APPROVED. MGB-Caraga Director Glenn Marcelo Noble scribbles the word 'approved' to indicate the green light for the annual Social Development and Management Program of mineral processing plant Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation during a deliberation on March 5, 2021. The approved spending includes PHP12.8 for the purchase of coronavirus disease vaccines for the town of Claver, Surigao del Norte, where the company operates. (Contributed photo)
SURIGAO CITY-- Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Caraga Region (MGB-13) headed by Director Glenn Marcelo Noble has approved Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation's (THPAL) Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) plan for 2021.
In a statement Wednesday, THPAL said its annual SDMP plan contains proposed expenditures "aimed at creating a self-reliant, self-sustained and managing communities."
THPAL said its SDMP contains allocations for healthcare services, education, livelihood, public utilities and infrastructure development, and socio-cultural preservation.
As part of the SDMP allocation, which is intended for the host and neighboring communities where it operates, the Surigao del Norte's mining town of Claver is set to receive PHP12.8 million for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine procurement.
The company said it will work with the local government unit for the procurement of the vaccines for some 28,000 residents, or 70 percent of the local population.
"The company's SDMP aims to help cushion the impact of the pandemic, and we are hoping that vaccination can be done soon so we can all move forward and work on the rebuilding of our economy," said Genevieve Chua, THPAL community relations manager.
THPAL is a hydrometallurgical processing plant that uses the "high-pressure acid leach" method to convert the low‐grade nickel laterite ore to produce nickel and cobalt mixed sulfide.
The product is exported to Japan, where it is processed further to manufacture medical tools and equipment, electronic batteries, and other industrial materials. (PNA)
