ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reported failure of the tailings storage facility (TSF) of Greenstone Resources mining operations in Barangay Siana, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

The DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)  immediately dispatched a team to investigate the cause of the TSF failure and assess the extent of the damage. 

“The MGB is also working closely with Greenstone Resources, local authorities and community leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas,” Secretary Loyzaga said.

A statement from Greenstone Resources Corporation revealed that cracks were discovered on the Siana Barangay Road, which runs adjacent to the embankment of TSF3. 

“About 10 to 15 houses were affected but no casualties have been reported owing to a timely evacuation of residents,” Undersecretary for Field Operations – Mindanao Joselin Marcus Fragada disclosed.

The DENR investigation will cover the factors leading to the incident and its impact on the communities and the environment, as well as the integrity of the tailings facility and safety systems and procedures that the mine has in place.