For the sixth consecutive time, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) passed the TUV Rheinland’s ISO 14001:2015 follow-up audit with zero non-conformity.
ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).
By completing this environmental certification, an organization can assure stakeholders that its EMS meets international industry specific environmental standards.
TUV Rheinland is an independent, non-government, international standard-setting body that ensures quality, safety, and efficiency for almost every industry around the world. It provides a framework that an organization can follow.
The audit covers LCMC’s three sites – Corporate Office in Makati City; Lepanto Warehouse in Malolos, Bulacan; and Lepanto Mine Division in Mankayan, Benguet.
In the initial audit report, TUV noted 11 positive findings, mostly commending the company’s Covid-19 interventions; the company’s reallocation of a portion of Social Development Management Program (SDMP) to Covid-19 assistance; provision of face masks and face shields to its over 1,600 employees; turnover of one of the company’s new vehicles to the municipality of Mankayan to serve as Covid-19 emergency vehicle; and the use of Far Southeast Gold Resources Incorporated’s Casubigan facility with 25 container vans as Mankayan’s Covid-19 temporary isolation facility.
TUV also lauded Lepanto’s effluent management through the introduction of hydrated lime in the effluent at settling pond discharge during cleaning time to ensure consistency of water turbidity.
It also noted several citations Lepanto has been getting from various schools, particularly in Mankayan and Buguias, for the company’s continued educational assistance programs through its SDMP.
“Passing TUV’s environmental audit for 2020 is not an easy feat considering the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, not to mention the adverse impact on the company’s operations. Our six-peat zero nonconformity only proves that no amount of pandemic can dampen the company’s strong commitment to our surrounding communities and to the environment,” said Knestor Jose Y. Godino, LCMC’s environmental management representative; and vice president for Human Resource, Administration, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
LCMC’s President and Chief Operating Officer Bryan U. Yap expressed gratitude to the employees and stakeholders, particularly the municipal government, for the support amid the pandemic.
“The support from our employees, the community members and the Mankayan LGU led by Mayor Frenzel A. Ayong is what propelled us to hurdle all the challenges brought by the pandemic. For that, we are forever grateful,” Yap said. – Press release
