1.

BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION

1.1 Project Information

NAME OF PROJECT: PASAR ECC Amendment – Processing of Electronic Waste (WEEE)

Leyte Industrial Development Estate

LOCATION: Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte
Philippines

NATURE OF PROJECT: Processing of Hazardous Waste

SIZE/SCALE: 2,000 metric tons per month

1.2 Proponent Profile

PROPONENT NAME: Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation

Leyte Industrial Development Estate

ADDRESS: Brgy. Libertad, Isabel, Leyte
Philippines 6539

MANAGING HEAD: John Joven S. Chiong

John.Chiong@pasar.com.ph
CONTACT DETAILS:
(0917) 306 2129

1
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The project is the processing of electronic waste, specifically the printed circuit boards, in Philippine
Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation’s converter furnaces. The converter furnace
process is the second step in the recovery of copper from concentrates. This furnace has the capability
to accept feed materials with sizes up to 1,000 mm. The electronic waste contains various metals
which, when melted, will dissolve in the molten copper metal. The recovery of these metals is expected
to be close to 100%. Gases produce from the process will be captured by the existing gas purification
system of the acid plant. On the other hand, fugitive gases are captured by the hood system and cleaned
in the desulfurization facility. The projected amount of electronic scrap to be processed to the
converter furnaces is 2,000 tons per month, which is about 5% of the 40,000-ton per month
throughput.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

PASAR is in the copper making business. Its main raw materials are the copper concentrates from
various copper mines all over the world. The process employed by the company is the flash smelting
technology developed by Outokumpu in 1948. This is an “indirect” copper making wherein the copper
concentrates are smelted to produce molten sulphides of iron and copper and then subsequently
processed to remove the iron and sulphur. The copper sulphide mineral is oxidized with oxygen in the
Flash smelter producing iron-copper sulphide called “matte”. The iron in the matte is removed in the
Converter furnaces by blowing oxygen-enriched air in the molten bath.

The converting process produces impure copper metal called “blister copper”. The final stage of
smelting is refining the blister copper in the Anode Furnace where traces of oxygen and sulphur are
removed. This copper is cast into 375-kg “anode”. The copper anode is processed electrolytically to
produce high grade copper cathode. The waste gas from the furnaces are cooled and cleaned and then
the SO2 is converted to sulphuric acid. By-products such as slags, reverts and residues are produced in
each stage of the process. These are recycled back in the converter furnaces where it can take in feed
materials as large as 1000mm. This capability of the Converter Furnace to take in large feed size allows
it to process electronic wastes that come in various sizes. The high operating temperature inside the
furnace (1250C) melts the material and completely oxidize the organic components. Any chlorine and
fluorine produced in the combustion are absorbed in the acid-making process.

2
2.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA

The project site is located inside the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Barangay Libertad,
Isabel, Leyte. It is at latitude 10 53.5’N and longitude 12426.3’E. It is approximately 500 kilometers
Southeast of Manila and approximately 145 kilometers from Tacloban City following the routes
Tacloban-Ormoc-Isabel (see Figure 1.1). The geographic coordinates of the project site are summarized
in Table 1.1.

Fig. 1.1 – Project Location

3
 PASAR Industrial Complex is in Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE)
located in Isabel, Leyte.

Fig. 1.2 – NAMRIA Topographic Map

4
 Fig. 1.3 – Vicinity Map of LIDE

Fig. 1.4 – Location of PASAR Corporation within LIDE

5
 Coordinates Coordinates
Waypoint Elevation Waypoint Elevation
Latitude Longitude Latitude Longitude

1 10° 53' 39.509" N 124° 26' 23.361" E 39 m 41 10° 53' 24.515" N 124° 25' 53.156" E 26 m

2 10° 53' 36.521" N 124° 26' 21.997" E 39 m 42 10° 53' 25.725" N 124° 25' 51.944" E 24 m

3 10° 53' 35.611" N 124° 26' 21.663" E 40 m 43 10° 53' 26.668" N 124° 25' 52.014" E 33 m

4 10° 53' 34.830" N 124° 26' 21.527" E 41 m 44 10° 53' 27.126" N 124° 25' 51.522" E 35 m

5 10° 53' 33.786" N 124° 26' 22.148" E 34 m 45 10° 53' 27.581" N 124° 25' 51.788" E 32 m

6 10° 53' 32.121" N 124° 26' 23.194" E 33 m 46 10° 53' 27.229" N 124° 25' 50.535" E 36 m

7 10° 53' 32.151" N 124° 26' 23.754" E 35 m 47 10° 53' 27.329" N 124° 25' 49.844" E 36 m

8 10° 53' 32.082" N 124° 26' 24.511" E 32 m 48 10° 53' 30.177" N 124° 25' 46.498" E 38 m

9 10° 53' 31.129" N 124° 26' 26.417" E 31 m 49 10° 53' 30.797" N 124° 25' 46.040" E 35 m

10 10° 53' 30.279" N 124° 26' 27.137" E 28 m 50 10° 53' 31.263" N 124° 25' 43.968" E 34 m

11 10° 53' 29.785" N 124° 26' 28.485" E 31 m 51 10° 53' 33.093" N 124° 25' 42.330" E 35 m

12 10° 53' 28.643" N 124° 26' 29.039" E 28 m 52 10° 53' 33.612" N 124° 25' 42.661" E 38 m

13 10° 53' 26.885" N 124° 26' 29.162" E 27 m 53 10° 53' 35.475" N 124° 25' 41.188" E 37 m

14 10° 53' 25.748" N 124° 26' 28.729" E 30 m 54 10° 53' 35.346" N 124° 25' 40.760" E 35 m

15 10° 53' 23.374" N 124° 26' 28.322" E 28 m 55 10° 53' 35.805" N 124° 25' 40.169" E 36 m

16 10° 53' 22.527" N 124° 26' 28.285" E 26 m 56 10° 53' 36.619" N 124° 25' 40.074" E 36 m

17 10° 53' 20.839" N 124° 26' 27.454" E 33 m 57 10° 53' 37.238" N 124° 25' 39.945" E 36 m

18 10° 53' 20.226" N 124° 26' 26.232" E 34 m 58 10° 53' 37.793" N 124° 25' 39.553" E 35 m

19 10° 53' 20.233" N 124° 26' 24.718" E 34 m 59 10° 53' 38.679" N 124° 25' 38.108" E 35 m

20 10° 53' 19.848" N 124° 26' 23.596" E 30 m 60 10° 53' 38.388" N 124° 25' 37.711" E 23 m

21 10° 53' 20.045" N 124° 26' 23.136" E 29 m 61 10° 53' 38.203" N 124° 25' 35.339" E 23 m

6
22 10° 53' 20.385" N 124° 26' 20.075" E 29 m 62 10° 53' 41.428" N 124° 25' 34.861" E 25 m

23 10° 53' 20.066" N 124° 26' 18.657" E 28 m 63 10° 53' 46.090" N 124° 25' 40.218" E 25 m

24 10° 53' 20.331" N 124° 26' 17.769" E 26 m 64 10° 53' 44.749" N 124° 25' 41.727" E 25 m

25 10° 53' 20.755" N 124° 26' 17.475" E 28 m 65 10° 53' 45.850" N 124° 25' 42.917" E 23 m

26 10° 53' 21.776" N 124° 26' 15.010" E 28 m 66 10° 53' 45.844" N 124° 25' 44.169" E 25 m

27 10° 53' 22.366" N 124° 26' 14.091" E 28 m 67 10° 53' 44.994" N 124° 25' 44.922" E 25 m

28 10° 53' 22.992" N 124° 26' 12.546" E 26 m 68 10° 53' 48.046" N 124° 25' 46.583" E 26 m

29 10° 53' 24.768" N 124° 26' 8.636" E 24 m 69 10° 53' 45.593" N 124° 25' 56.023" E 37 m

30 10° 53' 24.803" N 124° 26' 8.076" E 24 m 70 10° 53' 45.590" N 124° 25' 56.748" E 37 m

31 10° 53' 25.987" N 124° 26' 5.546" E 25 m 71 10° 53' 42.344" N 124° 26' 8.819" E 41 m

32 10° 53' 26.417" N 124° 26' 4.033" E 25 m 72 10° 53' 40.926" N 124° 26' 12.698" E 39 m

33 10° 53' 26.488" N 124° 26' 2.815" E 27 m 73 10° 53' 40.857" N 124° 26' 13.488" E 46 m

34 10° 53' 26.916" N 124° 26' 1.664" E 33 m 74 10° 53' 40.391" N 124° 26' 15.758" E 46 m

35 10° 53' 27.253" N 124° 25' 59.229" E 31 m 75 10° 53' 41.307" N 124° 26' 21.657" E 41 m

36 10° 53' 27.162" N 124° 25' 57.878" E 27 m 76 10° 53' 41.010" N 124° 26' 22.479" E 39 m

37 10° 53' 26.875" N 124° 25' 56.658" E 28 m 77 10° 53' 40.748" N 124° 26' 22.807" E 40 m

38 10° 53' 26.487" N 124° 25' 56.031" E 29 m 78 10° 53' 40.324" N 124° 26' 23.003" E 39 m

39 10° 53' 26.295" N 124° 25' 55.404" E 30 m 79 10° 53' 39.868" N 124° 26' 23.034" E 39 m

40 10° 53' 25.876" N 124° 25' 54.348" E 29 m

Table 1.1 – PASAR Corporation Geographic Coordinates

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2.1.1 Direct and Indirect Impact Areas

The EIA Study Area for the proposed Project covers both the direct and indirect impact areas of the
project. Direct and Indirect Areas as defined by Revised Procedural Manual (DAO 03-30) are:

a. Direct Impact Area (DIA)

The area where all project facilities are proposed to be constructed/situated and where all
operations are proposed to be undertaken. For most projects, the DIA is equivalent to the total
area applied for an ECC.

b. Indirect Impact Area (IIA)

This area is clearly delineated only after the EIA Study is done and is more accurately
established during post-ECC monitoring. For the biophysical environment, the IIA may be the
area from the outer boundary of the mixing or buffer zone to the point or area where the
baseline environmental quality is calculated or monitored to be met. The socio-cultural IIA
shall be based on the area of influence of the biophysical IIA.

c. Regional Impact Zone (RIZ)

This pertains more to the general area where the impact of the project would be felt, such as
the entire municipality, province, or region.

The EIA Study Area for the proposed Upgrading Project covers both the direct and indirect impact areas
of the project.

The Direct Impact Area (DIA) for this project covers the previously issued ECC or the project area itself,
811,307 m2 and the whole LIDE which is considered as an Industrial Area/Zone. The following will be
directly impacted by the project: LIDE Management Corporation, Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer,
Cleanaway Phils., Inc., community inside LIDE Staffhousing, and the schools, LIDE Learning Center Inc.
and Holy Infant Day Care Center. The DIA may be affected by PASAR’s operation noise, dusts, air
emission, run-off, and other impact areas that will be discussed or covered in the EPRMP. The limits of
the DIA cover the marine waters within 100 meters from the shoreline of PASAR Corporation.

The Indirect Impact Areas covers the neighboring areas immediately outside the Direct Impact Area.
The delineation of the indirect impact area is based on the Air Dispersion Modelling conducted in which
the pollutant concentration beyond 3-km radius from the plant stack is very low. The Indirect Impact
Areas include Brgy. Mahayag, Brgy. Libertad and Brgy. Matlang in Isabel, Leyte.

8
 Isabel Town
Brgy. Bantigue Brgy. Mahayag

Brgy. Libertad

Leyte Industrial
Development Estate
(LIDE)
Brgy. Matlang

Brgy. Bilwang

Brgy. Tubod

Brgy. Tolingon

Fig. 1.5 – Electronic Waste Processing Direct and Indirect Impact Areas

2.2 PROJECT RATIONALE

Electronic waste (WEEE) has been stated as one of the most rapidly growing waste streams in the world.
It consists of a wide range of elements and compounds including both valuable and hazardous
materials. WEEE can contaminate the environment and threaten human health through its improper
recycling and disposal methods. The printed circuit boards, which is the main electronic waste to be
processed in PASAR, contains 16% Copper, 4% tin, 3% iron, 2% nickel, 1% zinc, 0.039% gold, 0.156%
silver and 0.009% palladium (Ref: Electronic Waste Management and Treatment Technology by Prasad
and Vithanage). PASAR’s E-scrap recycling is through its pyrometallurgical coppermaking process. The
infrastructures of the company are already setup for such recycling and will ensure proper management
and mitigation of environmental impacts. The greatest impact in the company’s bottom line is the
recovery of gold and silver in which the company has specialized.

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2.3 PROJECT COMPONENT LIST

2.3.1 BASIC PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION

The project is the processing of Electronic Wastes in the PASAR’s Peirce-Smith Converter Furnaces. The
converter furnaces are the second stage in the copper making process. It processes the material called
“matte”, produced from the upstream flash furnace, and converting it to copper metal by vigorous
reaction with oxygen-enriched air. The converter furnace is a horizontal cylindrical furnace with
opening at the center of the cylinder shell called “mouth” (see Figure 2.2). This mouth is where
additional materials are charged and where offgases are released. This mode of charging materials is
suitable for electronic waste processing since the scraps have varying sizes.

Electronic scraps contain valuable metals that include copper, gold and silver. The converting process
will melt these scraps and the metals will dissolve in molten copper. The operating temperature of the
furnace is 1,250C in which any organic gases produced will be completely oxidized. The project aims
to process 2,000 tons of electronic scraps per month.

2.3.2 PASAR Coppermaking Process

PASAR uses the primary copper smelting process. Its main raw materials are the copper concentrates
from various mines all over the world. The copper in the concentrate is in sulphide form and its mineral
name is chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). The concentrate has trace amounts of impurities such as gold and silver,
which are recovered in the subsequent processes.

The copper making process of PASAR consists of four stages. The first stage is the conversion of
chalcopyrite to “matte” (CuSFeS) by reacting the concentrate with pure oxygen in the Flash Furnace
(Figure 2.1). The oxygen preferentially oxidize iron (Fe) and sulphur (S). The reaction is highly
exothermic which heats the furnace “autogenously” which does not require additional or supplemental
combustion of fuel. Silica is added to combine with iron oxide and form iron silicate collectively known
as “slag”. The flash furnace operates at 1250-1300C to allow complete separation of matte and slag.
The matte and slag are periodically tapped from the furnace and delivered to the converter furnace
and slag flotation plant, respectively. The SO2 gas are converted to sulphuric acid in the Acid Plant.

10
 Fig. 2.1 – Flash Smelting Furnace

The matte from the flash furnace is processed in the Converter Furnaces. The converter furnace of
PASAR is known as Peirce-Smith converters (Figure 2.2). The converter is a cylindrical furnace with
tuyeres (50-60 pcs) along the shell, where oxygen-enriched air is introduced, and a “mouth” where
materials are introduced. “Converting” is the second stage of copper making process wherein the
matte are blown with oxygen-enriched air to completely oxidize iron and sulphur which leaves copper
metal in molten state. This too is a highly exothermic reaction. “Converting” proceeds in two steps or
stages. The first stage is the “Slag Blow” stage wherein the Fe is oxidized and combined with silica to
form the slag. The second stage is “copper blow” stage wherein the sulphur attached to the copper
are removed. SO2 are formed in the two stages and converted to sulphuric acid in the Acid Plant. The
product of the converting is “blister copper” which will be fire refined in the Anode Furnace.

Fig. 2.2 – Pierce-Smith Converter Furnace

11
The Fire refining is the third stage of copper making. The blister copper from the “converting stage” is
processed in the Anode Furnace. The anode furnace is also a cylindrical furnace but with only two (2)
tuyeres. It is bigger than the Peirce-Smith converter. The fire refining removes traces of oxygen and
sulphur dissolved in the blister copper. The product of the fire refining is called copper anode, which
are then cast into 375-kg anodes.

Fig. 2.3 – Anode Furnace

The copper anodes are refined electrolytically. This is the fourth stage of copper making. The anodes
are arranged in tanks and direct current are introduced to dissolve the copper and deposit to the
opposite cathode. The copper that deposits in the cathode are 99.99% pure and hence called “copper
cathode”. The copper cathode is the final product of PASAR. The electrolytic refining produces slimes
that settles at the bottom of the tanks. These slimes contain gold and silver which are recovered as
“dore” in the Dore Plant.

Fig. 2.4 – Tank Cells for Copper Electro-refining

12
The overall process flow is summarized in Figure 2.5.

Fig. 2.5 – Primary Copper Smelting and Refining Process

13
2.3.3 Electronic Scrap Processing

The electronic scraps have varying sizes. This can only be processed in a vessel which has a wide
mouth. The Peirce-Smith converter furnace is suitable for the job. Figure 2.6 will be the modified
PASAR Process Flow showing the input stream (red arrow) of electronic scrap in the converting
process.

Fig. 2.6 – Process Flow Modification showing where WEEE will be processed

The electronic scrap will be fed, in batch, to the furnace during the slag-blow phase. Each batch
amounts to 11 tons. The scrap will be contained in covered 200-liter drum such that no reaction could
take in the immediate introduction to high-temperature environment. The batch-type processing
allows better control of the environmental impact of the process wherein the furnace can be
immediately put offline whenever process upset is encountered.

14
2.3.4 Gas Handling

Waste gases from the furnaces are captured by the primary offtake and pass through a waste heat
boiler and electrostatic precipitators to produce steam for electricity generation and dust removal
respectively. The cooled and cleaned gas are then processed in the acid plant to convert the SO 2 to
sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Any Fluorine (F) and Chlorine (Cl) that will be emitted from the combustion of
electronic waste will be absorbed by the sulphuric acid and hence, no emissions of F and Cl are
expected.

Fugitive gases from the charging operation will be captured by the hood system and the gases will be
scrubbed with calcium hydroxide in the desulfurization facility. The Cl and F will also be absorbed in
the lime solution.

2.3.5 Electronic Scrap Handling and Storage

The electronic scraps will be delivered to the plant site in bulk bags. These will be stored in covered
storage area that will comply with the hazardous waste storage standards defined in DAO 2013-22
(Revised Procedure and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes). The electronic scraps
will be transferred to 200-liter drums with lid. The spent jumbo bags will be disposed in a licensed TSD
Facility. Good Housekeeping practices will be implemented to ensure spillages are recovered.

2.3.6 Plant Layout

The project is the processing of Electronic Wastes in the PASAR’s Peirce-Smith Converter Furnaces.
Figure 2.7 is the top view of Converter Furnace; Figure 2.8 shows the elevation view of Converter
Furnace and Figure 2.9 is the layout of PASAR Smelting Plant.

2.3.7 Aerial Photos of the Project Site

Project site is in Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel, Leyte. Figure 2.10 shows the aerial
view where the project is located. Figure 2.11 are project site photos showing households, business
activities, nearest industries and local institutions like schools, churches, hospitals, and community.

15
CF 4 CF 3 CF 2 CF 1

Figure 2.7 – Top View of Converter Furnace

16
 To Desulfurization Plant Stack

To Electrostatic Precipitator
To Acid Plant

Figure 2.8 – Elevation View of Converter Furnace

17
Figure 2.9 – Layout of Smelter Plant
18
Figure 2.10 – Aerial Capture of PASAR Corporation (project site)
19
Figure 2.11 – Project site showing nearest industries, household, and local institutions
20
2.4 PROJECT PHASES

a. Construction Phase

There is no construction phase since the project is an additional processing of materials on existing
infrastructures.

b. Operation Phase

The electronic scrap will be processed in the Peirce-Smith Converter furnace. The Peirce-Smith
converter is a cylindrical furnace with its axis along the horizontal plane (See Figure 2.2). It has a
number of tuyeres along the length of the furnace where oxygen-enriched air is introduced at high
pressure. The oxygen reacts with the Sulfur and Iron in the copper matte forming SO2, slag and copper
at an operating temperature of 1250C. There is an opening in the middle of the cylinder where
materials are introduced. Reaction gases consisting of O2, N2 and SO2 exit this opening and flow through
the Boiler and to the Acid Plant for SO2 fixation. The blowing is stopped, and the furnace is tilted
whenever materials are charged. The electronic scraps will be placed in drums and charged in 11-ton
batch during the “Slag and Copper Blow” Phases of copper making. Each blowing cycle consist of 240
tons of matte which makes the proportion of E-waste at 4.5%. The furnace is also equipped with a
hood (Figure 2.7) that captures fugitive emission during charging. These gases are “scrubbed” with
Calcium hydroxide in the desulfurization facility.

The combustion of the organic part of the waste is expected to generate Fluorine and Chlorine. These
elements are readily absorbed in the weak sulphuric acid of the acid plant which is treated in the Weak
Acid Neutralization Plant.

21
 Fig. 2.7 – Peirce-Smith Converter Hood installation

Regular monitoring of air and water will be conducted based on the established Environmental
Monitoring Plan.

c. Project Timeframe

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5

22
2.4.1 WASTE GENERATION & BUILT IN MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Two thousand (2,000) pieces of spent jumbo bags (bulk bags) are expected to be generated per month
as this is the standard packaging from the suppliers. This will be collected and disposed to a licensed
Treatment Storage and Disposal (TSD) facility.

2.4.2 SUMMARY OF COMPARISON OF THE NEW AND OLD PROJECTS

The electronic scrap to be processed by PASAR, which is 2,000 tons per month equivalent to 24,000
tons per year, is about 2% of the 1,200,000 tons of copper concentrates processed per year. This is a
very small proportion of the company’s throughput and any environmental impacts of electronic scrap
processing can be mitigated by the existing pollution control systems. The manner of charging the E-
scrap is the same as charging any other materials to the Converter furnace. The Pollution control
system is the same and very capable of handling emissions from E-scrap. The additional activities
associated with the new project are the preparation of E-scrap in drums and the annual monitoring of
Dioxins and Furans in the stack as described in the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP).

23
2.4.3 KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

Below is the company’s performance against the Impact Mitigations Plans provided in the EPRMP for
PASAR Upgrading Project.

Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance

Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
Preconstruction
Civil works/earth The Land Dust generation Regular watering Implemented
moving activities, affecting health of unpaved road
Land grading and of people Speed control for Implemented
preparation. mobile equipment
Dump box cover
Implemented
enforcement
Top soil Top soil Implemented
removal stockpiling as back
fill materials
Pollution of Setup temporary Temporary
nearby area disposal areas disposal areas are
due to disposal within setup. Daily
of construction construction site collection of
wastes garbage are
implemented. All
garbage were
stored onsite on
the southeastern
part of the plant
Set-up adequate Hired third-party
toilet facilities PortaletsTM
provider
Strictly require Included in the
workers to contractor
observe proper orientation.
waste disposal Environment and
and sanitation safety inspection
implemented
daily.
Loss of Re-plant with No clearing/
vegetation due indigenous trees cutting of trees
to clearing done during the
upgrading project.
Company

24
 Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance
Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
continued to plant
trees in the tree
grove area.
Disturbance of Re-establish the No wildlife
wildlife due to habitat of wildlife disturbed during
noise and loss in other suitable the upgrading
of habitat areas. project
People In flux of Screen out 2,500 contractor
workers seeking workers. Hiring workers from
employment priority shall be Isabel has been
given to qualified hired by various
local residents contractor
companies
Increase All workers/ A total of, 40 first-
incidents of contractors/ shall aid, 12 Medical
accidents/ strictly implement Treatment Injuries
crimes safety rules and and 4 Lost time
regulations. Tap Injuries happened
the help of law during the
enforcement for Upgrading
crime prevention. Project. Zero
Crime.
Construction
Dismantling of old The land Generate Provide workers Implemented.
equipment hazardous with complete PPE
waste that will
affect the
people and land
Remove sticking The Metals
materials from the Balance team
scrap before recovered all
disposing to scrap metal-bearing
yard materials from
the dismantled
equipment and
ducts. 200 tons
recovered
Collect and recycle Recovered metal-
materials to the bearing materials
process are stored inside
the Storage House

25
 Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance
Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
and fed to the
furnace when the
plant operation
resumed
Generation of Sell scraps to The metal scraps
scraps avoid from the
accumulation upgrading grading
were completely
disposed in 2019.
Concreting and People Noise Provide workers Implemented
installation Generation with adequate
PPE/ear muff at
workplace with
high level noise
Regulate works Implemented
that generate high
level noise with
daytime and night
time standard to
follow
Dust emission Monitor condition Three-shift safety
and traffic of construction inspection on site
disruption site as well as and off site
affected
communities
Provide workers PortaletsTM
with adequate provided all over
sanitary facilities the plant.
for their health
and sanitation
requirement
Generation of Provide garbage Daily collection of
domestic disposal site garbage from
wastes where all contractor
generated trash barracks were
will be collected implemented.
for proper Garbage were
disposal stored onsite
since Isabel has
no secured
landfill. Garbage
from the project

26
 Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance
Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
was disposed in a
waste-to-energy
company in Cebu
and was
completed in
2020.
Operation
Raw materials, Air Generation of Install dust PPEs are provided
storage and dust affecting collection hoods. to all workers.
preparation workers Provide adequate Concentrate
PPEs to workers. stockpiles are
Maintain dust covered with
abatement tarps to prevent
facilities in good airborne dust.
operating Mechanical Street
condition. sweepers are
Improve area deployed onsite.
ventilation
Emitting Installation of The
fugitive gaseous desulfurization desulfurization
emission plant to treat facilities was put
gaseous emission. in operation after
Maintenance of the upgrading
different anti- project. Hoods
pollution control were installed in
facilities already in the converter and
place anode furnaces to
capture fugitive
emission during
charging and
discharging
operation. The
electrostatic
precipitators were
regularly
maintained.
Water Siltation of Conduct daily Canals are
drainage inspection of regularly
system drainage canals. maintained
Conduct/
declogging/
cleaning

27
 Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance
Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
Effluent Conduct religious Daily in-house
discharges monitoring of monitoring of
discharges. discharges.
Implement Water recycling
mitigating from BP-8 to Slag
measures to pot cooling yard
reduce impact of was implemented
discharges. in 2018.
Implement water
conservation
program, recycle
treated water to
process
Low pH Monitor Temperature and
discharge and temperature of pH of all
high discharge water at discharges are
temperature the outlet. monitored daily.
that impacted Monitor temp. at
the aquatic designated mixing
biodiversity zone of the
receiving body.
Regulate
discharge pH by
neutralization
with line install
on-line pH meter
for monitoring
aspect.
Use of fuel. Change The flash drier
Depletion of concentrates utilizing bunker
non-renewable drying technology fuel are replaced
energy utilizing steam with Steam dryer
dryer in lieu of using steam
flash drying, instead.
eliminating the
expensive fuel
burning
technology
Abandonment
Though the plant Abandonment
has no plan to stop and remediation
its operation. plans are

28
 Project/Phase Environmental Potential Options for Status compliance
Environmental Component impact prevention or
aspect likely to be mitigation or
affected enhancement
Abandonment plan completed in
will be designed 2021.
that all aspects of Phytoremediation
the activities will is the technology
be towards the that will be
total remediation employed in the
of the area. site remediation.
Guarantee funds EGF of PhP1.5M
that will used in has been
the clean-up will established
be provided by the
company

Table 2.1 – Key Environmental Aspects

2.5 PROJECT COST

The cost of the Project is mainly operating cost, which is included in the Budget of the Operation. The
preparation of the E-scrap for charging is the additional activity. This includes fielding three (3)
manpower for packaging the E-scrap in drums, forklift and drop side truck.

29
Proposed WEEE
Storage Facility

Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation

Isabel, Leyte, Philippines

August 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

CHAPTER I

Introduction 1
Importance of the Survey Project 2
Statement of the Problem 3
Objectives 3
Scope of the Survey Project 3
Time of the Survey 3

CHAPTER II

Conceptual Framework 4

CHAPTER III

Methodology 5
Research Design 5
Site 5
Respondents 5
Survey Instrument 5
Data Gathering Procedure 5
Data Analysis 5

CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussion 6

The Respondents 6
Demographic Survey 6
Perception Survey 6
Project Initial Perception Survey 6

CHAPTER V

Issues/Concerns Raised 7
List of Issues/Concerns Raised – Feb 16 8
List of Issues/Concerns Raised – Mar 30 9

ANNEXES
 Community Perception on the Proposed E-waste Processing Project
of
Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR),
Isabel, Leyte, Philippines

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation is a company engaged

in smelting and refining copper with its plant site located at Leyte Industrial Development Estate
(LIDE), Isabel, Leyte. PASAR owns and operated the only copper smelter and refinery in
Philippines. PASAR’s primary product is electrolytic copper cathode, which the company has
been producing for 40 years. Its original copper cathode brand, “PASAR”, was registered in
1984 with the London Metal Exchange (LME) as Grade A Copper and in the Commodity
Exchange Division of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) as COMEX Grade 1
Copper. Besides the Copper Cathode, which is the main product of PASAR, other by-products
produced are Sulfuric Acid, Iron Concentrates, Selenium Powder, Dore Metal, CF-EP Dust,
Nickel Sulfate, Copper Telluride, etc.

The PASAR’s pollution abatement facilities are integral parts of its operation. These
include among others the Acid Plant, New Desulfurization Plant, the different Electrostatic
Precipitators and Dust Collection system, the Fugitive Gas Collection system at the Smelter,
the settling ponds, the Waste Acid Neutralization Plant, Waste Acid Treatment Plant,
Wastewater Treatment Plant, and other environmental projects that fully protect the
environment. Among PASAR’s pro-active environmental programs include reforestation, the
establishment of a fish sanctuary with artificial reefs, and a 450-meter dike enclosure protecting
mangroves.

PASAR is ISO-certified in Quality (ISO 9001:2015), Environment (ISO 14001:2015),

Occupational Health & Safety (ISO 45001:2018), and Laboratory QMS (ISO 17025).

The location of the PASAR copper smelter and refinery in Leyte in the central
Philippines has advantages for the company and its partners. Electric power is readily available
various sources of energy within the area. PASAR is equipped with its own port, a deep-
harbour facility which can accommodate vessels with a displacement of up to 50,000 metric
tons (MT). It is a multi-purpose port that is composed of two berths which handle both inbound
and outbound cargoes. The smelter and refinery lie at the center of the Philippine archipelago,
ready to serve the needs of the country’s reviving mining industry.

The plant complex includes pollution abatement facilities, port and bulk handling
facilities, an airstrip, a medical facility, as well as housing, recreational and educational facilities
for company personnel and their dependents.

1|Page
Importance of the Survey Project

PASAR is mindful of its role not only as a responsible employer but also as a responsible
member of the Isabel, Leyte community and as a responsible corporate citizen of the
Philippines.

PASAR’s goal of improving people’s lives is anchored on its ability not only to protect
but also to improve the environment. It is committed to the protection of the environment and
prevention of pollution, providing the necessary resources to control and reduce the adverse
environmental impacts of the company’s copper smelting and refining operations.

Recently, PASAR is planning to process electrical and electronic wastes, specifically the
printed circuit boards, in Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation’s
converter furnaces. The converter furnace process is the second step in the recovery of
copper from concentrates. This furnace has the capability to accept feed materials with sizes
up to 1,000 mm. The electronic waste contains various metals which, when melted, will
dissolve in the molten copper metal. The recovery of these metals is expected to be close to
100%. Gases produce from the process will be captured by the existing gas purification system
of the acid plant. On the other hand, fugitive gases are captured by the hood system and
cleaned in the desulfurization facility. The projected amount of electronic scrap to be
processed to the converter furnaces is 2,000 tons per month, which is about 5% of the 40,000-
ton per month throughput.

2|Page
Statement of the Problem

PASAR is committed to the social, economic development and environmental protection

of the communities around its plant. It is, therefore, imperative that it will know how people
around the plant perceive the negative and positive impacts of the proposed electrical and
electronic wastes processing project. Knowing the negative impacts in advance could help the
plant to prepare for mitigating measures of the problems identified by the people. PASAR has
no data or information on how the people in communities perceive the proposed project of the
plant. Hence, we conducted this survey.

Objectives

The community perception survey aimed:

1. To describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents;

2. To determine the basic knowledge and perception of the community on the
proposed electrical and electronic wastes processing project of PASAR;
3. To identify the concerns/questions about the description of the project and its
environmental impact.

Scope of the Survey Project

The survey covered various residents and stakeholders of Isabel, Leyte presumed to
be directly and indirectly affected by the proposed electrical and electronic wastes processing
project.

Time of the survey

The perception study was conducted within the months of February to April 2022.

3|Page
 CHAPTER II

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Demographic
Characteristics

Basic Knowledge
of the Project

Environmental Community
Situation Intervening Perception on
Variables PASAR E-waste
Processing Project

Concerns on the
Project Description

Concerns on
Environmental
Impact

Note: No correlation analysis has been done to statistically establish the relationship between
independent and dependent variables in this study.

4|Page
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The survey was descriptive research using field interview and giving of questionnaires
to be filled out by the respondents.

Site

The survey was conducted in selected relevant stakeholders of Isabel, Leyte. These
residents are presumed to be directly and indirectly affected by the electrical and electronic
waste processing project of PASAR Corporation. The residents and stakeholders were Brgy.
Libertad, Brgy. Mahayag, Brgy. Matlang, Isabel - Local Government Unit (LGU)
representatives, Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) locators, businessmen,
fishermen, farmers, representatives from various sectors like health, education, NGO, and
others.

Respondents

PASAR selected 60 respondents from different barangays and various sectors. The
respondents voluntarily answered the demographic and initial perception survey. 25
respondents were asked to answer the demographic survey and 35 respondents answered the
project initial perception survey.

Survey Instrument

The survey uses English and Cebuano questionnaires to facilitate easy understanding
by the respondents. The instrument consists of variables, namely: demographic characteristics
of the respondents, community problem, environmental situation, and perception about the
proposed electrical and electronic waste processing project of PASAR.

Data Gathering Procedure

During the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) conducted last February
16, 2022, and March 30, 2022, the respondents were requested to answer the demographic
and perception survey questionnaire.

Data Analysis

Using a coding guide, the data were entered into a coding sheet. Data in the sheet
were reviewed for errors and encoded into the computer using the MS Excel Software. Results
were tabulated and analysed using the accepted methodology with standard statistics and
percentage.
5|Page
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Respondents

The respondents of this study were relevant stakeholders and others were randomly
selected residents from Brgy. Libertad, Brgy. Mahayag and Brgy. Matlang.

Demographic Survey

Our stakeholders remain gender-balance, dominated by middle-aged professionals

from private and industrial companies and local businesses, and are residents of Isabel for
more than ten (10) years.

Most of the respondents have attended an Information, Education and Communication

Campaign activity with PASAR and with other companies.

Majority of the stakeholders remain on their employment and profession from two (2) to
ten (10) years or more, indicating they held management positions with familiarity with Leyte
Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) company business operations.

Perception Survey

Majority of the stakeholders were convinced that the proposed electrical and electronic
waste processing project is beneficial to their livelihood, families, and respective communities.

100% of the stakeholders believed that the project would provide sufficient mitigating
measures to protect the sea, air, land, and people in Isabel.

100% of the stakeholders agreed that with their support and involvement, the proposed
project will be properly managed and implemented.

Project Initial Perception Survey

Most stakeholders were able to identify a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE). However, they are confused on where and how to properly dispose these e-wastes.

Majority of the respondents believed that recycling of e-wastes has good benefits to our
environment.

6|Page
 CHAPTER V

ISSUES/CONCERNS RAISED

During the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign Pre-Scoping

activity for the proposed Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Processing
Project, stakeholders have raised some issues and concerns.

Most issues are regarding the feasibility study of the project and its possible
environmental impacts.

Concerns regarding the company’s social development programs were also tackled
such as employment, livelihood, education, skills, and training programs.

PASAR was able to respond to their issues and concerns.

7|Page
 Summary List of Pre-Scoping IEC Activities and Issues
February 16, 2022 via MS Teams

Sector or
Issues/ Concerns Representative
EIA Module Proponent's Response
Raised who raised the
concern
Baseline Feasibility study on LIDE Locator – - E-waste is a rapidly growing global problem; E-waste
Environmental Hong Kong Imperial should be properly managed, so it won’t cause major
E-waste processing
Description; Impact Awards Mining Inc. environmental and health problems
and the possible - E-waste contains various metals including precious
Assessment;
risks/ hazards metals like Gold and Silver, which when melted, will
Environmental
dissolve in the molten copper
Management Plan - PASAR has developed this project to recover metals
from electronic and electrical wastes through smelting
process
- PASAR hired a consultant for the e-waste processing
project; Other Glencore companies have already been
implementing this process in their operation; PASAR
will benchmark from other Glencore companies for the
execution of this processing project
- This will be processed in Peirce-Smith Converter
Furnace and is expected a 100% recovery
- PASAR will secure necessary permits and approval
from regulatory bodies
- PASAR’s Metallurgical Laboratory is an accredited
laboratory by DENR and has excellent procedures for
analysis on major components
- For baseline data, PASAR will hire an accredited third-
party service provider that is capable to conduct a
source emission testing especially for Dioxins and
Furans, Hydrofluoric Acid and Fluoride compounds,
and other significant components
- PASAR will also hire an accredited third-party service
provider that can test the ambient air quality for the
health and safety of the employees as well with the
community

Impact Assessment; Processing of LIDE Locator – - E-waste processing project will significantly include
Environmental Cleanaway plastic materials for its heat content used in smelting
nonrecoverable
Management Plan Philippines, Inc. process
materials like plastics - PASAR will continuously monitor its fumes, gases, and
other elements, and ensures that these will be properly
contained
- Off-gases produced from the smelting process will
pass through the existing gas purification system of the
Acid Plant
- Fugitive gases are captured by the hood system and
cleaned in the desulfurization facility
- PASAR have monitoring instruments to consistently
check on the compliance with Clean Air Act
- PASAR will regularly conduct a third-party source
emission testing to confirm if the emission meets the
DENR standards on air quality

8|Page
 Summary List of Pre-Scoping IEC Activities and Issues
March 30, 2022 at LIDE Training Center

Sector or
Issues/ Concerns Representative
EIA Module Proponent's Response
Raised who raised the
concern
Environmental Benefits of the LGU – Brgy. - PASAR ComRel officer emphasized PASAR’s
Management Plan project to the Libertad policy that the priority is always given to Isabel
– Social
community – residents for employment opportunities. Only, if
Development
employment the skills requirement is not met, then outside
Program
applicants are accommodated
- PASAR have committed that they will equally
inform and accommodate all barangays in Isabel
for employment opportunities
- Since LIDE is in Brgy. Libertad, it was discussed
that whenever an industry or LIDE locator
requests a barangay resolution or project
endorsement, the LGU-Libertad will likewise want
an assurance that they will be given priority for
jobs

Environmental Benefits of the LGU – Brgy. - LMC, PASAR and other LIDE locators informed
Management Plan project to the Mahayag the representative of Mahayag Farmers
– Social Association to coordinate with Department of
community –
Development Agriculture for free seedlings
livelihood (assistance
Program
for vegetable - LIDE locators including PASAR committed to try
seedlings) connecting with Department of Agriculture to
facilitate the availability of seeds
Environmental Benefits of the LGU – Brgy. - PASAR ComRel officer answered that as of now,
Management Plan project to the Mahayag PASAR don’t have skills and training programs
– Social however we will consider the idea in the future as
community – training
Development ComRel program and will find a way to make it
programs for skills
Program possible
enhancement

Environmental A science teacher LGU - Brgy. Libertad - LIDE Management Corporation (LMC)
Management Plan and previously an acknowledged the statement
employee of Philphos - PASAR and other LIDE locators committed a
expressed her continuous plant monitoring and environmental
confidence that the compliance to ensure a safe environment for the
LIDE locators are workers and the community
complying with the
environmental
requirements

9|Page
ANNEXES

10 | P a g e
Annex 1: Demographic Survey

11 | P a g e
Annex 2: Perception Survey

12 | P a g e
Annex 3: Project Initial Perception Survey

13 | P a g e
Annex 4: Demographic and Perception Survey Questionnaire

14 | P a g e
15 | P a g e
Annex 4: Project Initial Survey Questionnaire

16 | P a g e
17 | P a g e
Information, Education and Communication Campaign
ECC Amendment for E-waste Processing
February 16, 2022, 0800H – 1200H
 Attendees:

Description Name of Office Head Position/Title

Marginalized Sector
Mr. Eddie Agustin Federation President
Isabel Senior Citizens Association

Health Sector
Mr. Noel Gubalane IEH Hospital Administrator
Isabel Emergency Hospital

Education Sector
Mrs. Malyn Tacmo LLCI Principal
LIDE Learning Center, Inc. (LLCI)

Religious Sector

Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Mr. Medardo Baje Unit Head

Professionals (BCBP)
LIDE Locators

LIDE Management Corporation (LMC) Mr. Nilo Comaling Community Relations Officer

Cleanaway Philippines, Inc. Engr. Jerome Bayocboc Plant Superintendent

Hong Kong Imperial Awards Mining Engr. Leoncio I. Ricarte General Manager
Philippines, Inc. (HKIAMPI)

Barangay Government Units

Mr. Reynaldo Roche Barangay Captain
Brgy. Libertad Representative
Information, Education and Communication Campaign
ECC Amendment for E-waste Processing
March 30, 0800H – 1200H
•

•
 Smelter & Refinery Add’l O2 Plant Add’l VPSA Plant
Expansion
480k TPY conc Acquired by Refinery ISA Tech
Glencore Int’l 215k TPY Cathodes 1.2mtpa Conc Feed
138K TPY cathode

1983 1999 2008 2015

1992 2006 2012

Start FSFE @ 90tph
FSFE @ 102tph FSFE @ 112TPH
172.5k TPY cathode

Privatization ISA Technology; Smelter Expansion

LME Registered
• •

•
•
• • •

•
• •

•
• •
• •
•
PASAR Plant Site
Support to LIDE LEARNING CENTER INC. Classroom Construction & Repair
(31 new classrooms, 45 repaired classrooms)

Construction of New LLCI High School Complex and Gymnasium

Subsidy to LLCI’s annual operation

Scholarship Program, Supplemental Feeding & Literacy/Numeracy Projects

120-day supplemental feeding to undernourish pupils in 21 elementary schools & 11 day Support to Annual Literacy & Numeracy Activities of Public
care centers Schools

Outreach Program to coastal villages and schools

REGULAR MEDICAL MISSIONS BARANGAY WATER SUBSIDY GAWAD KALINGA HOUSES
Free Harelip/Cleft Palate Surgery: Give A Smile Project
•

24
•