Volume III, No.
08 Official Publication of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project
RRPP celebrates Earth Day, plants 27,000 trees
ONE GREEN ACT. Employees of the RRPP joined hands in extending support for
Mother Nature during the tree planting activity as part of the World Earth Day 2010.
36 OJT students impressed with RRPP
Mining and Metallurgical students from the University of the Philipines on OJT
Program at RRPP. L-R: Kayzer Llanda, Hazel Marie Tibule, Dona Bautista,
Diosa Marie Aguila and Lester Wayne Pile.
This summer, RRPP once again becomes fertile training ground for stu-
dents undertaking the required On-the Job Training (OJT) program. A
total of 36 students of varying disciplines from state universities and
training centres nationwide benefitted from the experience and were
greatly impressed by RRPP’s friendly work atmosphere, excellent envi-
ronmental management systems and highly efficient operations.
Kayzer Llanda, a 21-year-old Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineer-
ing (BSEM)student from the University of the Philippines (UP) chose to do his
OJT at RRPP because “some of my professors recommended that I take my
training here. Also, among other mining companies, it’s different in terms of
geology... I am impressed with the work atmosphere. People here are very
friendly and approachable..” Jeric Negre, a journalism student from Bicol Uni-
versity, Legazpi, shared his views: “Impressive. The company really practices
environmental compliance. The negative perceptions that I used to hear when
we talk of mining were changed,”
These 36 students represented five institutions and nine courses of
study: From the University of the Philippines, Diliman (UP): 1 B.S. Mining En-
gineering and 3 B.S. Metallurgical Engineering; From Mindanao State Univer-
sity (MSU): 2 B.S. Metallurgical Engineering; Partido State University (PSU): 3
B.S. Sanitary and Environmental Engineering and 3 B.S. Geology; Bicol Uni-
versity (BU): 2 B. S. Mechanical Engineering, 1 A.B. Journalism, 6 B.S. Infor-
mation Technology and 2 B.S. Automotive Technology; Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): 12 Shield Metal Arc Welding
(SMAW). (see page 2)
April 16-30, 2010
The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP) on Rapu-Rapu Island in Albay
Gulf, now one of the country’s most environment-compliant mining and
mineral processing operations, has planted some 27,000 trees to date on its
180-hectare site which comprises 3 percent of the island’s total area.
The preservation and the enhancement of the project site’s tree cover,
which will eventually include all mined-out areas, are among RRPP’s continuous
environmental initiative which recently featured its participation in Earth Day,
Earth Hour and World Water Day. The planted trees are indigenous to Rapu-
Rapu in keeping with the biodiversity policy of not introducing plant or animal spe-
cies that are not naturally found in a location.
The Rapu-Rapu environmental initiatives include voluntary efforts that are
above and beyond those mandated by the legal and regulatory requirements. Re-
cently, 109 volunteer-employees and contractors of RRPP held their own Earth
Day Walk, as part of the 2010 Earth Day Celebration, in Barangay Pagcolbon on
Rapu-Rapu. At the end of the walk and in line with this year’s celebration theme
“A Billion Green Act,” the volunteers planted 40 new agoho (Casuarinas setifolia)
trees on Pagcolbon Beach.
“We have just contributed 40 green acts for this year’s theme through
the trees we planted. If we count the long walk as an act of nature apprecia-
tion and being aware of the natural resources our project is endowed with—
the beautiful rock and sea scape, trees, white sand, (see page 2)
pH monitoring system computerized
RRPP recently installed a computerized pH monitoring system at the
environmental area water treatment facility that shows real time pH
readings from three locations: mixing sump, settling sump and wet-
lands.
The first of its kind in the Philippines, this system provides a more ac-
curate and rigorous monitoring of the pH level of the water at these locations
compared with the previous manual system of using handheld pH meters to
take a daily reading of the water’s pH level. Computer readings are now
logged every minute and saved; the daily average reading is included in the
monthly report submitted to EMBV.
Only water with a pH level within 6.5 to 9, in compliance with DENR
standard for effluent, is allowed to flow through to the wetland systems and
VIGILANCE ENSURES SAFETY. Computer system and one of three pH meters.
eventually into receiving bodies of water, such as the Hollowstone channel.
This computerized monitoring system complements RRPP’s mecha-
nized lime dosing system, also a first in the Philippines.
Since these environmental enhancements began in mid 2009, RRPP
has spent a substantial amount of time and money in further improving and
refining its environmental mitigation and control facilities. Continuous en-
hancement of the project’s environment facilities shows RRPP’s unwavering
commitment to environment protection and preservation.
Harnessing God-given resources for the sustainable
development of our community and country
EDITORIAL BOARD : Public Relations Department PUBLISHER : Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc.
www.rapu-rapumining.com
Volume III, No. 08 The Island Newsweek April 16-30, 2010

bridge to Binosawan rebuilt to last From page 1...RRPP celebrates Earth Day, plants 27,000 trees...
fresh air---we are counting 109 green acts as well,” said Carmelita Pacis of
Residents of Barangay Binosawan and the neighboring barangays of RRPP’s Environmental Mine and Safety Department (EMSD). In 2009,
Linao, Tinopan, Viga, Mananao, and Buenavista in the island of Rapu- Pacis was one of Ten Outstanding Pollution Control Officers (TOPCO) in the
Rapu can now enjoy safe access over the Binosawan River. The recon- country, a distinction awarded by the Pollution Control Association of the
struction of the 20.8 x 1.0 meter concrete footbridge with railings was com- Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) for her environmental efforts at RRPP.
pleted through the efforts of the Binosawan barangay council and its barangay RRPP observed Earth Hour 2010 by simultaneously switching off its
captain, Ms. Enida Bendal, and funded by the Social Development Manage-
lighting facilities at the camp accommodation buildings for one hour, contrib-
ment Program (SDMP) of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP).
uting at least 611 megawatts of saved electricity, according to guidelines of
The bridge, severely damaged by the typhoons Milenyo and Reming in
the Department of Energy.
2007, took approximately six months to complete and cost nearly half a million
World Water Day was also observed at the camp site with an adopt-a
pesos. It was designed by the Municipal engineer, Engr. Jaime Cardel. Engi-
-tree program whereby employees planted trees within the camp area.
neering work was contracted to Mr. Tomas Sarsa from Barangay Binosawan
who acted as foreman. Although construction was completed in December As the country’s first polymetallic mine under the Mining Act of 1995,
2009, inauguration of the bridge is scheduled to be held sometime middle of RRPP has earned ISO 14001: 2004 certification for the environmental man-
this year. agement systems of both its mining and processing operations, signifying
Nelbenjie Noleal, Community CARE Officer, pointed out that this is that its environmental practices are in compliance with internationally-
one of the biggest infrastructure projects of the barangay for 2009. It com- recognized standards.
prised about 8% of Binosawan’s total SDMP budget of 5.86 million pesos for RRPP produces copper and zinc powder concentrates, and gold and
the year. silver residues. Its shareholders: LG International, Korea Resources (a South
Residents appreciate the new bridge. "Dakulaon an pasasalamat mi ta Korean government-owned entity) and Malaysia Smelting Corporation, man-
nakakaagi kami dawa nag-uuran. Grabeng pasasalamat mi sa tulay na date environmental responsibility as a top priority.
an. [We are thankful as we can now cross the river even during rainy sea-
sons. We are very thankful for that bridge.]" claims Merlita Buella of Barangay
Linao. Her neighbour, Maria Apon agrees: "Magayon ta pag baha dae na
kami malangoy. Kan dati inanod na ako diyan kan may baha [It's good be-
cause we no longer have to swim accross the river during floods. I was once
swept by the flood water while crossing the river]." Genevie Bondoy, a resi-
dent of Barangay Binosawan who works for ORICA, a subcontractor at the
mine site, adds: "Mas marhay na may tulay ta mas nakakalaog na kami sa
trabaho dawa nag-uuran o baha. Dae na nadadanyaran an samuyang tra-
baho. [The bridge has been helpful as we can now go to work even during
rainy seasons or even when there are floods. Our employment is no longer
affected]".
This bridge serves as the only access of the barangay’s approximately
800 people to the high grounds of Sitio San Mateo and the neighboring baran-
gays. In addition, it is the only link of residents living in barangays facing the
Pacific Ocean to the barangays along the Albay Gulf especially during the
monsoon season when big waves prevent sea travel around the tip of Pagcol-
bon.
Barangay Binosawan is one of the six host communities of RRPP and
a major beneficiary, since 2005, of the SDMP mandated under the Philippine THICK AND GREEN. RRPP features a 40-meter wide buffer zone that surrounds the
Mining Act of 1995. The others are Malobago, Pagcolbon, Linao, Tinopan, 180-hectare mine development area. Most of the trees in the area were planted by
the employees under its environmental programs such as the Earth Day Walk.
and Sta. Barbara.

SUDOKU: Fill in the boxes with numbers 1-6 so that all rows,
columns, and mini-grids contain the numbers 1 through 6. Make sure
that no number is repeated in any of the rows, columns or mini-grids.

STRONG AND STURDY. The recently reconstructed Binosawan Bridge was de-
signed to withstand typhoons and flash floods due to heavy rains and high tide.

From page 1...36 OJT students impressed with RRPP...

Over the years, RRPP has been the choice of many students from dif-
ferent universities due to its world-class standards of operation. Last year,
Aaron Anthony Nieveras, a BS Metallurgical Engineering student from UP
Diliman, also took his internship at RRPP along with nine other trainees from
MSU and BU-Legazpi. During his training, Nieveras commented that,
“...knowledge acquisition has never been this fun and worthy, having to work
with people who emphasize virtues in their profession through responsible Clue: What is the alchemy symbol for Silver?
mining in an environment-conscious working place.”
Congratulations to the last issue’s wordmine winners. Please claim your prizes at
The first five persons to submit completely-answered Sudoku game to the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs (PRCA) Department from James upon
James Lopez of the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Depart- the publication of this notice.
ment will win cool RRPP umbrellas. Only one person per department  Nelbenjie Noleal, CARE Dept● Christine Betiz, CARE Dept ● Erica Gazo,
wins. Names of winners will be published in the next issue. HRA Dept ● Kareen Perez, HRA Dept.●Gerard Mesa, HRA Dept.
(All are given one chance to win a prize from contests on TIN)