For the 6th consecutive time, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) has once again passed the TUV Rheinland’s ISO 14001:2015 follow-up audit with zero nonconformity.
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 environmental management system meets international industry specific environmental standards.
TUV Rheinland is an independent, non-governmental, international standard-setting body, ensuring quality, safety and efficiency for almost every industry around the world. It provides a framework that an organization can follow.
The said 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 shield 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 utilization of Far Southeast Gold Resources Incorporated’s (FSGRI) Casubigan facility with 25 container vans to serve as Mankayan’s COVID-19 temporary isolation facility.
Besides the COVID-19 response, TUV also lauded Lepanto’s effluent management thru the introduction of hydrated lime in the effluent at settling pond discharge during cleaning time to ensure consistency of water turbidity. TUV also noted several citations Lepanto has been getting from various schools particularly in Mankayan and Buguias for the company’s continued educational assistance programs thru its SDMP.
“Passing TUV’s environmental audit for 2020 is not an easy feat considering the challenges brought by COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the adverse impact on the company’s operations. Our 6-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”, LCMC’s Environmental Management Representative and VP for HR and Administration and CSR Mr. Knestor Jose Y. Godino remarked.
LCMC’s President and COO Bryan U. Yap expressed deep gratitude to the employees and all the stakeholders, particularly the Mankayan Local Government Unit for the unwavering 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”, shared Yap. By Salvador Butch Mendizabal
