The Philippine Government's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released a list of 23 mining companies yesterday, mentioning Oceana Gold, for alleged ''outstanding social issues'', which may have their operations suspended.
Oceana chief executive Mick Wilkes released an update yesterday saying the company had received no formal order from the DENR and was seeking ''clarification and further details''.
Oceana's Didipio mine in northern Luzon employs more than 1800 people, 98% of them Filipino nationals, and during the past three and a-half year taxes and royalties of $US70million ($NZ96million) have been paid.
On a quarterly basis, Didipio is now threatening Oceana's mainstay Macraes mine in East Otago for the volume of gold produced, and the offsetting gain of copper sales makes it one of the most cost-effective gold mines in the world.
Mr Wilkes said: ''The company will consider all avenues, including working collaboratively with the DENR, to facilitate the immediate resolution of this matter to ensure no disruption to our operations and our valued local workforce.''
He said Didipio had received international and national awards for its strong track record for health and safety, environmental management and community engagement.
In 2014, Didipio was one of the first Philippine mines certified by ISO 140001, a leading industry best practice in Environmental Management Systems, the OSHAS 18001 certification, while also adhering to international environmental and sustainability standards, Mr Wilkes said.
