From Theory to Practice: Best Practices in Environmental Stewardship at Tampakan Copper-Gold Project

Jose C. Sebua and Alan G. Buenavista

I. Introduction

The Tampakan Copper Gold Project (TCGP) is an exploration project focused on copper and gold development. Recently, an infill drilling program to delineate the resource ore body for feasibility study has been completed. This paper highlights the experiences of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project (TCGP) in the context of environmental management during the exploration period. Having a complex biophysical environment and in the presence of indigenous people, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) devised innovative strategies to gain community participation, initiate environmental initiatives and acceptability at the early stages of the project. Such innovations are anchored on the Environment Policy of the company that focuses on research, community-based environmental monitoring program (CBEMP), field trials, and in-house environmental guidelines.