MGB issues stop order against Siana Gold Mine in Surigao Norte THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the Greenstone Resources Corp. in connection with milling operation of the Siana Gold Mine in Tubod and Mainit, Surigao del Norte. MGB Director Leo Jasareno, in his order, directed Gregory Charles Edwards, president of Greenstone, to institute immediate corrective measures at its Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 4 that was found to have tension crack along its embankment. Published on Monday, 10 June 2013 Written by Jonathan L. Mayuga Greenstone is an affiliate of Red 5 Ltd. Australia which holds a 90-percent beneficial interest in the project through Greenstone Resources. The Siana gold project is designed to produce a minimum of 849,000 ounces of gold at a cash cost of $400 per ounce over a 10-year life span. Red 5 said on its web site that extensions to the mine life of the Siana gold project are currently under review. Jasareno said the cease-and-desist order takes effect immediately to prevent accidental spills, especially with the onset of rains this month. The order was issued based on the report of the MGB Caraga regional office about the tension crack in its TSF 4. Asked about the extent of the tension crack, Jasareno said “it is significant enough for us to issue a CDO.” Jasareno said, “The CDO is a preventive measure and was issued for the protection of people’s lives and property, as well as the environment.” He said there are agricultural areas and water bodies that may be affected in case of a spill from the Siana Gold Mine’s TSF 4. Jasareno said the CDO would remain in effect until Greenstone successfully implements corrective measures and restores the stability and integrity of the TSF 4. “The corrective measure to be undertaken by Greenstone, Jasareno said, should be certified by a third-party expert and validated by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” the order said. The company was asked to regularly submit a report on the progress of its corrective measures undertaken on the tension crack. Greenstone made its first shipment of gold and silver to Switzerland last month. The shipment consisted of gold and silver ore bars, with 421.7 ounces of gold and 4,380.5 ounces of silver worth $829,083.37. Siana Gold Mine is among 38 mines operating in the country.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:50:46 +0000
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