Norte are P 14, 533 and P 10,066, respectively. Using the sample population’s average household size of 5.46, the monthly take‐home pay required to attain the APCPTL and APCFTL are P 6,613 and P 4,580, respectively. At least half of the sampled households are living below the Food Threshold Level and approximately 70 % exist below the Poverty Level. The occupational profile detailed in Table 4‐21 is reflective of the educational attainment in the Project area. Majority of the jobs involve manual labor with farming as the predominant occupation and income source, i.e., two‐fifths. The government and private companies employ 86 people, representing 30 % of the income earners. Table 4‐21. Occupational profile, impact barangays, May 2005 Occupation Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Magpayang Pongtud TOTAL Rosario ABLE SEAMAN 1 1 ASSISTANT COOK 1 1 AUTO PAINTER 1 1 BODYGUARD 1 1 2 BRGY. COUNCIL (KAGAWAD) 1 1 BRGY. COUNCIL/BHW 1 1 BRGY. OFFICIAL 1 1 BRGY. SECRETARY 1 1 2 BRGY. TREAS/FARMER 1 1 BRGY. TREASURER 1 1 January 2009 4‐72 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Occupation Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Magpayang Pongtud TOTAL Rosario BUSINESS 1 4 5 BUSINESS‐SEWING 1 1 CARPENTER 4 1 2 2 9 CARPENTER/MASON 1 1 CHAINSAW OPERATOR 1 1 CLERK 2 1 1 COCONUT PLANTER 1 1 COLLECTOR 1 1 COOK 1 1 CUTTING STONE 1 1 DAY CARE WORKER 1 1 DRESSMAKER 1 1 DRILLING 1 1 DRIVER 1 3 2 3 1 10 DRIVER/WELDER 1 1 ELECTRONIC 1 1 ELECTRONIC‐CASHIER 1 1 ELECTRONICS 1 1 EMPLOYEE 5 5 FACTORY WORKER – DRESS 2 2 FARMER 40 11 16 10 12 15 104 FARMER/CARPENTER 1 1 FARMER/FISHERMEN 1 1 FARMER/MASON 1 1 FARMER/PALAY(RICE) BUYER 1 1 FISHERMAN 2 2 FISHERMAN/LABORER 1 1 FOREMAN 1 1 GOLD FLASHER 1 1 GOV'T EMPLOYEE 3 3 4 10 HELPER 1 1 HELPER DRILLING 2 2 HOUSEKEEPER, W/CHILDREN IN ABROAD 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/ PENSIONEER(SSS) 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/FARMER 2 1 1 4 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐73 Occupation Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Magpayang Pongtud TOTAL Rosario HOUSEKEEPER/LAUNDRYWOMAN 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/LENDING 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/MAKER‐BIBINGKA 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/PALAY BUYER(RICE BUYER) 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/PENSIONER 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/PENSIONER W/COCONUT FARM 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/PIGGERY 1 1 HOUSEKEEPER/SARI‐SARI STORE 2 2 HOUSEKEEPER/SEWING 1 1 HOUSEMAID 2 1 5 8 JANITOR 1 1 LABORER 1 1 3 5 LABORER (BANLAS) 5 5 LAUNDRYMAN 1 1 MANAGER 1 1 MANICURIST 2 2 MASON 2 3 1 6 MASON/CARPENTER 1 1 MASSAGER (TRAINED HILOT) 1 1 MINER 1 1 2 OFW 1 1 OPERATOR MECHANIC 1 1 PALAY(RICE) BUYER 1 1 PENSIONER 1 1 2 PENSIONER/TRICYCLE 1 1 PREACHER OF GOD & CHRIST 2 2 PRIVATE EMPLOYEE 1 1 2 RESEARCH DIRECTOR 1 1 RICE DRYER (MAGBUYARAYAY HUMAY) 1 1 SALES LADY 1 1 SALES REPRESENTTIVE 1 1 SARI‐SARI STORE 1 1 SCRAP(BALBAG) 2 2 SCRAP/FARMER 1 1 January 2009 4‐74 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Occupation Cawilan Dayano Siana Del Magpayang Pongtud TOTAL Rosario SECRETARY 1 1 SECURITY GUARD 2 2 SEWING 1 1 SK CHAIRMAN 1 1 STOREKEEPER 1 1 STUDENT/FARMER 1 1 SURVEYOR 1 1 TEACHER 3 5 8 TECHNICIAN 1 1 TRICYCLE DRIVER 2 1 3 TURTLE OPERATOR 1 1 UTILITY WORKER 1 3 4 VENDOR 1 1 WELDER 2 2 1 5 WORKER 1 1 TOTAL 73 24 55 36 63 32 283 Eight out of ten wives are fulltime housekeepers. A tenth work fulltime as teachers, Barangay Officials, employees, canteen operators, vendors and dressmakers. Some (8 %) engage in part‐time small businesses such as livestock raising, sari‐sari stores, vending and sewing to augment the family income. Of the 186 households surveyed, 102 are engaged in farming. Rice is the predominant crop planted by 74 farmers. The total area exclusively planted to rice is 42 ha. The average area is 0.6 ha. Other crops planted include coconut, banana, rootcrops, mango, santol, and vegetables. Nine out of ten households raise livestock for consumption and supplemental income. Poultry and hog are the preferred animals. A few raise goats, carabaos, and cows. Household Expenditures Figure 4‐52 is the household expense pie of the sampled households. It contains only the basic items. Nearly three‐ fifths of the budget goes to food; education accounts for 17%. These two together already comprise three‐fourths of the total expenditure. The remaining fourth goes to medicine, transportation, clothing, electricity, rent, water and others (soap, toothpaste, cooking fuel). January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐75 Medicines Transpo Electricity Others 6.49% 5.87% 4.46% 1.51% Rent 0.78% Clothing 5.08% Food 58.25% Education Water 17.24% 0.33% Figure 4‐52. Monthly household expenditure Social Problems Theft, alcoholism, and gambling are the three major problems besetting the community (Figure 4‐53). These are all economic related. People steal because they have no money to spend and there are no livelihood opportunities in the area. The men drink to forget their problems. Gambling affects both men and women. The most common form is Tong‐its, a card game similar to poker. People would risk their food money in the hope of winning. 70 64 60 60 50 44 r e 40 b m u 30 N 21 20 18 17 12 11 11 10 7 5 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 t s r t r n e s d y n s s d d e e d f g e n e c e t o m s g i e n t o a r i o g g u rd i e i c t e e a h l a rd t n o l n o a d a c n ve a n l l i ra T m u i e b l a f r k W y l a R c l a rb F n mb d o ro I G c h B o M i u i a u a l d v rb Po d p l d s r p a u a a G D G c t e o t e l m g i s r n F t i N e m e u s e r d f n e h M l o U D i g m v i k o i h c D C a o t L s s e c c A Problems Figure 4‐53. Social problems Project Approval The overall project approval rate is 84 % (Table 4‐22). Of the 102 households surveyed in the direct impact barangays, 88 or 86% approve of the project. At 99 % confidence, the error is at most E = 2.575 · January 2009 4‐76 EIS of the Siana Gold Project E = 0.09 The endorsement rate of the indirect impact barangays is 80 %. At 99 % confidence, the error is at most E = 2.575 · E = 0.12 Table 4‐22. Project Approval Project Approval Percentage Barangay Total Yes No % Yes % No Cawilan 44 8 52 85% 15% Dayano 15 0 15 100% 0% Siana 29 6 35 83% 17% Total Direct Impact Barangays 88 14 102 86% 14% Del Rosario 25 0 25 100% 0% Magpayang 23 9 32 72% 28% Pongtud 8 5 13 62% 38% Total Indirect Impact Barangays 56 14 70 80% 20% TOTAL 144 28 172 84% 16% The major reasons for approving the project are employment (60 %) and community development (28 %). The overriding concerns for disapproving it are environmental destruction (57 %) and negative health impacts (11 %). Table 4‐23. Reasons for Approving and Disapproving Project Reasons for YES/NO Result % Reasons for YES Employment 87 60% Community development 40 28% No damage to land and water resources 8 6% Decision of the majority 2 1% If approved by the government 1 1% If promises of GRC will be fulfilled 6 4% Total 144 100% Reasons for NO Environmental destruction 16 57% Cannot work at the GRC 2 7% Relocation of people 1 4% Health hazard 3 11% No reason 6 21% Total 28 100% January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐77 Figures 4‐54 to 4‐66 are Trellis graphs of selected subsets of the household survey dataset. They display the relationship between two variables – one of which is always Project approval ‐ conditioned on one or more other variables. The Trellis graphs will be scrutinized to explain the community acceptance or rejection of the Siana Gold Project. Barangay: Magpayang Barangay: Pongtud Barangay: Siana Y ALN V O PR AP . Barangay: Cawilan Barangay: Dayano Barangay: Del Rosario T EC J O R PY N 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐54. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay From Figure 4‐54, Brgys. Dayano and del Rosario respondents, though coming from various income groups, support the Project. The other Barangays are generally similar with slight differences in the spread of income groups that oppose the Project. Conditioning the monthly income‐Project approval relationship on the Barangay is not very helpful. Barangay: Magpayang Barangay: Pongtud Barangay: Siana Y VALN O APPR . Barangay: Cawilan Barangay: Dayano Barangay: Del Rosario T C E J O PRY N CGEGHGNEPGGSCSE SHVG CGEGHGNEPGGSCSE SHVG CGEGHGNEPGGSCSE SHVG Educational.Attainment Figure 4‐55. Educational attainment and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay In Figure 4‐55, CG is College graduate, EG – Elementary graduate, HG – High school graduate, NE – no education, PGG – post‐graduate degree holder, SC – some college units, SE – some elementary, SH – some high school units, and VG – Vocational graduate. Brgy. Pongtud respondents have a lower educational attainment compared to those from other January 2009 4‐78 EIS of the Siana Gold Project barangays. The respondents from other barangays display similar educational profiles. Just like the preceding graph, the education‐Project approval relationship conditioned on the Barangay does not show any clustering. Barangay: Magpayang Barangay: Pongtud Barangay: Siana Y ALN V O APPR . Barangay: Cawilan Barangay: Dayano Barangay: Del Rosario T C E J O PRY N ADHFMHHPPSSWADHFMHHPPSSWADHFMHHPPSSW Occupation Figure 4‐56. Occupation and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay From Figure 4‐56, A is Auto painter, DH – Drilling helper, FM – Farmer and mason, H – Housekeeper, HP ‐ Housekeeper and pensioner, P – Pensioner, SS – Sari‐sari store, and W – Welder. Brgys. Dayano, del Rosario, and Pongtud respondents have fewer occupations compared to the respondents from the other three (3) barangays. Figures 4‐59 to 4‐66 will scrutinize more closely any bias for or against the Project based on occupations. Barangay: Magpayang Barangay: Pongtud Barangay: Siana VALY O N APPR . Barangay: Cawilan Barangay: Dayano Barangay: Del Rosario T EC J O Y PR N BA INC JW LDS MC RC SDAUCCPUPC BA INC JW LDS MC RC SDAUCCPUPC BA INC JW LDS MC RC SDAUCCPUPC Religion Figure 4‐57. Religion and Project approval conditioned on the Barangay BA is Born again, INC – Iglesia ni Cristo, JW – Jehovah’s Witnesses, LDS – Latter‐day Saints, MC – Methodist Church, RC – Roman Catholic, SDA – Seventh‐day Adventist, UCCP – Union of Christian Churches of the Philippines, UPC – United People’s Church. Again, Brgys. Pongtud, Dayano, and del Rosario respondents come from a few religious affiliations. Respondents from the other Barangays are more diverse. Based on the Trellis graph, no Project bias stemming from religion is apparent. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐79 Educational.Attainment: SE Educational.Attainment: SH Educational.Attainment: VG Y N VAL Educational.Attainment: NE Educational.Attainment: PGG Educational.Attainment: SC O APPRY . T ECN J O PR Educational.Attainment: CG Educational.Attainment: EG Educational.Attainment: HG Y N 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐58. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on educational attainment. As shown in Figure 4‐58, all respondents with no formal education favor the Project regardless of income. Many respondents with some elementary grade schooling do not approve of the Project. With additional schooling, i.e., elementary graduate, some high school units, high school graduate, some college units, and vocational schooling, the number of respondents opposing the Project reduces. The opposition increases for the college graduates. This underscores the importance of an IEC program to target the College graduates especially. Occupation: BS Occupation: C Occupation: D Y LN VA O R APP . Occupation: A Occupation: B Occupation: BG T EC J O PRY N 1,000.0017,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.0017,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.0017,850.00 5,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐59. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations BS – business sewing, C – carpenter, D – driver, A – auto painter, B – business, and BG – bodyguard. January 2009 4‐80 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The respondents’ approval of the Project is strongly correlated to employment and livelihood. However, based on Figure 4‐59, there are still a few carpenters and drivers who do not approve of the Project. Occupation: F Occupation: FC Occupation: FH Y ALN V O R P P A . Occupation: DH Occupation: DP Occupation: DW T EC J O PRY N 1,000.00 17,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.00 17,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐60. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations F – farmer, FC – farmer and carpenter, FH – farmer and housekeeper, DH – drilling helper, DP – driver and pensioner, and DW – driver and welder. Of the six (6) occupational groups profiled in the Trellis graphs of Figure 4‐60, only a few of the farmer respondents do not approve of the Project. The monthly incomes of these respondents are not in the low or high end but in the middle. They appear satisfied with their present farming incomes. Occupation: FSL Occupation: G Occupation: GF Y ALN V O APPR . Occupation: FM Occupation: FP Occupation: FS T EC J O PRY N 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐61. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations FSL – fisherman and laborer, G – Government employee, GF – Government employee and farmer, FM – farmer and mason, FP – farmer and pensioner, and FS – fisherman. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐81 As shown in Figure 4‐61, only the Government employees group has a few who oppose the Project. Their incomes are spread across the spectrum. Occupation: HF Occupation: HFP Occupation: HL Y ALN V O PR AP . Occupation: H Occupation: HB Occupation: HC T EC J O R PY N 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐62. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations HF – housekeeper and farm owner, HFP – housekeeper and farm owner and pensioner, HL – housekeeper and laundry, H – housekeeper, HB – housekeeper and bibingka maker, and HC – housekeeper with children abroad. Unique to the housekeepers’ groups shown in Figure 4‐62 is the high correlation of Project opposition to high income. This is understandable since Project approval is strongly linked to need. Occupation: L Occupation: M Occupation: MC Y VALN O APPR . Occupation: HP Occupation: HPB Occupation: HS T EC J O PRY N 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐63. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations L – laborer, M – mason, MC – mason and carpenter, HP – housekeeper and pensioner, HPB – housekeeper and palay buyer, and HS – housekeeper and sewing. January 2009 4‐82 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The Trellis graphs of Figure 4‐63 further highlight the economic inducements of the Project. The housekeeper and pensioner who does not like the Project is obviously contented with the present condition. Occupation: S Occupation: SEC Occupation: SG Y VALN O PR AP . Occupation: P Occupation: R Occupation: RD T EC J O PRY N 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐64. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations S – seaman, SEC – Secretary, SG – security guard, P – pensioner, R – recycling, and RD – research director Occupation: TEC Occupation: TO Occupation: V Y ALN V O PR AP . Occupation: SS Occupation: SU Occupation: T T EC J O PRY N 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 1,000.0017,850.005,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐65. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupations TEC – technician, TO – turtle operator, V – vendor, SS – sari‐sari store, SU – surveyor, and T – teacher. From Figure 4‐64, the seaman apparently does not see any need for the Project. The other occupational groups, including the pensioners, approve of the Project. All six (6) occupational groups shown in Figure 4‐65, including the turtle operator but excluding the teachers, approve of the Project. Apparently, they value the employment and livelihood opportunities to be created. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐83 VAL O APPR . Occupation: W T EC J O PRY N 1,000.00 17,850.00 5,300.00 Monthly.Income Figure 4‐66. Monthly income and Project approval conditioned on occupation W – welder Finally, the welders’ group unanimously approve of the Project (Figure 4‐66). Rural Health Units ‐ The Municipalities of Tubod, Mainit and Alegria serve the health needs of the community through the Barangay Health Stations (BHS) and the Rural Health Units. The BHS are satellites of the RHU. They are manned by Rural Health Midwives who report to the Municipal Health Officer, the RHU head. All RHUs in the impact municipalities offer the same services. These are: immunization for infants, family planning, pre‐natal and post‐natal care, and Operating Timbang (Weighing). Table 4‐24 lists the health personnel of the Tubod, Alegria and Mainit Rural Health Units. The BHWs provide the primary health care in the impact barangays. Each BHW has a “catchment” that normally consists of 20 families. He assists the community by keeping records of immunization of children, monitoring the pre‐ and post‐ natal care of pregnant mothers, assisting in delivery, identifying TB and leprosy suspects and reporting them to the RHU, getting samples of sputum from TB positive patients and having them analyzed at the laboratory, assisting the community in health, environment and safety related matters, and conducting Minimum Basic Needs and other surveys for the local government. Table 4‐24. Municipal health personnel, Tubod, Alegria, and Mainit Parameter Tubod Mainit Alegria Households (2004) 2,295 4,751 2,290 Doctor of Medicine (Municipal 1 1 1 Health Officer) Dentist 1 1 DOH Representative 1 1 Nurse 1 1 1 Midwife 3 8 4 Medical Technologist 1 1 1 Sanitary Inspector 1 3 1 Dental Aide 1 Total 9 17 10 Source: RHUs All RHUs have the following facilities: examination Room, dental Room, laboratory capable of urinalysis, fecalysis, blood typing, sputum analysis for Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and Katokatz Analysis for Schistosomiasis. January 2009 4‐84 EIS of the Siana Gold Project The RHUs are open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday to Friday. The Municipal Health Officers are on call for twenty‐four (24) hours. Consultation is free but the residents complain that medicines are not always available because of municipal budget constraints. Cases that require confinement are referred to the District Hospital or Caraga Regional Hospital. Morbidity ‐ Tables 4‐25 to 4‐27 detail the ten (10) leading causes of morbidity in the impact barangays. Majority of the leading causes of illness in the project area are communicable diseases such as Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI), pneumonia, tuberculosis, skin diseases and influenza. Other diseases such as diarrhea, amoebiasis, helmenthiasis and parasitism are hygiene related. Hypertension, a non‐communicable disease that has been affecting more and more people over the years, has overtaken TB as a leading cause of illness in the area. Table 4‐25. Ten leading causes of morbidity, Tubod, 2000 – 2004 Morbidity Cause 2001 Morbidity Cause 2002 Morbidity Cause 2003 Morbidity Cause 2004 Acute Respiratory 488 ARI 293 Upper Respiratory 1096 ARI 560 Infection (ARI) Tract Infection (URTI) Injuries 159 Injuries 185 Influenza 550 Influenza 261 Influenza 103 Influenza 180 Injuries 294 Injuries 158 Skin Diseases 74 Urinary Tract Infection 131 Hypertension 167 UTI 147 (UTI) UTI 49 Hypertension 117 Skin Diseases 141 Pneumonia 93 Pneumonia 42 Rheumatoid Arthritis 106 UTI 138 Skin Diseases 78 Parasitism 38 Skin Diseases 66 Peptic Ulcer 68 Bronchitis 66 Acute Gastroenteritis 31 Parasitism 62 Acute Gastroenteritis 66 Hypertension 64 Hypertension 30 Schistosomiasis 49 Pneumonia 55 Parasitism 63 TB all forms 22 Pulmonary TB 46 Parasitism 49 Pulmonary TB 48 Peptic Ulcer 46 Source: RHUs Table 4‐26. Ten Leading Causes of Morbidity, Mainit, 1997 – 2004 2002 – 2006 2007 Causes No. Rate No. Rate 1. URTI 2339 965.53 2963 1192.54 2. Bronchitis 458 189.06 277 111.48 3. Diarrhea 174 71.82 183 73.65 4. Hypertension 159 65.63 162 65.20 5. Wounds all kinds 126 52.01 159 63.99 6. UTI 126 52.01 121 48.69 7. Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) 571 235.7 89 35.82 8. Schistosomiasis 118 48.71 72 28.97 9. Gastritis 107 44.16 69 27.77 10. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) 16 7.84 50 20.12 Source: RHUs January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐85 Table 4‐27. Ten leading causes of morbidity, Alegria, 1997 – 2004 Morbidity Cause 1998 Morbidity Cause 1999 Morbidity Cause 2000 Morbidity Cause 2001 Morbidity Cause 2002 Morbidity Cause 2003 Morbidity Cause 2004 URTI 342 URTI 914 URTI 646 URTI 377 ARI 337 ARI 346 ARI 420 Bronchitis 234 Bronchitis 284 Pneumonia 137 Wound 127 Parasitism 113 Wound/Injuries 88 Wound/Injuries 144 Acute Gastroenteritis 74 Diarrhea 155 Wound 134 Skin Diseases 119 Wound/Injuries 107 Community Acquired 83 Diarrhea 43 Pneumonia (CAP) Skin Diseases 71 Skin Diseases 121 Skin Diseases 94 Pneumonia 109 Schistomiasis 87 Helmenthiasis 75 CAP/Pneumonia 41 Pneumonia 68 Pneumonia 94 Schistomiasis 74 Schistomiasis 104 Diarrhea 44 Schistomiasis 59 Bronchitis 31 Injuries 50 Injuries 88 Parasitism 61 Parasitism 94 Skin Diseases 30 Diarrhea 41 Schistosomiasis 27 Asthma 35 Amoebiasis 66 Diarrhea 54 Diarrhea 59 CAP 30 Tuberculosis all forms 34 Helmenthiasis 26 Schistomiasis 34 Parasitism 59 Pulmonary 48 TB all forms 30 TB all forms 28 Hypertension 25 Hypertension 26 Tuberculosis Intestinal Parasitism 32 Tonsillitis 58 Bronchitis 47 Tonsillitis 14 Pneumonia 26 Hypersensitivity 24 Dogbite 25 Reaction UTI 29 Asthma 31 UTI 33 UTI 11 Filariasis 20 Dog Bite 22 URTI 24 969 1870 1328 1044 822 797 807 January 2009 4‐86 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Mortality ‐ Tables 4‐28 to 4‐30 show the leading causes of death in the covered municipalities. Pneumonia, tuberculosis and septicemia remain the top ten killers. The other causes, however, are mostly non‐communicable. They are dominated by lifestyle diseases such as cerebro‐vascular accident or stroke, diseases of the heart, cancer and diabetes mellitus. Table 4‐28. Ten leading causes of mortality, Tubod, 2001 ‐ 2004 Mortality Cause 2001 Mortality Cause 2002 Mortality Cause 2003 Mortality Cause 2004 Cancer all forms 8 Congestive Heart Failure 9 Septicemia 10 CHF 5 (CHF) Cerebro Vascular 7 Septicemia 6 CHF 7 Pneumonia 4 Accident (CeVA) Acute Renal Failure 6 Acute Renal Failure 5 CeVA 6 Cancer all forms 4 Septicemia 5 Cancer all forms 4 Cancer all forms 5 Septicemia 4 CHF 4 Accident 4 Myocardial Infarction 4 CeVA 4 Pneumonia 4 Pneumonia 4 Pneumonia 4 Tuberculosis 3 Tuberculosis 3 CeVA 3 Bleeding Peptic Ulcer 3 Liver Cirrhosis 2 Liver Cirrhosis 2 Myocardial Infarction 2 Pulmonary TB 3 Bleeding Peptic Ulcer 2 Myocardial Infarction 2 Bleeding Peptic Ulcer 2 Accident 2 Diabetes Mellitus 1 Accident (vehicular) 1 Diabetes Mellitus 2 Liver Cirrhosis 2 Accident 1 Severe dehydration 1 Stab Wounds 2 Source: RHUs Table 4‐29. Ten leading causes of mortality, Mainit, 2002 – 2007 2002 ‐ 2006 2007 Mortality Cause No. Rate No. Rate 1. Multiple Organ Failure 1.6 .66 11 4.42 2. Renal failure 1.6 .66 10 4.02 3. Cardio Vascular Accident 3,4 1.4 9 3.62 (CaVA) 4. Chronic Obstructive 1 .41 8 3.21 Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 5. Liver Cirrhosis .6 .24 7 2.81 6. Myocardial Infarction .6 .24 5 2.01 7. Gastro‐intestinal (GI) .4 .16 5 2.01 Bleeding 8. Pneumonia .2 .08 4 1.6 9. Tuberculosis 2.2 .9 4 1.6 10. Cardio Respiratory Arrest 11.8 4.87 4 1.6 Source: RHUs January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐87 Table 4‐30. Ten leading causes of mortality, Alegria 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Schistomiasis 8 CeVA 9 Pulmonary 5 Multiple 4 Cardio 4 CeVA 4 CAP 6 Tuberculosis organ failure Vascular Disease (CaVD) CaVD 7 Hypertensive 6 CeVA 3 Liver 4 Chronic renal 3 CHF 4 CaVD 5 Vascular cirrhosis failure Disease secondary to Schistomiasis Cancer all 6 Accidents 5 Multiple 3 CaVD 3 Multiple 2 CAP 4 Cancer all 5 forms Gunshot organ forms Wound faioure COPD 2 Old Age 4 Senility (old 2 Hepatoma 3 COPD‐PTB 2 Pneumonia 3 CHF 5 age) secondary to debilitation Pulmonary 2 Pneumonia 3 Multiple Organ 2 Pulmonary 2 CAP 2 Chronic 3 Reversible 4 Tuberculosis Failure Tuberculosis Renal Failure hypoglycemic shock secondary to multiple shot wound Premature 2 Severe 2 Schistosomiasis 2 Severe 2 Irreversible 2 Liver 3 Lobar 3 Pneumonia to infected Pneumonia Hemorrhage cirrhosis Pneumonia wound shock secondary to States secondary to Schistomiasis gunshot/stab wound Vehicular 2 Malnutrition 2 Chronic Renal 2 Asphyxia 2 Severe 1 Myocardial 3 COPD 2 Accident Failure malnutrition infarction Pneumonia 2 Chronic 2 COPD 2 Multiple 2 Pneumonia 1 Multiple 2 Irreversible 2 Renal Failure Gunshot debilitation organ failure blood loss wound secondary to secondary to punctual hemorrhage wound Undetermined 2 Hemorrhage 2 Status 2 Chronic 1 Hepatic 1 Hepatic 2 Liver 2 asthmaticus Renal Failure carcinoma Failure cirrhosis secondary to schistomiasis Others 2 Pulmonary 2 Diabetes 1 CA Ovarian 1 Acute 1 Cardio 2 Multiple 2 Disease Pancreatitis respiratory injuries arrest, secondary to irreversible vehicular blood loss, accidents multiple gunshot of face, chest, arms and legs Source: RHUs January 2009 4‐88 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Endemic Diseases ‐ Filariasis or elephantiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted by the flavirostris mosquitoes. They live in abaca and banana trees as well as pandan (pandanus) plants. This debilitating disease is endemic in Surigao del Norte. In 2002, it affected 20 people in Alegria. Filariasis is considered the second leading cause of permanent disability among infectious diseases. There are 120 million people with the disease worldwide. The parasites multiply and live in the body for ten (10) years, actively reproducing for five (5) years. When they die, fibrous tissue forms around them in the lymphatic channels. The flow of the lymph is blocked causing gross irreversible chronic enlargement and deformity of the legs and feet, arms, testes, vulva or breasts. Filarial infection can be acquired only from vector‐borne infective larvae. Prevention of infection can be achieved in two ways, namely, by decreasing contact between humans and vectors or by decreasing the amount of infection the vector can acquire, or treating the human host. Efforts at filariasis control in populations through the reduction of the number of mosquito vectors have proven largely ineffective. Even when good mosquito control can be put into place, the long time‐span of the parasite which is four (4) to (8) eight years means that the infection remains in the community for a long period of time, generally longer than the period intensive vector control efforts can be sustained. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a yearly mass treatment of the 2‐drug treatment regimen, i.e., albendazole and either ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine (DEC), to all “at risk” populations for five consecutive years. Immunity to the disease is ensured if this treatment regime is adopted. Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is the third cause of morbidity in Mainit. The 5‐year average from 1997 to 2002 was 366. In 2003 and 2004, 630 and 163 were afflicted, respectively. In Alegria, this disease has occupied either th th the 5 or 6 place of the ten leading causes of morbidity since 1998. In Tubod, 2002 was the last year this disease appeared on the top ten causes of illness. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the trematode flatworms (flukes) of the Japanese snail (Schistosoma japonicum). They are transmitted by amphibious Oncomelania snails. These snails are as big as palay grains. Transmission occurs in freshwater when the intermediate snail host (Oncomelania snails) releases infective forms of the parasite. Larval forms of the parasites (known as cercariae), released by the snails, penetrate the skin of people in the water. The disease is contracted through contact with parasites released by the snails in stagnant freshwater. A person can get infected simply by contact with water (e.g., washing, farming, fishing or swimming). The snails themselves become infected by another larval stage of the parasite, known as a miracidium, which develops from eggs passed out in the urine or faeces of infected people.4 Adult male and female schistosomes pair and live together in human blood vessels. The females release eggs, some which are passed out in the stools but some eggs are trapped in the body tissues. Immune reactions to eggs lodged in tissues are the cause of the disease. In intestinal schistosomiasis caused by S. japonicum, there is progressive enlargement of the liver and spleen, intestinal damage due to fibrotic lesions around eggs lodged in these tissues, and hypertension of the abdominal blood vessels. Bleeding from these vessels leads to internal hemorrhage. Without 5 treatment, schistosomiasis leads to chronic infection, cirrhosis of the liver, and can be fatal. Those infected can be treated with the drug praziquantel, which is available in the RHUs of all impact barangays. This is effected in a single dose against all schistosoma species. According to the health personnel, reinfection is the problem since the farmers continue to work in schistosomiasis infested waters. Before, the DOH had mollusciciding programs to kill the oncomelania snails. However, the molluscicide is harmful to humans so its use was discontinued. The health authorities recommend yearly mass treatment of praziquantel to reduce the number of infected people. Treatment of water buffalo and other livestock, sources of infective parasite eggs should also be considered. Health education is also imperative. People should defecate only in sanitary toilets and not in the rice fields and other japonicum infested areas. 4 Source: World Health Report 2002 5 Ibid. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐89 Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Four species of Plasmodium can produce the disease in its various forms: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malaria. P. falciparum is the most widespread and dangerous of the four. Untreated, it can lead to fatal cerebral malaria.6 This species and the P. vivax are the most common in the Philippines. The vector for malaria parasites is the female Anopheles mosquito. It can only transmit malaria if it has bitten a person with the disease. When it sucks the blood of an infected person, plasmodium develops in its gut. It passes on the parasite when it bites another person. Blood carries these parasites to the victim’s liver where they invade the cells and multiply. After 9 to 16 days, the parasites return to the blood, penetrate the red cells and multiply again, progressively breaking down the red cells.7 This process induces fever and anemia in the victim. The malaria symptoms are chills and high fever, excessive sweating after high fever, and headache. To prevent the spread of malaria, DOH recommends the use of a mosquito net every night, use of protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants if staying outdoors at night, screens on doors and windows, clearing of areas where the Anopheles mosquitos are found, trimming of overhanging plants, leaves, and grass along the stream banks, and use of e.g., tilapia). larvae‐eating fish to feed on the mosquito larvae ( Sulfadoxine and other malarial drugs are available. Treatment depends on the case. The public hospitals in endemic areas have doctors trained at treating malaria and other tropical diseases. Medicines are also available as these are provided by the World Health Organization. Impacts 1. Relocation of 7 to 13 households in Brgy. Cawilan and 42 to 56 households in Brgy. Siana (Figure 5‐1) ‐ The figures will be finalized upon ground verification. Efforts will be made to minimize the displacement. The affected Siana residents will have to be transferred because of their proximity to TSF3 and the secondary waste rock dump. Those that will be displaced in Cawilan live close to the main waste rock dump. The families to be relocated are technically squatters because they do not have title to the houses and land that they occupy. Those from Cawilan live in the former SURICON Duplex‐type Staff Houses. There are two proposed resettlement sites – one in Brgy. Cawilan and another in Brgy. Siana. The final choice of the site would depend on consultations and negotiations with those affected as well as the host community, or the area where the relocation site is located. A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) shall be prepared in accordance with International Best Practice in particular, IFC Performance Standard No. 5. The resettlement shall also be coordinated with the Local Government to comply with Executive No. 708. The essential components of the RAP, as recommended by IFC in its Handbook for Preparing a Resettlement Action Plan, are the following: • Identification of project impacts and affected populations • Legal framework for land acquisition and compensation • Compensation framework • Description of resettlement assistance and restoration of livelihood activities • Detailed budget • Implementation schedule 6 World Health Organization, Division of Tropical Diseases 7 Ibid. January 2009 4‐90 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Description of organizational responsibilities • Framework for public consultation, participation and development planning • Description of provisions for redress of grievances and • Framework for monitoring, evaluation and reporting 2. Displacement of seasonal gold small‐scale miners – Some 20 small‐scale miner family groups operate seasonally and freely within the mine site. GRC has allowed them to carry out their mining activities in the meantime that the company is not yet operating. The miners have a standing arrangement with the company to voluntarily vacate the area when advised to do so. The positive impacts of the displacement of the miners include the cessation of sedimentation and contamination of soil and water with cyanide and other chemicals used by the miners as well as health and safety issues related to small‐scale mining such as exposure to cyanide and physical danger to the miners. The displacement will also result in the reduction of water usage. The RAP will also cover the small‐scale miners as they are also economically‐displaced. Mitigating measures will include the hiring by GRC of those who may be qualified for applicable positions. The company will also recommend the hiring of those that cannot be accommodated to its contractors. Livelihood opportunities will be provided to those who could not be taken in either by GRC or its contractors. 3. Flooding along Dayano Creek and the adjacent rice fields ‐ Farmlands and other properties might be inundated during the dewatering of the pit. However, if done properly, i.e., at a rate of 780 L‐s‐1 within the less rainy months of April to August and with the irrigation dam doors wide open, the farmers will benefit from the steady release of clean water from the pit. 4. Chemicals, especially CN – The residents are afraid that the fish kills and animal deaths suffered during the SURICON days may recur once GRC commences development works. GRC commits to put up physical systems that will fully contain any chemical spills such as an events pond in the reagents storage and mixing area, train personnel on chemicals and their management, implement management systems and procedures for chemicals handling, and operate a CN detoxification plant that will bring down the CN in the tailings to safe levels before discharge to the TSF. 5. Sedimentation and turbidity – Another recollection of the residents is the “labod” or sediments from the SURICON mine. GRC’s commitment is minimized ground clearing and disturbances, scheduling of construction during the dryer months, surface runoff diversion from the disturbed areas, recovery and use of topsoil, spoils management, grading and sloping of work areas and channels, and use of sediment traps, settling ponds, and geotextile tubes. 6. Employment and livelihood opportunities – GRC will implement its agreement with the Brgy. Captains on unskilled employment. To add to the employment opportunities, the company will inventory local skills and enterprises vis‐a‐vis the company requirements. Training programs will be implemented to address the skills gaps. GRC will also assist local residents and suppliers provide the goods and services needed by the Project. 7. Management of vector‐borne diseases – GRC will observe stringent health standards in the hiring of employees and contractors. Regular medical examinations of employees and contractors will be undertaken to prevent any outbreak of diseases in the community. The company will coordinate with the DOH for the implementation of programs for vector‐borne diseases. 8. Vehicular accidents and other physical impacts such as landsliding, flyrocks, etc. – GRC will enforce a combination of no‐access to the public in certain areas and designated pedestrian walkways and vehicular access at certain times of the day. Company vehicles will be required to observe speed limits and forced stops at certain points of the road. To prevent physical impacts, households at risk will be relocated. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐91 9. Dust, noise, AMD, and heavy metals – GRC will implement the environmental management measures designed for the stressors. 10. Increased STD, drug use, alcoholism, spread of other communicable diseases , and human trafficking – GRC will administer awareness and preventive education programs for the workers, communities, and spontaneous settlers. Culture Methodology The Cultural Study entailed the following: • Review of literature on Mamanwa culture (Table 2‐4) • Key informant interviews involving a Mamanwa datu and an official of the NCIP Service Office in Bad‐as, Placer, Surigao del Norte • Focus group discussion with Mamanwa stakeholders on Mamanwa culture and cultural impacts of the Siana Project • Observation of Mamanwa daily life in the direct impact area. The interviews, discussion, and observation of Mamanwa life were completed from 6 to 8 January 2005. Baseline Conditions • Ethnic Identity – The Mamanwa is a Negrito group mainly found in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte in Northern Mindanao and, to a lesser degree, in the provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas. They are mostly concentrated in the areas around Lake Mainit in the border provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte. This lake region is most probably their traditional homeland. The term Mamanwa is an endonym, i.e., it is the name that is used by the culture bearers themselves. The term “mamanwa” means “people of the forest”, banwa being the term for “forest”. Outsiders, especially Visayans and Manobos, refer to them as Conquista or Cong King, allegedly because the Mamanwas were the first ones to occupy the said region. The Mamanwas of Surigao, however, consider the names as derogatory. According to Datu Dominador Labao, a Mamanwa chieftain of Alegria, Surigao del Norte, the term “Cong King” is suitable for animals and not for human beings. The Mamanwas have a distinct ethnic identity due to their phenotypic difference from the rest of the peoples of Mindanao and their unique culture. Racially, i.e., based on genetic frequencies, they belong to the Negritoid stock: the average height is four feet eight inches, they are prognathous, with broad flat noses, and their skin color ranges from reddish to dark brown in color (Winick, 1970). Traditionally, the Mamanwas were nomadic hunters‐gatherers. In the last century, they became semi‐sedentary horticulturists. They speak a language distinct from nearby ethnolinguistic groups, such as the Manobos and Surigaonons, and the other Negrito groups in the country. • Population – There has been no official census of the Mamanwas. Based on the 1990 census of the Summer Institute of Linguistics, 5,152 are speakers of Minamanwa. Literacy rate in the mother tonque and second language is reportedly very low at 7 %. In Surigao del Norte, the Mamanwas are found in the municipalities of Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Mainit, San Francisco, and Tubod. Within the direct impact area of the Siana Project, some ten (10) Mamanwa January 2009 4‐92 EIS of the Siana Gold Project households reside in Purok Bulawanon, Brgy. Cawilan in 2005. As of April 2008, the number of Mamanwa households in the purok has reportedly doubled. • Origin Myth and Belief System – The Mamanwas attribute the creation of the earth to Magbabazà, their Supreme Being. In the beginning, according to the Mamanwas, there was only one kind of human being. Then lightning struck the earth and set it on fire, and those who were singed became black – the Mamanwa. The Mamanwas believe in a dual existence in life: the physical body and an invisible soul. In the worldview of the Mamanwa, trees, plants, and animals have kalag (souls) that are made of the same stuff as the soul of a human being. However, in contrast to a human soul, animals such as dogs, pigs, and monkeys only have small souls that cannot be exchanged with those of humans. The Mamanwa view holds that every living person has seven souls. In appearance, the seven souls are like lambong (shadows). Following the burial of the dead, Mamanwas show great anxiety and preoccupation with the soul of the dead because they believe that an offended soul has the power to cause illness and death. The expression “kalagen ko” is a warning to a careless person that he might get sick and die as a result of offending the soul of a kinsman who has died. The spirit world is comprised of Magbabazà – the Supreme Being – and several diwata (spirits). The latter may be helpful or harmful spirit beings. There have been several attempts by missionaries to convert Mamanwas into Christianity. In Brgy. Motorpool, Tubod, a Baptist mission established a non‐formal school that teaches literacy and numeracy to the residents for one hour every Friday and Monday mornings. The mission holds Sunday masses. The Mamanwas of Motorpool attend these mission‐initiated activities but admitted that they continue to believe in Magbabazà. • Early Settlements and Migrations ‐ The Mamanwas are the indigenous people of Northeastern Mindanao. Their primacy in occupying this area is recognized by other ethnolinguistic groups in the vicinity, the Manobos, Surigaonons, and Visayans, included. This is the reason why these groups refer to the Mamanwas as “Conquista” or “Cong King”, i.e., the Mamanwas were the first to conquer the territory. Many place names in Surigao are of Minamanwa origin while other place names have counterparts in the Minamanwa language. Lake Mainit, for example, is referred to by the Mamanwas as danaw (lake). Tubod, in particular, was originally Mamanwan territory. In the 1900s, however, migrants from Bohol, Leyte, and Camiguin settled in the area. When Surigao Consolidated Mining Corporation established its operations in Cawilan in 1935, the Mamanwas were reportedly driven away from the mine site. They transferred to the hinterlands because they feared that the migrants would offer them as padugo (human sacrifice) in exchange for success in locating the gold veins. It was only when the mine closed in 1954 did they go back to Cawilan although this time, the lands were already owned by Visayan migrants. Because the Mamanwas traditionally practiced shifting agriculture supplemented by hunting and foraging, their settlement pattern was semi‐nomadic in nature. It is customary for Mamanwas to live in a certain locality for a given period of time and later transfer to another place. In Brgy. Motorpool, for example, the Mamanwas regularly shifted their residence from Mabuhay, Sison and back to Motorpool. The present Mamanwa enclave near the elementary school in Brgy. Cawilan was originally located in the mountainous area. They transferred to their new site because the Barangay Chairman wanted to integrate them with the barangay. Because the area has been theirs since time immemorial, there is an ongoing effort by the Mamanwas, through the assistance of the NCIP to claim approximately 42,000 ha within Alegria, Tubod, Bacuag, Claver, and Gigaquit as their ancestral domain. There is another ancestral domain claim for portions of Mainit and San Francisco. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐93 • Economic Activities – Until a decade ago, the Mamanwas primarily subsisted on shifting cultivation supplemented by hunting, fishing, and foraging activities. At present, however, the Mamanwas in the direct impact area mostly rely on wage labor. The shift from horticulture to wage labor was the result of the Philippine military’s efforts to discourage them from staying in the forested upland areas lest they be suspected as supporters of the New People’s Army. Thus, the Mamanwa families resettled in the lowland areas and abandoned their farmhouses in the hinterlands. In the lowlands, however, there was very little land to till since the Visayans or Surigaonons owned most of the fertile lands. Thus, their only option was to engage in wage labor. In Brgy. Motorpool, most of the able‐bodied Mamanwa males work as wood haulers for small‐scale loggers. They pick up the sawn logs from the nearby mountain range and carry them down to the highway where the lumber is loaded in waiting trucks. They are paid based on the number of wooden planks transported. Some Mamanwa men and women work in coconut farms. Others are seasonal workers in copra farms in Brgy. Mabuhay, Sison. The seasonality of work contributed to the shifting residences of the Mamanwa families. Since 2002, several Mamanwa males from Alegria, Mainit, and Tubod have been employed by GRC. They work as security guards and utility men. GRC adopted a work rotation scheme to accommodate more Mamanwas. In Cawilan, the Mamanwa residents still plant bananas, sweet potatoes, and other root crops on backyard plots. Other income sources include wood gathering and gold panning at the tailings ponds and waste rock dumps of SURICON. Housewives make baskets from rattan and other vines when there are orders for these products. Photo 4‐24. An extended Mamanwa family, near the Photo 4‐25. Close‐up of a “Lit‐ag”, where the bait is tied to Mariano Darap Elementary School with Joel a rattan strip and held taut by a bent tree Pacatang (in hard hat), the local guide. branch. Photo 4‐26. A kulasisi bird caught by the use of “Tugop”, Photo 4‐27. Gold panning, an alternative livelihood among an adhesive exudates from the Antipolo tree. Mamanwa women. January 2009 4‐94 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Mamanwas still engage in hunting and trapping activities. Among the animals hunted are buog (wild boar), usa (deer), manok (wild chicken), wild pigeon, small birds, kamahan (monkey), sawa (python), and monitor lizard. Hunting is done with the aid of dogs or traps. Hunting is becoming a rare activity for two reasons: the decline in animal catch and the suspicion of military personnel. Whenever possible, the Mamanwas go back to their uma (swidden farm) in the forest to cultivate buzag (sweet potato), kalibri (cassava), mais (maize), humay (upland rice), saging (banana), taro, and purple yam. Since sweet potato has been the traditional staple, at least six varieties are cultivated, namely the painto, gracia, turok‐banay, hinabang, kayapas, haradyas, and himelbas. While in the forests, the Mamanwas also gather forest products, such as baay (poisonous tuber), bahi (sago palm), honey, rattan, and bagon (vine). Mamanwa foragers lament the fast diminishing forest resources. • Material Culture – Mamanwa culture in Surigao del Norte has been highly acculturated due to the heavy borrowing of culture traits from the Visayans and Surigaonons. This process is true as well for material culture. Thus, several indigenous artifacts can no longer be found or are now rare. An example of a disappearing Mamanwa artifact is the agong (brass gong). This musical instrument plays an important role in the performance of shamanistic rituals. Many of the old agongs have already cracked and are no longer usable. To complicate the problem, there is no surviving Mamanwa blacksmith who can make agongs. The agongs can be purchased from the Manobos for P 20,000 each which the Mamanwas cannot afford. Consequently, many rituals can no longer be performed. Another artifact that has totally disappeared is the sablo, the Japanese long sword that a bagani (traditional warrior) usually possessed. This loss may be attributed to the decline in the practice of ngazaw (intertribal warfare) and the replacement of indigenous weapons with high‐powered rifles. Traditional handicrafts that are still woven by Mamanwa women are the alat (rattan pack basket), bangkil (loosely woven rattan basket), balugbog (large rattan basket carried by shoulder or head straps), ligo (rice winnowing basket), and banig (sleeping mats made from pandan leaves). Mamanwa agricultural tools include the lodzò (bolo) and dazopak (garden trowel). At present, Mamanwa clothes are no different from those of rural Filipinos. They buy these clothes from the market. In the distant past, however, the men wore g‐strings and the women skirts, both of which were made from bark cloth (Almeda, 1993). Spanish missionaries described the Mamanwas as wearing certain bracelets made of rattan of various colors and with garlands on their heads with bird feathers as plume. This type of ornamentation no longer exists. A typical Mamanwa lagkaw (house) in Cawilan is made of wood and raised on the ground by stilts. Some of the houses have walls. Most houses have pawod (sewn leaves of nipa palm) roofs; a few still maintain the more traditional tikel (rattan leaves). Vines are used to tie the different parts of the house together. • Culture Change ‐ As mentioned earlier, acculturation is rapidly taking place in Mamanwa society. In the process of borrowing from the culture of neighboring ethnic groups, the Mamanwas lost much of their indigenous culture. Even the original non‐Austronesian language of the Mamanwas has been lost. The Minamanwa language has been borrowed from the neighboring Austronesian‐speaking peoples, such as the Surigaonon, Butuanon, and Kamayo. The loss of original language is true for all Negrito groups in Southeast Asia. It is only the Andamanese of the Bay of Bengal that has maintained a non‐Austronesian language. All Mamanwas are bilingual, i.e., speaking both Minamanwa and Surigaonon or Sugbuanon. Because of bilingualism, a lot of loanwords from Surigaonon and Sugbuanon have seeped into the Minamanwa vocabulary. For example, some Mamanwas already use the Sugbuanon term “bana” to refer to a husband rather than the January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐95 original Minamanwa term “akyeg”. With the rapid borrowing of foreign words, there is a danger that the Minamanwa language may eventually become extinct as was the case of three other Negrito languages, namely Katabaga, Dicamay Agta, and Tayabas Ayta. Prolonged contact between Mamanwas and the Manobos of Agusan del Norte also contributed to the acculturation process. Inter‐ethnic marriages between the Mamanwas and Manobos became more common, except in Kitcharao and Jabonga where the residents remain to be “purely” Mamanwa. The Mamanwas borrowed a lot from the Manobo culture. The original Mamanwa homes were lean‐tos. The house on stilts was borrowed from the Manobos. The Mamanwas mainly acquired their agongs through exchange with the Manobo. It may even be deduced that the concept of Supreme Being – Magbabazà – has been borrowed from the Manobo’s Magbabaya. The installation of datus (chiefs) and the establishment of “tribal councils” among the Mamanwa was introduced by the government’s Office of Southern Cultural Communities (OSCC), now known as the NCIP. This was patterned after the Manobo’s chieftainship and Council of Elders. Traditionally, however, the Mamanwa socio‐ political organization was based on acephalous bands. The recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines‐New People’s Army (CPP‐NPA) of Mamanwa fighters in the 1980s transformed the Mamanwa concept of ngazaw into a different context. In the past, ngazaw referred to inter‐ethnic tribal warfare, such as that between Mamanwas and Manobos or Mamanwas and Visayans. The Mamanwa ngazaw party was composed of baganis, male warriors who were heralded because of their fighting experience and skills. With the recruitment of Mamanwa young men into the NPA, a new set of baganis arose. This time, their weapons were not bolos or sablos but armalite rifles. Their enemies were not those belonging to another tribe but members of the Philippine military, policemen, CAFGUs, and government spies. With the great split of the CPP‐NPA in 1994, many Mamanwa NPAs separated from the communist guerillas and organized their own rebel army, called Bagani or Red Warriors. This group engaged in Robin Hood‐type of activities, such as hold‐ ups and highway robberies, so as to distribute the spoils to the poor Mamanwas. Of course, changes in the various components of a cultural system do not happen at the same pace. Based on ethnographic evidences, the material culture changes at a more rapid pace while ideational systems change at a slower pace. th Table 4‐31 highlights the changes in Mamanwa culture since the 17 Century. th Table 4‐31. Changes in Mamanwa Culture, by cultural domain, 17 Century to present DOMAIN OF CULTURE PERIOD Economic Social Political Ideational th Mamanwa subsistence Mamanwa bands are Mamanwas practice 17 Century Nomadic way of life. is based on hunting and acephalous. animism. gathering. Mamanwa society is stratified into different social ranks. Mamanwas practice polygyny. th Introduction of Culture contact Mamanwas lose their 18 Century horticulture. between Mamanwas original non‐ and Surigaonons. Austronesian language due to linguistic assimilation with Surigaononspeakers January 2009 4‐96 EIS of the Siana Gold Project DOMAIN OF CULTURE PERIOD Economic Social Political Ideational Surigaonon speakers. th Mamanwa rely mainly Establishment of Disappearance of 19 Century on shifting cultivation Mamanwa settlements traditional Mamanwa supplemented by because of the shift to a body ornaments with hunting, fishing, and semi‐sedentary lifestyle. the introduction of foraging. clothing materials from neighboring groups. 1900s Minoritization of the Mamanwa due to the influx of migrants from Bohol, Leyte, and Camiguin. 1910s Shift from polygyny to Borrowing of the monogamy due to concept of Supreme lowland Christian God from the Manobos. influences. Rapid decline in 1920s Mamanwa population probably due to non‐ endemic diseases brought by migrant groups. 1930s Establishment of Mamanwas driven out Surigao Consolidated of Cawilan due to Mining Corporation in mining operations. Cawilan. 1940s Intermarriage between Introduction of the Mamanwas and sablo (Japanese long Manobos. sword) as symbolic representation of warrior rank. 1950s Closure of SURICON Mamanwas returned to mine. Cawilan. 1960s Visayan migrants Increased incidence of Visayanization of acquire most of the intermarriage between Mamanwa culture due lands in the area. Mamanwas and Visayan to increased contact migrants. with Visayans who have remained in the area despite the closure of the mines. 1970s Decline in hunting and Transformation to Integration of foraging activities with sedentary way of life. Mamanwas within the the depletion of forest barangay government. resources. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 4‐97 DOMAIN OF CULTURE PERIOD Economic Social Political Ideational 1980s Mamanwas have been Recruitment of Syncretization of forcefully evicted from Mamanwas into the Mamanwa religion Taganito to pave way communist movement. because of religious for the construction of conversion attempts by the mine. several Christian Transformation of missions. Mamanwa headmen Transformation of the into “Tribal Chieftains” bagani (warrior rank) with the introduction of into communist “Tribal Councils” by the guerillas. OSCC. 1990s Transformation of Transformation of Philippine military The rise of ethnic economy from Mamanwa society from discourages Mamanwas revivalism among some horticulture to wage rank to class society. from staying in upland Mamanwas due to their labor because of areas to deny NPAs of negative experience discouragement by their mass support. with outside groups and Increase in Mamanwa Philippine military. Type population due to more as an impact of IPRA. of jobs: wood haulers sedentary way of life. With the split in the for small‐scale loggers, NPA, some Mamanwas coconut farmers. resort to Robin Hood‐ type of activities. Integration of the Mamanwas apply for 2000 to present Mamanwa into wage 42,000‐hectare CADT in labor economy. Alegria, Tubod, Bacuag, Several Mamanwa Claver, and Gigaquit and males have been hired another CADT for Mainit as security guards and and San Francisco. utility men by Greenstone Resources. • MOA between GRC and the Mamanwas – Section 57 oF RA No. 8371 titled the “indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997” (IPRA) grants to indigenous people (IPs) “priority rights in the harvesting, extraction, development, or exploitation of any natural resources within the ancestral domains”. It further provides that a non‐IP may be allowed to develop and utilize the natural resources on the condition that there is a formal and written agreement with the IPs or that the community, according to its own decision‐making process, has agreed to allow such operation. Figure 4‐67 plots MPSA No. 184‐2002‐XIII and the Ancestral Domain Claim of the Mamanwa Tribe pursuant to IPRA. The overlap of the two occurs at the eastern portion of the southern block of the MPSA and outside of the 240‐ha site of the Siana Gold Project. For the overlap area and following Section 57 of the IPRA, JCG and Greenstone Resources NL executed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Mamanwa Tribe on 23 November 2002. The MOA allows the former to explore within the overlap area upon satisfaction of various conditions for the IPs like the conduct of a festivity or “Kahimunan”, employment, construction of houses, scholarship grants, assistance to the construction of school building, financial assistance to women and youth, and just and fair share from the proceeds of operations. The MOA does not cover the site of the Siana Project. January 2009 4‐98 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Impacts The Project will impact the Mamanwas in various ways: 1. Employment and livelihood – During exploration, GRC has employed Mamanwas in various capacities such as nursery maintenance, slope and soil stabilization, establishment of buffer zone, enrichment planting, and road works. During construction and operation, more jobs will become available to the Mamanwas of the impact barangays. The jobs include equipment operators, security guards, carpenters, mechanics, aides, and utility men. At mine closure, labor for the dismantling of equipment, clean‐up works, and mine rehabilitation will be available. To ensure that the Mamanwas are capable of handling the job responsibilities, GRC needs to implement employee training programs well ahead of the Project requirement. GRC will also implement an SDMP to cater to the non‐employable Mamanwas. The livelihood projects suitable to the Mamanwas are cash crop production, handicrafts, agroforestry, aquaculture, and animal dispersal. 2. Inter‐ethnic relations – The Project is likely to hire personnel who are not familiar with the Mamanwa culture. To prevent conflicts and promote harmonious relationships among employees of different ethnicity, a cultural sensitivity program will be administered to both Mamanwa and non‐Mamanwa employees and contractors. 3. Housing, settlement pattern, and social services – Work regularity will contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle for the Mamanwas. Hence, there is a need for improved social services in the Mamanwa community. These include access to education, electricity, tap water, and sanitary toilets. GRC should consider the provision of said services in the SDMP. 4. Lifestyle and standard of living – More disposable income for the Mamanwas will most likely accelerate the acculturation. Social preparation and culturally sensitive values formation programs should be implemented. A cultural awareness program implemented by anthropologists and social workers will help the Mamanwas preserve their culture and face the changes to their lives that the Project will bring. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐1 5 ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND EXCLUSIONS This Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) follows Annex 2‐7E of the Revised Procedural Manual for DAO No. 2003‐30. It involves the following steps: 1. Risk screening to identify those hazardous materials which qualify for the risk study 2. Hazards analysis which characterizes the hazards in terms of adverse consequences and environmental pathway, i.e., events and circumstances leading to a human fatality 3. Quantitative risk assessment which assigns probabilities to the release, exposure, and fatality scenarios and then computes the individual risk at certain locations following Covello and Merkhofer (1993) 4. Risk management which reiterates the necessary risk reduction or mitigation measures. The ERA does not cover all mine closure risks which will be addressed by a separate study, i.e., Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan, and underground mine development and operation for which further detailed studies are required on hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, and mining engineering. RISK SCREENING The Siana Gold Project will produce metals, i.e., Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, and Zn, through a wet process. Under Annex 2‐7E of the Revised Procedural Manual for DAO No. 2003‐30, the Project is required to undergo a risk screening exercise. The Project will use the following substances to generate the metals: • Ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosive (ANFO) • Diesel • Lime • Hydrochloric acid (HCl) • Sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda, NaOH) • Sodium cyanide (NaCN) • Copper sulfate (CuSO4) • Sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) • Activated carbon • Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) • Aerophine 3418A promoter • Sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIX) • Methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) January 2009 5‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project In the process, it will also produce the following wastes: • Waste rocks which are placed in the waste rock dump – The waste rocks contain Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, and As (Table 8‐1). The likelihood that the materials will generate AMD is low. At full capacity, the main waste rock dump will hold 9.6 million lcm and the secondary waste rock dump 0.3 million lcm. • Tailings in the TSF – The tailings solids contain the same metals found in the waste rocks but may be elevated by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude (Table 8‐1). The materials are NAF. At full capacity, TSF3 and TSF4 will contain 3.08 million t of tailings. Another risk source is the open pit which suffered major pit wall failures in 1990 that led to the SURICON mine’s premature closure and which has been flooded ever since. From Tables 3‐4 and 3‐5, CuSO , NaCN, NaOH, HCl, SMBS, Aerophine 3418A, MIBC, and ZnSO have significant hazard 4 4 ratings. The same applies to ANFO and diesel for the mining operations. Table 5‐1 further describes and evaluates each material in terms of Annex 2‐7E’s threshold inventory. Table 5‐1. Risk screening of chemicals Materials Annual Maximum Storage Level 1 (t) Level 2 (t) Category Requirement (t) Capacity Onsite (t) CuSO4 108 25 50 200 Toxic substance (low) NaCN 700 175 5 20 Toxic substance (high) NaOH 80 24 100 500 Unclassified (Type A) HCl 100 25 5 20 Toxic substance (high) SMBS 680 170 50 200 Unclassified (Type B) Aerophine 3418A 1 1 MIBC 14 4 5,000 50,000 Flammable substance ZnSO 151 38 4 ANFO 3,800 950 10 50 Explosive Diesel 397,997 to 200 5,000 50,000 Flammable substance 4,509,985 Sources: GRC for the material requirements and site storage; Annex 2‐7E of the Revised Procedural Manual for DAO 2003‐30 for the others. Based on Table 5‐1 and Annex 2‐7E, a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is needed for NaCN, HCl, SMBS, and ANFO. With respect to the wastes and the open pit, they do not fall under any of the hazardous materials categories of Annex 2‐7E. However, by physical impact (from landsliding), they can result in human fatality. Hence, they too will be subjected to a QRA. HAZARDS ANALYSIS Sodium Cyanide • Technical Data – NaCN (CAS No. 143‐33‐9, UN No. 1689) is a white deliquescent granular solid with almond odor. It is very stable when dry. Mositure will cause slow decomposition, releasing poisonous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas. It emits toxic fumes of CN and oxides of nitrogen when heated to decomposition. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐3 The incompatibles are acids, nitrates, nitrites, chlorates, fluorine, magnesium, and strong oxidizers. It reacts with acids to liberate toxic and flammable HCN gas. Water or weak alkaline solutions can produce dangerous amounts of HCN in confined areas. • Toxicological Data – The material is very toxic to aquatic and terrestrial life, i.e., LD (rat, oral) 6,440 μg kg‐1. 50 • Health Hazards – When inhaled, NaCN is corrosive to the respiratory tract. It inhibits cellular respiration and may cause blood, central nervous system, and thyroid changes. It may cause headache, weakness, dizziness, labored breathing, nausea, and vomiting. This may be followed by weak and irregular heartbeat, unconsciousness, convulsions, coma, and death. NaCN is highly toxic when ingested. It is corrosive to the gastro‐intestinal tract with burning in the mouth and esophagus, and abdominal pain. Larger doses may produce sudden loss of consciousness and death from respiratory arrest. Smaller but still lethal doses may prolong the illness for one or more hours. On contact, it is corrosive to the skin, causing severe pain and skin burns. NaCN may be absorbed through the skin with symptoms similar to those noted for inhalation. It is also corrosive to the eyes. Symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision, and eye damage. • Project Use – Leaching during Au processing. The waste of the leaching process is CN‐laden tailings slurry. Prior to disposal to the TSF, the slurry will go through a two‐reactor single stage SO ‐Air process. At the reactor, the slurry 2 will react with SMBS and CuSO4 solutions. Air is sparged into the reactor and the slurry pH maintained at 10 with the addition of lime slurry. The two (2) reactors will provide a total of 90 minutes residence time. WAD CN level in ‐1 ‐1 the tailings slurry at 150 mg L will be reduced to less than 1 mg L WAD CN before deposition to the TSF. • Storage and Process Area – NaCN is supplied in 1‐t bulk bags fitted with an integral pallet base. The Project’s monthly consumption is 83 t. The material is stored in a separate building west of the process plant. The handling and storage equipment includes a carbon steel bag breaker, mixing tank with agitator, and 30 m3 capacity storage tank (Figure 3‐12). • Release Scenarios – These include: 1. During unloading at the pier, the container falls off the sea 2. During the truck haulage from the pier to the storage area, the truck meets an accident and the container hits the ground 3. During the stacking or withdrawal of the bulk bags, they fall to the ground 4. During the preparation of solution in the working area, the polyethylene film bag falls to the ground or spills outside the mixing tank 5. During the withdrawal of CN solution from the storage tank, the solution leaks from the pump or pipe 6. Fire breaks out in the vicinity of the CN storage area 7. After the CN destruction, CN in excess of the DENR standard remains in the tailings slurry 8. The CN destruction circuit fails and the tailings leak out of the pump or the pipeline. Hydrochloric Acid • Technical Data – HCl (CAS No. 7647‐01‐0) appears as clear colorless or slightly yellow liquid with pungent odor. In its concentrated form, the acid is fuming. It is incompatible with most common metals, amines, metal oxides, January 2009 5‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project acetic anhydride, propiolactone, vinyl acetate, mercuric sulfate, calcium phosphide, formaldehyde, alkalies, carbonates, strong bases, sulfuric acid, and chlorosulfonic acid. • Toxicological Data – HCl is extremely corrosive. Vapor inhalation can cause serious injury. Ingestion may be fatal. The liquid can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. The threshold limit value (TLV) is 5 ppm. ‐1 up. It is toxic for aquatic organisms due to the pH • Environmental Data – The acid is lethal to fish from 25 mg L shift. • Project Use – For gold elution. It is also one of the reagents for CN destruction. • Storage and Process Area – The acid is supplied in 200L HDPE drums. The handling and storage equipment includes a drum pump, mixing tank, acid dosing pump, and 1‐m3 capacity storage tank (Figure 3‐12). • Release Scenarios – 1. During unloading at the pier, the container falls off the sea 2. During the truck haulage from the pier to the storage area, the truck meets an accident and the container hits the ground 3. During the stacking or withdrawl of the HDPE drums, they fall to the ground 4. During the preparation of solution in the working area, the drum falls to the ground or spills outside the mixing tank 5. During the withdrawal of HCl solution from the storage tank, the solution leaks from the pump or pipe. Sodium Metabisulfite • Technical Data – SMBS (CAS No. 7681‐57‐4) comes in white crystals or powder with a pungent SO2 odor. It is freely soluble in water and glycerol and slightly soluble in alcohol. The material slowly releases SO2 at ambient temperatures. Contact with acids produces toxic SO2 fumes. • Toxicological Data – The TLV time weighted average (TWA) is 5 mg m‐3. An accepted daily intake (ADI) is 0.7 mg ‐1 sulfite kg‐body‐weight . • Health Hazards – Small amounts or low dose rates are regarded as practically non‐harmful but may cause in some cases, sensitization. When swallowed in excessive amounts, SMBS may bring irritant or harmful effects. Large doses may produce violent colic, diarrhea, circulatory disturbance, depression of vital functions, and sometimes death. The dust may be discomforting to the eyes. It may cause burns, pain, and severe conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop with possible permanent impairment of vision if not promptly and adequately treated. SMBS may be mildly discomforting to the skin. Skin sensitization and allergic skin reactions may result from repeated exposures over long periods. If inhaled, the dust is discomforting and may be harmful. If excessive concentrations are inhaled, persons with impaired respiratory function and airway diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis may incur further disability. • Project Use – SMBS is the major reagent in the CN detoxification circuit. It is also used as Zn depressant in the Cu‐ Pb flotation circuit. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐5 • Storage and Process Area – SMBS is supplied in 1‐t bulk bags. The material is stored in a dedicated area across the process plant. The handling and storage equipment includes a bag breaker, 25‐m3 capacity mix/storage tank with agitator, buffer tank, and dosing pumps. • Release Scenarios – 1. During unloading at the pier, the container falls off the sea 2. During the truck haulage from the pier to the storage area, the truck meets an accident and the container hits the ground 3. During the stacking or withdrawal of the bulk bags, they fall to the ground 4. During the preparation of solution in the working area, the bulk bag falls to the ground or spills outside the mixing tank 5. During the withdrawal of SMBS solution form the storage tank, the solution leaks from the pump or pipe. Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil • Technical Data – The hazardous ingredients are ammonium nitrate (CAS No. 6484‐52‐2) and fuel oil (CAS No. 68476‐34‐6). It comes as white free‐flowing solid prills with fuel oil odor, either bulk or packaged. With a flash point of more than 49oC, it can explode when subjected to fire, supersonic shock or high‐energy projectile impact, especially when confined or in large quantities. The material is incompatible with corrosives, i.e., strong acids and strong bases or alkalis. • Health Hazards – The effects of overexposure are eye irritation, redness and tearing; skin irritation; dizziness, nausea, or intestinal upset. During blasts, noxious gases such as NO and CO are emitted. In open pit operations, remote‐controlled x detonation, clearing of the area prior to blasts, and waiting for the gases to dissipate safety to the atmosphere before returning to the blast areas minimize human exposure to the gases. The same is done for underground operations, although the dissipation of the gases takes much longer. • Project Use – ANFO is the main blasting material for rock breakage in the open pit. • Storage and Process Area – The explosives are brought to the Project site in a container van. The vehicle is grounded and equipped with exhaust spark arrestors and wooden floorings. A red flag and a fire extinguisher of ABC dry chemical type are provided. The explosives are placed away from the vehicle’s fuel supply. Detonators, inflammable or combustible goods, radioactive materials, and those which emit poisonous gas or fumes are not transported together with the explosives. At the pier, the container is offloaded and brought to the explosives magazine area at the Project site (Figure 3‐5). The area is enclosed by a 2‐m high chain wire perimeter fence. The blasting agents, i.e., ANFO, packaged explosives, and detonators, are stored in three (3) separate reinforced concrete magazines. Each magazine is provided with a steel door, padlock, and padlock steel protector. Warning signs such as “No Smoking” and “Danger‐Explosives” are conspicuously placed along the entrance and access road. Only licensed and certified persons will handle the storage, retrieval, and use of explosives. Before each blast, guards will secure and completely seal off the area for blasting. A warning siren will be activated 5 minutes before the blast. • Release Scenarios – During truck haulage from the Surigao City pier to the Project site, the truck may meet an accident. A spark or fire may cause the ANFO to explode. January 2009 5‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Waste Rock Dump • Technical Data – Two waste rock dumps are planned. One is located to the immediate northeast of the pit with a capacity of 7.9 million bcm; another is to the immediate southwest of the pit ramp exit with a capacity of 0.8 million bcm. The dumps are designed with batter angles of 30o and 10‐m to 15‐m berms at various vertical intervals (Figure 3‐11). The overall slope angle is 15o. Figure 3‐14 shows the proposed surface runoff plan for the main waste rock dump. The acid‐base accounting of waste rock samples found AMD to be limited to Domain 600 primarily and Domains 100 and 400 secondarily. To ensure that PAF materials are correctly identified, NAG pH=4 tests on blasthole cuttings of said Domains will be undertaken. The PAF materials are then deposited within the inner portions of the waste dump. • Immediate Environment – Figure 5‐1 shows on the Ikonos image the planned Project facilities and the adjacent houses of Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and del Rosario. • Failure Modes – The worst‐case scenario for the waste rock dump is a slope failure which would bring the waste rocks cascading into the nearby barangays of Cawilan and Siana, process plant area, TSFs, or the open pit. Physical impact and inundation can kill people and destroy private properties and Project facilities. Depending on the volume and impact that hits the TSFs, tailings overflow or a dam breach may occur. Edge dumping, excessively pushed waste rocks to the edge, slopes steeper than the design angles, poor surface runon management that may result in erosion or even landsliding, water saturated waste rock dump, presence of continuous large volumes of clay‐rich materials within the dump, scouring of dump edge by flows from the TSF3 emergency spillway, or a strong seismic event, working singly or in combination, are some of the possible causes. Tailings Storage Facility • Technical Data – Prior to disposal to the TSF, the CN‐laden tailings slurry will go through a two‐reactor single stage SO ‐Air process to reduce the CN concentration to safe levels. 2 TSF3 and TSF4 will be built using the upstream method to a combined storage capacity of 3.08 million t. Both were designed based on the results of geotechnical, hydro‐meteorological, and hydrogeological studies and following the guidelines and recommendations of ANCOLD on FoS and design storms. The perimeter embankments will be constructed with an inner compacted clay (or other low‐permeability material) zone and an outer shell of non‐acid generating waste rockfill. The nominal downstream (external) batter slopes are 1V:3H; the upstream (internal) embankment batter slopes of TSF3 and TSF4 are 1V:2.5H, respectively (Figure 3‐7). Upon completion, the crests of both facilities will have an elevation of 65 m which is roughly 15 m taller than the existing crests of Tailings dams 1 and 2 and 10 m taller than that of Tailings dam 3. The construction plan provides for an early installation of drainage system to facilitate the drying of the old tailings and seepage cut‐off trench; removal of organic rich soils and deep ripping and compaction of tailings at the embankment footprint; and in areas of soft tailings, placement of high‐strength geotextile over the tailings and covering with a layer of granular fill. For tailings water and surface runon management, decants will be provided adjacent to the dividing embankment of TSF3 and TSF4. To discharge stormwater from rainfall in excess of the design storm, emergency spillways will be provided – for TSF4, at the dividing embankment and for TSF3, along the southern perimeter (Figures 3‐5, 3‐6 3‐8, and 3‐9, and 3‐10). The design storm is a 6‐hour storm event ranging from 750 mm (for the 1:10,000 years ARI) to 1,160 mm (the PMP). • Immediate Environment – Figure 5‐1 shows the immediate environment of the TSFs. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐7 • Failure Modes – The failure modes are embankment failure due to strong seismic event, liquefaction, or seepage; dam overtopping; embankment erosion, sloughing and settlement; and tailings overflow or dam break due to failed materials from the waste rock dump. QUANTITATIVE RISK ASSESSMENT Risk is a two‐dimensional spatial concept which involves the possibility of an adverse outcome and uncertainty over the occurrence, timing, or magnitude of that adverse outcome. The individual risk at location (x,y) or IR(x,y) is computed as (Covello and Merkhofer, 1993): IR(x, y) = RE (x,y)F ∑ i ji j i, j Where R is the probability of release scenario i, E (x,y) is the probability of exposure scenario j occurring to an i ji individual in a geographic cell at location (x,y) given release scenario i, and Fj is the probability that exposure scenario j will result in a fatality. The failure modes and effects analysis, an engineering reliability technique, uses the Bayesian approach to estimate probabilities. The estimation is simplified by providing qualititative likelihood categories for failure modes. For each category, a corresponding probability assessment is attached. Table 5‐2 presents the likelihood categories and values. Table 5‐2. Suggested probability values Subjective Category Probability of Occurrence ‐6 Negligible < 10 ‐6 ‐4 Very low 10 to 10 ‐4 ‐2 Low 10 to 10 ‐2 ‐1 Moderate 10 to 10 ‐1 Significant > 10 Source: Dushinisky and Vick, 1996. The failure modes and effects analysis also provides a simplified method of assessing the severity of outcomes. The range of possible failure consequences is divided into four mutually exclusive categories: Table 5‐3. Suggested consequence categories Consequence Level Description Safe Negligible; no effect on system or safety. Marginal Failure will cause some environmental damage but no major or long‐term damage. Critical Failure will degrade the environment or cause injury, and if immediate action is not taken, major or permanent damage, serious injuries, or deaths will occur. Severe Failure will produce major and irrecoverable environmental damage or multiple deaths or injuries. Source: Dushinisky and Vick, 1996. January 2009 5‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project NaCN, HCl, and SMBS Table 5‐4 estimates the IRs for NaCN, HCl, and SMBS given the release scenarios determined in the preceding Section. The assumptions, i.e., the risk management measures, which form the basis of assessing the probability values, are indicated. Any change in the assumptions, i.e., non‐implementation of a risk management measure or implementation of an additional management measure, will alter the IR assessment. ‐10 ‐17 ‐13 ‐20 As shown in the Table, the estimated IRs for NaCN range from 10 to 10 , the IRs for HCl from 10 to 10 , and the ‐14 ‐21 IRs for SMBS from 10 to 10 . For all reagents, the scenario with the highest IR is a truck accident during haulage from the pier to the Project site. ANFO The release scenario is accident during truck haulage which causes the ANFO to explode. Explosion effects may be estimated through the formula: Z = R 3 W Where Z is the scaled distance in m, R is the distance in m from the source of the explosion, and W is the charge weight of TNT or equivalent weight of explosives in t. Through the TNT equivalent method, peak overpressure can be related to scaled distance. For example, a blast overpressure of 5 psi corresponds to a scaled distance of 56 m. An overpressure of such magnitude is expected to result in a 50 % chance of fatality for a person in a building or a 15 % chance of fatality for a person in the open. The scaled distance corresponding to 10 psi is 40 m. For such an overpressure, a 100 % fatality is likely. Knowing the scaled distance Z and the charge weight of explosives stored, the radius of impact R may be computed using the equation. Given W per truck of 25 t, the computed radii of impact for the various levels of blast overpressure for the said charge are 117 m for a 100 % fatality and 163 m for a 15 % chance of fatality for a person in the open. ‐10 ‐11 Table 5‐5 estimates the IRs. They range from 10 to 10 . January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐9 Table 5‐4. Estimation of individual risks for NaCN, HCl, SMBS, and ANFO 1 Scenario Location Individual Risk Assumptions Prob {Release} Prob {Exposure} Prob {Fatality} Sodium Cyanide ‐17 ‐6 ‐5 ‐11 ‐6 During unloading, the Surigao City Pier 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather. 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 container falls off the sea. • NaCN pellets in polypropylene bulk bag, hermetically sealed in a polyethylene film bag which lines the inside of a wooden intermediate bulk container (IBC). The IBC is fitted with an integral pallet base to enable handling by conventional forklift. The IBCs are inside sealed metal shipping containers. • No incompatibles are inside the container. • Access to the port area during unloading of chemicals is restricted to trained workers. ‐10 ‐5 ‐4 ‐9 ‐1 During the truck haulage, From Surigao City pier to 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather and flooding. 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 the truck meets an Project site, along the road • Vehicle speed is restricted. accident and the container • NaCN in IBC hauled in sealed metal container. hits the ground. • Special training, PPE, and emergency kit for truck crew and emergency personnel. ‐13 ‐5 ‐3 ‐8 ‐5 During the stacking or CN storage area 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 withdrawal of bulk bags, • Good working conditions they fall to the ground. • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the containment or events pond (Figure 3‐12). • The area is free of CN incompatibles. • Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. ‐11 ‐5 ‐6 ‐5 During the preparation of CN mixing area 8 x 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 0.8 = 8 x 10 10 1 solution, the polyethylene • Good working conditions film bag falls to the • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the ground. containment or events pond (Figure 3‐12). • The area is free of CN incompatibles. • Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. January 2009 5‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1 Scenario Location Individual Risk Assumptions Prob {Release} Prob {Exposure} Prob {Fatality} ‐15 ‐5 ‐5 ‐10 ‐5 CN solution leaks from the Process plant and TSF 10 • Good R&M for the pump and pipes. 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 pump or pipe. areas • Pipes are color‐coded, protected from foot or equipment movement, and built in sections with emergency shut‐off valves. • A lined bund which is an embankment around the perimeter of the storage tank can contain 100 % of storage capacity. • Any spill from the pump reports to a containment or events pond that is regularly unloaded at the end of every shift or sooner if required. • Plant personnel are trained and equipped with PPE. ‐13 ‐5 ‐3 ‐8 ‐5 CN gas is released during CN storage and mixing 10 • No‐open‐flame policy and restricted access. 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 fire. areas • Combustibles, e.g., diesel storage tanks, are a safe distance away. • Established fire‐fighting policies on materials handling, segregation, and distances • No water, acid, or carbon‐based fire extinguisher will be used as such substances are incompatible with CN. • Emergency action and evacuation plan during fires in place. ‐11 ‐4 ‐1 ‐5 ‐6 CN destruction fails and Process plant and TSF 10 • Good R&M program for the CN destruction circuit and 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 tailings leak out of the areas tailings pipes. pipe. • Free CN content of treated tailings analyzed every start and middle of shift. • Pressure within tailings pipeline and TSF discharge from the pipe monitored every start and middle of shift. • Tailings pipeline placed in bund or trench to contain leaks • TSF embankments are backsloped to convey any pipe leak into the tailings pond. ‐11 ‐4 ‐4 ‐8 ‐3 CN destruction fails and Dayano Creek and 10 • Good R&M program for the CN destruction circuit and 10 x 10 = 10 10 1 tailings water flows out of Magpayang River tailings pipes. the pond. • Free CN content of treated tailings water analyzed every January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐11 1 Scenario Location Individual Risk Assumptions Prob {Release} Prob {Exposure} Prob {Fatality} start and middle of shift. • Free CN content of tailings water near TSF decant and water at Ponds A and B analyzed every shift. • At the tailings pond, residual CN level will decrease due to natural degradation and dilution. Hydrochloric Acid ‐20 ‐6 ‐5 ‐11 ‐6 ‐3 During unloading, the Surigao City Pier 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 container falls off the sea. • HCl in 200L HDPE drums contained in a sealed metal shipping container. • No incompatibles are inside the container. • Access to the port area during unloading of chemicals is restricted to trained workers. ‐13 ‐5 ‐4 ‐9 ‐1 ‐3 During truck haulage, the From Surigao City pier to 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather and flooding. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 truck meets an accident Project site, along the road • Vehicle speed is restricted. and the container hits the • HCl in HDPE drums hauled in sealed metal container. ground. • Special training, PPE, and emergency kit for truck crew and emergency personnel. ‐16 ‐5 ‐3 ‐8 ‐5 ‐3 During the stacking or HCl storage area 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 withdrawal of the HDPE • Good working conditions drums, they fall to the • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the ground. containment or events pond (Figure 3‐12). • The area is free of HCl incompatibles. • Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. ‐14 ‐5 = ‐6 ‐5 ‐3 During the preparation of HCl mixing area 8 x 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 0.8 8 x 10 10 10 solution in the working • Good working conditions area, the drum falls to the • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the ground or spills outside containment or events pond (Figure 3‐12). the mixing tank • The area is free of HCl incompatibles. Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. January 2009 5‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1 Scenario Location Individual Risk Assumptions Prob {Release} Prob {Exposure} Prob {Fatality} ‐18 ‐5 ‐5 ‐10 ‐5 ‐3 HCl solution leaks from the Process plant 10 • Good R&M for the pump and pipes. 10 x10 = 10 10 10 pump or pipe. • Pipes are color‐coded, protected from foot or equipment movement, and built in sections with emergency shut‐off valves. • A lined bund which is an embankment around the perimeter of the storage tank can contain 100 % of storage capacity. • Any spill from the pump reports to a containment or events pond that is regularly unloaded at the end of every shift or sooner if required. • Plant personnel are trained and equipped with PPE. Sodium Metabisulfite ‐21 ‐6 ‐5 ‐11 ‐6 ‐4 During unloading, the Surigao City Pier 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 container falls off the sea. • SMBS crystals in 1‐t bulk bags shipped inside sealed metal shipping containers. • Access to the port area during unloading of chemicals is restricted to trained workers. ‐14 ‐5 ‐4 ‐9 ‐1 ‐4 During the truck haulage, From Surigao City pier to 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather and flooding. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 the truck meets an Project site, along the road • Vehicle speed is restricted. accident and the container • SMBS in bulk bags hauled in sealed metal container. hits the ground. • Special training, PPE, and emergency kit for truck crew and emergency personnel. ‐17 ‐5 ‐3 ‐8 ‐5 ‐4 During the stacking or SMBS storage area 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 withdrawal of bulk bags, • Good working conditions they fall to the ground. • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the containment or events pond (Figure 3‐14). • The area is free of SMBS incompatibles. • Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. ‐15 ‐5 ‐6 ‐5 ‐4 During preparation of SMBS mixing area 8 x 10 • Training and PPE for forklift operator. 10 x 0.8 = 8 x 10 10 10 solution in the working • Good working conditions area, the bulk bag falls to • Bunding and grading for collection of spills at the thegroundorspills January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐13 1 Scenario Location Individual Risk Assumptions Prob {Release} Prob {Exposure} Prob {Fatality} the ground or spills containment or events pond (Figure 3‐12). outside the mixing tank. • The area is free of SMBS incompatibles. • Availability of eye wash, shower, and emergency kit. ‐19 ‐5 ‐5 ‐10 ‐5 ‐4 SMBS solution leaks from Process plant 10 • Good R&M for the pump and pipes. 10 x 10 = 10 10 10 the pump or pipe. • Pipes are color‐coded, protected from foot or equipment movement, and built in sections with emergency shut‐off valves. • A lined bund which is an embankment around the perimeter of the storage tank can contain 100 % of storage capacity. • Any spill from the pump reports to a containment or events pond that is regularly unloaded at the end of every shift or sooner if required. • Plant personnel are trained and equipped with PPE. ANFO ‐10 ‐5 ‐5 ‐10 During the truck haulage, From Surigao City pier to 10 • No deliveries during inclement weather and flooding. 10 x 10 = 10 1 1 the truck meets an Project site, along the road (Within 117 m • Vehicle speed is restricted. (Within 117 m accident causing a spark from crash site) • ANFO properly secured in bags and hauled in sealed from crash site) which may ignite the ‐11 1.5 x 10 metal container. 0.15 truck’s fuel supply and (Beyond 117 m (Beyond 117 m lead to an ANFO explosion. • No detonators, combustibles, and flammables are stored and less than 163 together with the explosives. and less than 163 m from crash site) • The metal wall and frame of the container protect the m from crash site) load from impact. • Special training, PPE, and emergency kit for truck crew and emergency personnel. Note: 1 Prob{Release} is the product of Prob{Occurrence of Release Scenario} and Prob{Material Being Released given the Release Scenario} as shown. January 2009 5‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 5‐5. Damage caused at different incident levels of thermal radiation ‐2 Incident Flux (kW m ) Damage to Equipment Damage to People 37.5 Damage to process equipment 100% lethality in 1 minute; 1% lethality in 10 seconds 25.0 Minimum energy to ignite wood at 100% lethality in 1 minute. Significant indefinitely long exposure without a injury in 10 seconds. flame 12.5 Minimum energy to ignite wood with a 1% lethality in 1 minute. First‐degree flame; melts platic tubing burns in 10 seconds 4.0 Causes pain if duration is longer than 20 seconds but blistering is unlikely. 1.6 Causes no discomfort for long exposure. Source: World Bank, 1988 Waste Rock Dump The failure modes include: • Edge dumping or waste rocks excessively pushed to the edges of the waste rock dump • Slide due to slopes which are steeper than the design angles • Poor surface runon management that may result in erosion and even landsliding • Water saturated waste rock dump due to the presence of continuous large volumes of clay that weakens the structure and causes a slide • Scouring of dump edge by flows from the TSF3 emergency spillway and • Slide due to a strong seismic event. Table 5‐6 is the failure modes and effects analysis for the waste rock dump. The bases of the assessment are the Memorandum titled “Further Waste Dump Stability Assessment” of PETER O’BRYAN & Associates dated 25 August 2008, Memorandum titled “Siana Gold Project Proposed Revisions to the Feasibility Study” of GHD Pty Ltd dated 1 October 2008, and the Memorandum titled “Conceptual Site Runoff Version 2 – Incorporating New Waste Dump Design Siana Gold Project” of Meyer Water and Environmental Solutions dated 7 September 2008. From Table 5‐6, six (6) of the seven (7) failure modes, whose consequences may be critical, have probabilities greater than 10‐6. This underscores the need for the detection methods and compensating provisions, listed in Table 5‐6, that have to be undertaken before and during construction and operations. Tailings Storage Facility The failure modes to be evaluated are: • Embankment failure due to a strong seismic event • Embankment erosion, sloughing, or settlement • Foundation failure due to liquefaction January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐15 • Foundation failure from dam seepage and • Dam overtopping. Table 5‐6 displays the results of the evaluation. As shown, liquefaction and seepage with consequences assessed as ‐6 critical to severe have probability ratings greater than 10 . To address the risks, a slope stability re‐assessment during the detailed design works and laboratory tests on fresh tailings should be conducted during operations to verify the assumed tailings shear strength parameters. As in the waste rock dump, there are houses immediately downstream of TSF3 and TSF4. To avoid human injury and fatality and damage to property, a buffer or exclusion zone needs to be established. Open Pit The failure modes for evaluation are: • Weak bearing capacity of the pit ground due to insufficient drying • Failure of pit wall due to groundwater pressure in combination with steep dipping cross cutting structures and • Failure of pumps and dewatering bores to prevent flooding in the pit. Table 5‐6 displays the results of the failure modes and effects analysis. All failure modes are seen to result in critical consequences. Of the three (3) modes, the last two have probability ratings of 10‐4. The detection methods and compensating provisions listed for the two (2) failure modes are critical. January 2009 5‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 5‐6. Failure modes and effects analysis for the waste rock dump, TSF, and open pit Consequence Likelihood Component Failure Mode Effects Detection Methods Compensating Provisions Level Confidence Level Confidence Waste rock dump Waste rocks Roll‐down or slide due Waste rocks cascade down Critical High Very Low 10‐5 High A technician is assigned to Houses located adjacent to to edge dumping or the slopes and hit the the waste rock dump to the main and secondary excessively pushed open pit, houses of Purok ensure the correct placement waste rock dumps will be waste rocks to the Hillside of Brgy. Siana and of waste rocks. relocated. dump edges Puroks Malipayon and SURICON’s old waste rock Bulawanon of Brgy. dump will act as buffer for Cawilan, mine service Brgy. Cawilan. area, TSF3, and Pond B. Safety bunds or catch ‐4 fences will be installed Slide of water saturated Failed materials will hit the Critical to High Low 10 Medium A technician is assigned to dump containing open pit, houses of Purok severe the waste rock dumps to along the pit edge. continuous large ensure the staggered Hillside of Brgy. Siana and volumes of clay‐rich Puroks Malipayon and placement of clay‐rich materials Bulawanon of Brgy. materials. Cawilan, mine service A piezometer is installed to area, TSF3, and Pond B. monitor the phreatic surface at the waste rock dumps. ‐4 Slide due to a strong The failed waste rocks will Severe High Low 10 Medium Partial settlement of dump seismic event inundate the ope pit, and cracks within the houses of the three (3) embankment. Puroks, mine service area, TSF3, and Pond B. ‐3 Erosion protection Armor is eroded; the The effects are sediment, Marginal Medium Low 10 Medium Daily inspection of armor Armor can be re‐installed. exposed surface erodes mud, or gullying. rocks and fixing or replacement when necessary. ‐4 Surface water A block in the drain or Water saturates and Critical to Medium Low 10 Medium The size, alignment, and management bund prevents the weakens the dump, Severe lining of drainage channels diversion of runoff away causing either a mudflow need to be assessed very from the dump or landslide. carefully during the detailed design works. Regular inspection of perimeter drains and bunds especially during heavy rains. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐17 Consequence Likelihood Component Failure Mode Effects Detection Methods Compensating Provisions Level Confidence Level Confidence ‐4 A block in the drain or The effects are sediments, Marginal to Medium Low 10 Medium The size, alignment, and settling pond causes mud, or gullying of the Critical lining of drainage channels as runoff to spill out and to structure and flooding of well as the ingress and egress weaken the dump or to the open pit. of settling ponds need to be flood the open pit assessed very carefully during the detailed design works. Regular inspection of slopes, scoop drains, and bunds especially during heavy rains. ‐3 Scouring of secondary Sediments or landslide Marginal to Medium Low 10 Medium For consideration in the Orientation of the TSF3 dump edge by flows impacting the houses of Critical detailed design works: emergency spillway and from the TSF3 spillway Purok Hillside of Siana, Alignment of TSF3 channel away from the Pond B, and Dayano Creek emergency spillway and secondary waste rock channel vis‐à‐vis the dump. secondary waste rock dump. Provision of adequate space Size and alignment of between emergency spillway channel to handle spillway channel and the the predicted spillway flow. secondary waste rock Adequate buffer space dump. between the emergency spillway channel and the secondary waste rock dump. TSF ‐6 Dam embankment Slope failure due to The effects will depend on Severe High Very Low 10 Medium A re‐assessment of slope The secondary waste rock strong seismic event stage of TSF construction, stability under static and dump immediately volume of tailings seismic conditions will be southeast of TSF3 will impounded, and location conducted by GHD as part of strengthen the dam of breach. At risk are are detailed design works. structure in that section. the open pit, process plant Tension cracks, settlement of area, Brgys. Cawilan and certain portions of the Siana, Dayano Creek, and embankment, piezometer Magpayang River readings January 2009 5‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Consequence Likelihood Component Failure Mode Effects Detection Methods Compensating Provisions Level Confidence Level Confidence ‐3 Erosion failure Some materials will be Marginal High Low 10 High Rill or gully marks along the eroded but this will not slope; sediment plume jeopardize the downslope embankment. ‐4 Foundation Liquefaction This will be due to a large Severe High Very Low 10 Medium A re‐assessment of slope seismic event with stability under static and liquefaction likely confined seismic conditions will be to recently deposited conducted by GHD as part of (surficial) tailings. The detailed design works. This effects will depend on re‐assessment is critical since stage of TSF construction, the TSF will be built using the volume of tailings upstream method. In this impounded, and location method, waste rocks and of breach. othermaterials will be placed on top of deposited tailings to raise the dam embankment. Laboratory tests should be carried out on the fresh tailings to verify the shear strength parameters. Seepage The effects will depend on Critical to Medium Very Low 10‐5 Low Sediment‐laden seepage The inner core of the dam stage of TSF construction, Severe through the embankment embankment is clay. A volume of tailings seepage cut‐off trench is impounded, and location excavated beneath the of breach. embankment. ‐5 The dam structure may Marginal to Medium Very Low 10 Medium The pitwater may be sampled Mining One’s investigation not be compromised but Critical regularly for heavy metals suggests the movement of tailings water may seep and CN. Any tailings seepage groundwater in the deeper through the tailings solids to Magpayang River and aquifers towards the open and contaminate the Dayano Creek will be pit from the north and west bedrock fractured aquifer. captured by the regular (where the TSFs will be environmental monitoring located). program. ‐6 Dam spillway Dam overtopping The effects will depend on Severe High Very Low 10 Medium The size, lining, and Emergency personnel may stage of TSF construction, alignment of the TSF be placed on alert during volume of tailings emergency spillways will be heavy rains or storms. impounded, and location determined during the January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 5‐19 Consequence Likelihood Component Failure Mode Effects Detection Methods Compensating Provisions Level Confidence Level Confidence of breach. detailed design works. Heavy rainfall. Open pit Pit ground Weak bearing capacity The worst‐case effects are Marginal to High Very Low 10‐5 Medium Soil and rock investigation by of the pit ground due to loss of equipment and Critical boring or test pits. insufficient drying. personnel ‐4 Pit wall Failure of pit wall due to Medium Monitoring of groundwater Pond C which will be built to Loss of equipment and Critical to High Low 10 groundwater pressure personnel Severe bore conditions and the southeast of the open in combination with discharges. pit may need to be lined steep dipping cross with impermeable material. cutting structures. The dewatering bores either malfunction or are inadequate to depressurize the pit walls. ‐4 Loss of equipment and Critical to High Low 10 Redundant set of pumps Surface water Failure of pumps and Medium Deployment of emergency management dewatering bores to personnel Severe personnel to monitor drains, provided. prevent flooding in the ponds, pumps, and pit water pit. level during heavy rains. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐1 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPACTS MANAGEMENT PLAN Table 6‐1. Impacts management plan Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement All Project Phases Land • Visual aesthetics Solid waste • Segregation of waste Earthworks, civil works, P 0.3 million – Cost will be part of the into biodegradable and and equipment construction cost of EPEP for submission to non‐biodegradable maintenance contractors material recovery facility MGB and for monitoring • Composting or disposal and GRC P 0.7 million pa – by MMT. of wastes to recyclers operating cost • Dumping of non‐ P 0.7 million – recyclable and non‐ construction cost of biodegradable waste in Project landfill if one will the landfill be required Water • Water quality Turbidity (non‐toxic • Minimized ground Earthworks contractor and P 13 million ‐ Cost of Cost will be part of the • Freshwater biology stressor for freshwater clearings and GRC stormwater drainage, EPEP for submission to biology) disturbances settling pond, and MGB and for monitoring • Scheduling of geotextile tubes by MMT. construction during dryer months • Surface runoff diversion Other measures are part of Ground clearing clearance from disturbed areas earthworks contract procedure for enforcement and monitoring by GRC January 2009 6‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Recovery and use of topsoils • Spoils management • Grading and sloping of work areas and channels • Use of settling ponds and geotextile tubes to filter surface runoff Oil and grease (toxic • Training on proper oil Earthworks, civil works, Part of earthworks, civil For monitoring by GRC and stressor) handling and equipment works, and equipment MMT • Oil spills containment maintenance contractors maintenance contract • Collection and and GRC containment of used oil Sewage (non‐toxic • Sewage treatment plant GRC P 3.6 million Cost will be part of the stressor) for each building EPEP for submission to MGB and for monitoring by MMT. People • Socioeconomics Direct and indirect • Inventory of available GRC P 0.5 million for inventory Cost will be part of EPEP employment, national and skills and local suppliers and training programs for submission to MGB and local taxes, and and contractors and P 0.8 million for SDMP for monitoring by MMT. community programs identification of gaps community consultation The number, origins, and based on Project and planning ethnicity of directly and requirements indirectly employed by the Project for monitoring by MMT. • Training programs for January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐3 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement local residents to address gaps • Implementation of employment policy agreed upon by the Chairmen of direct impact and indirect impact barangays • Preference to qualified local suppliers and contractors • Transparent consultative mechanisms for the identification , prioritization, and implementation of SDMP projects • Mamanwa culture Acculturation and • Inclusion of qualified Earthworks, civil works, P 50,000 for cultural Cost will be part of EPEP discrimination Mamanwas from the and equipment awareness program for submission to MGB and impact barangays in maintenance contractors for monitoring by MMT. priority hiring and GRC • Improvement of social services for the Mamanwa community • Education of workers on Mamanwa culture and need for ethnic tolerance January 2009 6‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Education of Mamanwa workers on other people’s culture including the corporate culture • Cultural revival activities • Occupational safety and Excessive exposure to the • Stringent policies and Earthworks, civil works, The budgets for safety The activities are part of health elements, musculo‐ programs of GRC on and equipment activities of contractors the Mine Safety and skeletal stress, physical occupational safety and maintenance contractors are integrated into their Health Program for injuries, loss of hearing, health and GRC contracts. For GRC, the submission to and respiratory diseases, • General employee annual budget of their monitoring by MGB. exposure to hazardous induction and regular Mine Safety Office is P 1.8 reagents such as NaCN, safety training million. NaOH, and HCl • Safety inspections and toolbox meetings • Regular medical examinations • PPEs • First‐aid and mine rescue trainings • Public health Vector‐ and water‐borne • Coordination with the GRC P 4.5 million for capital Cost will be part of EPEP diseases, traffic hazards, Department of Health cost of water treatment for submission to MGB and respiratory diseases, (DOH) for and distribution system for monitoring by MMT. spread of diseases by implementation of P 0.8 million for operation migrant workers, heavy programs for vector‐ of community water metals, AMD, hazardous borne diseases system pa reagents P 300,000 for medical check‐ups pa January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐5 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Continuation of GRC’s community water treatment and distribution system • Vehicle speed limits, safety signages, pedestrian walkways and restriction from mine access and haul roads • Observance of buffer zone from TSF and waste rock dump perimeter • Management measures for dust, noise, AMD, and reagents • Hiring and regular Earthworks, civil works, Part of earthworks, civil For monitoring by GRC and medical check‐up for all and equipment works, and equipment MMT employees and selected maintenance contractors maintenance contract samples from the and GRC impact barangays • Relocation of potentially impacted households Construction Surface earthworks and Land civil works – roads, accommodations, plant, warehouse, shops, installations etc January 2009 6‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement installations, etc. • Terrestrial biology Loss of wetland habitat of • Minimized ground GRC P 1 million for enrichment Cost will be part of EPEP the Philippine Duck clearings and planting for submission to MGB and disturbances for monitoring by MMT. • Recovery and use of topsoils • Enrichment planting to include fruit trees along edges of the property • Ban on wildlife hunting and gathering of duck eggs within the property • Inclusion of flora and fauna protection programs in the SDMP Air Dust and noise • Training on proper Earthworks, civil works, Part of earthworks, civil For monitoring by GRC and equipment use and equipment works, and equipment MMT • Water sprays maintenance contractors maintenance contract • Enclosures, barriers, and GRC and buffer zones surrounding TSF embankment and waste rock dump perimeter • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Proper maintenance of equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐7 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement GRC P 0.75 million for land Cost will be part of EPEP • Relocation of potentially impacted acquisition for submission to MGB and households P 12.1 million for house for monitoring by MMT. construction Pit dewatering Land • Terrestrial biology Loss of wetland habitat of • Enrichment planting to GRC P 1 million for enrichment Cost will be part of EPEP the Philippine Duck include fruit trees along planting for submission to MGB and edges of the property for monitoring by MMT. • Ban on wildlife hunting and gathering of duck eggs within the property • Inclusion of flora and fauna protection programs in the SDMP Water • Hydrology Change in Dayano Creek • Monitoring and control GRC P 19.2 million for channel geometry, of pit dewatering flow dewatering flooding rates during high‐ rainfall periods • Opening of diversion structures of the dam to divert water to the ricefields • Water quality Turbidity, dissolved solids, • Monitoring and control GRC P 0.5 million pa for water Cost will be part of EPEP • Freshwater biology and flow of pit dewatering flow monitoring for submission to MGB and rates during high‐ for monitoring by MMT. rainfall periods January 2009 6‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Discharge of pumped out pit water into a settling pond and then geotextile tubes prior to discharge to Dayano Creek • Regular monitoring of pit water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge and stoppage of dewatering and water treatment necessary People • Socioeconomics Loss of water source for • Installation of 5 GRC P 0.8 million pa for Cost will be part of EPEP potable community water dewatering bores near operation of water for submission to MGB and supply the eastern edge of the treatment plant for monitoring by MMT. pit • Use of water pumped out from the bores to feed the community water supply Flooding along Dayano • Monitoring and control GRC Creek of pit dewatering flow rates during high‐ rainfall periods • Opening of diversion structures of the dam to divert water to the ricefields Pit development and build‐ Land January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐9 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement up of TSF and waste rock • Geomorphology Physical instability of pit • Geotechnical drilling, Design and open pit P 38.1 million for pit For monitoring by GRC, dump surface mapping, and contractors and GRC geotechnical and design MGB, and MMT site walkovers for the works sound design of pit slopes • Use of dewatering bores to depressurise pit walls • Use of suitable mine support • Regular stability monitoring • Emergency plan for slope failure Physical instability of TSF • Geotechnical site Design and TSF contractors P 8.6 million for TSF For monitoring by GRC, investigation and and GRC geotechnical, hydrological, MGB, and MMT engineering design for and design works an operating basis P 1 million for QC and earthquake (OBE) of stability inspections 0.25g and maximum design earthquake (MDE) of 0.60g prior to earthworks • Slope stability re‐ assessment and review of emergency spillway as part of detailed engineering design January 2009 6‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Design implementation with strict quality control (QC) • Regular stability inspections and monitoring P 1 million for catch fences • Placement of catch fences along the edge of the Siana Barangay Road south of TSF3 • Emergency planning and testing Physical instability of • Engineering design of Design and waste rock P 0.2 million for waste rock For monitoring by GRC, waste rock dump waste rock dump dump contractors and GRC dump geotechnical and MGB, and MMT including slopes, surface design works drains, and ponds • Design implementation with strict quality control (QC) • Regular stability monitoring including the phreatic surface • Staggered placement of clay‐rich materials in the waste dump • Placement of safety bunds or catch fences along the edge of the open pit • Emergency planning and testing January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐11 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Water • Hydrology Flooding of open pit • Hydrological and Hydrology design and P 5.8 million for pit For monitoring by GRC, hydrogeological studies open pit contractors and hydrological and MGB, and MMT to determine annual pit GRC hydrogeological studies flows from groundwater P 65 million initial capital and rainfall cost of pumps and pit • Installation of pit bores perimeter drainage to P 21.3 million for pumps keep surface runoff and bores replacement away from the pit P 26.7 million for annual pumping costs • Operation of dewatering bores east of the pit perimeter complemented by in‐pit pumping • Flood monitoring during heavy rains • Emergency plan for pit flooding Overtopping of TSF • TSF water balance Hydrology design and TSF Part of TSF geotechnical, For monitoring by GRC, embankment studies and design for a contractors and GRC hydrological, and design MGB, and MMT decant, spillway, and works freeboard of 3m to accommodate a 6‐hour design storm between 1:10,000 years average return interval (ARI) and PMP of 1:10,000,000 years ARI January 2009 6‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Maintenance of small water pond • Flood monitoring during heavy rains • Emergency planning and testing Flooding and erosion at • Stormwater control and Hydrology design and P 2.15 million for minesite For monitoring by GRC and the waste rock dump area drainage system waste rock dump water balance studies MMT • Flood monitoring during contractors and GRC heavy rains • Use of settling ponds and goextile bags • Flood monitoring during heavy rains • Emergency planning and testing • Water quality Turbidity, heavy metals, • Collection of surface GRC P 13 million ‐ Cost of Cost will be part of EPEP • Freshwater biology and AMD runoff including stormwater drainage, for submission to MGB and pumped out pit water settling pond, and for monitoring by MMT. into a settling pond geotextile tubes • Regular monitoring of pond water prior to discharge to geotextile tubes and Dayano Creek • If required, pH treatment at the pond January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐13 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement AMD at waste rock dump • Geochemical testworks Open pit and waste dump P 0.8 million for waste rock For monitoring by GRC and and characterization of contractors and GRC geochemical MMT waste rocks characterization works • NAG pH=4 tests on P 0.4 million for rock AMD blasthole cuttings as analyses required of Domain 600 primarily and Domains 100 and 400, secondarily; classification of waste rocks from the open pit based on acid‐ generating potential and placement of materials in a manner to prevent acid generation. • Stormwater drainage and erosion and sediment control system consisting of settling pond and geotextile tubes • Regular monitoring of pH at settling pond and pH treatment if required Air Dust and noise • Training on proper Pit, TSF, waste rock dump, Part of pit, TSF, waste rock For monitoring by GRC and equipment use and equipment dump, and equipment MMT • Water sprays maintenance contractors maintenance contracts and GRC January 2009 6‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Enclosures, barriers, and buffer zones • Proper maintenance of equipment • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers Airblast and flyrocks • Use of delays, reduced Pit and blast contractors Part of blasting contract For monitoring by GRC, hole diameter and deck and GRC MGB, and MMT loading to reduce the maximum instantaneous charge • Complete isolation of the area prior to blasting. A siren is sounded 5 minutes before the blast for warning Gold cyanidation plant Water commissioning and • Water quality Turbidity (non‐toxic • Physical systems to fully GRC Cost of physical systems is The activities are part of subsequently, flotation stressor) and pH, NaOH, contain chemicals, e.g., part of civil works the Mine Safety and plant commissioning • Freshwater biology CuSO , HCl, diesel, and events pond contract. For GRC, the Health Program for 4 heavy metals (toxic • Personnel training on annual budget of their submission to and stressors) chemicals and their Mine Safety Office is P 1.8 monitoring by MGB. management million. • Management system and procedures for chemicals handling Underground Land January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐15 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement development works – • Geomorphology Ground subsidence • Detailed geotechnical Underground design P 2.2 million for Cost will be part of EPEP Portal and decline, levels, and hydrogeological contractor and GRC geotechnical and for submission to MGB and raises, and electricals evaluation of overlying hydrogeological studies for monitoring by MMT. strata, faults, intrusions, weathering, and alteration • Subsidence prediction and formulation and implementation of subsidence control measures Water • Hydrology Drying of rivers and wells • Detailed geotechnical Underground design P 2.2 million for Cost will be part of EPEP and hydrogeological contractor and GRC geotechnical and for submission to MGB and evaluation of overlying hydrogeological studies for monitoring by MMT. strata, faults, intrusions, weathering, and alteration • Prediction of hydrological impacts and formulation and implementation of hydrologic control measures Flooding of underground • Hydrological and Underground contractor P 26.7 million pa for For monitoring by GRC, workings hydrogeological studies and GRC pumping costs MGB, and MMT to determine annual pit flows from groundwater and rainfall January 2009 6‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Installation of pit perimeter drainage to keep surface runoff away from the pit • Operation of dewatering bores east of the pit perimeter complemented by in‐pit pumping • Emergency plan for flooding • Water quality Turbidity, AMD, and heavy • Discharge of pumped GRC P 0.5 million for regular For monitoring of pond • Freshwater biology metals out underground water water monitoring water quality by GRC and into a settling pond and MMT then geotextile tubes prior to discharge to Dayano Creek • Regular monitoring of underground water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge • pH treatment of water if necessary • Discharge of compliant water into geotextile tubes for filtration of suspended solids Operations Open pit, TSF and waste Land January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐17 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement rock dump operations • Geomorphology Physical instability of open • Use of dewatering Open pit contractor and P 5.1 million for pit Pit walls and slopes and pit bores to depressurise GRC dewatering bores surfaces for monitoring by pit walls GRC and MMT • Regular stability monitoring • Redesign of pit walls if required • Use of ground support on unstable slopes • Emergency plan for slope failure Physical instability of TSF • Construction of TSF contractor and GRC P 1 million pa for QC, Cost will be part of EPEP embankment with strict stability inspections and for submission to MGB and QC audit for monitoring by MMT. • Regular stability inspections, monitoring, and audit • Observance of buffer zone from edge of TSF embankment and waste rock dump • Emergency planning and testing Physical instability of • Construction of waste Waste rock dump Part of audit cost for TSF Cost will be part of EPEP waste rock dump rock dump with strict contractor and GRC for submission to MGB and QC for monitoring by MMT. • Regular stability inspections • Emergency planning and testing January 2009 6‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Water • Hydrology Flooding of open pit • Operation and Open pit contractor and P 26.7 million for annual Pit water level for maintenance of pit GRC pumping costs monitoring by GRC, MGB, perimeter drainage to and MMT keep surface runoff away from the pit • Operation of dewatering bores east of the pit perimeter complemented by in‐pit pumping • Flood monitoring during heavy rains • Emergency plan for pit flooding Overtopping of TSF • CN detoxification of TSF contractor and GRC P 24.8 million capital cost Cost will be part of EPEP embankment tailings prior to of CN detoxification plant for submission to MGB and discharge to tailings P 16.8 million pa for for monitoring by MMT. pond operation of CN • Recovery of tailings detoxification plant water for use in process plant • Maintenance of small water pond • Flood monitoring during heavy rains • Emergency plan for TSF overtopping January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐19 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Flooding and erosion at • Maintenance of Waste rock dump P 3 million pa for Cost will be part of EPEP the waste rock dump area stormwater control and contractor and GRC maintenance of for submission to MGB and drainage system stormwater and sediment for monitoring by MMT. • Flood monitoring during control system heavy rains • Use of sediment traps, settling ponds, and geoextile bags • Emergency plan for flooding • Water quality Turbidity, NaCN, heavy AMD control at waste rock Waste rock dump and P 1 million for waste rock Cost will be part of EPEP • Freshwater biology metals, tailings, and AMD dump open pit contractors and analyses for submission to MGB and • Classification of waste GRC P 16.8 million pa for for monitoring by MMT. rocks into PAF and NAF operation of CN and placement of detoxification plant materials in a manner P 0.5 million pa for water to prevent acid monitoring generation. • Stormwater drainage to keep clean water away from dirty water. • Collection of surface runoff and pumped out pit water into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of pH at settling pond and pH treatment if required January 2009 6‐20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Open pit • Collection of surface runoff including pumped put pit water into a settling pond • Regular monitoring of pond water prior to discharge to geotextile tubes and Dayano Creek • If required, pH treatment at the pond TSF • CN detoxification of tailings prior to discharge to TSF • Reuse of tailings water in the process plant • Use of decant and collection of tailings water in settling pond • Regular monitoring of pond water prior to discharge to geotextile tubes. The bags filter the tailings water and surface runoff prior to discharge to Dayano Creek. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐21 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Air Dust and noise • Training on proper Pit, TSF, waste rock dump, Part of pit, TSF, waste rock For monitoring by GRC and equipment use and equipment dump, and equipment MMT • Water sprays maintenance contractors maintenance contracts • Enclosures, barriers, and GRC and buffer zones • Proper maintenance of equipment • Use of less noisy and shielded equipment • Dust and noise PPEs to workers Airblast and flyrocks • Use of delays, reduced Pit and blast contractors Part of blasting contract For monitoring by GRC, hole diameter and deck and GRC MGB, and MMT loading to reduce the maximum instantaneous charge • Complete isolation of the area prior to blasting. A siren is sounded 5 minutes before the blast for warning Gold cyanidation plant Water January 2009 6‐22 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement operations (combined with • Water quality Turbidity, pH, CN, heavy • Physical systems to fully GRC Cost of physical systems is The activities are part of flotation plant • Freshwater biology metals, and other reagents contain chemicals, e.g., part of civil works the Mine Safety and subsequently) such as NaCN, CuSO , HCl,, events pond contract. The annual Health Program for 4 NaCN, and diesel • Personnel training on budget of GRC’s Mine submission to and chemicals and their Safety Office is P 1.8 monitoring by MGB. management million. • Management system and procedures for chemicals handling Underground operations Land • Geomorphology Ground subsidence • Regular stability Underground contractor To be estimated during Cost will be part of EPEP monitoring both surface and GRC feasibility study for for submission to MGB and and underground underground mining for monitoring by MMT • Use of suitable mine supports • Filling of void with combination of waste material, tailings, and cement • Implementation of subsidence control measures • Emergency plan for cave‐ins and subsidence Water January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐23 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Hydrology Drying of rivers and wells • Monitoring of Underground contractor To be estimated during Cost will be part of EPEP streamflows and well and GRC feasibility study for for submission to MGB and discharges underground mining for monitoring by MMT • Implementation of hydrologic control measures • Filling of voids with combination of waste materials, tailings, and cement Flooding of underground • Installation of pit Underground contractor To be estimated during For monitoring by GRC, workings perimeter drainage to and GRC feasibility study for MGB, and MMT keep surface runoff underground mining away from the pit • Operation of dewatering bores complemented by in‐pit pumping • Emergency plan for flooding • Water quality Turbidity, AMD, and heavy • Discharge of pumped GRC P 0.5 million pa for regular For monitoring of pond • Freshwater biology metals out underground water water monitoring water quality by GRC and into a settling pond and MMT then geotextile tubes prior to discharge to Dayano Creek January 2009 6‐24 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Regular monitoring of underground water quality at the settling pond prior to discharge • pH treatment of water if necessary • Discharge of compliant water into geotextile tubes for filtration of suspended solids Abandonment Land • Visual aesthetics Wastes, non‐blending of • Haul out of stockpiles, GRC Initially, GRC will deposit P structures with reagents, oil and 5 million as Mine background chemical spills, and Rehabilitation Cash Fund. waste After the submission and approval of the project’s Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP), GRC will make additional deposits to accumulate the estimated closure costs. • Removal of cables, pipes, concrete, masonry, storage tanks, equipment, and structures that will not fit the post‐mining land use or will not be needed by the barangays January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐25 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, deep ripping of hardstands and recontouring of surfaces and slopes to blend structures with natural background • Geomorphology Physical instability of • Slope, surface, and GRC structures drainage modifications to suit minimum factors of safety (FOSs) and design rainfall at closure • Drying of tailings pond Subsidence • Monitoring of mining‐ GRC related subsidence within the property and vicinities and implementation of control measures • Land use No post‐mining land use • Determination of the GRC best post‐mining land use of the 240‐ha property considering local needs, socio‐ economics, and physical conditions of the site January 2009 6‐26 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Terrestrial biology Abandoned site is not • Consistent with the GRC conducive to the post‐mining land use, propagation of flora and deep ripping of fauna hardstands and recontouring of surfaces and slopes to blend structures with natural background • Soil conditioning • Planting of endemic species including fruit trees • Reflooding of pit and underground workings as habitat for the Philippine Duck Water • Hydrology Drying of rivers and wells • Monitoring of water GRC Mine Rehabilitation Cash level and water quality Fund of P 5 million initially changes in Dayano and then supplemented to Creek, Magpayang accumulate the estimated River, and wells closure costs based on the FMRDP. • Implementation of corrective measures if required • Water quality Turbidity, metals in • Slopes and surfaces GRC • Freshwater biology tailings, oil and grease, including dried tailings reagents fully stabilized and covered with endemic floral and fruit‐bearing species January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐27 Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement • Drainage for design rainfall installed • Stockpiles, reagents, and wastes removed from the site Air Dust Mine Rehabilitation Cash • Consistent with the post‐mining land use, Fund of P 5 million initially recontouring of surfaces and then supplemented to and slopes for long‐ accumulate the estimated term physical stability closure costs based on the • Soil conditioning FMRDP. • Planting of endemic species People • Socioeconomics Loss of jobs and • Retrenchment package GRC Mine Rehabilitation Cash community programs Fund of P 5 million initially and then supplemented to accumulate the estimated closure costs based on the FMRDP. • Labor support programs such as job search, skills training and education program, enterprise awareness, and counselling • Possible transfer of social assets and services such as water supply and electricity January 2009 6‐28 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Project Phase/ Environmental Component Options for Prevention, Guarantee/Financial Environmental Aspect Likely Affected Potential Impact Mitigation, or Responsible Entity Cost Arrangements Enhancement Damage to property from • Same management GRC erosion, subsidence, measures for physical tailings, and flooding stability, water quality, and freshwater biology SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Table 6‐2. Social development plan Responsible Community Government Agency/Non‐ Concern Member/Beneficiary Government Agency and Proponent Indicative Timeline Source of Fund Services Potable water and Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Brgy. Governments to assist in GRC and Brgy. Governments Ongoing GRC distributionsystem Dayano the maintenance of the system Health care Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Municipal Governments and GRC, DOH, Municipal Ongoing for the direct impact GRC, DOH, and Municipal Dayano DOH to assist through BHWs, Governments, and Brgy. barangays; indirect impact Government Brgys. Del Rosario, Magpayang, maintenance of regular Governments barangays for inclusion in and Pongtud programs, and special national future programs at levels to be projects on health care finalized Education Brgys. Cawilan,Siana, and DepEd to assist through their GRC, DepEd, international grant Ongoing for the direct impact GRC, DepEd, and international Dayano special national programs; organization, and Brgy. barangays in terms of donation grant organization Brgys. Del Rosario, Magpayang, international grant Governments of school supplies and books and Pongtud organizations will be tapped to and improvement of school complement GRC funds facilities Livelihood Brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and DTI, DA, DENR, Municipal GRC, DTI, DA, DENR, Municipal As part of SDMP GRC, DTI, DA, DENR, and Dayano Government, and international Governments, international international grant Brgys. Del Rosario, Magpayang, grant organizations will be grant organizations, Brgy. organizations and Pongtud tapped Governments, and people’s organizations January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐29 IEC FRAMEWORK Table 6‐3. Information, education and communication plan Target Sector Needing Project Major Project Topics of Concern IEC Scheme/Strategy/ Methods Information Medium Indicative Timelines and Indicative Cost IEC Frequency Direct impact and indirect • EIA findings on baseline Large meetings by Barangay • Powerpoint presentation in Once prior to Public Hearing P 60,000 impact barangays including conditions, impacts, and local dialect and English Brgy. Officials and people’s environmental and social • Big tarpaulin colored posters organizations management plans including highlighting major findings the protection of the area’s • Handouts on EIA findings flora and fauna and cost‐benefit in local • Costs and benefit of the dialect Project from the community viewpoint • Community inputs and agreement Municipal Government headed • Highlights of EIA findings Small meetings by Municipality • Powerpoint presentation in Once prior to Public Hearing P 15,000 by the Municipal Mayor including the protection of local dialect and English the area’s flora and fauna • Big tarpaulin colored posters • Costs and benefits of the highlighting major findings Project from Municipal • Handouts on EIA findings Government viewpoint and cost‐benefit in local • Municipal Government dialect inputs and agreement Lake Mainit Development • EIA findings on baseline Small meeting • Powerpoint presentation in Once prior to Public Hearing P 5,000 Alliance officials and conditions, impacts, and local dialect and English representatives environmental and social • Big tarpaulin colored posters management plans including highlighting major findings the protection of the area’s • Handouts on EIA findings flora and fauna and cost‐benefit in local • Costs and benefit of the dialect Project from LMDA’s January 2009 6‐30 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Target Sector Needing Project Major Project Topics of Concern IEC Scheme/Strategy/ Methods Information Medium Indicative Timelines and Indicative Cost IEC Frequency viewpoint • Community inputs and agreement Direct impact and indirect • Major conditions of the ECC Large meetings by Barangay • Powerpoint presentation in Once after the grant of ECC P60,000 impact barangays including • Updates on the Project local dialect and English Brgy. Officials and people’s especially Project Managers, • Handouts on ECC conditions organizations schedules, hiring, training in local dialiect and English • Any disruptions to the and GRC contact person and community details • Needed assistance from the barangay and Officials • Establishment of a Community Technical Working Group (CTWG) by Municipality • Establishment of information and complaints desk Municipal Government headed • Major conditions of the ECC Small meetings by Municipality • Powerpoint presentation in Once after the grant of ECC P 15,000 by the Municipal Mayor • Updates on the Project local dialect and English especially Project Managers • Handouts on ECC conditions and schedules, in local dialiect and English • Needed assistance from the and GRC contact person and barangay and Officials details • Establishment of CTWG by Municipality • Establishment of information and complaints desk Lake Mainit Development • Major conditions of the ECC Small meeting • Powerpoint presentation in Once after the grant of ECC P 5,000 Alliance officials and lldiltdElih January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐31 Target Sector Needing Project Major Project Topics of Concern IEC Scheme/Strategy/ Methods Information Medium Indicative Timelines and Indicative Cost IEC Frequency Alliance officials and • Updates on the Project local dialect and English representatives especially Project Managers • Handouts on ECC conditions and schedules in local dialiect and English • Needed assistance from the and GRC contact person and barangay and Officials details • Establishment of CTWG by Municipality to include LMDA • Establishment of information and complaints desk CTWG • Updates on Project Small‐meetings • Powerpoint presentation in One month before P 20,000 schedules, hirings, and local dialect and English construction community complaints • Handouts with map showing • Expected changes in location of Project facilities community life to be built, areas in the • Type and location of community to be impacted environmental monitoring and type of impact, and stations to be established environmental monitoring • Reiteration of information stations and complaints desk CTWG • Updates on Project Small‐meetings • Powerpoint presentation in Quarterly or as needed P 80,000 schedules and local dialect and English accomplishments, hirings, • Handouts with map showing and community complaints location of Project facilities • Expected changes in to be built, areas in the community life community to be impacted • Results of environmental and type of impact, monitoring and actions environmental monitoring planned or taken stations, and results of monitoring January 2009 6‐32 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Target Sector Needing Project Major Project Topics of Concern IEC Scheme/Strategy/ Methods Information Medium Indicative Timelines and Indicative Cost IEC Frequency • Reiteration of information monitoring and complaints desk Direct impact and indirect • Updates on Project Large meetings • Powerpoint presentation in Once a year before year‐end P 60,000 impact barangays including schedules and local dialect and English Brgy. Officials and people’s accomplishments including • Handouts with map showing organizations those for the ECC, hirings, location of Project facilities and community complaints and status, areas in the • Expected changes in community to be impacted community life and type of impact, • Results of environmental environmental monitoring monitoring and actions stations, and results of planned or taken monitoring • Reiteration of information and complaints desk Municipal Government headed • Updates on Project Small meetings • Powerpoint presentation in Once a year before year end P 15,000 by the Municipal Mayor schedules and local dialect and English accomplishments including • Handouts with map showing those for the ECC, hirings, location of Project facilities and community complaints and status, environmental • Expected changes in monitoring stations, and community life results of monitoring • Results of environmental monitoring and actions planned or taken • Reiteration of information and complaints desk January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐33 EMERGENCY RESPONSE POLICY AND GUIDELINES DAO No. 2000‐98 promulgates the Mine Safety and Health Standards of the DENR. Section 49 of the Order requires mining proponents to prepare an Emergency Response Preparedness Program (ERPP) prior to commencement of mining operation. The ERPP contains, among others, the following: • Identification of hazards • Assessment of perceivable risks that may lead to an emergency • Controlling measures to prevent or deal with the emergency which include organization, facilities, vehicles, equipment, alarm systems, emergency procedures, employee training, quarterly simulation to test the measures, regular review of the measures, and revisions in case of changes in operation, condition, or rules and regulations. GRC will submit to the MGB the ERPP prior to the commencement of construction. The following discusses the salient features of the ERPP. Scope of ERPP Based on current assessments, the ERPP needs to cover the following emergencies: 1. Oil spills 2. Chemical (hazardous materials) spills 3. Fire 4. Landslide or slope failure 5. Severe weather 6. Earthquakes and 7. Mine accidents. Emergency Response Team The emergency response team (ERT) to be established prior to construction will consist of the following: • Emergency Coordinator who in emergency situations is responsible for implementing appropriate actions to ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and residents in the Project site and vicinities, • Alternate Emergency Coordinator who assists the Coordinator and replaces the latter during his absence, • Control Room Operator who receives information about an emergency situation and relays this information to the Coordinator and other members of the Team. He also notifies external organizations such as local disaster coordinating councils, MGB, EMB, etc. about the emergency. • Safety Engineer who provides technical support to the Coordinator. The Coordinator creates, from within the GRC employees and contractors, the following emergency support units: • Fire fighting unit January 2009 6‐34 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Rescue and recovery unit • Hazardous materials unit • Earthworks unit. The Emergency Coordinator will identify, link up, and agree on protocols with external emergency organizations and the local disaster coordinating councils at the Barangay, Municipal, and Provincial levels. Emergency Response Training All employees and contractors will undergo basic training program on emergency response as part of their induction. The program covers: • General plan procedures • Specific departmental procedures • Evacuation procedures • Incident discovery • Notifications • Operation of fire extinguisher and • Basic first aid. It will enable all to identify conditions which can lead to an emergency situation. All personnel currently involved in operating a process and those before being involved in operating a newly assigned process shall be trained in an overview of the process and in the operating procedures. The training focuses on specific safety and health hazards, emergency operations including shutdown, and safe work practices applicable to the employees’ job tasks. Members of the Emergency Response Team and support units will undergo additional training. Refresher training is conducted annually. When employees change areas or departments, they get training from the department supervisor on their new emergency responsibilities and procedures. A record will be prepared for each employee which contains the training received, name of trainer, date of training, means used to verify that the employee understood the training, assessment of the employee, and training recommendations. Personal Protective and Other Equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) meeting the NFPA and OSHA standards must be provided, maintained, and used. The protection must be against physical, chemical, and thermal hazards. PPEs include respiratory protective equipment, chemical protective clothing, and thermal protection. These should be selected based on the chemicals to be stored and handled at the Project site. Fire suppression equipment consisting of fire hydrants and pump, sprinkler and foam system, and portable fire extinguishers suited to the chemicals on site must also be provided. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐35 Notification Procedures The Emergency Coordinator initiates and terminates emergency situation. A state‐of‐the‐art system of public notification that targets employees, contractors, local disaster coordinating councils, and other emergency organizations is needed. Evacuation and Personnel Accountability The emergency situation may require the evacuation of all or certain sections of the Project facility as well as sitios along the receiving Magpayang River and Dayano Creek. An early warning system will effect a safe and timely evacuation. Primary and secondary evacuation points need to be designated for every working area of the facility and potentially impacted sitios. During evacuation, employees and residents leave their area by the designated route to their assigned evacuation point. If the primary evacuation point becomes impassable, employees and residents proceed to the designated evacuation point. Upon arrival at the evacuation point, the employee reports directly to his Supervisor. The Supervisor reports missing personnel and last location to the Emergency Coordinator. For the sitios, sitio leaders who account for the sitio members to the Barangay Chairman are designated. Emergency Procedures Emergency procedures are formulated for each of six (6) emergency conditions. The procedures target the ordinary Project employees or contractors, control room operator, emergency response team, and Emergency Coordinator. Table 6‐4 provides the basic elements of the procedures. Table 6‐4. Basic elements of the emergency procedures Emergency General Note Employees or Control Room Emergency Response Emergency Contractors Operator Team Coordinator Oil spills Two types of oil spill Depending on Based on information The first arriving Team He ensures that the and emergency personnel training, provided, he decides member gives his necessary control response are control measures the type of the oil initial assessment of measures of spill distinguished: such as plugging the spill. He then notifies the situation to the stoppage, incidental release and source of oil or the ERT. An Control Room containment, and emergency release. installing spill booms emergency release Operator. He effects recovery are initiated. or diversions may be requires the control measures with He updates the local implemented. The notification of the help of other disaster coordinating Control Room external emergency employees. After the council and other Operator is organizations. leak is stopped and external emergency immediately advised the slick contained, oil organizations of the of the nature of the recovery procedures spill. After the problem, exact commence. cleanup and removal location, and severity of spilled oil, he of the problem. assesses the damage impact. Chemical spills As in oil spills, two Upon detection of the He obtains from the The hazardous He responds to all types of chemical spill spill, the employee caller the exact materials unit of the reported chemical and emergency instructs all to location and nature of ERT should be trained releases and directs response are evacuate the area. He the problem. He to handle the the actions of the ERT distinguished: confines the release notifies the ERT. If confinement, and Project incidental release and by closing the door to the situation is employees and containment, and emergency release. the area. He advises serious, he calls in the decontamination of contractors. He the Control Room fire departments of hazardous materials ensures that Operator of the the municipalities. He releases. Their first necessary actions nature of the problem sends somebody to objective is to secure such as evacuation, and exact location of meet the fire truck. the area and effect an accountability of hill If dl d ik lii January 2009 6‐36 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Emergency General Note Employees or Control Room Emergency Response Emergency Contractors Operator Team Coordinator chemical release. If orderly and quick personnel, restricting the situation is evacuation. access to hazards serious, he activates area, confinement, the alarm and begins containment, and evacuation of the decontamination are entire building. He initiated. advises the ERT on their arrival of any missing person. Landslides or slope Two (2) sets of Upon discovery of the Upon notification by Upon receipt of the He responds to the failures procedures are landslide, the the Emergency call or alarm, the reported landslide or needed for the employee reports the Coordinator of the Team proceeds to a slope instability; employees – one for situation immediately need for evacuation safe place closest to directs the actions of those who discover to the Emergency and the impacted the affected area. the ERT, earth‐moving the emergency; the Coordinator who facility areas and They restrict entry to crew and personnel; other for those who classifies the incident catchments, he the impact area and and coordinates with hear the alarm and commences activates the assist in the the local disaster system. appropriate actions. appropriate alarm. evacuation of coordinating councils On hearing the alarm, He also notifies the personnel. They Incidents need to be and external classified into minor the employee concerned leaders. He implement recovery. organizations as evacuates and then notifies the ERT First aid, and or major (for which an needed. He ensures proceeds to the and earthmoving emergency situation restoration measures. that the required is declared), incipient designated safe zone. crew. actions on evacuation, or active, and personnel catchments at risk accountability, (which define areas remediation, and for evacuation). cleanup are completed. He assesses the damage and determines temporary works to minimize further damage. Mine accidents The employee advises He obtains from the The ERT proceeds the Control Room caller the exact immediately to the Operator of the location, nature, and accident scene. The nature of the problem severity of the first arriving Team and exact location. If problem. He calls in member reports by trained, he renders the ERT. radio that he is on‐ first aid. He sends scene and his initial available personnel to assessment. He meet the ERT. advises any additional resources required. He renders first aid as appropriate. Severe weather All employees During storm signals 1 He monitors storm Team members will He directs the actions assigned to the open and 2, outdoor bulletins and respond as needed. of the ERT and pit, TSF, waste rock activities of personnel continuously updates The response is employees. He dump, and process should be minimized. the Emergency generally an after‐the‐ ensures that the plant should be At storm signal 3, Coordinator. He fact response and needed actions on vigilant during storms employees take makes the necessary primary responsibility evacuation, and heavy refuge in the announcements to is for evacuation and accounting of downpours. GRC may designated storm personnel. accountability of personnel, and adopt the emergency shelters. personnel. securing of the facility alert levels of the are initiated. He local government assesses the damage units, i.e., disaster and determines preparedness during damage control work storm signal 1 and that can be safely declaration of an performed by emergency condition personnel. during storm signal 3. GRC should designate January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐37 Emergency General Note Employees or Control Room Emergency Response Emergency Contractors Operator Team Coordinator shelters for employees. Fire Two (2) sets of The urgent actions of Upon hearing the The first arriving team He ensures that the procedures are the personnel who manual fire alarm, he member advises the needed actions on needed for the discover the fire are activates the main fire Control Room evacuation, personnel employees – one for clear the area of alarm. He then Operator of his initial accounting, fire those who discover people, confine the notifies the ERT and assessment of the suppression, cleanup, the emergency; the fire, activate the fire the fire department of situation. He then etc. are initiated. He other for those who alarm, use the the municipalities. He assists in the advises the fire hear the alarm portable fire sends one person to evacuation of people. department of system. extinguisher if it can meet the fire If the fire is still in the present conditions in be done safely, advise department at the incipient stage, he the facility, especially the ERT on their facility gate. attempts to any chemicals arrival if all personnel extinguish it. If there involved and the are accounted for, is danger of explosion, assistance Project and assist the ERT if he shouts the warning personnel may requested. Personnel and escapes provide. After the fire who hear the fire promptly. In case of is extinguished, he alarm must explosion, he escapes assesses the damage implement the promptly because of and determines which evacuation the danger of areas of the facility procedures. recurrence. With the cannot be re‐ help of the other occupied. team members and fire department, the fire is put out. Earthquake Earthquakes strike If indoors, drop to He monitors the Team members will He directs the actions without warning. GRC ground; take cover situation and updates respond after the of the Team, will avoid earthquake‐ under a sturdy table the Emergency earthquake as employees, and related deaths and or furniture, and hold Coordinator and the needed. Response contractors. He injuries by removing on until the shaking Response Team if can be in the form of ensures that the hazards in the plant stops. Stay inside until possible. He first‐aid, rescue, fire required actions on and offices, the shaking stops and coordinates with fighting , or inspection evacuation, identifying safe places it is safe to go outside. external emergency of utilities and accounting of indoors and outdoors, organizations for buildings. personnel, first aid, have disaster supplies If outdoors, move assistance. rescue, fire‐fighting, on hand, and inspection of utilities, undertake earthquake away from buildings, and securing of the drills periodically. posts, and utility wires facility are initiated. and stay there. If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits away from buildings, trees, overpasses, utility wires and stay in the vehicle. Proceed cautiously once the earthquake stopped. If trapped under debris, do not light a match nor move about or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe or wall for rescue. Shout only as a last resort. January 2009 6‐38 EIS of the Siana Gold Project ABANDONMENT POLICIES AND GUIDELINES The Siana Gold Project will adhere to MGB’s “Guidelines in the Preparation of an FMRDP pursuant to DAO No. 1996‐ 40”. According to these guidelines, the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) is to be integrated with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) which is submitted to the MGB after the grant of an ECC to the Project. The FMRDP has two (2) goals: 1. To prevent or eliminate long‐term environmental impacts by returning mining‐disturbed land to a physically and chemically stable, visually acceptable, productive, or self‐sustaining condition, taking into consideration the beneficial uses of the land and the surrounding areas as agreed with the stakeholders 2. To ensure that alternative skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities are provided and left behind to mine employees and their dependents and to the host and neighboring communities. The guidelines define “physically stable” to mean that the mine facility does not pose a hazard to public health and safety as a result of failure or physical deterioration, and that it continues to perform the function for which it was designed for its design life. “Chemically stable” means that the mine facility should not release chemicals or contaminants into the environment. The guidelines further provide that the use of effluent‐treatment facilities is not considered rehabilitation but a temporary measure to meet regulatory requirements, or while awaiting the development of technically and economically viable rehabilitation methods or while waiting for the rehabilitation measure to reach its maximum efficiency and until the water outputs can be treated by passive treatment or discharged directly to the environment. “Visually acceptable” recognizes that the trace of a mining site cannot be completely removed but can be reduced by the removal of all unnecessary buildings and infrastructures and the blending of the slopes and surfaces with the natural background. “Productive condition” may include agroforestry, agriculture, industrial, or residential facilities which may require passive or active care. “Self‐sustaining use” means that the end use can be sustained by natural processes and will not require actions by man. On the final land use of the mined‐out site, the guidelines prescribe the following as bases: 1. Naturally occurring hazards in the area 2. Level of environmental and social impacts caused by the operation 3. Expected post‐closure operational use of the land and 4. Productivity of the land surrounding the site. The guidelines provide a schedule of annual payments that will build up the full amount of the estimated FMRDP cost a year ahead of the mine closure. For a five (5) – year life, the prescribed annual payments are: • 43.7 % of total FMRDP cost for the first year of operation • 31.3 % for the second • 18.7 % for the third and • Balance of 6.3 % for the fourth year. For a ten (10) – year life, the prescribed annual payments are: January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐39 • 26.5 % of cost for the third year of operation • 22.5 % for the fourth • 17.7 % for the fifth • 16.3 % for the sixth • 9.5 % for the seventh • 5.5 % for the eighth and • Balance of 2 % for the ninth year. The Impacts Management Plan lists the envisioned rehabilitation and decommissioning activities for the Project. To fully define said activities, an FMRDP formulation program will be implemented. This program has the following components: 1. Materials characterization through physical, chemical, and biological tests to guide the selection and treatment of materials for rehabilitation 2. Field revegetation trials to involve combinations of soil treatment and floral species and ecosystem function analysis 3. Cover capping options to contain the waste and heavy metals and trial programs for the waste rock dump and TSF 4. Hydrological simulation studies 5. Identification and assessment of potential post‐mining land uses given the site, economic, environmental, market and social realities 6. Risk management in closure planning and 7. Closure action planning and budgeting. January 2009 6‐40 EIS of the Siana Gold Project ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN Self‐monitoring Plan Table 6‐5. Environmental monitoring plan Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit All Project Phases Land • Visual aesthetics – Daily volume of Volume Daily and Project area Environment solid waste solid waste measurement weekly and Community dumped in the Manager (ECM) landfill; weekly volume of compost generated Water quality Construction Manager, Operations Manager (after Construction) ‐1 • Turbidity TSS (mg L ) Gravimetric Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 ECM P 12,000 10% 20% inc ≤30% method inc inc Turbidity meter Daily IW 1 to 6 Probe 30 50 70 • Oil and grease Oil and grease Gravimetric Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 ECM P 18,000 2 ‐1 (mg L ) (petroleum ether Daily ‐ visual IW 1 to 6 5 extraction) ‐1 • Sewage BOD (mg L ) Azide modification Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 ECM P 27,000 7(10) 5 (Dilution Quarterly IW1 50 technique) January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐41 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit Total coliform Multiple‐tube Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 ECM P 32,000 5,000 ‐1 (MPN 100mL ) fermentation Quarterly IW1 10,000 Freshwater biology Composition Comparative Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 ECM P 160,000 and structure of measures of stream biological macroinverte‐ community brates composition Fish assemblage Participatory fish Quarterly LM 1 to 6 ECM P 240,000 and structure stock assessment People Construction Manager, Operations Manager (after Construction) • Socio‐ economics – Percentage of FGDs and Annual Direct and ECM P 40,000 employment taxes, population household survey indirect impact community below poverty/ barangays program subsistence line; employment, industries, and income – Project and non‐Project‐ related; proportion of 6‐ 12 yrs old not in elementary school; January 2009 6‐42 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit proportion of 13‐16 years old not in secondary school; proportion of households with make‐shift houses Complaints on Review of Weekly and Direct and ECM water quality, complaints as needed indirect impact fish catch, register and barangays employment, interviews SDMP, dust, noise, foul smell, community water supply, flooding, erosion, ground subsidence • Culture – Proportion of ECM Mamanwa Mamanwas acculturation and directly discrimination employed to total Mamanwas; number of skills and training activities, and trainees actually employed; January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐43 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit number of cultural awareness programs and participants; changes in material culture • Occupational Safety and Review of records Semestral GRC and Safety and health and safety – health program; contractors Health excessive exposure monthly safety Manager to elements, reports; safety musculo‐skeletal meetings, stress, physical trainings, and injuries, loss of inspections; hearing, respiratory PPEs; accident diseases, exposure statistics and to hazardous reports; medical reagents records • Public health – Metals and Blood chemistry, Annual Direct and ECM P 300,000 vector and water‐ general health hepatitis test, indirect impact borne diseases, conditions basic blood barangays traffic hazards, chemistry, CBC respiratory and blood diseases, spread of analysis, diseases by migrant urinalysis, workers, heavy fecalysis of metals, AMD selected samples Construction January 2009 6‐44 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit Surface Land Construction earthworks and Manager civil works Areas cleared or Area Weekly Project Area ECM • Terrestrial biology – loss of grassland disturbed measurement habitats ‐1 Air – Dust and noise TSP (mg NCM ) Gravimetry Quarterly A/N a to 4 ECM P 100,000 230, and as 150 needed Noise (dBA) Direct readout Quarterly A/N a to 4 ECM 55, 50, soundmeter and as 45 needed Pit dewatering Land Construction Manager • Terrestrial biology Ban on wildlife Site assessment Monthly Project area ECM – loss of wetland hunting and and reports and direct habitat eggs gathering impact enforced; flora barangays and fauna protection programs in SDMP implemented Water Construction Manager January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐45 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit • Hydrology ‐ Water level Site measurement Weekly and Along Dayano ECM Banks flooding along Dayano during heavy Creek and over‐ Creek and rains Magpayang flowing Magpayang River River (m) • Water quality Dissolved solids TDS meter Daily IW4, W/B 5 ECM ‐1 • Freshwater biology (mg L ) Streamflow (L s‐ Water level and Weekly and W/B 5 1 ) current during heavy measurement rains Pit development Land Construction and build‐up of Manager TSF and waste Tension cracks, Visual, Weekly TSF, waste rock ECM rock dump • Geomorphology – Physical instability scarps, settling, topographic dump, pit walls erosion, survey, and seepage, reading of phreatic surface piezometer • Geochemistry – Net acid Blasthole cuttings During Open pit area Manager P 3,500,000 acid generation generation sampling blasthole Mining (NAG) pH=4 drilling Water Construction Manager • Hydrology – Water level (m) Measurement and During heavy W/B 2, W/B 4 ECM flooding, dam documentation rains to 5, W/B 7, IW overtopping 1 to 6, TSF, open pit, waste rock dump January 2009 6‐46 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit ‐1 • Water quality As (mg L ) AAS Quarterly W/B 1 to 8, IW ECM P 38,000 0.05, • Freshwater biology 1 to 6 0.2 ‐1 Ba (mg L ) P 24,000 ‐‐‐ ‐1 Cd (mg L ) P 18,000 0.01, 0.05 ‐1 Cu (mg L ) P 18,000 0.05 ‐1 Hg (mg L ) P 38,000 0.002, 0.005 ‐1 Mn (mg L ) P 18,000 ‐‐‐ ‐1 Pb (mg L ) P 18,000 0.05, 0.3 ‐1 Sr (mg L ) P 98,000 ‐‐‐ ‐1 Zn (mg L ) P 18,000 ‐‐‐ pH Meter reading Quarterly W/B 1 to 8 6.5‐8.5 Daily IW 1 to 6 6.5‐9 Air Construction Manager • Air TSP and noise – as indicated • Vibration Airblast and Airblast Initially and Open pit area Manager flyrocks measurement as needed Mining Gold cyanidation Water Construction plant Manager iii January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐47 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit commissioning • Water quality pH – as and subsequently • Freshwater biology indicated earlier flotation plant NaOH, CuSO , Visual Daily Reagent Manager No spills commissioning 4 HCl, Diesel storage and Processing mixing area, process plant area Metals – as indicated ‐1 NaCN (mg L ) Distillation – Daily IW2 to 3 Manager P 5,000 0.05, titremetry or CN Processing 0.2 meter Water level (m) Measurement of Every shift Process plant Manager Empty of events pond water level area Processing at start and end of shift Underground Land Construction development Manager works Ground Visual Weekly Within 500 m ECM • Geomorphology subsidence – from pit edges cracks and other signs of surficial failure Water • Hydrology Water level (m) Measurement of During heavy Underground Manager water level downpours works Mining January 2009 6‐48 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit • Water quality pH – as • Freshwater biology indicated Metals – as indicated Operations Open pit, TSF, Land Operations and waste rock Manager dump operations Tension cracks, Visual, Weekly TSF, waste rock ECM • Geomorphology – physical instability scarps, settling, topographic dump, pit walls erosion, survey, and seepage, reading of phreatic surface piezometer • Geochemistry – acid generation – as indicated Water Operation Manager • Hydrology – Water level (m) Measurement of During heavy W/B 2, W/B 4 Manager flooding, erosion, water level rains to 5, W/B 7 Mining, and dam overtop Manager IW 1 to 6, TSF, Processing, open pit and ECM underground works • Water quality NaCN Distillation – Daily IW2 to 3 Manager • Freshwater biology titremetry or CN Processing meter January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐49 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit Metals – as indicated pH – as indicated Air • Dust and noise TSP and noise – as indicated • Vibration, air blast Airblast and Airblast Initially and Open pit area Manager flyrocks measurement as needed Mining Gold cyanidation Water Operations plant operations Manager (combined with pH, CN, metals, Manager flotation plant • Water quality subsequently • Freshwater biology reagents – as Processing indicated Underground Land operations Tension cracks, • Geomorphology ‐ subsidence signs of surficial failure – as indicated Water • Hydrology Water level (m) – as indicated January 2009 6‐50 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit • Water quality Metals, pH – as • Freshwater biology indicated Abandonment Closure of Land Operations operations Manager • Visual aesthetics ‐ Types and Visual and Weekly Project Area ECM wastes volumes of measurement wastes and unnecessary items left at site • Geomorphology – Tension cracks, Visual Monthly TSF, waste rock ECM physical stability scarps, settling, dump, and 500 and subsidence erosion, m from edge of seepage, other pit signs of surficial failure Drainage Visual Monthly TSF, waste rock ECM channels – dump, other blocks and scour areas • Terrestrial biology Species EFA Semestral TSF, waste rock ECM composition, dump, other density cover, areas diversity, regeneration Water January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐51 Key Sampling and Measurement Plan Annual EQPL Management Scheme Environmental Potential Impacts Per Parameter for Lead Person Estimated EQPL Range Management Measure Aspects per Environmental Sector Monitoring Method Frequency Location Cost Project Phase Alert Action Limit Alert Action Limit • Hydrology Streamflow (L s‐ 1 ) and water level (m) as indicated • Water quality pH, metals, CN • Freshwater biology as indicated Air TSP – as indicated Multi‐Sectoral Monitoring Framework Table 6‐6. Composition and functions of MMT Stakeholder Group Proposed for MMT Basis of Priority Selection Proposed MMT Role Scope of MMT Responsibilities/ Activities Membership MGB Regional Office (MGBRO) The MGBRO is in charge of the administration MMT Chairman Team leadership to ensure that the Team and disposition of mineral lands and mineral objectives of monitoring compliance by the resources in the regional level. It also undertakes Project proponent with the EPEP and of geological, mining, metallurgical, geological, and recommending necessary amendments to the mineral exploration surveys. Based on DAO No. EPEP to improve Project performance are met; 1996‐40, the MGBRO representative heads the strengthening of monitoring, analytical, and MMT for mining projects. It also provides reporting capabilities of Team members; secretarial and support services to the Team resolution of issues within the Team; management of the Monitoring Trust Fund, and reporting of MMT activities and accomplishments to the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee. EMB Regional Office (EMBRO) The EMBRO implements the environmental laws MMT Co‐Chairman Team co‐leadership to ensure that the Team and regulations on the EIA system, clean water, monitors compliance by the Project proponent clean air, solid waste, hazardous wastes, and with the ECC conditions and the Environmental January 2009 6‐52 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Stakeholder Group Proposed for MMT Basis of Priority Selection Proposed MMT Role Scope of MMT Responsibilities/ Activities Membership chemicals at the regional level. It also undertakes Management Plan of the EIS; strengthening of environmental education and information. monitoring, analytical, and reporting capabilities of Team members; resolution of issues within the Team, and reporting of ECC accomplishments through the MMT Compliance Monitoring and Validation Report. GRC GRC is the Project proponent with commitments MMT Member Provision of budget (Monitoring Trust Fund) to and accountabilities under the ECC, EIS, and EPEP. the MMT; availability to MMT of all Project information necessary to determine compliance with environmental requirements and commitments; coordination with MMT members on the inspection of project activities and facilities including the testing, calibration, and operation of pollution control devices, and presentations and discussions with the Team. Barangay Governments of Cawilan, Siana, The Barangay Government represents the direct MMT Member Participation in actual monitoring works for the Dayano, del Rosario, Magpayang, and Pongtud impact and indirect impact communities. It is Project; provision of information to the MMT thoroughly familiar with the physical, socio‐ about the physical and human conditions as well economic, cultural, and health conditions and as issues, problems, and suggestions of resources in such areas. It is therefore a very community members; and preparation and good source of information, issues, and review of MMT reports. recommendation. Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) LMDA is the organization of the Provincial MMT Member Participation in actual monitoring works for the Governments of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Project; provision of information on policies, Norte; Municipal Governments of Kitcharao, plans, and programs of the LMDA especially those Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay, Alegria, Mainit, Tubod, that may impact or be impacted by the Project; and Sison; national government agencies of advice to MMT of any complaints, issues, or DENR, BFAR, NEDA, PIA, DOT, and DA; academe; recommendations concerning the Project, and business sector; farmers/fisherfolks; NGOs, and preparation and review of MMT reports. POs. Its mission is the sustainable development and management of Lake Mainit. LMDA is the implementor, partner and recipient of the Philippines‐Australia Community Assistance Program through the Focal Community Assistance Scheme. It is a major stakeholder of the Siana Project. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 6‐53 Environmental Guarantee and Monitoring Fund Commitment DAO No. 1996‐40, the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. (RA) 7942, also known as the 1995 Philippine Mining Act, requires proponents of mining projects to put up a Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) prior to construction. The MRF consists of a Monitoring Trust Fund (MTF) amounting to no less than P 100,000.00 and a Rehabilitation Cash Fund (RCF), equivalent to whichever is lower of 10 % of the budget required for an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) or P 5 million. The MRF is deposited as a trust fund in a government bank and is maintained by the proponent up to the end of the post‐decommissioning period of ten (10) years. The mining proponent requests for withdrawal and disbursement from said fund based on its EPEP and Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP). The request is submitted to the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC). The proponent replenishes the MTF and the RCF on a monthly and annual basis, respectively. The EPEP is a comprehensive environmental management plan for the life of the mining project on which AEPEPs are based and implemented to achieve the environmental management objectives, criteria, and commitments including protection and rehabilitation of the disturbed environment. The EPEP is a post‐ECC condition submitted to the MGB for review. The MTF covers the maintenance and other operating budget for transportation and travel expenses, laboratory analysis, supplies and materials, communication services, consultancy work, and other reasonable expenses incurred by the MMT. The RCF funds the project’s approved rehabilitation activities and schedules for specific mining project phase, including research programs as defined in the EPEP and AEPEP. The MRFC is created by the MGB Regional Office. It is co‐chaired by the MGB Regional Director and DENR Regional Executive Director. Its membership is drawn from the local government unit, local NGOs and community organizations, and the project proponent. As discussed in Section 6.5, the proponent is also required to submit a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) to the MGB Regional Office. After the Plan is approved, the proponent puts up a Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Fund (FMRDF) in a government bank. The fund is built up following a pre‐defined schedule to amount to the full cost of the FMRDP prior to the end of the operating life of the mine. To ensure the compensation of damages caused by the mining project, DAO No. 1996‐40 requires proponents to pay a Mine Waste and Tailings Fee (MWTF) based on the amount of mine waste and mill tailings generated every six (6) months. GRC is committed to submitting the necessary reports and putting up the required funds after the ECC is issued to the Project. INSTITUTIONAL PLAN FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION In accordance with DAO No. 1996‐40, GRC will establish a Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office (MEPEO) prior to Project construction. This Office will “set the level of priorities and marshal the resources needed to implement environmental management programs.” Figure 3‐21 is the GRC Organizational Chart. As shown, the MEPEO is the Environment and Community Office headed by the Environment and Community Manager (ECM) which is within the Administration Division. Assisting the ECM are the Community Relations Officers and an Environmental Engineer. The Environmental Engineer’s responsibilities are: January 2009 6‐54 EIS of the Siana Gold Project • Operation and maintenance of the pollution control structures such as tailings pond, waste dump, sewage treatment plant (STP), landfill, and sediment control structures. • Operation and maintenance of the nursery and plantation activities. • Permitting and permit maintenance and the keeping of as‐built plans, maintenance records, and waste generation data. • Implementation of all programmed environmental monitoring activities for effluents, emissions, etc. on time and consistent with quality assurance and quality control protocols. • Design, recommendation, and implementation of measures that will make the Project comply with the Project’s environmental policy and the statutory environmental requirements. The ECM assumes overall responsibility and accountability for environmental management and community development. Among others, he takes direct responsibility for the following: • Implementation of the chemicals management plan. • Operation and maintenance of the Project’s ERPP. • Coordination with the contractors and other Departments on environmental management. • Operation of the Environmental Committee where the contractors’ senior representatives sit as members. • Interaction with the government and publics including the Multi‐partite Monitoring Team (MMT) and Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) on environmental concerns. The Environmental Engineer and ECM play key roles in the Project’s environmental management plans. GRC will ensure that highly‐trained and competent persons with demonstrated hands‐on experience in mining environmental management are appointed to the positions. GRC will implement the Project through contractors. It is crucial that responsibilities and sanctions including penalties on environmental management are explicitly defined in the contracts. To assure a holistic approach and quick response to environmental concerns, GRC will create an Environment Committee. This Committee is headed initially by the Construction Manager and subsequently the Operations Manager. It is composed of senior representatives of the major contractors. The ECM acts as Technical Adviser to the Committee Chairman. The Committee meets weekly to discuss environmental plans, responsibilities, accomplishments, and issues. Action plans are agreed upon to address the issues. These plans are continuously monitored until the issues are fully resolved. To supplement the works of the Environment Committee is the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT). The MMT evaluates on a quarterly basis the Project’s compliance with the ECC conditions, EMP of the EIS, EPEP, AEPEP, and agreements during the MMT exit meetings. The MGB and EMB Regional Offices which will co‐chair the MMT are responsible for training the MMT members in mine monitoring and evaluation works. 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Linguistic Society of the Philippines and Summer Institute of Linguistics. Mines and Geosciences Bureau, 2003. Hydrogeological Reconnaissance at Mainit, Surigao del Norte. Mining One Pty Ltd, 2007. Siana Gold Mine, Bankable Feasibility Study, Geotechnical Investigation for the Tailings Storage Facility. Moo‐Young, H.K., D.A. Gaffney, and X. Mo, undated. Testing Procedures to Assess the Viability of Dewatering with Geotextile Tubes. Mueller‐Dombois, D. and H. Ellenberg, 1974. Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley & Sons, New York. Municipality of Alegria, 1999. Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan 1999 – 2008. Municipality of Mainit, 2002. Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2001 – 2011. Municipality of Tubod, 1999. Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan 1999 – 2008. Nordstrom, D.K., 1982. Aqueous pyrite oxidation and the consequent formation of secondary iron minerals in Acid Sulfate Weathering. J.A. Kittrick, D.S. Fenning, and L.R. Hossner (eds.), Soil Science Society of America. Ong, P.S., L.E. Afuang, and R.G. Rosell‐Ambal (eds.), 2002. Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities: A Second Iteration of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. DENR‐PAWB; Conservation International, Philippines; Biodiversity Conservation Program – UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, and Foundation for the Philippine Environment. Peter O’Bryan and Associates, 2008. Further Waste Dump Stability Assessment. Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, 2004. 2004 Statistics on Philippine Protected Areas and Wildlife Resources. Province of Surigao del Norte, 2001. Socioeconomic and Demographic Profile and Provincial Annual Investment Plan Punongbayan, R.S., 1994. Natural Hazards in the Philippines in National Conference on Natural Disaster Mitigation, 19‐ 21 October 1994. DOST PHIVOLCS, Quezon City. Rabor, D.S., 1977. Philippine Birds and Mammals. UP Science Education Center. UP Press. Rimando, R.R., 1994. The Philippine Fault Zone and Hazards due to Faulting in Conference on Natural Disaster Mitigation, 19‐21 October 1994. DOST PHIVOLCS, Quezon City. RSG Global, 2007. Siana Gold Project, Feasibility Study – Mining. January 2009 7‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Salvosa, F.M., 1963. Lexicon of Philippine Trees. FPRI Bulletin No. 1. College, Laguna. Seismology Research Centre and Environmental Systems & Services Pty Ltd, 2006. Siana Gold Project – TSF, Seismic Hazard Assessment. Stringfield, W.H., 1995. Emergency Planning and Management: Ensuring your Company’s Survival in the Event of a Disaster. Government Institutes, Inc., Rockville, Maryland. Sutherland, W.J., I. Newton and R.E. Green, 2004. Bird Ecology and Conservation: A Handbook of Techniques. Oxford University Press. th Talaroc, E. and O. Quivedo, 2004. Education of the Mamanua. Unpublished paper presented at the 26 Annual Conference of the Ugnayang Pang‐Agham Tao, Inc., 21‐23 October 2004, Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City. Tetra Tech EM, Inc., 2003. Surigao Consolidated Mining Co., Inc., Semi‐detailed Assessment of Abandoned/Inactive Mine Sites in the Philippines. Torma, A.E. and Banhegy, I.G., 1984. Biotechnology in hydrometallurgical processes. Trends in Biotechnology, Vol.2. Tumanda, Jr., M.I., E.C. Roa, J.G. Gorospe, M.T. Daitia, S.M. Dejarme, and R.D. Gaid, 2005. Limnological and Water Quality Assessment of Lake Mainit. Mindanao State University at Naawan. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 1994a. Technical Resource Document, Extraction and Beneficiation of Ores and Minerals, Gold, Vol. 2. USEPA, 1994b. Technical Report, Treatment of Cyanide Heap Leaches and Tailings. USEPA, 1995. User’s Guide for the Industrial Source Complex (ISC) Dispersion Models, Volume 1. Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. USEPA, 1996. Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors (AP‐42), Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Emissions, Monitoring, and Analysis Division, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. USEPA, 1997. Recent Developments for In Situ Treatment of Metal‐Contaminated Soils. United States Federal Highway Administration, 2006. FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide. U.S. Department of Transportation. Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines, 1997. Philippine RED Data Book. World Bank, 1988. Techniques for Assessing Industrial Hazards, Technical Paper No. 55. January 2009 y c a c o v d A d n a g n i n i a r T - s n o i t a c i n u m m o C - t n e m e g a n a M - s c i t s i t a t S - t n e m e p o l e v e D l a i c o S - y d u t S y t i l i b i s a e F - t 9 n 0 e m e 20 g a Y n R a EnvEnvironironmementantal Iml Impacpact Stt Stateatemementnt M k UA s i N R (EIS(EIS) of) of the the Sia Siana Gna Goldold Pro Projectject - A t J n e m AnnAnnexesexes n o r i v n E Prepared by BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. for: Greenstone Resources Corporation EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐1 8 Annex 8‐1. Scoping checklist Cawilan Tubod Surigao del Norte Caraga Siana & Dayano Mainit Surigao del Norte Caraga 12C PET Plans Tower, EDSA, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City 890‐5902 897‐3984 bmpenvironment@yahoo.com January 2009 8‐2 EIS of the Siana Gold Project first 6 pages of EIS after PF sheet p. 1‐3 p. 3‐6 p. 6‐8 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐3 p. 9‐17 p. 17 p. 17‐21 p. 21‐22 p. 1‐1 to 1‐2 January 2009 8‐4 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 2‐1 to 2‐3 p. 2‐3 p. 2‐4 p. 2‐4 to 2‐5 p. 2‐5 to 2‐9 p. 2‐10 to 2‐21 p. 3‐1 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐5 p. 3‐1 to 3‐2 p. 3‐2 to 3‐3 p. 3‐4 to 3‐10 January 2009 8‐6 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 3‐10 to 3‐31 p. 3‐32 to 3‐34 p. 3‐34 to 3‐36 p. 3‐37 p. 4‐1 to 4‐79 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐7 January 2009 8‐8 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 4‐1 to 4‐2 p. 4‐10 to 4‐17 p. 4‐2 to 4‐6 p. 4‐7 to 4‐10 p. 4‐20 to 4‐40 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐9 p. 4‐46 to 4‐48 p. 4‐49 to 4‐52 p. 4‐52 to 4‐95 January 2009 8‐10 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 5‐1 to 5‐22 p. 6‐1 to 6‐34 p. 6‐34 to 6‐35 p. 6‐35 to 6‐39 p. 6‐40 to 6‐45 p. 6‐45 to 6‐47 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐11 p. 6‐48 to 6‐62 p. 6‐48 to 6‐61 Table 6‐1 Annex 8‐3 p. 6‐62 to 6‐63 Table 6‐6 p. 6‐64 p. 6‐64 to 6‐65 January 2009 8‐12 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 7‐1 to 7‐5 p. 8‐1 to 8‐22 p. 8‐23 p. 8‐24 to 8‐25 p. 8‐26 to 8‐65 p. 8‐66 to 8‐104 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐13 p. 8‐105 to 8‐110 Annex 8‐8 Annex 8‐9 January 2009 8‐14 EIS of the Siana Gold Project p. 4‐1 to 4‐2 Fig. 4‐2 Fig. 4‐4 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐15 Fig. 4‐6 Fig. 3‐2 Fig. 4‐7 Fig. 4‐5 Fig. 4‐10 Fig. 4‐9 Fig. 4‐8 Fig. 4‐14 p. 3‐5 Table 4‐1 p. 4‐7 to 4‐9 Table 8‐3 p. 4‐9 to 4‐11 Table 8‐6 Table 8‐7 Table 8‐8 January 2009 8‐16 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐6 Fig. 4‐13 Fig. 4‐14 Fig. 4‐6 p. 4‐22 Fig. 4‐15 p. 4‐21 to 4‐25 Fig. 4‐16 Fig. 4‐15 Table 8‐10 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐17 Table 8‐10 Table 8‐10 Table 8‐10 Table 8‐14 Fig. 4‐18 Table 8‐16 Table 8‐14 p. 4‐10 to 4‐12 Fig. 4‐18 January 2009 8‐18 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Fig. 4‐24 Table 8‐23, Table 8‐24 Fig. 4‐27 Fig. 4‐22 Table 8‐25 Table 8‐26 Fig. 4‐28 Annex 8‐7 Fig. 4‐37 to Fig.4‐42 p. 4‐54 to 4‐56 Table 2 of Annex 8‐7 Table 4 of Annex 8‐7 Table 1 of Annex 8‐7 Table 3 of Annex 8‐7 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐19 Table 4‐7 Table 4‐11 Table 4‐14 Table 4‐17, Fig. 4‐43 to 4‐45 Table 4‐16 p. 4‐79 to 4‐86 p. 4‐81 Table 4‐21 to 4‐28 p. 4‐86 to 4‐87 p. 4‐80 Table 4‐22 Fig. 4‐49 p. 4‐72 to 4‐74 p. 3‐12; 4‐23; Fig. 4‐41 Annex 8‐7 Annex 8‐7 January 2009 8‐20 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Land Soil erosion p. 4‐9 to 4‐10 Water Sedimentation p. 4‐24 People Chemical Spill p. 4‐28 Flooding January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐21 January 2009 8‐22 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐23 Annex 8‐2. SWORN STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE PROPONENT This is to certify that all the information and commitments in this ENVIRONMANTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REPORT for the SIANA GOLD PROJECT are accurate and complete to the best of our knowledge, and that an objective and thorough assessment of the Project was undertaken in accordance with the dictates of professional and reasonable judgment. Should I learn of any information, which would make this ENVIRONMANTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REPORT inaccurate, I shall immediately bring the said information to the attention of the DENR‐EMB. I hereby certify that no DENR‐EMB personnel was directly involved in the preparation of this SIANA GOLD PROJECT REPORT other than to provide procedural and technical advice consistent with the guidelines in the DAO 03‐ 30 Revised Procedural Manual. I hereby bind MYSELF to answer any penalty that may be imposed arising from any misrepresentation or failure to state material information in this ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REPORT. In witness whereof, I hereby set my hand this ______ day of __________________________________ 2008 at _______________________________. ________________________________ GREGORY C. EDWARDS Managing Director Greenstone Resources Corporation SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this _____ day of _________________________ 2008, affiant exhibiting his Community Tax Certificate No. _______________ issued at ___________________ on __________________________. Doc. No. __________ Page No. __________ Book No. __________ Series of __________ January 2009 8‐24 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Annex 8‐3. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐25 January 2009 8‐26 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Annex 8‐4. Proof of public participation January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐27 January 2009 8‐28 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐29 January 2009 8‐30 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐31 January 2009 8‐32 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐33 January 2009 8‐34 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐35 January 2009 8‐36 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐37 January 2009 8‐38 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐39 January 2009 8‐40 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐41 January 2009 8‐42 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐43 January 2009 8‐44 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐45 January 2009 8‐46 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐47 January 2009 8‐48 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐49 January 2009 8‐50 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐51 January 2009 8‐52 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐53 January 2009 8‐54 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐55 January 2009 8‐56 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐57 January 2009 8‐58 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Annex 8‐5. Baseline study support information Table 8‐1. Laboratory results of sediment sampling Station Cu Cd Ni Ag Zn Hg Cr Pb As Sb ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm MAGPAYANG RIVER Upslope • Timamana 31 <0.02 44 0.25 9.5 0.93 • Stn 3 26 <1 30 <1 27 <0.12 24 <10 <0.1 <1 • STA 2 63 <1 74 0.11 <10 7 Spanish Ditch • STA 3 145 <1 107 0.27 19 27 • Stn 4 49 <1 <5 <1 44 <0.12 2 4.7 0.038 49.4 Facility • TD1 197 1 754 19.49 425 264 • TD2 224 3 1371 12.89 1525 233 • TD3 184 3 912 5.83 725 244 • WD1 152 <1 208 0.65 142 20 • WD2 117 <1 108 0.34 46 55 • WD3 62 <1 251 0.71 43 51 Immediately downslope • STA 4 96 <1 80 0.13 <10 15 • Stn 8 36 <1 <5 <1 36 <0.12 18 <10 <0.1 <1 • Stn 9 22 <1 43 <1 31 <0.12 20 <10 <0.1 <1 DAYANO RIVER Upslope • Stn 12 115 <1 <5 <1 62 <0.12 10 <10 <0.1 <1 Facility • OP1 156 <1 196 0.41 76 83 • Pit January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐59 Station Cu Cd Ni Ag Zn Hg Cr Pb As Sb ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm Downslope • Stn 2 87 <1 <5 <1 113 <0.12 2 <10 <0.1 <1 • STA 1 118 <1 131 0.71 82 49 MAGPAYANG RIVER Downslope of Dayano River confluence • Stn 10 31.5 <1 20.8 <1 297 <0.12 9.7 45.6 0.03 <1 • Magpayang 29 0.50 122 0.15 40 0.57 LAKE MAINIT • Lake • Sta 3 24 <0.02 36 0.12 6.4 0.14 • Sta 4 17 <0.02 37 0.11 <0.06 0.38 • Sta 2 65 <0.02 133 0.15 <0.06 0.37 NOTES: 1. The results are lifted from various sampling episodes listed in Table 4‐3. 2. The locations of the sampling stations are shown in Figure 4‐18. 3. For the stations which were sampled more than once, the mean value is reported. January 2009 8‐60 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐2. Auger boring observations Auger Boring Observation No. 1 Location: Barangay Dayano, Mainit Coordinates: N 09° 32’ 08.9” E 125° 31’ 15.6” Slope: 28% Land Use: Coconut with Santol trees Depth(cms) Description 0‐10 Dark brown (7.5 yr. 4/4) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, friable. 10‐50 Yellowish red (5 yr 5/8) moist clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, friable. 50‐100 Yellowish red (5 yr 5/8) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, friable, many soft weathered red (10R 4/6) rock fragments. 100‐120 Strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, friable with soft weathered yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4) rock fragments. Auger Boring Observation No. 2 Location: Barangay Cawilan Tubod Coordinates: N 09° 33’ 08.9” E 125° 31’ 15.6” Slope: 36% Vegetation/Land Use: Limestone forest (Molave type forest with wild banana and bamboo) Depth(cms) Description 0‐15 Yellowish brown (10 YR. 5/4) moist, loam, non‐sticky, non‐plastic friable. 15‐60 Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/8) moist, clay, sticky, plastic, slightly firm with common soft and hard limestone fragment. 60‐120 Variegated brownish yellow (10 YR 6/8) and brown (10 YR 4/3 moist, clay, sticky, plastic, slightly firm, few hard small limestone. Note: Many limestone outcrops on the slope surface. Auger Boring Observation No. 3 Location: Barangay Cawilan Tubod Coordinates: N 09° 33’ 11.1” E 125° 34.2’ 25.5” Slope: 1% Land Use: Coconut with Rainfed Rice Depth(cms) Description 0‐18 Brown (10 YR. 4/3) and Olive gray (5Y 4/2) moist, silty clay loam; slightly firm; many fine distinct clear yellowish red (5YR 4/6) mottles 18‐70 Brown (10 YR 4/3) moist, clay, sticky, plastic and firm. 70‐120 Brown (10 YR 4/3) moist, clay, sticky, plastic, firm, few soft and hard spherical Fe‐Mn concretion. Auger Boring Observation No. 4 Location: Barangay San Pablo, Tubod Coordinates: N 09° 33’ 06.4” E 125° 30.4’ 46.5” Slope: 10% Land Use: Coconut January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐61 Depth(cms) Description 0‐15 Brown (10 YR. 4/3) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, slightly firm. 15‐100 Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 6/6) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic firm. 100‐120 Reddish yellow (7.5 TR 6/6) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, firm; with common soft and hard yellowish red 5 YR 4/6) weathered rock fragments. Auger Boring Observation No. 5 Location: Barangay Magpayang, Mainit Coordinates: N 09° 31’ 57.9” E 125° 33’ 43.0” Slope: <1% Land Use: Irrigated Paddy Rice Depth(cms) Description 0‐20 Dark gray (10 YR. 4/1) wet, clay loam; non‐sticky, non‐plastic, friable; many fine and medium distinct clear strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) slightly mottles. 20‐65 Very dark gray (7.5 YR N3) moist, clay loam, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, firm. 65‐120 Variegated grayish brown (10 YR 5/2) and light olive brown (2.5 Y 5/4) moist, clay, sticky, plastic, firm. Note: Many Golden Kuhol (snails) on the surface. Auger Boring Observation No. 6 Location: Barangay Siana, Mainit Coordinates: N 09° 32’ 18.4” E 125° 33’ 59.6” Slope: <1% Land Use: Irrigated Paddy Rice Depth(cms) Description 0‐15 Gray (10 YR. 5/1) wet, clay loam; non‐sticky, non‐plastic, slightly firm; many fine distinct clear strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6) mottles. 15‐75 Yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4 moist, clay; sticky, plastic, firm. 75‐120 Variegated brown (10 YR 5/3) and strong brown, (7.5 Y 4/6) moist, clay, sticky, plastic, firm. Auger Boring Observation No. 7 Location: Barangay San Pablo, Tubod Coordinates: N 09° 33’ 06.6” E 125° 33’ 59.2” Slope: <1% Land Use: Irrigated Paddy Rice Depth(cms) Description 0‐18 Gray (10 YR. 5/1) wet; clay loam; non‐sticky, non‐plastic, friable; common fine diffuse clear light olive brown (2.5 Y 5/4) mottles. 18‐80 Gray (10 YR 5/1) moist, clay, slightly sticky, slightly plastic, firm. 80‐90 Greenish gray (5 BG 5/1) moist, sandy clay, sticky, plastic, firm. 90‐120 Variegated gray (10 YR 5/1) and strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6) moist, clay, sticky, plastic very firm; many soft and hard spherical limestone fragments. January 2009 8‐62 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐3. Results of soil laboratory analyses Soils of the Upland Soils of the Lowland Soil Properties Observation 1 Observation 2 Observation 4 Observation 3 Observation 5 Observation 6 Observation 7 Brgy. Dayano Brgy. Cawilan Brgy. San Pablo Brgy. Cawilan Brgy. Magpayang Brgy. Siana Brgy. San Pablo Physical Properties Drainage Well drained Well drained Well drained Moderately well Poorly drained Poorly drained Poorly drained drained Slope (%) 28 36 10 1 <1 <1 <1 Texture Clay Loam over clay Clay Silty clay loam over Clay loam Clay loam over Clay loam over clay clay clay Soil depth (cm) >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 Chemical Properties pH 4.8 5.5 4.7 5.7 5.4 5.7 5.3 Organic Matter (%) 2.63 2.15 2.85 2.88 3.63 2.78 3.12 Phosphorus (mg/kg) 0.51 7.36 0.98 52.5 35.7 57.1 15.1 Exch. Potassium (cmol/l) 0.26 0.29 0.44 0.49 0.39 0.43 0.48 Cation Exch. Capacity (cmol/l) 39.22 28.79 44.82 41.04 39.55 41.5 39.12 Base Saturation % 25.92 59.74 36.4 69.85 72.78 68.04 64.19 Zinc (mg/kg) 0.32 0.79 0.45 2.08 12.3 2.32 2.18 Copper (mg/kg) 0.25 1.13 0.11 3.52 5.55 3.75 4.13 Iron (mg/kg) 9 51 28 134 196 147 160 Manganese (mg/kg) 67 63 15 49 71 34 68 Note: The locations of the soil stations are shown in Figure 4‐12. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐63 Table 8‐4. Environmental requirements of selected plants Plant Slope (%) Soil Depth (cm) Drainage Soil pH Soil Texture Soil Fertility Agoho 0 ‐ >50 > 75 Moderately well to well 5.0–7.5 Loamy to clay Low to drained medium Mahogany 0 ‐ >50 > 75 Moderately well to well 5.0–7.5 Loamy to clayey Low to drained medium Vetiver 0 ‐ >50 > 50 Moderately well to well 4.0–8.0 Sandy loam to clay loam Low to drained medium Coconut 0–30 > 75 Moderately well to well 6.0–7.5 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium drained Lanzones/ Rambutan 0 ‐30 100 Moderately well to well 4.5 ‐6.5 Loamy to clayey Medium drained Citrus, Mandarin 0–30 > 75 Moderately well to well 3.5‐ 8.0 Loamy to clayey Medium drained Malungay 0–30 > 50 Moderately well to well 5.0–7.0 Loamy to clayey Low to high drained Banana 0–18 > 75 Moderately well to well 5.0–7.0 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium drained Pineapple 0‐30 50 Moderately well 4.5‐5.5 Sandy loam to clay loam Low to medium Peanut 0– 8 50 Well drained 5.8–6.2 Sandy loam to clay loam Low to medium Corn 0– 8 > 75 Moderately well to well 5.0–7.0 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium to drained high Coffee 0–30 > 75 Well drained 4.5–6.5 Loamy to Clayey Medium Cacao 0–30 > 75 Well drained 5.5–7.0 Loamy to Clayey Medium Gabi, (upland) 0‐18 50 Well drained 5.5‐7.0 Clay loam to structured Low to clay medium Monggo 0‐8 30 Well drained to somewhat 5.8‐6.2 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium poorly drained Ginger 0‐18 50 Moderately well drained 5.5‐6.5 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium Arrowroot 0‐18 50 Moderately well drained 5.5‐6.5 Sandy loam to clay loam Medium Paddy rice 0‐3 50 Somewhat poorly drained 5.5‐7.0 Sandy clay loam to clay Medium to poorly drained Table 8‐5. Qualitative suitability classification Soils of the Upland Soils of the Lowland Plant Obsrv 2 Obsrv 4 Obsrv Obsrv 5 Obsrv 6 Obsrv 7 Brgy. Obsv. 1 Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Dayano San Pablo Cawilan San Pablo Cawilan Magpayang Siana Agoho S NS S S NS NS NS Mahogany S NS S S NS NS NS Vetiver S NS S S NS NS NS Coconut S* NS S* S NS NS NS January 2009 8‐64 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Soils of the Upland Soils of the Lowland Plant Obsrv 2 Obsrv 4 Obsrv Obsrv 5 Obsrv 6 Obsrv 7 Brgy. Obsv. 1 Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Brgy. Dayano San Pablo Cawilan San Pablo Cawilan Magpayang Siana Lanzones/Rambutan S* NS S* S NS NS NS Citrus, Mandarin S* NS S* S NS NS NS Malungay S* NS S* S NS NS NS Banana S* NS S* S NS NS NS Pineapple S* NS S* S NS NS NS Peanut NS NS NS S NS NS NS Corn NS NS NS S S** S** S** Coffee S* NS S* S NS NS NS Cacao S* NS S* S Ns Ns NS Gabi (Upland) NS NS S* S NS NS NS Monggo NS NS NS S S** S** S** Ginger NS NS S* S* NS NS NS Arrowroot NS NS S* S NS NS NS Paddy rice NS NS NS S S S S Notes: S – suitable * ‐ suitable but with very low P and Zn as limitations ** ‐ suitable but with drainage as limitation; crops can be used as catch crop or green manure NS – not suitable Table 8‐6. Floral species observed in 2005 Family/Common Name Scientific Name Uses Forest tree species A. ULMACEAE 1. Anabiong Trema Orientales Fuel wood B. MORACEAE 1. Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi Source of food and lumber 2. Himbabao Broussonetia luzonica Food and tool handle 3. Upli Ficus ampelas Fruits and food for birds 4. Hagimit F. minahassae Fruits and food for birds 5. Tibig F. nota Fruits and food for birds 6. Hauili F. Septica Fruits and food for birds 7. Niog‐niogan F. pseudopalma Fruits and food for birds 8. Dungo F. Fubinervis Fruits and food for birds 9. Basikong kalawang F. Botryocarpa Fruits and food for birds 10. Kalulot Artocarpus Rubrevenia Lumber 11. Rimas A. Altilis Source of food and lumber C. TILIACEAE 1. Balobo Diplodiscus paniculatus Source of food and lumber 2. Anilau Colona Serratifolia Fuel wood D. MIMOSACEAE 1. Giant Ipil‐ipil Leucaena leucocephala Fuel wood 2. Akle Serialbizia acle Lumber January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐65 Family/Common Name Scientific Name Uses E. FABACEAE 1. Dapdap Erythrina orientalis 2. Narra (smooth) Pterocarpus indicus F. LYTHRACEAE 1. Banaba Lagerstroemia speciosa Medicinal purposes and lumber G. MYRTACEAE 1. Guava Psidium guajava Food and tool handle 2. Duhat Syzygium cumini Food and lumber H. EUPHORBIACEAE 1. Binayuyu Antidesma ghaesembilla Fruit for birds and fuel wood Chop stick 2. Hamindang Macaranga bicolor Fruit for birds and chop stick 3. Binunga M. tanarius I. SAPINDACEAE 1. Malugai Pometia pinnata Lumber J. MELIACEAE 1. Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla Lumber K. ANACARDIACEAE 1. Balinghasai Buchanania Arborescens Lumber L. APOLYNACEAE 1. Batino Alstonia macrophylla Lumber 2. Dita A. scholaris Lumber M. VERBENACEAE 1. Gmelina Gmelina arborea Lumber 2. Alagau Premna odorata Fruit for birds and fuel wood 3. Molave Vitex parviflora Lumber N. EHRETIACEAE 1. Anonang Cordia dichotoma Fuel wood O. URTICACEAE 1. Dalunot Pipturus Arborescen Sapling for house construction P. ANNONACEAE 1. Ilang‐ilang Cananga odorata Perfume and lumber Q. LAURACEAE 1. Puso ‐puso Neolistsea vidalii Lumber (post) R. CAESALPINIACEAE 1. Sachoan Cassia Javanica Fuel wood S. BURSERACEAE 1. Pagsahingin Canarium Asperum Lumber T. LEEACEAE 1. Kaliantan Lega philippinensis Fruits for bird 2. Amamali L. aculeata Fruits U. RUBIACEAE 1. Malakape Canthium diococcum fuel wood 2. Kahoy dalaga Mussaenda philippica Ornamental 3. Bangkal Nauclea orientales Furniture January 2009 8‐66 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Family/Common Name Scientific Name Uses 4. Wisak Neonauclea media Fuel wood 5. Nino morinda bracteata Fuel wood V. BIGNONIACEAE 1. Pingkapinkahan Oroxylum indicum 2. Banai‐banai Rodermachera dinnata 3. African tulip Spathodea campanulata W. STERCULIA 1. Dungoa Hertiera littoralis Lumber 2. Tan‐ag Kleinhovia hospita Lumber 3. Bayog Pterospernum Diversifolium Fuel wood X. DILLENIACEAE 1. Malakatmon Dillenia indica Lumber 2. Katmon kalabaw D. suffruticosa Y. COMBRETACEAE 1. Makalumpit Terminalia calamansanai Lumber 2. Talisai T. catappa Z. ARALIACEAE 1. Malapapaya Polyscias nodosa Lumber and veneer Introduced fruit trees A. MORACEAE 1. Nangka Artocarpus blancoi Food B. MYTACEAE 1. Guava Psidium guajava Food 2. Duhat Syzygium cumini C. ANACARDIACEAE 1. Mango Mangifera indica Food D. RUBIACEAE 1. Kape Coffea sp. Beverage E. RUTHACEAE 1. Pomelo (Lukban) Citrus grandis Food 2. Kalamansi C. sp. Food F. AVERRHOACEAE 1. Kamias Averrhoa bilimbi Food 2. Balimbing A. Carambola Food G. SAPOTACEAE 1. Caimito Chrysophyllum cainito Food 2. Tiesa Lacuma nervosa Food 3. Chico Manilkara sapota Food Climbers A. DIOSCOREACEAE 1. Ubi Dioscorea alata Food B. FLAGELLARIACEAE 1. Baling‐uai Flagellaria indica Handicraft C. COMMELINACEAE 1. Alikbangon Commelina benghalensis Food January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐67 Family/Common Name Scientific Name Uses D. VITACEAE 1. Ayo Tetrastigma harmandii Food Palm Spp. 1. Coconut Cocos nucifera Food oil 2. Buri Corypha utan Leaves for roofing 3. Kaong Archantophoenix pinnata Fruits 4.Takipan Caryota cumingii Petiol good for broom 5. Pugahan C. rumphiana Fruits 6. Acas‐as Pandancis luzonensis Ornamental and food Herbs, weeds, and grasses A. GRAMINAE 1. Amorseko Chrysopogoa aciculatus 2. Bermuda grass 3. Carabao grass 4. Kayawan tinik Bambusa spinosa Construction 5. Bayog Dendrocalamus mirrilianus Construction 6. Buho Schizostachyum lumampad Construction 7. Cogon Imperata cylindrica Roofing and plant indicator 8. Talahib Saccharum spontaneum Handicraft and plant indicator B. OXALIDACEAE 1. Makahiya Biophytum sensitvitum C. MARANTACEAE 1. Banban Donoa cannaeformis Handicraft D. ZINGIBERACEAE 1. Tagbak Alpinia elegants Medicinal 2. Wild ginger Zingiber Zerumbet Medicinal E. CANNACEAE 1. Tikas pula Canna coccinea F. TYPHACEAE 1. Cat tail Typha angustifolia G. MUSACEAE 1. Banana Musa sp. Food H. ARACEAE 1. Gabi Colocasia esculentum Food 2. Ponggapon Amorphophallus campanulantus Food 3. Pakpak paniki Philodendum lacerum I. COLVULVOLACEAE 1. Lambayog Ipondea rotundas J. CYPERACEAE 1. Mutha Cyperus rotundus 2. Sarrat Sclera scrobiculata K. COMPOSITAE 1. Hagonoy Chromolaena odorata 2. Uoko Mikania cordota January 2009 8‐68 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐7. Faunal species observed in 2005 Taxon Frequency Uses Avifauna Cattle Egret1 Common Occasionally as food Bubulcus ibis coromandus ARDEIDAE 1 Wandering Whistling‐Duck Less common Food Dendrocygna arcuata ANATIDAE Philippine Duck1,3 Less common Food Anas luzonica ANATIDAE Brahminy Kite1,2 Less common Considered as pest Haliastus indus intermedius ACCIPITRIDAE 2 Less common Considered as pest Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus ACCIPITRIDAE Red Jungle Fowl1 Less common Food Gallus gallus PHASIANIDAE Barred Button‐Quail Less common Food Turnix suscitator TURNICIDAE Slaty‐Breasted Rail Less common Food Rallus striatus RALLIDAE White‐Browed Rail Less common Food Poliolimnas cinereus RALLIDAE 1 Watercock Less common Food Gallicrex cinerea RALLIDAE Painted Snipe Common Food Rostratula benhalensis ROSTRATULIDAE 1 Pink‐Necked Green Pigeon Less common Food Treron vernans COLUMBIDAE Batu‐bato Less common Food Streptopelia bitorquata COLUMBIDAE Eemerald Dove Less common Food Chalcopaps indica COLUMBIDAE Phil. Hanging Parakeet2 Less common Hunted and Sold as Pets Loriculus philippensis January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐69 Taxon Frequency Uses PSITTACIDAE Philippine Coucal1 Less common Considered as Pests Centropus viridis CUCULIDAE Phil. Grass Owl Less common Item for Hunting Tyto capensis TYTONIDAE Nightjar Less common Item for Hunting Caprimulgus macrurus CAPRIMULGIDAE Swiftlet Very common None Collocalia troglodytes APODIDAE White Collared Kingfisher1 Common Item for Hunting Halcyon chloris ALCEDINIDAE Bee‐eater Less common Item for Hunting Merops viridis MEROPIDAE Barn Swallow Common None Hirundo rustica HIRUNDINIDAE Oriole Less common Sold as pets Oriolus chinensis ORIOLIDAE Crow Less common Considered as pests Corvus macrorhynchus CORVIDAE Philippine Bulbul1 Very common Item for hunting Pycnonotus goiavier PYCNONOTIDAE Canegrass Warbler Common Item for hunting Megalurus palustris SYLVIIDAE Malaysian Fantail Less common Item for hunting Rhipidura javanica MUSCICAPIDAE White‐Breasted Wood‐Swallow1 Less common Item for hunting Artamus leucorhynchus ARTAMIDAE Brown Shrike1 Less common Item for hunting Lanius cristatus LANIIDAE Glossy Starling Less common Sold as pets Aplonis panayensis STURNIDAE January 2009 8‐70 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Taxon Frequency Uses Sunbird1 Common Item for hunting Nectarinia jugularis NECTARINIIDAE Tree Sparrow Common Considered as pets Passer montanus PLOCEIDAE Mammals South. Phils. Musk Shrew Less common Considered as pests Suncus occultidens SORICIDAE Paniki Less common Hunted for food Pteropus sp. PTEROPODIAE Long‐tailed Macaque2 Less common Hunted for food and sold as pets Macaca fascicularis CERCOPITHECIDAE Daga Less common Food Rattus tanezumi MURIDAE Dagang Palay Common Food Rattus argentiventer MURIDAE Alimos1 Less common Food Paradoxurus sp. VIVERRIDAE Philippine Warty Pig1 Less common Food Sus philippensis SUIDAE Reptiles Monitor Lizard1,2 Common Food Varanus salvator VARANIDAE Reticulated Python1,2 Less common Food Python reticulatus PYTHONIDAE Philippine Cobra2 Less common Considered as pests Naja naja ELAPIDAE Tuko Less common None Gekko gecko GEKKONIDAE Water Lizard Less common Food Hydrosaurus pustulosus AGAMIDAE Flying Lizard Less common None Draco volans January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐71 Taxon Frequency Uses AGAMIDAE Skink Less common None Mabuya sp. SCINCIDAE Notes: 1. The species was also observed during the 2008 sampling. 2. Listed under CITES Appendix II. 3. Considered “vulnerable” and included in IUCN RED List. January 2009 8‐72 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐8. Birds species observed in 2008 English Name Scientific Name Status S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Overall Purple Heron Ardea purpurea R 1 1 Javan Pond‐Heron Ardeola speciosa R 1 8 9 Little Heron Butorides striata R 1 1 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis R 6 6 4 4 20 Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus R 1 2 1 4 Wandering Whistling‐Duck Dendrocygna arcuata I‐R 0 Philippine Duck ** Anas luzonica E 12 12 Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula I‐M 0 Brahminy Kite * Haliastur indus R 2 2 Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus R 6 6 Blue‐breasted Quail Coturnix chinensis R 1 1 2 Barred Rail Gallirallus torquatus R 4 3 7 White‐browed Crake Porzana cinerea R 1 1 Plain Bush‐hen Amaurornis olivacea E 4 4 White‐breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus R 1 1 2 Watercock Gallicrex cinerea I‐R 0 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus R 2 2 4 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio I‐R 0 Greater Painted‐snipe Rostratula benghalensis I‐R 0 Little Ringed‐Plover Charadrius dubius M 1 1 Snipe sp. Gallinago sp. I‐M 0 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos M 1 1 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐73 English Name Scientific Name Status S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Overall Pink‐necked Green‐Pigeon Treron vernans R 2 15 1 18 White‐eared Brown‐Dove Phapitreron leucotis E 8 2 10 Yellow‐breasted Fruit‐Dove Ptilinopus occipitalis E 1 1 Green Imperial‐Pigeon Ducula aenea I‐R 0 Philippine Cuckoo‐Dove Macropygia tenuirostris NE 1 2 3 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis R 12 10 10 6 38 Zebra Dove Geopelia striata R 10 8 6 4 28 Common Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica R 3 1 1 5 Guaiabero * Bolbopsittacus lunulatus E 1 1 Colasisi * Loriculus philippensis E 0 Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus R 15 1 16 Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus R 5 1 6 Common Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus R 1 1 Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis E 5 3 2 3 2 15 Grass Owl Tyto capensis I‐R 0 Philippine Eagle‐Owl ** Bubo philippensis I‐E 0 Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis E 2 2 Island Swiflet Aerodramus vanikorensis R 20 15 10 45 Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esculenta R 8 8 8 10 20 10 64 Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes E 4 4 10 6 24 Variable Dwarf‐Kingfisher Ceyx lepidus I‐R 0 White‐throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis R 8 4 1 4 17 White‐collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris R 5 2 7 Kingfisher sp. Actenoides sp. I‐E 0 January 2009 8‐74 EIS of the Siana Gold Project English Name Scientific Name Status S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Overall Mindanao Tarictic * Penelopides affinis E 6 2 8 Writhed Hornbilll * Aceros leucocephalus I‐E 0 Rufous Hornbill * Buceros hydrocorax I‐E 0 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala R 2 1 1 4 Large Woodpecker sp. I‐R 0 Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida R 3 1 1 5 Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica R 2 6 3 11 Pied Triller Lalage nigra R 3 2 2 7 Yellow‐vented Bulbul Pycnonotus goiavier R 25 15 15 20 20 12 107 Philippine Bulbul Ixos philippinus E 10 5 4 19 Black‐naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis R 3 2 2 7 Large‐billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos R 2 3 2 2 9 Brown Tit‐Babbler Macronous striaticeps E 3 3 Oriental Magpie‐Robin Copsychus saularis R 3 4 7 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata R 2 3 5 Clamorous Reed‐Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus M 2 2 3 4 11 Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris R 5 6 4 4 19 Black‐headed Tailorbird Orthotomus nigriceps E 2 1 3 Bright‐capped Cisticola Cisticola exilis R 4 4 3 4 15 Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis R 5 8 4 17 Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica R 8 2 2 3 15 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea M 1 1 2 Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi R 3 2 2 7 White‐breasted Wood‐swallow Artamus leucorynchus R 4 2 6 Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus M 1 1 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐75 English Name Scientific Name Status S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Overall Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis R 6 6 Coleto Sarcops calvus I‐E 30 30 Olive‐backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis R 8 6 6 20 Purple‐throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata R 20 20 Sunbird sp. 20 6 10 36 Striped Flowerpecker Dicaeum aeruginosum E 1 1 Visayan Flowerpecker ** Dicaeum haematostictum E 8 8 Buzzing Flowerpecker Dicaeum hypoleucum E 2 2 Orange‐bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma R 2 2 Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus R 30 30 White‐bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra R 8 8 Chestnut Munia Lonchura malacca R 15 6 6 10 8 45 Number of Individuals 158 68 65 51 70 43 111 89 655 Number of Species 45 18 9 12 22 9 25 26 83 Number of Endemic Species 8 0 5 0 7 2 3 4 20 Notes: 1. Species names in bold are endemic and those underlined are near‐endemic to the Philippines. 2. I is interview data; R means resident; M is migrant; NE is near‐endemic; E is endemic 3. * connotes that the species is part of CITES Appendix II; ** means that the species is “vulnerable” and included in the IUCN Red List species. 4. The locations of sampling transects are shown in Figure 4‐13. January 2009 8‐76 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐9. Mammals and herpetological species observed in 2008 English Name Scientific Name Status Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus I Philippine Brown Deer** Cervus mariannus I Philippine Warty Pig** Sus philippensis I Malay Civet Viverra tagalunga I Long‐tailed Macaque* Macaca fascicularis X Philippine Tarsier* Tarsius syrichta I Philippine Pygmy Squirrel Exilisciurus concinnus X Flying Fox sp. Pteropodidae sp. I Insectivorous bat sp. Microchiroptera sp. X Reticulated Python* Python reticulatus I Philippine Pit Viper Trimeresurus flavomaculatus I Common Rat Snake Elaphe erythrura I Samar Cobra* Naja samarensis X King Cobra* Ophiophagus hannah I Variable Malay Monitor Lizard* Varanus salvator I Sailfin Water Lizard Hydrosaurus pustulatus X Common House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus X Marine Toad Bufo marinus X Mindanao Fanged Frog** Limnonectes magnus X Serpentes sp. 1 X Serpentes sp. 2 X Notes: 1. Species names in bold are endemic to the Philippines 2. I is interview data; X means seen or heard. 3. * means that the species is included in CITES Appendix II; ** connotes that the species is “vulnerable” and part of the IUCN RED List. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐77 Table 8‐10. Laboratory results of water quality sampling PO – Cond. Temp. DO BOD Coliform TSS TDS O&G Phenol NO‐N 4 SO ‐2 Ca CN Hg As Cu Pb Station pH 5 3 P 4 µS/cm oC Mg/L mg/L N/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L µg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L MAGPAYANG RIVER Upslope • Timamana 7.4 25.6 10.19 5 183 <0.0001 <0.005 0.02 <0.06 • Stn 3 7.4 292 27.5 83.5% 2.4 7485 8 188 1.6 <1 0.06 0.2 9.4 482 0.012 <0.001 0.87 <0.02 <0.03 0.07 • STA 2 7.7 222 26.7 8.33 <5 <0.001 0.005 <0.02 <0.03 Spanish Ditch • STA 3 7.6 216 26.7 6.56 10 <0.5 <0.001 <0.005 0.02 <0.03 • Stn 4 7.5 283 28.9 71.2% 2.02 4831 10.2 168 1.7 <1 0.65 0.13 38.4 0.01 <0.001 0.43 <0.02 <0.03 Facility • TP1 7.7 657 31.9 6.34 34 649 <0.5 <0.001 0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • TP2 7.4 482 29.8 6.31 8 459 <0.5 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • TP3 7.7 204 28.0 7.51 <5 345 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • TSY 8.0 422 1.7 198 17 278 0.92 <1 0.75 0.44 115.2 0.02 <0.001 1.3 <0.02 <0.03 • SMRC5 6.5 1299 5.2 <2 71 517 <1 0.58 <0.001 2.8 <0.02 <0.03 • SP1 8.3 394 30.6 6.70 7 378 <0.5 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 Immediately downslope • STA 4 7.6 216 28.0 8.29 <5 <0.5 <0.001 0.005 0.02 <0.03 • Stn 8 7.2 285 27.2 81.1% 2.4 7699 5 187 1.6 21.4 0.44 0.23 8.8 0.01 <0.001 1.3 <0.02 <0.03 • Stn 9 7.6 296 28.3 97.2% 2.2 8 176 1.2 48 0.2 0.2 11.1 45 0.008 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 DAYANO CREEK Upslope January 2009 8‐78 EIS of the Siana Gold Project PO – Cond. Temp. DO BOD Coliform TSS TDS O&G Phenol NO‐N 4 SO ‐2 Ca CN Hg As Cu Pb Station pH 5 3 P 4 µS/cm oC Mg/L mg/L N/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L µg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L • Stn 12 7.1 307 25.4 92% 1.2 592 2 184 1.9 18 0.5 ND 2.6 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 Facility • SMRC7 6.4 720 13.3 74 474 1.4 0.02 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • SMRC8 9.1 1198 2.9 10 174 2.3 0.005 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • OP1 8.3 433 28.6 7.60 <5 526 <0.5 <0.001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.03 • Pit 7.8 490 30.2 100% 1.4 13 1.8 269 1.7 0.4 0.01 70 53 <0.002 <0.001 0.66 <0.02 <0.03 0.010 • 1‐05 8.2 388 29.4 102% 345 51 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 1‐20 7.8 425 28.7 92% 278 50 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 1‐40 7.7 453 27.3 47% 2.2 8 3 346 0.63 <1 0.86 <0.01 61 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 1‐80 7.7 456 27.3 40% 338 73 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 1‐88.5 7.7 596 27.3 36% 338 67 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 2‐05 220 46 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 2‐20 250 48 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 2‐70 304 49 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 3‐05 280 46 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 3‐20 250 55 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • 3‐40 280 49 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 Downslope • Stn 2 7.3 325 26.3 88.8% 2.5 794 4.5 178 1.6 48.6 0.5 0.01 6.6 73 0.010 1.1 ND ND ND <1‐6.1 0.001 • STA 1 7.2 243 25.0 7.33 52 <0.5 <0.001 0.005 <0.02 <0.03 MAGPAYANG RIVER Downslope of Dayano River January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐79 PO – Cond. Temp. DO BOD Coliform TSS TDS O&G Phenol NO‐N 4 SO ‐2 Ca CN Hg As Cu Pb Station pH 5 3 P 4 µS/cm oC Mg/L mg/L N/100mL mg/L mg/L mg/L µg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L mg/L confluence • Stn 10 7.5 302 27.6 93.4% 2.3 2001 15.5 171 1.1 <1 0.27 0.38 4.8 53 ND 0.001 ND ND ND 0.010 LAKE MAINIT • Lake 8 269 29.1 93.0% 2.2 123 10 172 1.4 60 0.28 0.2 10.8 • Sta 3 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • Sta 4 <0.0001 <0.005 <0.02 <0.01 • Sta 2 <0.0001 <0.005 0.04 <0.01 Notes: 1. The results are lifted from various sampling episodes listed in Table 4‐3. 2. The locations of the sampling stations are shown in Figure 4‐18. 3. For GRC’s stations, i.e., those prefixed by “Stn”, which were sampled more than once, the mean value and, where significant, the range are reported. 4. The levels of metals and CN are generally not detected (ND). The occasional readings are also reflected in the table. 5. The samples were also analyzed for surfactants, Cd, and Zn. No levels were detected. January 2009 8‐80 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐11. Macroinvertebrates collected from inland streams Magpayang River Dayano Creek Taxa Class Motorpool Tailings Pond Cawilan Alegria US Alegria DS Dayano US Dayano DS Station 7 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Station 1 Station 2 Sensitive Baetidae Insects 32 2 3 11 Heptageniidae Insects 10 25 Tricorythidae Insects 4 4 Caenidae Insects 3 6 Paraleptophlebiidae Insects 3 Hydropsychidae Insects 5 Hydrobiosidae Insects 1 Uenoidae Insects 1 Neritina pulligera Molluscs 1 Thiara scabra Molluscs 1 1 1 1 Melanoides sp.1 (juncea) Molluscs 7 1 5 Melanoides sp.2 Molluscs 1 Moderately tolerant Coenagrionidae Insects 15 13 13 1 7 6 Gomphidae Insects 1 Nepidae Insects 1 Naucoridae Insects 1 Dytiscidae Insects 1 Hydraenidae Insects 1 Hydrophilidae Insects 1 1 Shrimp (M. mammilodactylus) Crustaceans 7 4 2 1 2 Crab Crustaceans 6 3 Tolerant Ceratopogonidae Insects 1 Ablabsemyia Insects 4 1 Culicidae Insects 1 Simuliidae Insects 4 Planorbidae sp. Insects 1 Gyraulus chinensis Molluscs 1 2 3 Radix quadrasi Molluscs 1 Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi Molluscs 1 Pomacea canaliculata Molluscs 1 3 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐81 Magpayang River Dayano Creek Taxa Class Motorpool Tailings Pond Cawilan Alegria US Alegria DS Dayano US Dayano DS Station 7 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Station 1 Station 2 Earthworm Annelids 1 NOTES: “US” means upslope; “DS” is downslope. Table 8‐12. Plankton collected from inland streams Magpayang River Dayano River Plankton/Genera Motorpool Cawilan Tailings Pond Alegria US Alegria DS Dayano US Dayano DS Station 7 Station 4 Station 3 Station 5 Station 6 Station 1 Station 2 Cyanophyta Lyngbya sp. X X X X Anabaena sp X X X X Chlorophyta Coelastrum sp X X Oocystis sp X X Ankistrodesmus Chrysophyta Synedra X X X X X Table 8‐13. Inferred sediment contributions of lake tributaries River Discharge TSS Sediment Load Sediment Contribution 3 ‐1 ‐1 ‐1 (%) (m d ) (mg L ) (t d ) New Camalig 4,268 5 0.02 0.02 Alimpatayan 7,677 10 0.08 0.09 Tugbongan 7,925 27 0.21 0.24 Tigbawan 7,983 2 0.02 0.02 Mainit 13,608 7 0.10 0.11 Mamkas 17,280 1 0.02 0.02 Agong‐ongan 17,574 25 0.44 0.49 San Isidro 18,386 3 0.06 0.06 Jaliobong 38,561 4 0.15 0.17 Magtiaco 58,294 4 0.23 0.26 Magpayang 138,931 7 0.97 1.09 Baleguian 175,694 38 6.68 7.52 Puyo 221,184 9 1.99 2.24 Mayag 1,052,352 74 77.87 87.66 Total 1,779,717 88.84 100.00 Kalinawan River 1,969,229 2 3.94 4.43 Source: Tumanda et al., 2005. January 2009 8‐82 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐14. Total bacterial density, total coliforms, fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli) and water classification of some areas of Lake Mainit, Surigao del Norte. Source: Tumanda et al., 2005 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐83 Table 8‐15. Phytoplankton counts for Lake Mainit in 1971. January 2009 8‐84 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐16. Phytoplankton densities and relative abundance for Lake Mainit in 2003 and 2004. Source: Tumanda et al., 2005 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐85 Table 8‐17. Phytoplankton genera collected from Lake Mainit in 2005 Parameter/ Phytoplankton Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Magpayang Between Shore of Western side, Location Kitcharao Alegria Stations 3 and River mouth 4 Mainit town Jabonga Cyanophyta Chroococcus sp 210 294 210 84 630 Aphanothece sp. 1134 840 630 1344 882 1,176 Anabaena sp. 3108 5,334 1,092 3612 4,074 6,426 Lyngbya sp. 4116 4,036 1,806 3276 1,428 4,116 Dactylococcopsis sp. 42 42 84 Chlorophyta Coelastrum sp. 42 84 42 42 Chlorella sp. 126 168 Lagerheimia sp. 42 84 42 Oocystis sp. 126 168 42 210 252 42 Tetrahedron sp. 42 Selenastrum sp. 169 126 42 Baccilariophyceae Synedra sp. 462 1428 924 1848 714 2730 Melosira sp. 1806 1092 504 1764 966 1260 Note: The station locations are shown in Figure 4‐18. January 2009 8‐86 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐18. Zooplankton counts for Lake Mainit in 1971. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐87 Table 8‐19. Zooplankton densities and relative abundance for Lake Mainit in 2003 and 2004. Source: Tumanda et al., 2005 January 2009 8‐88 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐20. Zooplankton genera collected from Lake Mainit in 2005 Parameter/ Phytoplankton Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 5 Station 6 Magpayang River Between Stations Shore of Mainit Western side, Location Kitcharao Alegria mouth 3 and 4 town Jabonga Copepods Cyclopoids 2 6 2 4 6 2 Nauplius larvae 8 10 2 4 2 2 Cladocerans Diaphanosoma sp. 2 2 Rotifera Brachionus sp. 8 4 2 2 2 6 Keratella sp. 4 6 2 2 6 Note: The station locations are shown in Figure 4‐18. Table 8‐21. Fish species caught in Lake Mainit in 2005 Family Species Common Name and Status Eleotridae Ophieleotris aporos Mud gudgeon, biya, Palawan; Native Gobiidae Glossogobius giuris Whit goby, biyang puti, pidianga; Native Cichlidae Oreochromis niloticus Nile tilapia, tilapia; Introduced Clarias batrachus Catfish, hito, pantat; Introduced Clarias macrocephalus Catfish, hito, pantat; Native Channidae Channa striata Mudfish, dalag; Native Anguillidae Anguilla marmorata Eel, igat, kasili; Native Cyprinidae Puntius binotatus Pait; Native Phallostethidae Neostethus thessa Bolinao, native; Endemic Hemiramphidae Dermogenys sp. Halfbeak; Probably native January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐89 Table 8‐22. Climatological normals of PAGASA’s Surigao City Station STATION :653 - SURIGAO, SURIGAO DE NORTE o o LATITUDE :09 48' N LONGITUDE :125 30' E ELEVATION : 39.0 m PERIOD :1971 - 2000 ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ RAIN- NO -----TEMPERATURE DEG. C------ --WIND-- FALL OF DRY WET DEW VP RH MSLP SPD CLD DAYS WITH MONTH MM RD MAX. MIN. MEAN BULB BULB PT. MBS. % MBS. DIR MPS OKT TSTM LTNG ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ JAN. 600.8 24 29.3 22.7 26.0 25.8 24.2 23.6 29.1 88 1010.7 NE 3 6 2 1 FEB. 443.2 21 29.6 22.7 26.2 25.9 24.2 23.6 29.0 87 1011.0 E 3 6 1 0 MAR. 334.6 21 30.4 23.1 26.8 26.5 24.6 23.9 29.6 86 1011.0 E 3 5 1 1 APR. 236.3 17 31.6 23.7 27.7 27.5 25.3 24.5 30.7 84 1010.0 E 2 5 4 3 MAY 127.2 13 32.7 24.2 28.4 28.3 25.8 25.0 31.5 82 1009.1 E 2 5 7 11 JUNE 140.3 14 32.5 24.1 28.3 28.1 25.7 24.9 31.4 82 1009.1 SW 2 6 7 12 JULY 165.9 13 32.2 24.1 28.1 28.0 25.4 24.5 30.6 81 1008.8 SW 2 6 7 15 AUG. 131.4 12 32.6 24.2 28.4 28.2 25.5 24.6 30.8 80 1009.0 WSW 2 6 6 15 SEPT 149.0 14 32.6 24.1 28.4 28.2 25.5 24.6 30.8 80 1009.4 WSW 2 6 8 15 OCT. 255.6 20 31.9 23.8 27.8 27.6 25.4 24.6 30.9 84 1009.2 W 2 6 9 14 NOV. 447.2 22 30.6 23.5 27.1 26.9 25.0 24.3 30.4 86 1009.4 E 2 6 7 8 DEC. 524.9 25 29.8 23.3 26.6 26.3 24.7 24.1 30.0 88 1010.2 NE 2 6 3 3 ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ ANNUAL 3556.4 216 31.3 23.6 27.5 27.3 25.1 24.3 30.4 84 1009.7 E 2 6 62 98 ÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍÍ PREPARED BY: PAGASA/CAB/CDS January 2009 8‐90 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐23. Climatological extremes of PAGASA’s Surigao City Station YEAR - AS OF 2003 GREATEST DLY HIGHEST TEMPERATURE, DEG C RAINFALL, MM WIND, MPS SEA LEVEL PRESSURE, MBS MONTH HIGH DATE LOW DATE AMOUNT DATE SPD DIR DATE HIGH DATE LOW DATE JAN. 33.7 15-16 18.6 02-78 351.8 24-63 25/ N 24-75 1019.5 29-98 984.9 24-75 FEB. 33.3 02-06 18.2 24-05 472.9 12-74 20/ NE 21-97 1019.1 02-98 1002.5 29-96 MAR. 35.0 31-39 18.8 01-49 237.5 19-59 29/ NW 03-67 1019.3 12-64 999.8 04-89 APR. 35.2 19-87 18.9 05-63 339.0 05-86 35/ WSW 04-94 1018.3 14-93 990.5 05-94 MAY 36.3 22-87 20.8 18-72 198.1 16-62 36/ SSE 07-54 1015.9 09-57 986.1 06-54 JUNE 37.5 15-87 20.7 13-65 235.3 29-70 22/ SSW 30-70 1015.5 08-97 1000.7 30-70 JULY 36.2 31-16 20.0 06-61 201.9 01-52 31/ WNW 02-52 1015.6 04-89 995.2 02-52 AUG. 37.0 19-16 20.0 22-93 137.4 15-40 25/ WSW 17-86 1016.4 11-97 1000.2 15-74 SEP. 37.2 16-87 20.6 01-66 179.4 01-84 60/ ENE 01-84 1016.5 10-93 1000.8 11-00 OCT. 35.6 11-05 20.5 16-06 320.6 13-19 30/ W 23-88 1016.5 03-97 981.8 27-91 NOV. 36.2 02-75 19.7 12-11 564.7 18-68 46/ WSW 18-68 1018.3 23-92 977.3 12-90 DEC. 34.6 18-05 19.1 21-25 566.4 18-03 56/ E 21-86 1017.4 12- 2 977.5 21-86 ANNUAL 37.5 6-15 18.2 2-24 566.4 12-18 60/ ENE 9-01 1019.5 1-29 977.3 11-12 1987 1905 2003 1984 1998 1990 PERIOD 1903 - 2003 1902 - 2003 1950 - 2003 1949 - 2003 OF RECORD NOTE : 1. EQUAL SIGN(=) MEANS YEAR 1800 2. NO RECORD FOR THE PERIOD 1941-1945 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐91 Table 8‐24. Rainfall Intensity‐Duration‐Frequency Data for Surigao Del Norte Based on 36 years of record COMPUTED EXTREME VALUES (in mm) of PRECIPITATION Return Period 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 20 mins 30 mins 45 mins 60 mins 80 mins 100 mins 120 mins 150 mins 3 hrs 6 hrs 12 hrs 24 hrs (yrs) 2 16.3 24.7 31.8 37.8 47.5 57.4 64.2 74.5 83.8 90.8 100.1 108.6 143.5 177.9 204.8 5 24.5 37.2 48.2 56.9 71.1 85.4 95.2 111.0 125.5 136.8 151.5 164.6 216.8 269.1 308.9 10 29.9 45.5 59.0 69.6 86.8 104.0 115.8 135.2 153.1 167.3 185.6 201.7 265.4 329.4 377.8 15 32.9 50.2 65.1 76.7 95.6 114.5 127.3 148.8 168.6 184.5 204.8 222.6 292.8 363.5 416.7 20 35.0 53.5 69.4 81.7 101.8 121.8 135.5 158.3 179.5 196.5 218.2 237.2 311.9 387.3 443.9 25 36.7 56.0 72.7 85.6 106.5 127.5 141.7 165.7 187.9 205.8 228.6 248.5 326.7 405.7 464.9 50 41.8 63.8 82.8 97.4 121.2 144.9 161.0 188.4 213.8 234.3 260.5 283.2 372.2 462.3 529.5 100 46.8 71.6 92.9 109.2 135.8 162.1 180.1 210.8 239.5 262.6 292.2 317.7 417.4 518.4 593.6 EQUIVALENT AVERAGE INTENSITY (in mm/hr) OF COMPUTED EXTREME VALUES Return Period 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 20 mins 30 mins 45 mins 60 mins 80 mins 100 mins 120 mins 150 mins 3 hrs 6 hrs 12 hrs 24 hrs (yrs) 2 195.6 148.2 127.2 113.4 95.0 76.5 64.2 55.9 50.3 45.4 40.0 36.2 23.9 14.8 8.5 5 294.0 223.2 192.8 170.7 142.2 113.9 95.2 83.3 75.3 68.4 60.6 54.9 36.1 22.4 12.9 10 358.8 273.0 236.0 208.8 173.6 138.7 115.8 101.4 91.9 83.7 74.2 67.2 44.2 27.4 15.7 15 394.8 301.2 260.4 230.1 191.2 152.7 127.3 111.6 101.2 92.3 81.9 74.2 48.8 30.3 17.4 January 2009 8‐92 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Return Period 5 mins 10 mins 15 mins 20 mins 30 mins 45 mins 60 mins 80 mins 100 mins 120 mins 150 mins 3 hrs 6 hrs 12 hrs 24 hrs (yrs) 20 420.0 321.0 277.6 245.1 203.6 162.4 135.5 118.7 107.7 98.3 87.3 79.1 52.0 32.3 18.5 25 440.4 336.0 290.8 256.8 213.0 170.0 141.7 124.3 112.7 102.9 91.4 82.8 54.5 33.8 19.4 50 501.6 382.8 331.2 292.2 242.4 193.2 161.0 141.3 128.3 117.2 104.2 94.4 62.0 38.5 22.1 100 561.6 429.6 371.6 327.6 271.6 216.1 180.1 158.1 143.7 131.3 116.9 105.9 69.6 43.2 24.7 prepared by: the HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS and SPECIAL STUDIES SECTION Flood Forecasting branch, PAGASA January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐93 Table 8‐25. Results of ambient air quality monitoring Station No. Location Date and Time of PM TSP SO NO Sampling 10 2 2 ‐1 A1 Marciano A. Dapar 6 January 2005 10 μg Ncm 1 5.9 8.3 Elementary School, Brgy. 0953 ‐ 1216 Cawilan A2 Brgy. Dayano near 6 January 2005 5.1 3 5.9 ND Dayano Elementary 1328 ‐ 1612 School A3 Brgy. Siana near Siana 7 January 2005 4.1 3 ND 4.4 Elementary School 0924 ‐ 1127 A4 Brgy. Del Rosario 7 January 2005 5.1 3.1 ND ND 1348 ‐ 1554 DENR Standard for 1‐hr sampling 200 300 340 260 Note: ND means not detected. Table 8‐26. Noise level one‐hour measurements Station Noise Level DENR Standard Remarks Leq dB(A) dB(A) Marciano A. Dapar Elementary School, Brgy. Cawilan 65.23 50 Failed Brgy. Dayano near Dayano Elementary School 59.27 50 Failed Brgy. Siana near Siana Elementary School 64.32 50 Failed Brgy. Del Rosario 62.81 50 Failed Note: The DENR standard is the maximum allowable noise level for Class “AA” and “A” during daytime (area 100 m away from the school site and area for residential purposes). Table 8‐27. Applicable ambient air quality guideline values and standards Parameter Ambient Air Quality Threshold Threshold Type Averaging Period ‐1 Total Suspended Particulates 300 μg Ncm NAAQS One (1) hour (TSP) ‐1 230 μg Ncm NAAQGV Twenty‐four (24) hours ‐1 340 μg Ncm NAAQS One (1) hour SO 2 ‐1 180 μg Ncm NAAQGV Twenty‐four (24) hours ‐1 260 μg Ncm NAAQS One (1) hour NO 2 ‐1 150 μg Ncm NAAQGV Twenty‐four (24) hours Source: DAO No. 2000‐81 Table 8‐28. Input parameters for the pollution sources Mining Area 1. x (East‐West coordinate of Southwest Corner) 4700 2. y (North‐South coordinate of Southwest Corner) 4700 3. z (elevation), m 50 Sand Silt Clay 4.a) Soil Fraction 0.40 0.35 0.25 January 2009 8‐94 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Mining Area 4.b) Average Particle Diameter (mm) 0.20 0.020 0.002 ‐3 4.c) Particle Density (g cm ) 2.50 2.50 2.65 ‐1 ‐2 5. Point Emission Rate (g s m ) 0.001 6. Release Height (m) Zero (0) or on the ground 7. Length of x‐side (E‐W side) of the open pit (m) 600 8. Length of y‐side (N‐S side) of the open pit (m) 680 3 9. Pit volume (m ) 8,260,000 Standby Diesel Generator 1. x (East‐West coordinate of the center point) 4500 2. y (North‐South coordinate of the center point) 5750 3. Capacity (kVA) 750 4. Building Height (m) 8 5. Maximum Building Width (m) 50 TSP NO SO ‐1 2 2 6. Point Emission Rate (g s ) 0.07 2.43 0.82 7. Release height above ground (m ) 10 8.Stack gas exit temperature (ºK) 800.15 ‐1 9. Stack gas exit velocity (m s ) 10 10. Stack inside diameter (m) 1.0 Table 8‐29. Environmental quality standards for noise in general areas Category Type Daytime Morning/ Evening Nighttime AA Within 100m from school sites, 50 dBA 45 40 nursery schools, hospitals, and special home for the aged A Residential areas 55 50 45 B Commercial areas 65 60 55 C Light industrial areas 70 65 60 D Heavy industrial areas 75 70 65 Time 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. 5 a.m.– 9 a.m. 6 10 p.m.– 5 a.m. p.m.–1 0 p.m. Source: DENR January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐95 Table 8‐30. Permissible noise exposure in the workplace Duration per day Sound Levels, Slow Response 8 hours 90 dBA 6 92 4 95 3 97 2 100 1.5 102 1 105 0.5 110 0.25 115 Source: OHSS Table 8‐31. Predicted noise levels at the Open Pit 5 m 10 m 15 m 20 m 50 m 100 m Equipment L L L L L L L L L L L L max eq max eq max eq max eq max eq max eq 1. Excavator 100.7 96.7 94.7 90.7 91.2 87.2 88.7 84.7 80.7 76.7 74.7 70.7 2. Dump truck 96.5 92.5 90.4 86.5 86.9 82.9 84.4 80.4 76.5 72.5 70.4 66.5 3. Dozer 101.7 97.7 95.6 91.7 92.1 88.1 89.6 85.6 81.7 77.7 75.6 71.7 4. Grader 105.0 101.0 99.0 95.0 95.5 91.5 93.0 89.0 85.0 81.0 79.0 75.0 5. Loader 99.1 95.1 93.1 89.1 89.6 85.6 87.1 83.1 79.1 75.1 73.1 69.1 6. Water cart 112.1 105.1 106.1 99.1 102.6 95.6 100.1 93.1 92.1 85.1 86.1 79.1 7. Loader 99.1 95.1 93.1 89.1 89.6 85.6 87.1 83.1 79.1 75.1 73.1 69.1 8. Crane 100.6 92.6 94.5 86.6 91.0 83.0 88.5 80.6 80.6 72.6 74.5 66.6 9. Rock breaker 108.9 101.9 102.9 95.9 99.3 92.4 96.8 89.9 88.9 81.9 82.9 75.9 10. Pit bores 103.0 100.0 97.0 94.0 93.5 90.4 91.0 87.9 83.0 80.0 77.0 74.0 11. Pumps 100.9 97.9 94.9 91.9 91.4 88.4 88.9 85.9 80.9 77.9 74.9 71.9 12. Pickup truck 95.0 91.0 89.0 85.0 85.5 81.5 83.0 79.0 75.0 71.0 69.0 65.0 13. Pickup truck 95.0 91.0 89.0 85.0 85.5 81.5 83.0 79.0 75.0 71.0 69.0 65.0 TOTAL 112.1 110.1 106.1 104.1 102.6 100.6 100.1 98.1 92.1 90.1 86.1 84.1 Note: All predictions are in dBA. January 2009 8‐96 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Table 8‐32. Predicted noise levels at the waste rock dump and TSF 10 m 50 m 100 m 500 m 800 m 900 m Waste Dump L L L L L L L L L L L L max eq max eq max eq max eq max eq max eq 1. Dozer 95.6 91.7 81.7 77.7 75.6 71.7 61.7 57.7 57.6 53.6 56.6 52.6 2. Dump truck 90.4 86.5 76.5 72.5 70.4 66.5 56.5 52.5 52.4 48.4 51.3 47.4 3. Dump Truck 90.4 86.5 76.5 72.5 70.4 66.5 56.5 52.5 52.4 48.4 51.3 47.4 TOTAL 95.6 93.7 81.7 79.7 70.6 73.7 61.7 59.7 57.6 55.7 56.6 54.6 10 m 50 m 500 m 1000 m 1050 m TSF L L L L L L L L L L max eq max eq max eq max eq max eq 1. Compactor 97.2 90.2 83.2 76.2 63.2 56.2 57.2 50.2 56.8 49.8 2. Dozer 95.6 91.7 81.7 77.7 61.7 57.7 55.6 51.7 55.2 51.2 3. Dump truck 90.4 86.5 76.5 72.5 56.5 52.5 50.4 46.5 50.0 46.0 4. Dump truck 90.4 86.5 76.5 72.5 56.5 52.5 50.4 46.5 50.0 46.0 TOTAL 97.2 95.3 83.2 81.3 63.2 61.3 57.2 55.3 56.8 54.9 Note: All predictions are in dBA. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐97 Annex 8‐6. Impact assessment and EMP support information Project Environmental Monitoring and Audit Prioritization Schemes Project Name Siana Gold Project Project Location Brgys. Siana and Dayano, Municipality of Mainit and Brgy. Cawilan, Municipality of Tubod Surigao del Norte ECC Reference No. Proponent Greenstone Resources Corporation Pollution Control Officer Aurelio Espeja Tel No./Fax No. +63918 202 6287 Project Type Mining and processing of gold ore Project Status Development Project Consideration 1.1 Size and Type 1.1.1 Size based on the number of employees Approximately 500 men construction 1.1.2 Type ECP (in either ECA or Non‐ECA) __√__ Non‐ECP but in ECA _____ Non‐ECP and Non‐ECA _____ 1.2 Waste Generation and Management 1.2.1 Enumerate waste type and specify quantity of wastes generated in the facility Category Waste Type Quantity Hazardous Non‐Hazardous Air Dust √ 3 Liquid Tailings water √ 1,556 m/yr 3 Sewage √ 75,000 m/yr Used oil √ 45.5 to 13 m3/yr Solid Tailings (solid) √ 750,000 tons/yr Waste rock √ 4,800,000 tons/yr (ave) Industrial Grinding (steel) balls √ 175 tons/yr January 2009 8‐98 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 1.3 Pollution Control System (PCS) 1.3.1 Enumerate PCS or waste management method used in the facility Category PCS/Waste Management Method Used Remarks Air Water sprinkling of road as dust suppressor Continuous during dry periods. Liquid Tailings dam and recycling of process water The tailings dam (TD) is a permanent structure, progressively built‐up Cyanide detoxification plant Detoxification is applied prior to release of tailings water to the TD. Sewage treatment plant Permanent structure (Used oil) kept in drums Sold to recyclers Solid Tailings dam Permanent structure, progressive build‐ up Waste rock dump Permanent structure, progressive build‐ up (Used grinding balls) kept in drums Sold as scrap II. Pathways 2.1 Prevailing wind towards barrio or city? Yes __√__ No _____ Based from the PAGASA Wind Rose diagram 1987‐1996 • From the east, 16% of the year, months of February to May. • West, 13% of the year, months of June to October • Northeast, 12% of the year, November to March • Southwest, 10% of the year, from June to July • South, 9% of the year, months of April and May. • North, 8% of the year, months of October to February The average annual mean wind speed is 2 mps. The dry months are May to September. Construction stage: Barangay Siana, located immediately to the south of the TD and west of the open pit, may be affected by dust from the earthmoving activities on these structures brought by the southward and westward winds, respectively. Barangay Siana is less than 100 m from the TD and approximately 300 meters from the open pit. Barangay Cawilan, which is located immediately north of the waste dump and northeast of the process plant site, may be affected by dust carried by winds from the east in the months of February to May, from the south prevailing in the months of April and May and from the southwest during the months of June to July. This community is less than 100 m from the waste dump and process plant site. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐99 Operation stage: Mining and waste dump operations, and tailings dam build‐up will be continuous for the rest of the open pit operation. The tailings dam will be continuously built‐up during the underground operation. 2.2 Rainfall (impacts surface and groundwater pathways) 2.2.1 Average annual net rainfall __3,556.4_ mm 2.2.2 Maximum 24‐hour rainfall ___566.4_ mm 2.3 Terrain Flat __√__ Steep_____ 2.4 Is the facility located in a flood‐prone area? Yes_____ No __√____ 2.5 Groundwater Depth of groundwater table _10.7_ __ m (Please see 3.3) Receiving Media/Receptors _km 3.1 Air (Distance to the nearest community) __<1.0_ 3.2 Receiving Surface Water Body 3.2.1 Distance to receiving surface water Surface bodies of water within the Project: 1. Magpayang River __<0.1__km 2. Dayano River __<0.1__km 3. Spanish ditch __<1.0__km These bodies of surface water fall within the same sub‐catchment area with that of the project sites. The sub‐catchment is approximately 21 km2 inside the Magpayang catchment, which has an estimated area of 57 km2. 3.2.2 Size of population using receiving surface water (The values quoted are the total barangay population as of August 2007 which grossly overstates the actual users of surface water.) 1. Barangay Siana __ 872__ _ 2. Barangay Cawilan _1,290_ 3. Barangay Magpayang _1,498__ 4. Barangay Pungtod 1,216__ January 2009 8‐100 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 3.2.3 Fresh water 3.2.3.1 Classification of fresh water Under Department (DENR) Administrative Order 34, the minimum water quality parameters to be considered for classifying a surface water are dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total coliform organisms. In 2005, BMP made a tentative classification of the surface waters impacted by the Project, using total coliforms, oil & grease, phenols, and PO4 as P as the limiting factors. The following table shows the results of the classification: Parameter Magpayang River Spanish Ditch Dayano River BOD A A A 5 Total Coliform C or D C A Oil & grease C C C Phenols D ‐ ‐ PO4 ‐ P C or D B A 3.2.3.2 Size of fresh water 1. Magpayang River __143__ km2 2 2. Dayano River __0.03__km 2 _km 3. Spanish ditch __0.002 3.2.3.2 Economic value of water use The residents of Barangays Siana, Dayano, and Cawilan, use the rivers as source of their communal irrigation systems (CIS), washing of clothes, bathing, and care for their animals. Magpayang River is also a source of fish. 3.2.4 Salt water ‐ Not Applicable 3.3 Ground Water 3.3.1 Distance to nearest recharge area The open pit is in a volcaniclastic, carbonate (Timamana limestone), and basalt area. The volcaniclastics and basalts with open fractures at depth as well as the karstic limestone provide groundwater flows. Groundwater in the aquifer flows toward Siana pit from the north and west. The near surface alluvial aquifer, about 6 – 12 m thick, flows from the east towards Magpayang River. 3.3.2 Distance to nearest well used ___0.7__ km The pit and the water treatment plant are both inside the Project site. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐101 3.3.3 Ground water use within the nearest well – Not Applicable No longer in use because of GRC’s potable water system. 3.4 Land 3.4.1 Indicate current/actual land uses within 0.5 km radius Residential ___√____ Commercial/institutional ________ Industrial ________ Agricultural/recreational ___√____ __ Protected area _None 3.4.2 Potential/proposed land uses within 0.5 km radius Residential ___√____ Commercial/institutional ________ Industrial ___√____ Agricultural/recreational ___√____ Protected area _None__ 3.4.3 Number of affected Environmentally Critical Areas within 1 km __1__ Lake Mainit is located southwest of the Project site and is the recipient of Magpayang River discharge. 3.4.4 Distance to nearest ECA __3.5__ km IV Environmental Performance (for existing projects for expansion) Not Applicable ……………………………………………….. January 2009 8‐102 EIS of the Siana Gold Project (To be filled up by EMB Personnel) RECOMMENDATIONS Assessed By: ____________________________ Noted By: _____________________________ ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..………………………...… ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT OF PROJECT PROPONENT This is to certify that all information in the submitted Project Environmental Monitoring and Audit Prioritization Scheme (PEMAPS) Questionnaire of __________________________________________________________ located at ___________________________________________________________ is true, accurate and complete. Should I learn of any information, which makes this inaccurate, I shall bring said information to the appropriate Environmental Management Bureau Regional Office. In witness whereof, I hereby set out my hands this _______ day of __________________, 200____ at _____________________________________. _______________________________ PROJECT PROPONENT SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this _______day of __________________________ 200____, at _____________________________________________. Affiant exhibiting to me his/her Community Tax Certificate No. __________________ issued on _____________________ at _______________________________. Doc. No. ___________ Page No. ___________ Book No. ___________ Series of 200____ January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐103 Annex 8‐7. Profile of the Impact Municipalities Impact Municipalities The project’s footprint straddles three barangays, namely, Siana and Dayano in the municipality of Mainit and Cawilan in the municipality of Tubod. They are the host municipalities and the direct impact area. Three other barangays, Del Rosario in Tubod, Magpayang in Mainit, and Pongtud in Alegria will be indirectly impacted by the project. Tubod Tubod is located in the central part of the mainland province of Surigao del Norte. It is bisected almost equally from north to south by the Philippine National Highway. It is 36 km south of Surigao City, the provincial capital and 88 km from Butuan City, the capital of Agusan del Norte. It is a landlocked municipality bounded by the municipality of Placer on the north, the municipality of Bacuag on the east, and on the west and south by the municipality of Mainit. Tubod is a fifth class municipality. For 2008, its total Internal Revenue Allotment is P 20,511,970. Of this, P 4,102,394 is allocated for Development Projects. Topography and Land Features The physical land features of Tubod vary from flat and gently sloping to hilly and highly steep with an average elevation of 80 m above sea level. Except in the southern part where the lowlands are located, the municipality is surrounded by mountains and forestland. The barangays with a slope of 0 to 8 % include Poblacion, San Pablo, Marga, and Del Rosario. The mountain ranges of Mt. Diwata, rising up to 300 meters, border the boundary of Tubod and Bacuag. These ranges have a slope of more than 50 %. Mt. Maniayao with an elevation of 644 m, divides Tubod and Mainit on the western and southern sides. The boundary has a slope of 30 to 50 %. The municipality has a total land area of 5,464 ha. The alienable and disposable land covers three‐fourths and the balance is classified as forestland. History The name Tubod was derived from the Visayan term Tuburan, meaning spring. This spring, now called Songkoy, is the municipality’s major source of domestic and irrigation water. The Mamanwas were the original settlers of Tubod. They moved to the hinterlands when Christian migrants occupied the area. Agustin Mendez, a Boholano, was the first Christian settler and considered the founder of Tubod. He planted large tracts of land with abaca, rice, root crops, and coconuts. Other migrants from Bohol, Leyte, and Camiguin later settled in the area and engaged in farming. Tubod was originally a sitio of Timamana, one of the barangays of Placer. In 1909, it became a barangay under the leadership of Agustin Mendez. In 1931, it was declared a barangay of the municipality of Mainit. On September 18, 1957, it was finally classified as an independent municipality by virtue of Executive Order 269 issued by President Carlos P. Garcia. Agustin Mendez was likewise instrumental in its proclamation as a municipality. To support its approval, he donated the lot for the municipal site. The first municipal officials assumed office on 4 October 1958. January 2009 8‐104 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Political Subdivisions Tubod’s area comprises 2 % of the land area of Surigao del Norte. It consists of nine (9) barangays shown in Figure 1. Six (6) barangays are located along the National Highway, namely: Poblacion, San Pablo, Del Rosario, Marga, Motorpool and Timamana. San Isidro, Capayahan, and Cawilan are in the periphery. Figure 1. Political map of Tubod Land Area and Population As of 2007, the total population is 11,664. Population density is 2.13 persons ha‐1. The three (3) urban barangays, namely: Timamana, Poblacion, and San Pablo cover a third of the municipality’s land area and account for 37 % of the population. Poblacion, the seat of government, is the most densely populated with 7.7 persons ha‐1 while Timamana, the biggest barangay that occupies a fourth of the municipality has the lowest density of 1.27 persons ha‐1. Table 1. Land area, population and population density, Municipality of Tubod, 2007 2 Barangay Area (km ) 2007 Population Density URBAN 1,784.50 4,356 2.44 Poblacion 198.50 1,529 7.70 San Pablo 270.90 1,162 4.29 Timamana 1,315.10 1,665 1.27 RURAL 3,679.10 7,308 1.99 Capayahan 678.90 906 1.33 Cawilan 541.80 1,290 2.38 Del Rosario 496.10 1,249 2.52 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐105 2 Barangay Area (km ) 2007 Population Density Marga 682.90 1,382 2.02 Motorpool 798.70 1,485 1.86 San Isidro 480.70 996 2.07 Total 5,463.60 11,664.00 2.13 Sources: MPDO and NSO Over a twelve‐year period from 1995 to 2007, Tubod’s population grew by an average of 1.1 % per year, less than half of the Philippine average of 2.24 %. With the exception of Poblacion and Cawilan, the population in the other barangays registered increases over the three censal years. The decrease in population from 1995 to 2000 in these two barangays is attributable to the closure of Surigao Consolidated Mining Corporation in 1991. As of 2000, the average household size in Tubod is 5.05, slightly higher than the national average of 5. Table 2. Population and household population, Municipality of Tubod, 2007, 2000 and 1995 Population No. of Households Average Household Size Barangay 2007 2000 1995 2000 1995 2000 1995 TUBOD 11,664 10,923 10,318 2,165 2,022 5.05 5.10 Urban 4,356 4,239 4,009 840 785 5.05 5.11 Poblacion 1,529 1,455 1,515 294 293 4.95 5.17 San Pablo 1,162 1,280 1,009 238 200 5.38 5.05 Timamana 1,665 1,504 1,485 308 292 4.88 5.09 Rural 7,308 6,684 6,309 1,325 1,237 5.04 5.10 Capayahan 906 775 690 160 133 4.84 5.19 Cawilan 1,290 1,101 1,243 203 227 5.42 5.48 Del Rosario 1,249 1,302 1,221 249 238 5.23 5.13 Marga 1,382 1,370 1,199 272 232 5.04 5.17 Motorpool 1,485 1,368 1,214 276 248 4.96 4.90 San Isidro 996 768 742 165 159 4.65 4.67 Source: NSO As of 1995, Boholano is the predominant dialect spoken by 71 % of the population. Surigaonon is the mother tongue of a fifth (22 %) of the population. Minor dialects spoken include Cebuano, Butuanon, and Tagalog. Crop Production Tubod’s economy is agriculture‐based. Three‐fifths (3,345 ha) of the land area is planted to various crops. Coconut is the predominant crop, occupying 2,912 ha or 88 % of the total agricultural land. Rice is the major food crop planted to 393.02 ha. Of this, 365 ha or 93 % is irrigated. The Department of Agriculture (DA) considers the municipality as a major rice producing area. Seven (7) of its nine (9) barangays are key grain producers: Timamana, Motorpool, Marga, Cawilan, Poblacion, San Pablo, and Del Rosario. January 2009 8‐106 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Fishery Lake Mahacdum is the main source of freshwater fish in Tubod. Carps and tilapia are grown in fish cages. The fisherfolks employ the traditional fishing methods such as hook and line, spear gun and gill nets. Most of the fishermen in the municipality come from Capayahan. Commercial Establishments Municipal Treasury records show that as of May 2002, there are 181 commercial establishments operating in Tubod. Three‐fourths (78 %) are sari‐sari or variety stores. Other business establishments include: eatery and refreshment 3, pharmacy 2, copra buyer 9, consumer cooperatives 2, tailoring 1, beauty parlor 1, and bakeries 3. Industry Two mining companies are currently exploring in the area. These are Greenstone Resources Corporation in Cawilan and Silangan Mining in Timamana. Other industrial establishments include rice mills, small welding shops, blacksmiths, and wooden/bamboo furniture manufacturing. Electricity The Surigao Del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) supplies electricity to the municipality. As of 2001, it has provided power to 90 % of the urban households and 78 % of the rural households. Cooking Fuel Majority of the households use wood, bamboo and charcoal as cooking fuel. A third of the households use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and a tenth use electric stove for cooking. Communications TELECOM and PHILCOM provide telephone lines with national and international direct dialling services. SMART cell phone signal is available in the whole municipality. There is one post office manned by one person. The Philippine National Police use radio transceivers that cover the whole Caraga region. The local government provides handheld radios to the Municipal Health Office, Mayor’s Office, and the nine Barangay Captains. Road Network and Transportation Tubod has a total road network of 48 km. This consists of 7 km national road, 17.4 km provincial road, 5.5 km municipal road, and 18.2 km barangay road. Seventy percent of the roads is gravel filled; twenty percent, including the entire National Road, is concrete; and the balance is earth filled. Buses going to different areas in Mindanao ply the National Highway. There are also multi‐cabs and air‐conditioned vans that take passengers to Surigao City. Tricycles transport people within the municipalities and barangays. Educational Facilities Brgy. San Isidro has a primary school each. The other barangays have complete elementary schools. The Tubod National High School and Timamana National High School provide secondary education to the municipality residents. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐107 Health Facilities The Rural Health Unit is located in Brgy. Poblacion. Only two (2) out of nine (9) barangays have health centers. These are Timamana and Capayahan. The services rendered by these health facilities are discussed at length in the Public Health section. Protective Services The Tubod government employs 9 policemen. The police station is equipped with a patrol jeep, communication facilities, and long firearms. Assisting the police force are some 67 Barangay Tanods or guards stationed in their respective areas. From 1997 to 2001, a total of 486 crimes were committed in the municipality. A third constituted alarms and scandals; 23 % involved physical injury; 17 % murder; 15 % theft and 6 % robbery. Sports and Recreation 2 The municipality has a new 1,550 m gymnasium located in the Poblacion. There is a municipal park, recreational garden, and a cockpit. All barangays except Capayahan have basketball courts. The multi‐purpose drying pavements in some barangays are likewise used for recreational and sports activities. Barangays Poblacion, Timamana, Capayahan, Cawilan, Marga, Motorpool, and San Isidro have multi‐purpose buildings for social and official functions. Tourism There are a number of potential tourist spots in Tubod. The most notable is the Songcoy Cold Spring in Marga which is about 1.4 km from the National Highway. The other tourist attractions are the 26‐ha Lake Mahacdum situated at the foot of Mt. Maniayaw and the historical mass graves of local freedom defenders during the 1924 Colorum Uprising. Social Welfare The municipality has one Social Welfare Officer who implements programs for the indigent families, malnourished children, out of school youth, women, senior citizens, disaster victims and the disabled. She also supervises the operations of the Day Care Centers located in each of the nine (9) barangays. Mainit Mainit, literally meaning “hot”, is a town by the Lake Mainit. It is approximately 44 km from Surigao City. Located in o o o o the southwestern part of the province within the grid 9 26’ to 9 35’ north latitude and 125 26’ to 125 32’ east longitude, it is bounded on the north by the municipalities of Sison and Placer; on the south by the municipality of Alegria and Agusan del Norte Province; on the east by the municipalities of Tubod and Bacuag and on the west by the municipality of Malimono. Mainit is a fourth class municipality. For 2008, its IRA is P 31,470,154 and the Development Fund is P 6,294,031. History Like Tubod, the Mamanwas were the first settlers of Mainit. According to oral tradition and unpublished studies, the Mamanwas were already living in the area as early as the 1800s. They originally settled near Lake Mainit, in what is now Barangay San Isidro. They were gradually pushed to the hinterlands by the migrants from Luzon and Visayas. Mainit’s political history started in 1904 when the Americans created it as a barrio of Placer, Surigao. In 1906, it was claimed by Agusan Province as part of its territory and was declared as a separate municipality. The territorial conflict was settled six months later when Mainit was returned to Placer. On 1 January 1931, it became a Municipality by January 2009 8‐108 EIS of the Siana Gold Project virtue of Executive Order 290 dated 27 December 1930. Antonio Mozar was its first mayor. Two barrios of Mainit became separate municipalities. These are Tubod (1958) and Alegria (1968). Political Subdivisions Figure 2. Political map of Mainit The Municipality of Mainit has a land area of 15,354 ha distributed in 21 barangays. The five urban barangays occupy 28 % of the land area and the sixteen (16) rural barangays cover 72 %. Land Area and Population Table 3 gives the land area and the creation dates of the barangays. Table 3. Land area, population and population density, Municipality of Mainit, 2007 % to Barangay Land Area Population Population Density Total Date How Created 2 ‐1 (km ) 2007 (persons ha ) Land Created Area MAINIT 15,353.8 23,952.0 1.6 Urban 4,212.0 12,709.0 3.0 27.43% Magpayang 595.0 1,498 2.5 3.88% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Magsaysay 867.0 1,733 2.0 5.65% 3/16/1960 RA 3590 Matin‐ao 965.0 3,810 3.9 6.29% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Quezon 865.0 3,547 4.1 5.63% 3/16/1960 RA 3590 San Francisco 920.0 2,121 2.3 5.99% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐109 % to Barangay Land Area Population Population Density Total Date How Created 2 ‐1 (km ) 2007 (persons ha ) Land Created Area Rural 11,141.8 11,243.0 1.0 72.57% Binga 665.8 372 0.6 4.34% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Bobonaon 668.0 259 0.4 4.35% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Cantugas 915.0 1,373 1.5 5.96% 1/16/1958 Prov'l Board Resolution Dayano 700.0 402 0.6 4.56% 2/16/1959 Prov'l Board Resolution Mabini 600.0 916 1.5 3.91% 10/8/1960 RA 3590 Mansayao 825.0 634 0.8 5.37% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Marayag 565.0 292 0.5 3.68% 10/5/1960 RA 3590 Paco 946.0 607 0.6 6.16% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Roxas 667.0 1,348 2.0 4.34% 7/27/1972 Prov'l Board Resolution San Isidro 865.0 1,455 1.7 5.63% 1/16/1958 Prov'l Board Resolution San Jose 790.0 705 0.9 5.15% 10/3/1960 RA 3590 Siana 550.0 872 1.6 3.58% 11/15/1956 Prov'l Board Resolution Silop 705.0 253 0.4 4.59% 6/1/1962 Prov'l Board Resolution Tagbuyawan 515.0 342 0.7 3.35% 5/7/1959 Prov'l Board Resolution Tapian 565.0 206 0.4 3.68% 1/16/1958 Prov'l Board Resolution Tolingon 600.0 1,207 2.0 3.91% 2/16/1959 Prov'l Board Resolution Sources: MPDO and NSO In 2000, Mainit’s household population was 23,365 distributed in 4,621 households, yielding an average household size of 5.05 (Table 4). From 2000 to 2007, population grew by 0.33 %, which is a quarter of the population increment of 1.24 % for Surigao del Norte over the same period. As of August 2007, the gross urban density is 3 persons ha‐1 while the gross rural density is 1 person ha‐1. Table 4. Population and household population, Municipality of Mainit, 2007 and 2000 Population Household Number of Barangay Population 2000 Households 2000 2007 2000 MAINIT 23,952 23,417 23,365 4,621 Urban 12,709 12,637 12,595 2,535 Magpayang 1,498 1,520 1,520 287 Magsaysay (Pob.) 1,733 1,898 1,897 381 Matin‐ao 3,810 3,811 3,774 768 Quezon 3,547 3,273 3,269 663 San Francisco 2,121 2,135 2,135 436 Rural 11,243 10,780 10,770 2,086 Binga 372 405 405 79 January 2009 8‐110 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Population Household Number of Barangay Population 2000 Households 2000 2007 2000 Bobona‐on 259 169 169 35 Cantugas 1,373 1,381 1,381 246 Dayano 402 405 405 73 Mabini 916 960 960 185 Mansayao 634 588 588 121 Marayag 292 230 230 44 Paco 607 715 715 128 Roxas 1,348 1,141 1,141 218 San Isidro 1,455 1,477 1,477 307 San Jose 705 640 640 128 Siana 872 786 786 156 Silop 253 254 244 49 Tagbuyawan 342 292 292 68 Tapi‐an 206 180 180 40 Tolingon 1,207 1,157 1,157 209 Source: NSO Surigaonon is spoken by 92 % of the population. The minor dialects are Boholano ( 2 %) and Cebuano (1.65 %). The dominant religion is Roman Catholic. As of 2000, 70 % of the municipality’s population belonged to this religion. Those affiliated with the Aglipay and United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) constituted 11 % and 10 %, th respectively. Other religions were 7 Day Adventists, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Church of the Latter Day Saints. Crop Production Mainit is an agricultural community. Agricultural land covers 11,852 ha or 88 % of the municipality’s land area. Rice is the principal crop and coconut is the secondary crop. Approximately 1,336 ha are planted to this crop. Coconut is the second major crop with an annual production of 8,559 t and total hectarage of 7,133 ha. Brgys. Silop, Bobonaon, Marayag, and Paco are highly dependent on coconut. Banana is the third most important crop with an annual production of 575 t and area of 229 ha. Other agricultural crops include vegetables, gabi camote, cassava and other root crops. Fishery The municipality is located around Lake Mainit, the 4th largest lake in the country with an area of 14,700 ha. Mainit has jurisdiction over 4,425 ha. (29 %) of this lake. This area is suited to commercial production of ducks and inland fish culture. The most common freshwater species caught in the lake are carp, white goby, catfish, tilapia, mudfish, and eel. Tapyuson and other shells also abound in the lake. Fishing is the main source of livelihood in the lakeshore barangays of Tapi‐an, Tagbuyawan and Mansayao. The ten (10) other barangays also derive income from fishing. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐111 Educational Facilities All twenty‐one (21) barangays of Mainit have public elementary schools. Eight (8) have primary schools only while thirteen (13) have complete elementary schools. Brgy. Tolingon has two (2) schools, one complete elementary and a primary school at Sitio Mahayahay. Brgy. Cantugas has a complete elementary school and a Cultural Community School that caters to the Mamanwas. There are currently two (2) private kindergarten schools. The first is the San Nicolas Academy and the second is the Early Childhood Learning Center which is run by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Both schools are located in the Poblacion. There are four (4) public secondary schools and a private high school, the San Nicolas Academy. It is run by the Catholic Parish of Mainit. The Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture used to be a tertiary school. It was downgraded to a technical school when management was transferred to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 2004. Health Facilities The Mainit Main Health Center is located in the poblacion. There are four (4) Barangay Health Stations located in Brgys. Paco, Magpayang, and Matin‐ao. Protective Services The municipality employs 17 policemen. It has no police vehicle and lacks communication facilities. Although considered generally peaceful, Mainit has unlawful activities such as illegal fishing, tree cutting, and gambling that could not be controlled due to the lack of manpower and equipment. Insurgency is a major issue. Sports and Recreational Facilities Public sports and recreational facilities consist of 34 basketball courts, two (2) volleyball courts, and two (2) tennis courts. There are privately owned billiard halls and two (2) cockpit arenas. Social Welfare Six (6) barangays, namely, Roxas, San Jose, Siana, Mabini, San Isidro, and Mansayao are covered by the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Projects being implemented include water and sanitation, livelihood, facilities and organization of community welfare structures. Aside from the CIDSS projects, the social welfare staff also supervises the operation of sixteen (16) Day Care Centers in fourteen (14) barangays. Alegria o o o The Municipality of Alegria is situated at latitude 9 23’ to 9 27’ and longitude 125 44’30”. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Mainit, on the south by the Municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, on the east by the Municipality of Gigaquit, and on the west by Lake Mainit. It is 48 km away from Surigao City and 75 km from Butuan City, the Caraga Regional Center. th Alegria is a 5 Class Municipality with an IRA of P 22,428,428 for 2008. January 2009 8‐112 EIS of the Siana Gold Project History Alegria was originally known as Sitio Anahaw. The name Alegria, meaning happy or lively in Spanish, was adopted at the suggestion of Judge Sixto Olga. He happened to pass by the place one night when the folks were having a party. The people asked him to join them in their merrymaking. Observing how happy the people were, he advised them to change the name of the place from Sitio Anahaw to “Alegria”. Sitio Alegria became a municipality on 15 June 1968 by virtue of RA 5239. Its first mayor was Tomas V. Cosca, an Ilongo from Pilar, Cadiz. Political Subdivisions Figure 3. Political map of Alegria Twelve (12) barangays comprise the municipality. Five (5) are urban and seven (7) are rural. As of 2007, the municipality’s population is 13,369. Of this, 59 % is urban and 41 % is rural. Land Area and Population Table 5 shows the land area and 2007 population and population density for Alegria. Alegria has an area of 6,670 ha. The rural barangays occupy 78 % of the total area while the urban barangays cover 22 %. The overall population density is 2 persons ha‐1. Brgy. Poblacion has the highest population density (5 persons ha‐1) while Camp Edward has the lowest (0.25 person ha‐1). Table 5. Land area, population and population density, Municipality of Alegria, 2007 Barangay Land Area (ha) Population 2007 Population Density (Persons ha‐1) ALEGRIA 6,670 13,369 2 Urban 1,483 7,887 5 Anahaw 160 1,128 7 January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐113 Barangay Land Area (ha) Population 2007 Population Density (Persons ha‐1) Julio Ouano 186 1,707 9 San Pedro 484 2,135 4 Poblacion (Alegria) 178 1,701 10 Pongtud 475 1,216 3 Rural 5,187 5,482 1 Alipao 350 1,747 5 Budlingin 1,193 536 0 Camp Edward (Geotina) 1,530 387 0 Ferlda 1,340 326 0 Gamuton 3 175 514 3 Ombong 280 687 2 San Juan 319 1,285 4 Sources: MPDO and NSO Alegria’s population grew at an annual rate of 0.5 % from 2000 to 2007. In 2000, its household population of 12,919 was distributed in 2,350 households, giving an average household size of 5.5. Table 6. Population and household population, Municipality of Alegria, 2007 and 2000 Population 2000 Household 2000 Number of Barangay Population Households 2007 2000 ALEGRIA 13,369 12,923 12,919 2,350 Urban 7,887 7,825 7,821 1,453 Anahaw 1,128 935 935 182 Julio Ouano 1,707 1,504 1,504 287 San Pedro 2,135 2,411 2,411 448 Poblacion (Alegria) 1,701 1,604 1,600 288 Pongtud 1,216 1,371 1,371 248 Rural 5,482 5,098 5,098 897 Alipao 1,747 1,618 1,618 299 Budlingin 536 551 551 90 Camp Edward (Geotina) 387 284 284 43 Ferlda 326 298 298 48 Gamuton 3 514 464 464 78 Ombong 687 646 646 108 San Juan 1,285 1,237 1,237 231 Source: NSO Surigaonon is spoken by 9 out of 10 residents. Minor dialects include Cebuano and Boholano. Roman Catholic is the predominant religion (70 %), followed by Aglipay (13 %), and Iglesia ni Kristo (10 %). January 2009 8‐114 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Crop Production Alegria is one of the major rice producers in Surigao. Total hectarage devoted to rice is 824.5 ha. Of this, 96 % or 791 ha is irrigated. The average area cultivated per farmer is 1.27 ha. Post‐harvest facilities consist of 9 rice mills, 9 warehouses, 9 solar and 4 mechanical dryers. There are also sixteen (16) cereal traders who buy the produce of the farmers. Coconut is another major crop planted to 1,795 ha. Banana, the third most important crop occupies 196 ha. The Sarabia variety is planted to some 193 ha while the Latundan variety is cultivated in 3 ha of land. Fifty‐two (52) hectares are devoted to rootcrops such as cassava (35 ha), sweet potato (20 ha) and yam (2 ha). Livestock Chickens, ducks, and hogs are grown mainly for consumption. Cattle is raised for milk and meat. They are slaughtered only on very special occasions such as fiestas and weddings. Carabaos and horses are used as farm animals. Dogs are not consumed but the Department of Agriculture takes the numbers for its anti‐rabies campaign. All dogs are given anti‐rabies shots to eradicate rabies which is endemic in the whole Philippines. Commercial Establishments Sari‐sari stores (small variety stores) dominate the commercial establishments. Other enterprises consist of rice mills and post‐harvest facilities, copra buyers, and fertilizer and agri‐supplies retailers. There is a rural bank, two (2) groceries/wholesalers, two (2) mini‐hardwares, a beauty parlor, and four (4) body building/welding and vulcanizing shops in the urban barangays. In the three (3) far‐flung barangays of Budligin, Camp Edward, and Ferlda, people purchase their needs on Mondays and Thursdays which are the Tabuan or market days. There are no registered commercial enterprises in these barangays. Utilities Smart and Globe signals are available in the municipality. There is a cable network company and a government‐run calling center and telegraph office. There is a Post Office that provides mail and money order services. PhilCom also operates a telephone station in Brgy. Ouano. The Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO) serves eight (8) out of twelve (12) barangays. These are Poblacion, Ouano, Gamuton, Anahaw, San Pedro, Ombong, San Juan, and Pongtud. Industrial Establishments The industrial establishments consist of a jewelry maker, a furniture maker, a cement factory, a hollow block factory, and three (3) trisikad fabricators. Educational Facilities There are four (4) complete elementary schools, two (2) complete primary schools, three (3) incomplete primary schools, and one(1) high school in Alegria. None of them has a library, clinic or laboratory. Protective Services The municipality employs ten (10) policemen to maintain peace and order. It has a fire station building but no fire personnel and fire‐fighting equipment. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐115 Sports and Recreation The sports facilities in Alegria consist of basketball and volleyball courts. Except for Brgy. Poblacion, all the barangays have basketball courts. There are volleyball courts in Brgys. Anahaw, Ombong, and Alipao. Tourism There are two (2) potential tourist attractions in Alegria. These are the Pongtud Hot Springs in Pongtud and Le Mundo Waterfalls in Budligin. Social Welfare Two registered social workers service the needs of the women, children, senior citizens, indigents and other vulnerable groups in the 12 barangays. There are 11 Day Care Centers that cater to the 3 to 5 years old children. January 2009 8‐116 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Annex 8‐8. Heads of agreement between JCG resources and Bremer Resources January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐117 January 2009 8‐118 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐119 January 2009 8‐120 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐121 January 2009 8‐122 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐123 January 2009 8‐124 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐125 January 2009 8‐126 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐127 January 2009 8‐128 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐129 January 2009 8‐130 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Annex 8‐9. Deed of assignment between JCG Resources, Bremer Resources and Greenstone Resources Corporation January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐131 January 2009 8‐132 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐133 January 2009 8‐134 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐135 Annex 8‐10. Highlights of meeting with officials of brgys. Cawilan, Siana, and Dayano January 2009 8‐136 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐137 January 2009 8‐138 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐139 January 2009 8‐140 EIS of the Siana Gold Project January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐141 Annex 8‐11. TRANSCRIPTION OF THE OPEN FORUM OF THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE EIA OF GREENSTONE RESOURCES CORPORATION’S SIANA GOLD PROJECT BARANGAY SIANA COMMUNITY HALL DECEMBER 5, 2008 EMB Caraga Regional Director Ester Olavidez: set the rules of Public Hearing and served as the Facilitator DENR Asst. Sec. Jeremias Dolino, DENR representative MGB Caraga Regional Dir. Alilo Ensomo, MGB Representative GRC Managing Director Gregory C Edwards, Head of GRC Panel in the Open Forum Dr. Daisy Serrano, Head of the EIA Review Committee formed by DENR‐EMB Central Office with Review Committee member Engr. Paulo Tidalgo and MGB Resource Person Engr. Reynaldo Zabala in attendance. Engr. Jess Addawe, Head of EMB Central Office delegation Dr. Rolando Cuaño and Marita Cuaño, BMP Environment & Community Care, Inc. Calinico Lazarte: Bisaya: Ako si Calinico Lazarte, lupulupyo sa Barangay Siana. Natagbaw ko sa mga pahayag no, aduna koy pangutana, mubo ra kaayo ma’am. Kanang kung pananglitan, kung mopadayon kining mining operation sa Greenstone. Kaming mga tawo nga namuyo diha sa kilid sa tailings pond, unsa may inyong pahayag sa opinyon diha kay gikulban ko nga maniguro lang ako kay morag delikado? I’m Calinico Lazarte, a resident of Barangay Siana, I am satisfied with the presentations. My question is: if the mining operation will push through, what will happen to us residents who are living near the foot of tailings pond # 3 since according to the presenters, the tailings pond dike wall will be raised. Are we going to be relocated or will we remain in the area that we are now occupying? Hearing Officer: Bisaya: Ang imong pangutana morag naa moy pagduha‐duha, kaninyo diha duol man dapit anang tailings pond, so kamo ba padahawaon? O diha ra ba gihapon mo kay naa naman mo namuyo? Kinsa may makatubag ani? So the question is: are they going to be relocated? Who will answer the question? January 2009 8‐142 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Ang Kompanya po ay gumagawa ng paraan para sa mga ganyang problema, may plano po ang kompanya na magkaroon ng relocation area para po sa mga maapektuhan ng operation ng kompanya, tapos gagawa din po tayo (GRC) ng mga bakod o harang sa paligid ng tailings pond para hindi maapektuhan ang mga nakatira malapit sa tailings pond. The Company is looking into that problem. The Company is preparing the relocation plans and area for residents that will be affected during the mining operation. Part of that plan is the consideration of safety aspects like the construction of mitigating fences or building a rock wall aside from the dike wall of the tailings pond facility so that residents living near the tailings pond will be safe and will not be affected. Calinico Lazarte: Tagalog: Ang sa akin lang, pwede ba na iba bukod sa relokasyon? Kase kung relokasyon, ayaw ko, kase gusto kong pumunta na ng Maynila. I don’t want relocation, my option is to be paid out and I want to transfer to Manila. Mike Alapan: Tagalog: May relocation po tayo (GRC) kung sakaling maapektuhan ang ilan sa inyo sa operasyon ng kompanya. Huwag po kayo mag‐alala, kung sakaling maapektuhan ang isa sa inyo, sisiguraduhin po ng kompanya na ibabalik ang mga nawala sa inyo o ang dating pamumuhay na nakasanayan nyo. Katulad na nga lang po na kung masira ang bahay, ire‐relocate kayo ng kompanya, o kapag nasira ang pamumuhay, palayan o fishpond, aayusin po ng kompanya iyan. We have relocation plans for affected residents because the company has prepared a relocation plan that is safe for the residents that will be affected by the operation. The company will make sure that affected residents will be given just and fair compensation. Cheryl W. Zamora (GRC ComRel): Tagalog: Sir, ang ibig niyang sabihin ay kung may option po ba daw na babayaran sila o irelocate? Kase ayaw na po daw niya sa Siana, pupunta na po siya ng Maynila. According to Mr. Lazarte, what are the options? Are they going to be paid out or be relocated? Since Mr. Lazarte doesn’t want to live in Siana anymore. Hearing Officer: Bisaya: Ako lang pagsabot sa iyang mga tubag kung kinahanglanon jud, nga makuan sa ilang operasyon, kanang maapektuhan ka sa ilang operasyon, so dili kinahanglan na irelocate ka. Siguro pagabayaran ka kung gusto ka kinahanglanon. So nay relocation nga ilang himoon. Kung dili na siguro irelocate, butangan siguro og mga wall or mga fences sama sa koral. Tan‐awon nila na o ila istudyuhan kung maayo ba og naay relocation, klaro? January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐143 In my understanding, according to the one who answered the question, the company will pay the affected residents or relocate them if needed, and in case they don’t need to be relocated, the company will build walls or fences as mitigating/safety measures, and the company is still doing the study to assure safety nets are in place and if there will be residents that need to be relocated. Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Magandang umaga po. Kanina nabanggit na po ni Dr. Rolly Cuaño na kung anuman pong negosasyon na mamagitan sa kompanya at sa mga maapektuhan ng operasyon ng kompanya, yun po ang susundin ng kompanya. Ang sinasabi naman po ni Mike Alapan ay sa pangangailangan na masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga nakatira malapit sa tailings pond, magtatayo po ng bakod sa paanan ng tailings pond na sa kasaysayan ng mina dito sa Pilipinas, ang GRC lang po ang nagiisa at kauna‐unahang gagawa ng paglalagay ng bakod sa paanan ng tailings pond para lang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga nakatira malapit sa tailings pond. According to the presentation of Dr. Rolly Cuaño, whatever the results of the negotiation between affected residents and the company will be followed. What Mr. Alapan had mentioned earlier are safeguards to those who are living near the foot of the tailings pond. In case that it is needed, the company will construct a retaining fence so that they will be safe and not be affected and I think it will be the first of its kind in the s Philippines since most of the tailing ponds constructed are built with dikes only with no retaining fences or walls. Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Ayon din po kay Mr. Edwards, isang paraan din po para hindi masyadong makaapekto ang operasyon ng kompanya sa kalapit na mga baranggay, ang operasyon po sa may tailings pond ay hindi po sa gabi kungdi sa araw lang mangyayari upang makasiguro na ligtas ang operasyon at mababantayan ng mabuti ang trabaho. At bukod pa sa mga bakod na itatayo, may berm o isa pang paraan ng pagbakod sa tuktok ng tailings pond para masiguro na hindi lalabas ang naiipon sa tailings pond. Isa pang paraan para masiguro natin na ligtas ang pagtra‐trabaho sa tailings pond, hindi po araw‐araw ang trabaho sa tailings pond, mag‐iischedule po ang kompanya ng mga araw sa isang taon, halimbawa, limang lingo sa isang taon lang para magtrabaho sa tailings pond para hindi masyado makaapekto sa kalapit baranggay ang operasyon sa tailings pond. According to Mr. Edwards, there is also a way of minimizing the disturbance due to company’s operation by limiting construction of the tailings pond embankment during day time only, to make sure that the operation will be safe and shall be monitored religiously. Aside from the fences that will be constructed near the foot of the embankment, a berm will also be constructed that will serve as another stability measure that will make it safer and in fact we are still doing further studies to assure its safety. Another thing also, the construction of tailings pond embankment will not be done daily but on a schedule, say 5 weeks a year, to minimize effects on the community. Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Isa pang bagay na sinisiguro namin, magbubuo po ang kompanya ng Environmental Monitoring Team na magbabantay at magoobserba araw‐araw sa mga nangyayari at mga ginagawa sa tailings pond para masiguro na wala tayong maapektuhan. Ang Environmental Monitoring Team ay binubuo ng kinatawan ng GRC at may koordinasyon sa mga kalapit baranggay na maapektuhan ng mina, sinisuguro po namin na mabubuo yan ng tama. January 2009 8‐144 EIS of the Siana Gold Project One more thing, we would like to assure that the company will create an in‐house environmental monitoring team which will monitor the activity daily to assure that no instability and environmental problems occur. The environmental monitoring team will be composed of GRC personnel and in coordination especially with the host barangays that will be affected. We will assure everybody that such a team will be properly created Simon Barrios: Bisaya: Good morning ma’am. Ako si Mr. Simon Barrios, CVO sa Baranggay Cawilan. Ang akong pangutana, bahin sa kanang last nga gi explain sa atong engineer nga irehab na ang kompanya, humana na ang operasyon, nakuha na tanan ang mineral. So nagpasabot tapos na ang kompanya, wa na, di gi rehab. So pag rehab nan kompanya kana nga plastar karon sa kompanya, kana nga area, mapabilin ba gihapon na nga gipanag‐iya nan kompanya? O may option ba sila nga basin ipanghatag sa mga nangabilin o ibalik sa gobyerno? I am Mr. Simon Barrios, a CVO of barangay Cawilan. My question is regarding the post operation period, on the aspect of rehabilitation. Will the company retain ownership of the land and property or will it be given to anybody (former landowners) or be given back to the government? Hearing Officer: Tagalog: Ang pangutana ni manong Simon kung after sa operasyon, naa bay option ang kompanya nga ibaligya ang property o ipanghatag sa mga tawo nga lumulupyo sa baranggay? The question is that after the operation, is there an option for the company to sell out the property or are you going to give it to the people within the baranggay or to the government? Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Ang kompanya ay mago‐operate sa ilalim ng provisions ng Mining Act of 1995. Ang kompanya ay kinakailangan na magkaroon ng decommissioning plan na nagsasaad na ang rehabilitasyon ay mangyayari sa umpisa pa lang ng operasyon, ibig sabihin ay tuloy‐tuloy ang pagrerehab ng mina habang may operasyon. Ngayon kung matapos na ang mina, isasaad po sa decommissioning plan ang mga hakbang ng kompanya sa mga maiiwan nitong mga pag‐aari, ang kompanya po ay uupo at makikipagusap sa mga kalapit baranggay at kinatawan ng gobyerno para sa pagsasaayos ng decommissioning plan at ipapasa po ito sa MGB. Kaya po bago po kami bigyan ng permit to operate ng MGB, sisiguruhin muna nila na sumusunod ang kompanya sa batas sa pagmimina at may nakalaan na pondo para sa rehabilitation. Kaya nga po sa bagong batas ng pagmimina ay sinisiguro po ng gobyerno na hindi kayo maapektuhan kung sakaling tumigil ang operasyon ng kompanya. Sinasabi po ng ating Managing Director, hindi po kasama sa ECC ang pagbubungkal o pagaayos ng lupang pagtataniman, pero kung gusto niyo po na pagandahin o gawing pwedeng sakahan o pagtaniman ang lupa na maiiwanng kompanya, gagawin yan ng kompanya. Sabi ko nga po, uupo kami sa inyo upang makasiguro kayo ng gagawin talaga naming yung mga isasaad sa decommissioning plan pag nagoperasyon na ang kompanya. May pondo po na nakalaan sa plano. Yun po ang kasiguruhan ng kompanya sa inyo. The Company will operate under the provisions of Mining Act of 1995. The company is required to have a r decommissioning plan that will be implemented at the start of ope ations, meaning the rehabilitation will continue during operations. At the end of mine life, the decommissioning plan will state the steps to be taken by the company on the property. The company will sit down and talk with the barangays and government representatives to finalize the decommissioning plan for submission to the MGB. So before we will be given , r the permit to operate by the MGB they will ensure that we comply with the mining law and that the e are funds for rehabilitation. So in the new mining law, the government ensures that you will not be adversely January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐145 affected in case the company stops operations. According to our Managing Director, the ripping and fixing of soil for community agriculture is not part of the ECC. However, if you want the company to do it on the land to be left behind, the company will do it. As I said, we will sit down with you so you can be assured we will do what is written in the decommissioning plan when the company starts operations. Funds have been set aside for the plan. That is the company’s assurance to you. Lito Vernal: Tagalog: Ako si Lito Bernal, Punong Barangay sa Magpayang, ang sa akin lang po ay tanong ng isa sa residente ng aking barangay na nangyari noong panahon ng operasyon ng SURICON kasi hindi sila makapunta dito.Sabi nila noong operasyon ng SURICON ang kanilang lupa binuldos ng taga SURICON, binayaran daw sila pero hindi nila tinanggap kasi sobrang mura daw ang bayad, ngayon ang sabi nila na mag operasyon na daw ang Greenstone, babayaran ba daw sila kasi sakop ang lupa nila sa Cawilan? I am the Barangay Captain of Barangay Magpayang.This is just a question from one of my constituents. During SURICON operation, the constituent’s parcel of land was bulldozed by SURICON Mining. They were offered payment but they refused to accept it because the compensation was very low. If Greenstone will operate, are the landowners going to be paid by the company for damages or the cost of their lands? Hearing Officer: Who is going to answer the question? Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Uulitin po namin, ang hangarin po ng kompanya ay kung ang lupa ay maapektuhan ng kompanya, ang kompanya po ay handang magbayad sa kung anuman po ang halaga ng naapektuhan ng kompanya. Hindi po kami gagalaw ng inyong lupain kung hindi kami nakipagusap muna sa inyo. Kaya meron po tayo ng tinatawag na environmental group, at comrel group na makikipagusap muna bago galawin ang inyong lupain. At kung sakaling aksidenteng nagalaw naming ang lupa nyo dahil sa operasyon, sisiguraduhin po ng kompanya na babayaran po namin ang lupang naapektuhan. Isinasaad po sa batas na dapat kaming maging responsableng kompanya ng mina kaya susundin po namin ang nakasaad sa batas. We will repeat, the company’s commitment is that if land is adversely affected by the company, the company is ready to pay whatever amount of damages. We will not disturb any land without prior negotiations with you. That is why there is an environmental group and comrel group which will talk with you before any land disturbance. And in case our operation accidentally disturbed your land, the company will ensure that the damage is compensated. The law provides that we should be a responsible mining company and we will follow that. Hearing Officer: Bisaya: Ang pangutana nila e klaro lang. Bayaran ba ninyo kadtong yuta nila kadtong sa SURICON pa? Mauna katong gusto nila nga e klaro kay sa una pa man to sa SURICON, og bag‐o naman ni nga kompanya, gusto nila nga maniguro kung babayaran ba ninyo? They just want clarification: will the company pay for their piece of land affected by SURICON Mining’s operation? January 2009 8‐146 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Siguro nga po marami ang nakaranas ng ganito sa panahon ng SURICON, ang kompanya po ay inaako at inaayos na ang naging problema ng SURICON, ginagawa po naming lahat para maging maayos ang operasyon natin. Pero hindi po namin pwedeng akuin lahat ng pagkakamali ng SURICON tulad na lang po ng tanong ninyo sa bayad dahil maiipit po ang kompanya sa dahilan po na hindi alam ng kompanya ang detalye ng namagitan sa inyo at ng SURICON. Sa ngayon po ay inaayos na namin ang mga problema na iniwan ng SURICON tulad na lang sa environment at iba pang pagkukulang ng SURICON, pero uulitin ko po, hindi po lahat ay aakuin ng kompanya. Maybe, a lot of people experienced this during SURICON time. Our company assumed and fixed the problems of SURICON ‐ we did everything so our operations will be smooth. But we cannot own all problems of SURICON like your question on compensation because it will prejudice the company. The company does not know the details of what transpired between you and SURICON. So now, the company is fixing the problems left behind by SURICON like those on environment and others. But I will repeat, not all will be owned by the company. Mary Ajoc ( Resident of Brgy. Siana): Bisaya: Ako lamang pangutana kung kay mahibaw‐an man gayod nga mo operate na kuno mo. Dili nab a mo mohilabot og lain pang lupa nga ma‐estroso na usab diri sa Siana kay gamay na rakan ra ba ni ang inyong tuoron kana rakan inyon yuta nga na deklara na sa SURICON to Greenstone. Dili na kamo mohilabot sa iban. Kana rakan inyong yuta nga gipanglongagan ron? Dili na mo mamalit og lain? Amo na amo pangutana. My question is, because to our knowledge, the company will really start operations. So our question is, if the company will no longer move other lands that will disturb Barangay Siana? We hope that you will limit your operations to company‐owned lands to reduce the effects on land. Hearing Officer: Are you going to buy other land aside from the property that your company has acquired from the SURICON? Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Kung bibili po ang kompanya ng iba pang lupa, doon lang po sa lupa na maapektuhan ng operasyon tulad na lang ng gagawin namin na daanan simula sa may highway papunta ng mina (mine access road). Para po sa ating lahat ang gagawing daanan, pero bago po gumalaw ng lupa ang kompanya, makikipagusap muna ang GRC sa may‐ari ng lupa para bilhin ang lupa na maapektuhan. Babayaran po namin ang mga lupa sa tama at respetadong presyo na pabor po para sa inyo, hindi katulad ng dating presyo na sobrang maliit. If the company will purchase other lands, this will be confined only to those lands to be affected by operations like what we will do for the road which will start from the highway going to the mine. The road to be built is for all of us, but before the company will disturb land, GRC will talk first to the landowner for purchase of the affected land. We will pay for the land at the correct and acceptable price that will favor you, unlike the old price which is very low. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐147 Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Sa tanong mo na kung sa lupa lang ba ng kompanya kami mag‐ooperate, tama po na doon lang kami mag‐ ooperate. May kaunting bahagi ng open pit na malalawakan pa pero sakop pa din sa loob ng lupa ng kompanya. Ang plano po ng kompanya ay magmina lamang sa loob ng lupa ng kompanya at hindi na lalabas pa sa sakop nitong lupa. To your question whether the company will operate only within company‐owned land, it is correct that we will confine our operation there. There is a small portion in the open pit for widening but this is still within company land. The plan of the company is to mine only within company land and not to go beyond its held land. Antonio Peñaflor: Tagalog: Ako si Tony Peñaflor, residente ng barangay Siana, Ang tanong ko lang po, Kung sakaling matuloy ang operasyon ng Greenstone, yung mga tanim naming na nasa loob ng Greenstone, babayaran ba o hindi? I am Tony Peñaflor, resident of Brgy. Siana. My question is, in case Greenstone will operate, will our plants within Greenstone be paid or not? Hearing Officer: Are you going to pay for all those planted vegetations inside the company’s land? Greg Edwards: I have a special deal with those who have planted crops in our property and we said to them that we will give you 3 months notice and we would give you compensation before we needed that land. I would like to encourage people to keep planting agricultural and other crops on our land because it is only fair that they have a livelihood while they were not yet employed with us. Ok? So keep planting. We are going to give you 3 months notice and then you will need to harvest before then please. Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Malinaw po ba? Sabi ng ating Managing Director, habang hindi po naming ginagamit ang lupa ng kompanya, pwede nyo po taniman. Pero sa oras po na kailanganin na ng kompanya, bibigyan po naming kayo ng paunang tatlong buwan na pasabi at palugit para anihin ang inyong tanim. Kung hindi abutin ng palugit ang ani, babayaran po namin ang tanim ninyo. Is that clear? According to our Managing Director, while the land is not yet being used by the company, you can plant. But when the land will be needed by the company, we will give you three months notice and time to harvest your plantation. If you will not be able to harvest within the time, we will pay for your plants. Ramie Antonio: Bisaya: Ako si Ramie Antonio kanhi trabahanti dati sa SURICON, taga Siana. Kadtong una nga meeting diri, ang kadtong daang mga trabahanti, katunga ray gibayad sa SURICON. Unya, nagmeeting diri ang Greenstone, nga agreeable ba sa Greenstone kay sa primirong meeting, dili sila magoperation kung dili mabayaran kadtong mga trabahante January 2009 8‐148 EIS of the Siana Gold Project nga katunga ray nabayad. Baryan ba sa Greenstone ang katunga? Kay dili man sila gusto nga magoperasyon sila naay kuan. Amo rana akong pangutana kay ga‐meeting man diri mao na. I’m Ramie Antonio, an old SURICON employee, resident of Siana. we were only paid by SURICON half of the service pay based on our length of service. And in our last meeting with GRC, I remember that there was an agreement that before GRC will operate, GRC will pay half of the salaries that SURICON owes us. So, will GRC pay for the other half? Hearing Officer: Are you going to pay for the salaries? Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Hindi po namin pwedeng pasukin yung ganung problema ng SURICON, hindi naman po kami ang SURICON para magbayad ng sweldo nyo, kami po ay ang Greenstone Resources Corporation. We cannot assume SURICON’s problems. We are not SURICON who can pay your salaries. We are Greenstone Resources Corporation. Ramy Antonio: So, we will not be paid but are we going to be employed in GRC? Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Gaya po ng sabi ni Mr. Edwards, 95% po ng trabahador ay manggagaling sa mga host baranggay ng GRC. Hindi po lahat ng problema ng SURICON ay kayang gawin ng GRC. Ang alternatibo po ng GRC sa hindi pagbayad ng sweldo ng SURICON sa mga dating empleyado ay ang pagbibigay ng trabaho sa inyo. 95% ng magiging empleyado ng GRC ay sa mga host baranggay. Kung iisipin po natin, marami sa kompanya ng mina sa Pilipinas ay sa labas kumukuha ng empleyado. Mali po yun, dahil kayo po ang apektado ng minahan, dapat kayo ang makinabang sa pagkakaroon ng trabaho. Kaya nga po, 95% dito kami sa host baranggay kukuha ng empleyado. Kung may kwalipikado sa posisyon na trabaho, kukunin po at isasanay sa kanyang magiging trabaho. At kung may mga engineer na angkop sa trabaho, kukunin po sila ng GRC. As Mr. Edwards said, 95 % of the workers will come from the host barangays of GRC. Not all of SURICON’s problems can be assumed by GRC. GRC’s alternative to the non‐payment of salaries by SURICON to its former employees is to provide you jobs. Ninety‐five percent of future GRC employees will come from the host barangays. If we think about it, many of the mining companies in the Philippines get their employees from the outside. That is wrong, because it is you who will be affected by mining. It is you who should benefit from employment. That is why we will take 95 % of the employees from the host barangays. If there is someone qualified for the job, we will get him and train him on his new job. And if there are engineers suited to the job, GRC will take them in. Hearing Officer: Bisaya: Ako lang ifollow up ha kay iklaro lang kay basin di masabtan. Kay naa man gud mga pangutana after. Ako na iklaro sa kompanya, nag‐ingon sila nga 95% sa mga trabahante kuhaon diri sa host community. Mao na ang panghuna‐huna sa kuan pero are you going to qualify that? Kung waray qualified diri sa tulad ng kanang January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐149 engineer. Ug unsa pa nang mga operator diha, walay qualified, diri ba gihapon mokuha o mokuha na sa gawas? Klaruha na. Just a point of clarification, the company said that they are going to hire 95% of its workers from the host barangays. You have to clarify that only the qualified can be hired and if there are no workers with the required skills available at the host communities, then the company will hire from the neighboring communities. You have to clarify this one. Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Sa pagkuha po ng empleyado ng kompanya, kung meron po na mga kwalipikado sa posisyon, dito po kami kukuha sa host baranggays. Kung meron naman po na mga engineers o teknikal na tao, halimbawa po, kung may mining engineer dito sa host baranggay, bibigyan po namin siya ng prayoridad para sa trabaho. Sa napagusapan din po base sa MOA sa mga host baranggays, kung ano po ang napagkasunduan sa paraan at porsyento ng mga kukunin sa bawat baranggay, yun po ang susundin ng kompanya. In the hiring of employees by the company, if there are people qualified for the position, the company will hire from the host barangays. If there are engineers or technical people, for example, if there is a mining engineer here in the host barangay, we will give him priority for the job. Based on what was discussed in the MOA with the host barangays, whatever is agreed upon on the means and percentage of employees to be hired from each barangay, that is what the company will follow. Greg Edwards: We have been writing contracts for all the work we do here, contracts for mining, contracts for the construction of the mill plant, and construction for all other things on the mine. One of the clauses in these contracts is that the contractors that are paid by us (GRC) to do this work must abide by our employment policy.Do you understand? They will not bring people from outside; because I have seen other companies take 1,200 people from Manila to go to a mine. That is wrong! So we are making it so our contractors employ from our community. (Crowd applauds). Hearing Officer: Bisaya: So klaro na. Kung walay qualified mukuha sa uban nga mga neighboring baranggay. Kung naay mo apply nga dili pa siya na‐train, itrainman nila depende sa iyang qualification. So it is clear. If there are no qualified, the company will get from the other neighboring barangays. If somebody will apply but he is not yet trained, he will be trained depending on his qualifications. Virgo Apusaga (Brgy. Secretary of Pungtod): Madam Chairman, being the facilitator of this open forum, Barangay Pungtod will suggest or motion that this open forum will temporarily recess to give way for lunch as some of our listeners and colleagues are hungry. I would like to move for a short recess for lunch and resume after eating. Hearing Officer: There is a motion to have lunch break but as the food is not yet prepared, the panel reserves for a couple of questions, if it is ok (All concerned unanimously approved the requests). Question and answer continued. January 2009 8‐150 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Rosario Mijares (BHW of Barangay Siana): Bisaya: Ang pangutana karon, gihisgutan man ni Dr. Cuaño nga duna tay stocks from province to municipality and barangay, ingon si Dr. Cuaño nga after 3 years started na ang greenstone resources corporation sa pag deposit sa five (5) Million nga stocks sa barangay, municipality & province. Ang pangutana karon kay ge‐assure man sa GRC nga dunay assurance na ihatag. Do we have an assurance to give that amount? So ang pangutana kining 5M nga para sa atong barangay, authorized ang MGB so ang akong gusto motubag ini ang MGB. So kini nga amount maka benefit ba ang tanan baranggay Del Rosario, Magpayang, Pungtod, Siana, Dayano & Cawilan. Kung dili ba kaha ni mukadto kay seryuso ka gigutom naman ta, dili kaha ni mukadto sa kamot ni Jok‐Jok Bolante? Dr. Rolly Cuaño stated about the excise tax that will be paid to the province, municipalities and barangays. The company assured that they are going to pay such tax. The question is that after 3 years GRC will start to deposit the 5 million. My question is addressed to the MGB Director that if this amount will provide benefits to the host barangays, it will not fall into the hands of people like Jok‐Jok Bolante? Dir. Alilo C. Ensomo: Bisaya: Ok salamat manang Rosario, adtong imo tagalong na 5 million amo adto e deposito nan kompanya sa government bank. Tagtawag nato na Social Development Management Plan (SDMP) part adto nan 5 million, so ato na an paghimo nan SDMP. Nag gikan ni sa ijo, sa kada barangay magplano an CTWG, ijo ini isang‐at sa CTWG ang mga livelihood sanan infra project. Tag require nan kompanya na mag submit nan 5 years SDMP. Jaon sa 5 years, kada tuig, ila eaccomplish sigun sa plano. Pero balikon ko, ang plano mag gikan sa ijo, kung uno na livelihood project, kung uno na infra project ang ijo gusto himuon sa ijo barangay. Ang kwarta nakangayan ini sa ngayan sa kompanya, pero jaoy amo MOA ang kompanya sanan an bangko na dili nila mawithdraw ang kwarta kung dili ijo mga proyekto na tag sumiti paga‐aprobahan sa CTWG e‐concur nan MFRC sa amo na level, usa pa ang chairman, kung ako ang chairman or director, mo pirma ako nang withdrawal na pwede sila maka kobra sa bangko. So ajaw kaguol kay dili mukadto kan Joc Joc Bolante ang kwarta. So jaoy guidelines na muprotier jaon na kwarta kay kita raba puro mga surigaonon. Kinahanglan na kana na proyekto dapat sa ijo. Amo jaon siguradohon. The fund you mentioned is the amount that will be deposited by the company to a government depository bank. It is called SDMP fund and maybe, part of it is the millions you have mentioned. SDMP is formed through proper planning and consultations with the host barangays through the Community Technical Working Group (CTWG). The barangays will submit to the CTWG the livelihood plans and infrastructure project proposals. The company is required to submit the 5 years development plan. Yearly, they (the company) will comply and implement the projects as stipulated in the SDMP plan and submit for MGB audit. The plan will come from the barangays on whatever infrastructure and livelihood projects that will be done in the barangay within 5 years and so on. The fund in the bank will be in the name of the company, but we (MGB‐13) will have a MOA with the Company and the Bank that they (the money) cannot be withdrawn if the projects submitted are not approved by the CTWG, and concurred by MRFC. This means that before I can sign the withdrawal of the money as chairman of the MRFC, we will check it based on the SDMP program and its scheduled implementation. In addition, there will be guidelines that will be followed in the use or utilization of the funds that will protect it from any malversation. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐151 Mrs. Rosalita Ammarille (Siana): Bisaya: Ako si Saling Amarille taga Purok Hilltop, Siana, Mainit. Ang ako pangutana kadtong kay Sir Mike. Ako nakabasa diri nga dunay maapektuhan daw sa baranggay Siana para sa relocation. Sir, ma‐relocate ba ang purok Hilltop? I am Saling Amarille, resident of Purok Hilltop, Siana, Mainit. My question is addressed to Sir Mike. I read here that Brgy. Siana will be affected by the relocation. Sir, will Purok Hilltop be relocated? Greg Edwards: We have not finalized the final design of the tailings dam. The tailings pond was designed by a company (a contractor) in Manila called GHD, a very big consultancy in Manila. We believe that there will be some relocations in the area around Harrison bridge, and we believe there will be some relocations near Hill Top, and also some relocations (very few we think) just north of the waste dump in Cawilan, very few, I think less than 10 (for Cawilan). We believe that we cannot give you the final number but we believe that the number is somewhere between 39 and about 50 to 55; I think it will end up something like 40 (relocations). But that is all I can tell you. But in the next 1 or 2 months, I will come here to sit with you and with a number of other people here, including the Cuaños. We will sit down with those people we think will be affected and we will explain the relocation package. I have given each of the Barangay Kapitans and their councils a plan of what the designs of the buildings (houses) look like and they are very gwapa (Crowd applauds). Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Naiintindihan po ba natin? Sa ngayon hindi pa po kami makakapagbigay ng eksaktong bilang ng mga mare‐ relocate, pero kung mayroon po dapat ma‐relocate dahil maapektuhan ng kompanya, gagawin po ng GRC iyon. Do we understand? At the moment, the company cannot provide you the exact numbers of people that will r be relocated. But if the e will be people for relocation because they will be affected by the company, GRC will do it. Badong Odtojan (Siana): Bisaya: Ako si Badong, taga Siana. Gihisgutan man dinhi ang relocation sa mga tawo na ma‐affected, kini ra ako sige tanaw kay gusto man ipabalhin ang mga tawo sa mga bakante na mga lingkoranan. Dili man gani mubalhin ang mga tawo. Lisod gayud ang mga tawo, pabalhinon ba. Ang mines sa tailings pond, tailings 2 , tailings 3 and 4, nay mga balay sa kilid. Instead na e‐raise ang elevation sa tailings pond, pwede man tingali na eabante ang ilang development adto dapit sa north, sa tailings pond 4? Kay murag wala may mga tawo nga madislocate. Instead na etaas ang elevation sa tailings pond, kay nakabati ko nga ang tailings pond will be raised by 15 meters, ah, ato nalang nah esibog sa northern portion sa tailings pond 4, ang development, dakuan ba. r I am Badong from Siana. I’m just concerned about the people who will be affected by the ope ation and will be relocated because of the tailings pond’s activity. Is there an option that instead of raising the tailings pond embankment, would it be possible that it will be constructed inward or going to the north‐side of the tailings pond number 4 so that nobody will be relocated? January 2009 8‐152 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Tungkol po sa tanong nyo sa tailings pond 3 at 4, na kung maari na gamitin na lang ng GRC ang TSF4 para sa concentrate at huwag na ang TSF3, iyon po ay magiging mas mahirap naman po para sa atin. Ang dami po ng tails na manggagaling sa mina ay napakalaki para sa TSF4 lang. Kung TSF4 lang po ang gagamitin natin, mas magiging delikado po sa ating lahat dahil baka umapaw ang tailings pond. Sa ngayon po, inaayos at pinopolido pa din namin ang plano sa tailings pond para mas higit na ligtas at makayanan ng tailings pond ang mga kemikal at tails na manggagaling sa mina. Regarding your question on tailings pond 3 and 4, if GRC will just use TSF4 and not TSF3 ‐ that will be more difficult for us. The volume of tails to come from the mine is so big for TSF4 only. If we will use only TSF4, it will become more dangerous for all of us because the tailings pond may overtop. Right now, we are still fixing and polishing our plan for the tailings pond so it will be more than safe and the tailings pond can handle the chemicals and tails coming from the mine. Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Ang design sa ating tailings pond ay hindi masyadong matarik and pagtatayo nito, medyo pinahalang ng konti para mas maging matatag ang mga harang nito. Bukod pa doon, may itatayo tayo na bakod para siguradong ligtas ang tailings pond. Kaya kahit po magtaas pa tayo ng ilang metro, ligtas po tayo sa tails at base po sa aming plano, yun po ang pinakamagandang gawin para masiguro ang kaligtasan nating lahat. Our design for the tailings pond is not so steep and the raising of this is slightly offset to strengthen the dike. Aside from those, we will build a fence to ensure safety of the tailings pond. So even if we raise a few more meters, we are safe from the tails. And based on our plans, that is the best action to ensure the safety of us all. Kaiser Recabo (LMDA Director): Bisaya: Ah marajaw na hapon sa ato hurot. Ako si Kaiser Recaiso, project director nan Lake Mainit Development Alliance. Ah, actually dili ni siya pangutana. It’s a matter of comments and recommendation with regards to the EIS. One thing to say,ah, I would like to say na kadtong catchment area nan Lake Mainit is not 38,000 has. But 17,000 has. Tapos kadtong 15,000 na data sa Lake Mainit surface is not 15,000 but we are using the BFAR data so if I have to use the data, you have to take a footnote or an asterisk, these are the data, the BFAR data or whatever para kung dis‐a ni nakuha nga data, at least maklaro ba, dili siya confusing, kay basi makaingon sila how much into catchment. I have received a copy of the EIS, I would like to recognize also the effort of Greenstone in the conduct of the study kay maayo ang coordination namo sa Greenstone sa consultant. So ang ako lang naa koy mga recommendation base for sa EIS so medyo taas taas man ning mga comments gud, for example kadtong sa, dili rakan siguro nako ekuan, I try to set out, just to give my recommendation ka basi kadtong sa summary na basi nay dili mu jive na data even the facts set that are given to the community does not jive with the EIS. I don’t know if first draft ba, second draft or final draft ba, I don’t know. Something is kuan ba, sa ato data nga kinahanglan mu jive so we have also recommendation with regards to making measures. What I have to present is just a matter of comments and recommendations with regards to the EIS. One thing that I would like comment is that to correct the data like Lake Mainit catchment area is not 38,000 has. but 7,000 has. About the Lake Mainit surface, it’s about 10,000 has. based on the BFAR data. I would like to suggest that if you want to use a data, you have to stipulate a footnote or asterisk as to where this data came i from to avoid confusion. I have received a copy of EIS and I would l ke to recognize the effort of GRC in the conduct of the EIA study because we have good coordination with GRC and the Consultants. I have January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐153 recommendations to present for consideration in the EIS preparations but it’s quite long and maybe it is included in executive summary. Maybe I can send out these recommendations to the preparer or proponent or EMB as the case maybe. Hearing Officer: Sir, in order for your comments and recommendations to be official, you can submit all your comments and recommendations to the EMB and the preparer. Che‐che Rodrigues: Bisaya: Good afternoon to each and everyone, ako si Che‐che Rodriguez Purok Secretary sa Purok Bulawanon sa Barangay Cawilan, as what I have heard ganina maam nga bayaran ang mga area nga affected during the operation, ang sa amo maam nga ang Duplex Area is one of the company Properties. Ang nagpuyo dinha is more more than 70 families in time nga gamiton na ninyo ang area sa duplex so unsay may inyong pamaagi, aron matabangan mi in time nga gamiton na ninyo ang area? Pareho ba ang system namo sa residential area nga bayaran ba o ma‐relocate ba usab? In the presentation, it was said that the company will pay for the areas/lots that will be affected. For us living at the housing compound owned by the Company, what are the plans of the Company for us? Are we going to be paid? Relocated? What is the plan of the company for us? Greg Edwards: Thank you for the question. We have had this question many times. Our policy is, for those who are living in the duplex area, which is part of the company land, we do not want you to move. That is yours. There have been issues in the past that someone in the community has been extorting you or getting money from you. They call it rental but it is not! We don’t want you to pay! I’m going to ask Mr. Manigsaca explain in a minute, but there will be a few relocations in the southern part of the duplex area and apart from those, there will be none. Our plan is also with your permission only is to rehabilitate an area of the old waste dump and flatten it off to make it more useful for agriculture, but that is your decision. If you want us to do that, we’ll do that in the first year of the development. Not the operation but the first year of the development. We will flatten it off so that within one year of starting you use that (land), I think it’s about 15 hectares approximately and you can decide what you plant there but we will put good top soil on top with a very good base coarse underneath so you should be able grow any crops there. I’m now going to ask Mr. Manigsaca to explain the issues that we have in duplex area and for people not to be worried. Love Manigsaca: Bisaya: Fluent ko sa Visayan language mao nga magbinisaya ko ug estorya. Gipaabot sa amo nga naay gamay nga concern kining mga gapamuyo sa duplex nga naa kunoy mga karaang empleyado sa previous operator sa Siana project nato nga ga‐claim nga sila kuno gihapon and rightful owner or assignee sa mga properties. Pero kana nga butang amo nang giklaro sa among joint venture partner, ang Merrill Crowe Corp. nga usa ka subsidiary sa Metrobank nga sa pagkakaron nakapangalan ang MPSA sa Siana Project. Ang ilang giingon, other than the MPSA assignment, naa pud silay lain nga agreement with the Gotesco group nga nakaasign sa ila (Metrobank) and mga properties and in fact in the process sila nga ma transfer sa ila ang mga titulo sa properties and tenements sa old Gotesco. Sa pagmatuod sa ilang point (Merril crowe) nagpadala sila ug sulat nga amo pung gipanghatagan ang mga Barangay Kapitan or Chairmen nga ila gyung gi‐state explicitly nga silay rightful owners ani nga mga properties. Mao nga unsa ang ila nga decision thru Greenstone mahitungod ani nga mga properties, maoy among sundon. January 2009 8‐154 EIS of the Siana Gold Project I am fluent in the Visayan language so I will answer in Visayan. It has come to our attention, through people living in the duplex area, that there are concerns regarding certain people who worked with the previous Siana Mine operator claiming that they (Gotesco) are still the rightful owner/assignee of the property. We have already clarified this issue with our joint venture partner, Merrill Crowe Corp. (MCC), a subsidiary of Metrobank. As of now the MPSA of Siana is in MCC’s name. According to MCC, other than the MPSA, they also have an agreement with the GOTESCO group that all properties of the latter in Siana are assigned to MCC and in fact, aside from the agreements, they are now in the process of transferring titles of the properties, land areas and tenements of the old GOTESCO to Merrill Crowe Corporation. To prove their claim, MCC had sent us a letter, which we provided a copy to the concerned Baranggay Captains/Chairmen in the area, declaring that they are the rightful owner of the Siana Mine properties of GOTESCO. Hence, whatever is their (MCC) decision on the properties thru Greenstone will prevail. Hearing Officer: Lunch Break. Mrs. Isabelita Garcia: Bisaya: Kanus‐a man magsugod ang operasyon sa Greenstone? Ang akong mga anak, makatrabaho ba sila? Since Greenstone will operate, when will it start? Will my children have a chance to be employed? Hearing Officer: There is a question here which says “When is Greenstone going to start?” As to the question about employment, the company has already given the answer that as long as the applicant is qualified, then he will be considered for acceptance. Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Kami naman po ay naghihintay lang sa inyong pagsang‐ayon sa proyekto ng GRC. Kung papayagan niyo po kami at lumabas na po ang aming ECC, maguumpisa na po ang aming pagde‐develop ng mina. Nakaplano po na tatanggalin namin ang tubig sa open pit ng anim na buwan at sa taginit po namin gagawin iyon. Kaya kung papayag po kayo sa proyekto ng GRC, sa tag‐init pwede na po kami magumpisa. Actually, we are only waiting for your approval of GRC’s project. If you will allow us and our ECC comes out, we will start to develop the mine. It is in the plan to dewater the open pit in six months and we will do that during the dry months. So if you will allow GRC’s project, during the dry season we can already start. Kaling Odtojan: I’m Mr. Odtojan, a resident of this barangay and one of the administrators of Dep. Ed. Mainit District. My concern is just a request addressed to Mr. Greg Edwards, that the Dep. Ed of Mainit is requesting to maximize the program of adopting a barangay, not only the host baranggays, so that our school children coming from other barangays will benefit also. Greg Edwards: We have a MOA that was organized by Mr. Manigsaca in which we will be adopting each of the schools r within our (host) baranggays. On another thing, I mentioned to LMDA Director Kaise Recabo, that we also want to adopt the northern part of Lake Mainit. Currently we are testing the waters in Lake Mainit, we want to add to that and to help with other matters especially the baranggay or area at the northern part of Lake January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐155 Mainit. Back to the schools that we are going to adopt, we want to start it as soon as we have the green light for the operation. And as part of that there is a list of things that we are going to do like providing computers and extra equipment to schools on top of what we already do. We have already supplied school books, pen, paper, and maintenance of schools and we want to add to that during our operation by supplying high quality and technically advanced equipment to the schools so that they will be the most technologically advanced schools in the district. Maui Sendiong: Bisaya: Kining akong pangutana ma’am, related ni sa acquisition sa lupa nga napalit sa Suricon kaniadto, kining akong pangutana kung pananglit mo acquired ba ang Greenstone kung operation ka ang kompanya, oila may palit nila sa mga hectare or sq. meter ba kay sa una sa akong mahibaw‐an ang palit sa SURICON per sq meter morag tag 30 centavos ra mao na nga kining akong pangutana, para ni sa mga tawo nga may mga yuta kay basi possible nga mapalit sa Greenstone kung mag fully operation na, naa pay dugang naku nga pangutana, sa nahitabo sa kaniadto sa SURICON ang Tailings Dam sa SURICON kaniadto mga chemicals ra gyud na, pero nahitabo to sa una mga 1980’s to sa nag‐operate pa ang Surigao nga nag‐overflow ang ilang tailings dam nag contain sa mga chemicals gikan sa planta, nahitabo na tungod sa kakusog sa ulan, panahon sa December hangtod Enero, Febrero, mi overflow hangtod sa suba sa Magpayang paingon sa Danao! Ang resulta ana nahitabo kaniadto nay mga carabao nga naapektohan sa maong chemical nga nangamatay dili tanan may mga carabao ug mga isda diha sa Danao! Na karon lakip ang uban nga ipa check sa laboratory test sa Bureau of Fisheries nga tinuod ba nga gikan ba gyud sa SURICON ang resulta ana sa laboratory test, kung tinuod ba nga gikan ba gyud sa SURICON, ang resulta ana dili ko makaingon o dili pud makaingon nga dili gikan gyud kuno sa SURICON na karon akong pangutana kung mahitabo na pud na duna na puy mga matay sa mga kabao ug uban pang mga mananap ug ma damagepud ang mga rice field diha sa Magpayang kay daku‐daku man nga area, unsa may ika garantiya sa Greenstone nga ilang tulubagon ngadto sa mga damage niha nahitabo, kung pananglit kintahay nga kanang kwarta niha gideposito diha sa bangko nha gitagana para ana nga mga panghitabo kung daku‐daku ang kantidad modugang ba ang SURICON? My question is related to acquisition of land. If they (the company) are going to acquire additional land, how much are they going to pay per sq.m. or per hectare? Also, an overflow of tailings pond happened during the previous operation (SURICON) due to heavy rainfall and according to some people, but I don’t know how true it is, livestock and animals died due to intoxication from chemicals accompanying the waters. Now, if such bad incident will happen again when Greenstone will operate, are they going to pay for the damages? If the amount of damages is greater than what is placed in the bank for damages, is the company willing to pay more? Love Manigsaca: Bisaya: Akong tubagon and unang pangutana kabahin sa presyo kung mopalit ug additional nga yuta. Ang presyo sabutan na sa duha ka partido o kanag gitawag ug arms length transaction. Pero be rest assured nga ang presyo nga i‐offer sa Greenstone would be better than the fair market value of the property. Kung aware ta, naay gitawag nga zonal value nga maoy gigamit sa mga assessors. Medyo mubo ang presyo ana. Then naa poy gitawag ug fair market value nga maoy presyo sa mga similar assets. Medyo taas na sya kumpara sa zonal value. Ang i‐offer sa Greenstone in case mopalit ug dugang nga yuta would be higher or mas generous kay sa fair market value para happy ta tanan or a win‐win situation. r I’m going to answe the first question. In case the company will acquire or purchase additional land, rest assured that we are going to pay for it above the fair market value. You are aware of the land zonal value and fair market value but as I said, our offer will be generous and definitely, will be higher than the fair market value. The objective of the company is to have a win‐win situation. January 2009 8‐156 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Doon naman po sa posibilidad na umapaw o lumabas ang tails sa tailings pond, bago po pumunta ang mga concentrate ng mina sa tailings pond, dumadaan po muna sya sa cyanide detoxification plant. Sa proseso po ng cyanide detoxification, ibaba po ang delikadong concentrate ng cyanide sa mababang lebel na nasa DENR standard. Sisiguruhin po ng in‐house Environmental Monitoring Team ng GRC bukod pa sa MMT na babantayan ang tailings pond araw‐araw. At kung may maaapektuhan man dahil lumabas ang tubig galing sa tailings pond, mayroon pong ilalaan ang kompanya na pondo na tinatawag na Mine Waste and Tailings Fee. Sa pakikipag‐ koordinasyon sa MGB, magkakaroon ng investigative and assessment team para maging tama at patas ang patingin at pagbayad sa naapektuhan ng tailings pond spill. Bukod pa doon, aayusin ng kompanya ang anumang nasira o naapektuhan ng spill. Ayon po iyon sa batas ng mina kaya hindi po kami pwede lumabag doon. Regarding the possibility of tails overflow from the tailings pond, before the mine concentrate goes to the tailings pond, it passes the cyanide detoxification plant. During the process of cyanide detoxification, the dangerous concentration of cyanide is brought down to lower level that complies with the DENR standard. The in‐house Environmental Monitoring Team of GRC will assure, aside from the MMT, the monitoring of the tailings pond daily. And if there will be adverse effects from the release of water from the tailings pond, the company will set aside a Mine Waste and tailings Fee. In coordination with the MGB, an investigative and assessment team will be formed to ensure the correct and fair investigation and compensation of the tailings pond spill. Aside from that, the company will fix any damage or effects of the spill. That is according to the mining law; hence, we cannot violate it. Mike Alapan: Tagalog: Isa pa sa kasiguruhan na kung sakaling lumabas ang tubig galing sa tailings pond, gaya ng report ko kanina, meron tayong itatayo ng cyanide detoxification. Ang ibig sabihin po ay binababa natin ang concentration ng cyanide base sa standard na 0.1 mg/l level bago pumunta sa tailings pond. Ang kompanya po ay gagastos ng ganon kalaki para lang masiguro na ligtas at pwedeng inumin ang tubig na galing sa planta. Another assurance in case of tailings pond spill, as I reported a while ago, we will put up a cyanide detoxification. What this means is the concentration of cyanide will be brought down to the standard of 0.1 mg/L level before it goes to the tailings pond. The company will spend that much to ensure safety and potability of water coming from the plant. Edgar Mosura: Bisaya: Pangutana ning ako maam kabahin sa pagkabutang namo diha sa Harrison Bridge, ma relocate ba mi? Kanang daghan mi ngbalay diha, kanang yuta diha sa kompanya pa na, kay ang akong amahan ngtrabaho man sa SURICON kani‐adto, kanang balay ra ang amo diha kay sa SURICON paman nga lupa, unsa may mahitabo namo kung mag‐operate na ang Greenstone? We are living in the company owned land at Harrison Bridge area. What will happen to us? Are we going to be relocated? Hearing Officer: Your query is about relocation plan; I believe that such concern was already answered by the company many times already so we are going to entertain another question. January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐157 Leopoldo T. Suyman ( RSI‐MHO Tubod): Bisaya: E‐grab nalang nako ni usa ka opportunidad kay naa man atong ASEC sa DENR. Akong pangutana mao kini, kung maobserbahan nato ang Makati wala silay gold diha, wala na silay mga palayan pero asenso man sila. Ang punto nako mao kini ang mga dagko nga kompanya instead dia sila diri ngdaut sa atong lugar, didto ang ilang opisina sa Metro Manila. So ang Manila na karon o ang Makati sa SURICON kung nakahinumdom mo tua ang ilang opisina didto ang area nga ilang gidaut, kung inyong na obserbahan miasenso ba og sakto? Ang akong pangutana diha ASEC wala ba moy mga plano para ana kay dapat kung asa siya nakinabang didto lang tana siya pud mag‐base wala ba kayomh ganung mga plano? I would like to take this opportunity to ask (a question of) the Assistant Secretary of DENR since he is present. If we observe Makati City, it does not have mining operations or vast farm lands but it is a very progressive place. My point is all big companies are doing their operations somewhere else while their offices are in the cities like Makati. The places that they have mined have less progress compared to where their offices are located. My question is, would it be possible that the mining firm should establish their offices where they are operating? ASEC. Gerry Dolino: Bisaya: Actually kasi may balaod tayo, naay puy nakabutang sa balaod as fee no, nga asa ang ilang head office adto sila magbayad ng tax, mao btiaw kasagaran adto sila magbayad nang tax sa Makati kay tua man ang ilang head office sa Makati. Pero nay certain moves in mining companies. Like for example Tampakan mayron pang isa ang Sagittarius Mines na gi establish nila ang ila office sa Gen Santos City. So don cila nagbayan sa ila mga tax. Actrually kung naa sa inyo ang balaod kung asa, para sa amu kung as ang Head Office didto magbayad ug tax. Pag walay balaod nga nag‐iingon nga adto ka sa Makati magbutang sa imong head office. So nasakop man sa Municipal Government o Provincial Government naa sa City Ordinance kung unsa nga company that you can establish your head office dinhi sa lugar nato. Actually there is a law that mandates companies to pay their taxes in the place where their Head office is located, like Makati. But there are certain moves by the mining companies like Tampakan and Sagittarius Mines where they establish their offices in General Santos City, so they pay their taxes in the area. Actually it’s up to the company. The law says that you pay your taxes where your head office is located but there is no law that mandates you to put your Head Office in Makati or in any other city. It depends on the move of the municipal and provincial government to make an ordinance requiring mining companies to put their Head Offices in the place where they operate. Leopoldo T. Suyman: Tagalog: Naobserbahan ko kasi Sir, hindi lang ito nangyayari sa Surigao, almost lahat ng kompanya, sinisira nila yung kung saan sila kumukuha ng income. Sana kung saan sila nakikinabang na probinsya, doon sila dapat magopisina. I observed, Sir, this happens not only in Surigao. Almost all companies destroy the place where they get the income. Hopefully, in the province where they get the income, that is where they hold office. January 2009 8‐158 EIS of the Siana Gold Project Greg Edwards: Let me tell you about the policy of this Company. When we first came here, the registered office of Greenstone is in Surigao City and not in Manila. (Crowd applauds). We will have a major administration office here in Siana and Tubod (Cawilan). Third, almost all of our workers in our small office in Manila are Visayan from your community. I’ve been bringing people from this community to work in Manila for our office there. (Crowd applauds). We have very few Tagalog speaking people there. In our office we only speak Visayan/Surigaonon. (Crowd applauds). ASEC.Gerry Dolino: Bisaya: Naa man moy nakit‐an minahan diha diba? Naa nay problema ilaha. Because all taxes due to the national government. So katong inyo geingon na asa kuhaa ang mina, na unta una ibayad an taxes sa manila, 60% man ni goes to manila man and 40% sa local government man, shared sa provincial, municipal and mga barangay. So ang bill ni Domogan, 60% nalang direcho kay an 40% direct to the provincial, municipal and baranngay, unfortunately hangtod karon wala pa na approbahan aang bill, so sa last meeting namo sa Mindanao Development Council kanang MDC mao nay usa ka ahensya sa gobyerno nga tanang secretary ng DENR, DA, DTI og uban pa compose of 15 including the Department of Foreign Affairs 15 members mao nay mo solve sa mga problema kung dili na kaya I solve sa local so ipadala na sa MDC so ang last make ng MDC by the agreement of Department of Finance and BIR na in the absence of the law ikarga na na sa Provision Act every year ikarga para direct gihapon mahatag sa inyo problema lang niana mag prepare ka ng budget mag prepare ka ng release. so kung ma approve tana ang Domogan dili na kinahanglan sa provision act kay yearly man provision act. So mihangyo mi sa tanan, ang league of municipalities, league of governors misuporta na sa Domogan Bill. Sa congress walay problema, ang sa senate nlang. untana ma approbahan na sa inyong tabang inyong yango ngoon ang inyong mga congress nga tabangan nga maapprove dayon ang Domogan Bill kay para man na sa inyong tanan noh. ASEC Dolino presented the general rule in sharing and paying taxes. Taxes are generally paid where the project/business office is located. If the office is in Manila, the company should pay in Manila (60% should go to Manila). However, there is a new bill passed in the Congress sponsored by Congressman Domogan stipulating that the settlement or payment of taxes should be made where the project is located. In a recent meeting with the Mineral Development Council wherein 15 secretaries of different departments were represented, they asserted the said move but in the absence of the new bill (as the bill is still in the Philippine Senate), an agreement was forged between the Department of Finance and BIR wherein the LGU sharing of taxes be included in the provisions of the Appropriations Act, budgeted for local LGUs. In this scheme, taxes can still be directly allocated to each LGU but each LGU needs to prepare an annual budget. Once the Domogan Bill is approved, the Appropriations Act will be superseded. ASec Dolino is requesting the support of the bill especially from the League of Municipalities and Governors for the approval of the Domogan Bill. He is also encouraging everyone to lobby the bill with Congressman Romarate (also a signatory to the Domogan Bill) to fast track its approval at the Senate. Salis Salino: Tagalog: Ako may edad na, 68 anyos na ako, Ako ay plant operator sa panahon ng Suricon. Kung mag‐ooperate ang Greenstone pwede pa ba akong magtrabaho? I am 68 yrs. old. During SURICON ope ation I worked as mill plant operator. Now if G eenstone will ope ate r r r , can I still work? January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐159 Greg Edwards: We don’t discriminate with age (of an employee). We have many of our workers that are over 65 and they are still some of our best workers, Tatay Simo where are you? Haman kaw? (Crowd applauds). Ok, we don’t discriminate with age and we don’t expect anyone to leave our company until they cannot work anymore. Dominador Lopez: Bisaya: Maayong hapon sa tanan, taga Dayano ko Doming Lopez. Ako pangutana ma’am, daghan man ang giandam nga mga pribiliheyo ang Greenstone Mining para sa mga katawhan, indibidwal ba ang makadawat niana kay nakahibalo naman ta nga kwarta na ang hisgutan naa man si Joc Joc Bolante moapil, so dili ipaabot sa mga tawo nga dunay indibidwal nga madawat nila nga pribiliheyo? Kay kung ato pang ikuan, lain naman Joc Joc namay moapil. We heard a lot of privileges coming from the operation of Greenstone. Will these privileges be received individually by the people in the area? Aurelio M. Espeja: Tagalog: Malaking aspeto po ang pera kaya hindi po natin muna paguusapan yan. Sa aspeto naman ng pagkakaroon ng trabaho, mayroon po tayo binuong MOA na pinagusapan ng GRC at mga baranggay para masunod ng bawat panig ang nakasaad sa MOA at maging masaya ang bawat panig. Kung tungkol naman po sa pera, ang kompanya naman ay hindi maglalabas ng pera kung wala sa alituntunin natin. Hindi pwedeng galawin ng baranggay ang pondo kung walang pinasa na plano at hindi nakasaad sa SDMP. Susuriin po ng GRC mabuti ang paglalaanan ng pondo para masiguro na tama ang paggamit sa pera. Money is a major item which we will not talk about first. In the aspect of having jobs, we formed a MOA that GRC discussed with the barangays so that both sides can follow what is stated in the MOA and that both sides would be happy. With respect to money, our company will not release funds if it is outside company policy. The barangay cannot spend the funds in the absence of submitted plans and if not included in the SDMP. GRC will examine closely the object of disbursement to ensure the proper use of funds. Greg Edwards: I think this is the time that while we are talking about money to the community and employment, we explain something very important. We have explained this to the barangay councils and the municipalities. For all of the rest of you; this is so important that’s why I want you to understand every single word of it. I am now going to ask Lolot (Manigsaca) to explain about it. Listen carefully because this is very important and special. Love Manigsaca: Bisaya: Sa corporate structure sa Siana project, naay concept nga gi spearhead ang Managing Director kabahin sa Greenstone employees retirement fund. Kita tanan aware nga kung empleyado ta sa usa ka kompanya, naay mandated nga employees retirement plan. Pero unsa man ning gi provide nga retirement plan sa gobyerno per R.A. 7641? Di kayo ko sigurado sa R.A. number. Ang giingon ini is naay makuhang retirement ang mga employado nga nakatrabaho na ug 35 years sa kompanya or over 65 years old na ang edad. Pero ang atong makuha ra is ½ month for every year of service. Amo nang gi‐estoryahan diri sa kumpanya ug ang opinion sa Managing Director is gamay ra kaayo na labi na nga gapamahal ang mga palaliton. So ang concept sa Managing Director para mas financially secure ang mga empleyado nga mo retire is mohimo ug atong tawagon lang sa January 2009 8‐160 EIS of the Siana Gold Project pagkakaron ug modified retirement fund. Ang giingon sa gobyerno is kada kompanya mag recognize ug balayronon para sa retirement sa mga empleyado ug mag set aside ug pondo para anang retirement fund. Ang kantidad depende sa ma determine nga liability sa actuaries. Pero ang Greenstone ang himoon is more than that. Gawas sa retirement fund, gahimo mi ug mechanism nga ang employee retirement fund is also an investor in the project. So as investor unsa may mga rights sa investor? Ang usa ani is naa syay katungod nga makakuha ug dividendo or bahin sa kita sa kompanya. Amo ni nga gi compute ug among nakitan nga mas dako ni kaysa normal nga retirement fund. Kini nga kwarta nga i‐put up sa company, i‐set aside ni sa sa usa ka trust fund nga i–manage independently sa usa ka banko, pananglitan sa BPI or Metrobank. Dili ni controlado sa kumpanya unya ang disbursement ani subject to the rules nga I set sa mga representative sa empleyado ug kumpanya. Pwede nato ma butang ang partial vesting pananglitan. Unsa man ning vesting? Mao ni ang mechanism nga maghatag ug abilidad sa mga empleyado nga makuha ang portion sa ila nga retirement plan maski wala pa sila mo retire. So, unsa may implication aning gitawag natong modified retirement plan sa mga empleyado nga at the same time investor pud sya sa project? Kay magadawat man ug dividendo ang fund, among gi determine nga at the end of the mine life, mas dako ang pondo sa fund kumpara sa normal nga retirement plan. Kaning fund, available ni sa mga empleyado for distribution. And kung naay mo retire sa wa pa matapos ang mina, sigurado nga naa gyud syay makuha mga retirement nga mas dako kumpara sa normal retirement plan. So through the fund, ang mga empleyado mismo nahimo pud nga indirect shareholder sa kumpanya. As part of the corporate structure for the Siana Gold Project, through our Managing Director, we will also have our retirement plan for the employees. We know that there is a government mandated retirement plan for all employees working in a company like GRC. This stipulates that employees who have rendered 35 years of continuous service or are 65 years of age have the mandatory retirement equivalent to 1/2 month of present salary for every year of service. We have discussed this in the company and determined that the sum of money to be received by a retiring employee will not be enough to defray his cost of living and medical needs, particularly now that the cost of medicines is rising. So, the Managing Director thought of creating a retirement scheme that will financially secure Greenstone employees. For now, we will just call the scheme as a Modified Employees Retirement Fund. It is termed as such because this is something unique from other retirement plans. In this scheme, the retirement fund will also be an investor in the project at no cost on the part of the employees. As an investor, the fund shall have rights of the distribution of profits of which we have determined the amount to be much higher (in monetary terms) than the fund that can accrue under a normal retirement plan. This fund will not be controlled by the Company. The money shall be deposited in a trust account of a local bank and availment of this shall be subject to the rules and regulations to be set both by the management and the employees. Also, to make availment easier and simpler, we may include provision of vesting. Vesting is a retirement plan mechanism wherein an employee can partly avail his retirement plan even before his actual retirement. Normal vesting starts after five (5) years of continous service and percentages of availment are pre‐agreed. So what is there for us (employees) in this so called modified retirement plan? Because the fund will directly participate in the profit sharing of the project, the amount of the fund would be much bigger than a normal retirement plan, as mentioned earlier. These profits shall be available to the employees for distribution through vesting or actual retirement. Through the fund, the employees indirectly become investors to the project. Virgo Apusaga: I just want to clarify one thing being part (a member) of the host community. What is the sequence of accepting employment being part of the benefits to the host community? Hearing Officer: What is the process of accepting applicants? January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐161 Love Manigsaca: Bisaya: Nahisgutan na nato ganina ang MOA on Community Assistance Program sa Greenstone. Naa ni syay twelve (12) points ug ang usa ani kabahin sa employment policy. Ang allocation kada barangay, 3 ka primary impact barangays ug 3 ka secondary impact barangay gisabutan na atong meeting nga gi held sa Mainit atong miaging Octobre. Ang una nga reference sa pagkuha is ang MOA. Ang ikaduha is ang kinahanglan sa kompanya. So diri na namo tan‐awon kung na tagbo ba sa job applicant ang mga skills ug level sa edukasyon nga required sa kompanya para sa posisyon. So makasabot pod mo nga mag suffer baya ang kompanya kung mo hire mi ug applicante nga di niya kaya ang mga gikinahanglan sa ana nga trabaho. Kinahanglan naa puy proper alignment between unsay gikinahanglan sa kompanya ug unsay available sa barangay. Pero all things equal, mas naay weight siempre ang may rekomendasyon. We’ve already talked about the MOA a while ago. The Memorandum of Agreement on Community Assistance Programs contains 12 points and one of which is about employment. In the said MOA percentages have been agreed as to the number of employees per barangay. Such agreement was done by the host barangays in their meeting last October in Mainit. In terms of hiring process, the first basis would be the MOA. Second would be recommendation or references. Third will be the company, who will screen the applicant’s qualification and suitability to the job. Everybody understands that the company will also suffer if we hire an applicant who does not suit the position. All things equal however, those with prope r recommendation and references will have advantage in securing the job. Rosario Mijares: I just want to suggest that what I’m going to say will be included in the MOA. For example, my piece of land was bought by the company, then after the operation or after the area was being abandoned by the company, would it be possible that the previous land owner can re‐occupy it, even temporarily, instead of other people that will surely cause conflict to the community? Hearing Officer: The question is, they wanted it to be included in the MOA that if there is land bought by the company and they are going to pay for it, that after the operation of the company, can the owner re‐occupy the land? Greg Edwards: The only land that the company will buy is the access road. What we want is that the road that we are constructing will basically be given to the community after the operation, and even during the operation it can be used as a community road. When we are buying land for the access road, we are going to keep it because we want to make sure that it will be an access road serving the community forever. When we are designing the road or any other infrastructure, we are designing it to the best industry practice. So when we put a road in, for example, our plan is to build it so that it can last for a long time. We want to leave infrastructure here that will last much longer than we are here. We probably won’t buy any more land, but if we will use other land, we probably be using it in a way that would give it back to the community (after the operation ceases) . ASEC Gerry Dolino: Bisaya: Adto nako magclosing remarks kanang walay tawo. Una sa tanan I would like to congratulate those who are responsible for this open forum, this public hearing especially to Greenstone and ang gwapo kayo tong gi‐ istorya ni Greg na ang iyang head office naa diri Surigao. I would like to congratulate all of you because it seems na pabor mo sa mina, tinuod ba? Mao na di kayo mo mglisod magexplain kay kahibaw man ko na‐assign man January 2009 8‐162 EIS of the Siana Gold Project ko diri nang dugay diri sa Mindanao, kahibaw ko na mina ni Siana, kahibaw sad ko na tanan nakasabot sa mina, so di nami sa SURICON maglisod pagpasabot. Pero sige pa nato hisgutan katong sauna ba, adtong una man gud tulo na kabuok. We started at 137, panahon nang “martial law” na amend to nang Bill 416, tapos kining ato balaod karon 7942, jutay pa kayo na mina na nakaoperate. Greenstone ang usa sa mina ato, usa ka mina na amo unta gebantayan na mahimo modelo, nadisgrasya man, so daku kaayong syang pildi sa gobyerno kay gesara siya wala mo‐abot og 1 year, so na‐alkanse ang kompanya at least nabaligya karon. Akong ge‐istorya ninyo kadtong nahitabo, gamay ra to na part sa amo na nakadaut but because it has certain adverse impact to the environment na may namatay duha ka sakong isda o tulo man siguro pero isa na ato sa gobyerno ug isa ka tuig kapin so that is how strict the new mining law, mao nang kami sad mo‐esplikar sad sa inyona kaning new mining hatagan sad ninyo ug chance to operate. The new type of mining that operate the new mining law so kung unsay deperensiya kung inyong suma‐totalon tanan gipang esplikar ninyo, tulo ra nah ka bagay ang importante wala ni sauna na balaod. In fact, kining ato 7942 law is considered one of the best in the world especially sa environmental protection, sauna panahon sa SURICON wala man siguro sila nag‐ECC because the EIS law started 1994, so pasabot ang balaod karon dili na e‐apply katong na‐agi na, katong una ng Bill 416 kung inyong madumduman ang protection ra jud sa ato law, the exploration. Karon sa mining law, kadumdum mo katong bangko nga gilingkuran nga tulo kabuok haligi? Mao nay getawag namo bangko management o school management. Tulo kabuok importante kayo na factors sa mining law. No. 1 is economic. Kinahanglan muuswag ang communidad. Ikaduha, protection nang environment. Kay importante kayo ato environment. Ika tulo, ang social equity. Tulo ra nah siya. Kung mawala ang usa, tumba ang mina. Mao nang tulo ka importante sa mining. Economic Development, Environmental Protection and Social Equity. Ah, kita mo aning akong bracelet? Napalit nako ni sa Canada katong one of our trips under the Philippine Canadian Economic Environment Management Program. Gepabisita mi sa usa ka mining company, pero dugay na nahuman. Para ma sustain ang communidad, ang mining company, yung mga trabahante, ila gehimo or geconvert nila ang minaham into a tourist attraction. Nagbibinta cla nang ganitong mga bracelet. Wa nay mina. So namaligya nalang sila mga produkto na gikan sa minahan. Inyo nang estoryahan ug tinuod kay usa nah sa makasustinar sa communidad so gamiton nato ang kompanya, ah, swerte kayo ang Surigao kay in this time. Dose kabuok mining company ang nag operate dinhi sa Surigao. Swerte ang Surigao, siguro minahal kayo nang Diyos kay bisag wala tay oil diri sa Surigao, pero naa man tay mina. Anugon kayo ang companya kung dili nimo madevelop for example sa Saudi or sa Middle East, naa silay oil so ilang gedevelop mayo mao niasenso jud sila. Kung dili nato edevelop ang atong companya so unsa nay matabo nato? Wa gihapon noh? Importante lang bantayan nato kanunay, kung project nang gobyerno, walay gagong gobyerno magbuhat proyekto na makadaut sa mga tawo. Kay an tawo parte sa gobyerno. Walay gobyerno kung walay tawo. So congratulations sa inyo tanan. Kaning inyo proseso karon, mao ni among getanaw. Geexplain naman lahat kanina. Untana inyo bantayan mga development diri kay para man ni sa inyo. Kinahanglan mutabang kamo bantay. So part an tawo, part an gobyerno sa development sa companya. So daghang salamat kaninyong tanan ug maayong hapon. First of all, I would like to congratulate those who are responsible for the success of this open forum, this public hearing, especially to Greenstone. It was great to hear from Greg Edwards that he has established GRC’s main office here in Surigao. I would also like to congratulate you (host baranggays) because you have shown your support for the mining project of GRC. And it was good to know that the people here knew a lot about mining, so it was not difficult for us to explain important matters of the project to you. When I was assigned here in Mindanao for a long time, I knew the history of this place. And I know every person here knows something about mining. Still, we keep on bringing back SURICON and the old ways of mining. I would like to elaborate to you the history of mining; we started with mining law of 137, then it was amended during martial law with Bill 416. And now we have the RA 7942, in which few mining companies are operating in this law. One of them is Greenstone. There was one mining company which we thought could be an asset and be a model for future mining companies here in Surigao. But unfortunately, an accident occurred and the company was forced to shut down after one year of operation. There was an adverse impact on the environment because of the intoxification over these lands. So that is one of the reasons the government developed and amended the new 7942 mining law. So I’m asking all of you to give Greenstone a chance to operate here and help develop not only these lands but help increase the economic diversity of this city. They (GRC) are now under the new mining law which is considered one of the best mining laws in the world, January 2009 EIS of the Siana Gold Project 8‐163 particularly with the protection of the environment. During the time of SURICON, there was no ECC to protect the environment and the people, but today’s mining law entails the EIS system in which GRC is applying now. There are three (3) important factors that incorporates today’s mining law. First is the economics. Second is the protection of environment which is very important to all of us. And third is the social equity. These aspects serve as pillars for the new mining law. If one fails, mining will not succeed. Did any of you notice my bracelet? I bought it from Canada during one of our trips in the Philippine Canadian Economic Environment Management Program. We visited there a mined out area. Surprisingly, the community still benefits from it. The mine site managed to sustain productivity to the community by converting the old mine site into a tourist attraction. This should serve as an inspiration to this company and to all of you because this city is truly blessed. There are 12 mining companies operating in this city at present, soon you will be able to compete with foreign investors such as Saudi or Middle East. They have oil, and you have mining. So we should help one another. Our time is now. You need to develop, and that is what we are doing. Allow your government to help you because you are part of the government, there is no government without the people. So once again congratulations to all of you. As the company had explained to you, we will be facilitating your development. But all of you should help in the development process of this project. The community has a big part in making this project successful . The government and the community are part of the success of this company. Thank you and have a good day. The public forum adjourned at exactly 3:00 PM. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS‐‐‐‐‐ Transcribed by: Mr Love Manigsaca (Bisaya) GRC Comptroller Mr Mike Alapan (Tagalog) GRC Senior Mining Engineer Reviewed and Prepared by: Dr. Rolando Cuaño BMP President Assessed and Approved by: Greg Edwards GRC Managing Director January 2009 bmpbmpbmpEEENVIRONMENT NVIRONMENT NVIRONMENT & C& C& COMMUNITY OMMUNITY OMMUNITY CCCARE, ARE, ARE, IIINC.NC.NC. 12-C PET Plans Tower12-C PET Plans Tower12-C PET Plans Tower EDSA, Guadalupe ViejoEDSA, Guadalupe ViejoEDSA, Guadalupe Viejo Makati City, PhilippinesMakati City, PhilippinesMakati City, Philippines Phone: (632) 890-5902Phone: (632) 890-5902Phone: (632) 890-5902 (632) 897-4012(632) 897-4012(632) 897-4012 Fax: (632) 897-3984Fax: (632) 897-3984Fax: (632) 897-3984