Apex answers environmentalists blaming mining for Maco landslide
APEX Mining Co., Inc. has reiterated the findings of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB 11) that attributed the Feb. 6 landslide in the mining town of Maco, Davao de Oro to “natural factors” and not the company’s mining operations.
Still, the company which has been operating in the town for over five decades, expressed willingness to cooperate with inquiries, underscoring their commitment to Maco’s welfare.
The company’s statement follows environmentalists’ calls for accountability over the incident which killed scores of people, many of them Apex Mining employees on their way home from work.
Last week, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability, Inc. (IDIS), an environmental watchdog, urged authorities to hold both Apex Mining and government agencies accountable for the tragedy.
In response, Apex Mining stood behind the MGB 11’s assessment, which stated: “As has been reiterated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the landslide was caused by natural factors.”
Geologists from MGB 11 highlighted rainfall and fault lines in Davao de Oro as major contributors to the Masara landslide. “It was rain-induced… steep terrain, weak geology due to materials in the area, and the Philippine fault zone penetrating Davao de Oro contribute to the province’s susceptibility to landslides,” said Capter John Tubo, supervising geologist at MGB 11.
Regarding the location of the landslide, Apex Mining clarified it occurred outside the mine operations area and serves as a vehicle terminal for employees and community members, approximately 500 meters from the company gate.
Last Friday, disaster authorities reported that the death toll in the landslide that struck Barangay Masara in Maco reached 96, with at least 18 more people still missing.
In light of the incident, Apex Mining disclosed operational adjustments, including reduced milling activities and limited capacity due to restricted access. The company affirmed its focus on disaster relief efforts and supporting provincial government-led search and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, IDIS’s previous statement highlighted concerns about mining activities in Masara, noting the area’s designation as a “no-build zone” since 2008 due to recurring landslides. The environmental group underscored the region’s susceptibility to geological hazards and fault lineation.
IDIS called for a halt to mining operations, criticizing Apex Mining for alleged inadequate compensation and emergency response programs. The group pointed out the company’s establishment of infrastructure in designated hazard zones, implying negligence in adhering to safety regulations. — Maya M. Padillo