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The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP) on Rapu-Rapu Island in
Albay Gulf, now one of the country’s most environment-compliant
mining and mineral processing operations, has planted some 27,000
trees to date on its 180-hectare site which comprises 3 percent of the
island’s total area.
The preservation and the enhancement of the project site’s tree
cover, which will eventually include all mined-out areas, are among
RRPP’s continuous environmental initiative which recently featured its par-
ticipation in Earth Day, Earth Hour and World Water Day. The planted
trees are indigenous to Rapu-Rapu in keeping with the biodiversity policy
of not introducing plant or animal species that are not naturally found in a
location.
The Rapu-Rapu environmental initiatives include voluntary efforts
that are above and beyond those mandated by the legal and regulatory
requirements. Recently, 109 volunteer-employees and contractors of
RRPP held their own Earth Day Walk, as part of the 2010 Earth Day Cele-
bration, in Barangay Pagcolbon on Rapu-Rapu. At the end of the walk and
in line with this year’s celebration theme “A Billion Green Act,” the volun- ONE GREEN ACT. Employees of the RRPP joined hands in extending support for
teers planted 40 new agoho (Casuarinas setifolia) trees on Pagcolbon Mother Nature during the tree planting activity as part of the World Earth Day 2010.
Beach.
“We have just contributed 40 green acts for this year’s theme
through the trees we planted. If we count the long walk as an act of nature pH monitoring system computerized
appreciation and being aware of the natural resources our project is en-
dowed with—the beautiful rock and sea scape, trees, white sand, (see RRPP recently installed a computerized pH monitoring system at
page 2) the environmental area water treatment facility that shows real
time pH readings from three locations: mixing sump, settling
OJT students impressed with RRPP sump and wetlands.
The first of its kind in the Philippines, this system provides a
more accurate and rigorous monitoring of the pH level of the water at
these locations compared with the previous manual system of using
handheld pH meters to take a daily reading of the water’s pH level.
Computer readings are now logged every minute and saved; the daily
average reading is included in the monthly report submitted to EMBV.
Only water with a pH level within 6.5 to 9, in compliance with
DENR standard for effluent, is allowed to flow through to the wetland
systems and eventually to receiving bodies of water such as the Hollow

Mining and Metallurgical students from the University of the Philipines on OJT
Program at RRPP. L-R: Kayzer Llanda, Hazel Marie Tibule, Dona Bautista, Diosa
Marie Aguila and Lester Wayne Pile.

This summer, RRPP once again becomes fertile training ground for
students undertaking the required On-the Job Training (OJT) pro-
gram. A total of 36 students of varying disciplines benefitted from the
experience and were greatly impressed by RRPP’s friendly work at-
mosphere, excellent environmental management systems and highly
efficient operations.
Kayzer Llanda, B.S.Mining Engineering student from UP chose to
do his OJT at RRPP because “some of my professors recommended that I
VIGILANCE ENSURES SAFETY. Computer system and one of three pH meters.
take my training here. Also, among other mining companies, it’s different in
terms of geology... I am impressed with the work atmosphere. People here Stone Channel.
are very friendly and approachable..” Jeric Negre, a journalism student from This computerized monitoring system complements RRPP’s
Bicol University, Legazpi, shared his views: “Impressive. The company mechanized lime dosing system, also a first in the Philippines.
really practices environmental compliance. The negative perceptions that I Since these environmental enhancements began in mid 2009,
used to hear when we talk of mining were changed,” RRPP has spent a substantial amount of time and money in further im-
These 36 students represented five institutions: the UP, Mindanao proving and refining its environmental mitigation and control facilities.
State University, Partido State University , Bicol University and the Techni- Continuous enhancement of the project’s environment facilities shows
cal Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Their courses RRPP’s unwavering commitment to environment protection and preserva-
ranged from Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Sanitary and tion.
Environmental Engineering, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Journal-
EDITORIAL BOARD : Public Relations Department PUBLISHER : Rapu-
ism, Information Technology, Automotive Technology, and Shield Metal
Rapu Minerals Inc.
Arc Welding (SMAW).
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Bridge to Binosawan rebuilt to last From page 1...RRPP celebrates Earth Day, plants 27,000 trees...
fresh air---we are counting 109 green acts as well,” said Carmelita Pacis of
Residents of Barangay Binosawan and the neighboring barangays of RRPP’s Environmental Mine and Safety Department (EMSD). In 2009,
Linao, Tinopan, Viga, Mananao, and Buenavista in the island of Rapu- Pacis was one of Ten Outstanding Pollution Control Officers (TOPCO) in the
Rapu can now enjoy safe access over the Binosawan River. The re- country, a distinction awarded by the Pollution Control Association of the
construction of the 20.8 x 1.0 meter concrete footbridge with railings was Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) for her environmental efforts at RRPP.
completed through the efforts of the Binosawan barangay council and its RRPP observed Earth Hour 2010 by simultaneously switching off its
barangay captain, Ms. Enida Bendal, and funded by the Social Develop- lighting facilities at the camp accommodation buildings for one hour, contrib-
ment Management Program (SDMP) of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Pro- uting at least 611 megawatts of saved electricity, according to guidelines of
ject (RRPP). the Department of Energy.
The bridge, severely damaged by the typhoons Milenyo and Rem- World Water Day was also observed at the camp site with an adopt-a
ing in 2006, took approximately six months to complete and cost nearly -tree program whereby employees planted trees within the camp area.
half a million pesos. It was designed by the municipal engineer, Engr. As the country’s first polymetallic mine under the Mining Act of 1995,
Jaime Cardel. Engineering work was contracted to Mr. Tomas Sarsa from RRPP has earned ISO 14001: 2004 certification for the environmental man-
agement systems of both its mining and processing operations, signifying
Barangay Binosawan who acted as foreman. Although construction was
that its environmental practices are in compliance with internationally-
completed in December 2009, inauguration of the bridge is scheduled to
recognized standards.
be held sometime in the middle of this year.
RRPP produces copper and zinc powder concentrates, and gold and
Nelbenjie Noleal, Community CARE Officer, pointed out that this is
silver residues. Its shareholders: LG International, Korea Resources (a South
one of the biggest infrastructure projects of the barangay for 2009. It com-
Korean government-owned entity) and Malaysia Smelting Corporation, man-
prised about 8% of Binosawan’s total SDMP budget of 5.86 million pesos date environmental responsibility as a top priority.
for that year.
Residents appreciate the new bridge. "Dakulaon an pasasalamat
mi ta nakakaagi kami dawa nag-uuran. Grabeng pasasalamat mi sa tulay
na an. [We are thankful as we can now cross the river even during rainy
seasons. We are very thankful for that bridge.]" claims Merlita Buella of
Barangay Linao. Her neighbour, Maria Apon agrees: "Magayon ta pag
baha dae na kami malangoy. Kan dati inanod na ako diyan kan may
baha [It's good because we no longer have to swim accross the river dur-
ing floods. I was once swept by the flood water while crossing the river]."
Genevie Bondoy, a resident of Barangay Binosawan who works for
ORICA, a subcontractor at the mine site, adds: "Mas marhay na may tulay
ta mas nakakalaog na kami sa trabaho dawa nag-uuran o baha. Dae na
nadadanyaran an samuyang trabaho. [The bridge has been helpful as we
can now go to work even during rainy seasons or even when there
are floods. Our employment is no longer affected]".
This bridge serves as the only access of the barangay’s approxi-
mately 800 people to the high grounds of Sitio San Mateo and the
neighboring barangays. In addition, it is the only link of residents living in THICK AND GREEN. RRPP features a 40-meter wide buffer zone that surrounds the
barangays facing the Pacific Ocean to the barangays along the Albay Gulf 180-hectare mine development area. Most of the trees in the area were planted by
especially during the monsoon season when big waves prevent sea travel the employees under its environmental programs such as the Earth Day Walk.
around the tip of Pagcolbon.
Barangay Binosawan is one of the six host communities of RRPP
and a major beneficiary, since 2005, of the SDMP mandated under the
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Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The others are Malobago, Pagcolbon, Li-
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nao, Tinopan, and Sta. Barbara.

STRONG AND STURDY. The recently reconstructed Binosawan Bridge was de-
signed to withstand typhoons and flash floods due to heavy rains and high tide.

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Clue: What is the alchemy symbol for Silver?
#$
#% & # Congratulations to the last issue’s wordmine winners. Please claim your prizes at
the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs (PRCA) Department from James upon
the publication of this notice.
• Nelbenjie Noleal, CARE Dept Christine Betiz, CARE Dept Erica Gazo,
HRA Dept Kareen Perez, HRA Dept. Gerard Mesa, HRA Dept.
(All are given one chance to win a prize from contests on TIN)