Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) was given a reconfirmation of its new certificate for ISO 14001:2015 with four-peat zero nonconformity last April 25 by TUV Rheinland Inc.
The company’s environmental management system has been certified for another three years following a four-day audit covering the company’s three sites– Makati Corporate Office, Lepanto Warehouse in Bulacan and the Lepanto Mine Division in Mankayan, Benguet.
ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS) that is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
TUV Rheinland’s audit report noted 16 positive findings, mostly commending the company’s best practices in environmental protection, including the company’s effort to decontaminate all of its PCB-laced transformer units and become the first mining company in Southeast Asia to go PCB-free. The auditors also lauded the company’s initiative in constructing its own Engineered Sanitary Landfill, which sets a benchmark for the Philippine mining industry. The audit report also noted Lepanto’s creative way of promoting responsible mining through its first CineMina Short Film Festival.
LCMC’s Vice-president for Human Resources and Administration and overall Environmental Management Representative Knestor Jose Y. Godino said the favorable result of the audit affirms the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“Obtaining ISO certification is one thing, but maintaining it consistently with zero nonconformity is entirely another thing. It is never an easy process, it involves teamwork and strong determination to be ever-compliant with all standards. This only speaks of what a real responsible and sustainable mining company is,” Godino added.
The ISO 14001 certification initiative was led by the EMS Team headed by LCMC President and chief operating officer, Bryan U. Yap, Mr. Godino, and includes the Vice President and Resident Manager, Engr. Thomas S. Consolacion and MEPEO Manager Rolando C. Reyes.
Lepanto first obtained its ISO:14001 compliance certification in 2016 but that was the 2004 version.