MCB PROJECT STARTS SECURING GOVERNMENT APPROVALS
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has approved the MCB Project’s Five-Year Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) and Care and Maintenance Program (CMP).
- Approval of the SDMP and CMP are prerequisites for the approval of the Declaration of Mining Project Feasibility and consequently, a Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement.
- Specifically, the SDMP was developed in line with local development plans and Global Sustainable Development Goals.
Celsius Resources Limited (“Celsius” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that its Philippine subsidiary, Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (“MMCI”) has received interim Certificates of Approval from the Regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for its Five-Year Social Development and Management Program as well as its Care and Maintenance Program of the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog Copper-Gold Project (“MCB” or “the Project”). Both are vital program documents which are part of the Company’s application for the Declaration of a Mining Project Feasibility and consequently the issuance of a Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
While Certificates of Approval have been secured, this was referred to as “interim”, to indicate that the Company is not obliged to action on its commitments under the said programs until after the issuance of the Company’s MPSA.
Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, all mining permit holders are required to develop and implement a Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) in consultation and partnership with the host and neighboring communities. The overarching goal of the SDMP is to help create responsible, self-reliant, and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing, and managing community development programs, projects and activities in a manner consistent with the principles of sustainable development. Specifically, the SDMP covers the following primary areas of concern:
a. Human resource development and institution building;
b. Enterprise development and networking;
c. Assistance to infrastructure development and support services;
d. Access to education and educational support programs;
e. Access to health services, health facilities and health professionals; and
f. Protection and respect of socio-cultural values.
The Care and Management Program (CMP), on the other hand, is prerequisite document which details the Company’s safety and health, social, and environmental commitments as integral components of the MCB Project in cases of operational constraints (i.e. voluntary or involuntary stoppage).
Celsius’ Executive Director and MMCI Country Operations Director, Peter Hume said:
“The approval of the SDMP and CMP is not only an indication of the national government’s firm commitment to the mining industry and the MCB Project as one of its key economic drivers postpandemic, but also a clear manifestation of CLA’s strong resolve to advance the project and create real, purposeful, and ethical projects creating value for both the shareholders and stakeholders. These programs will also be among the many avenues where the Company will be able to demonstrate its adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in partnership with the Balatoc community as well as the local and national government units.”