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Daraga, Albay (March 26, 2004) -
The year 2003 was a year that signaled hope for the mining
industry in Bicol. There was optimism with the start up
construction of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project on the latter
part of the year.
The year even started
with a need for government to provide direction in revitalizing
the minerals industry as a strategy to alleviate poverty and
spur development in the countryside. The proposed National
Minerals Policy would provide the framework for responsible
mineral development but encountered rough sailing with the
stakeholders. However, with no less than the President spelling
out her support for mineral development that is economically,
environmentally and socially responsible, the direction has been
set.
Currently,
small-scale mining has been the bulk of the mining development
in the region accounting for a total sales value of P6.42M
mostly from sand and gravel, aggregates, limestone and clay.
Gold production
from gold rush areas remained unaccounted for existing only as
an informal sector of the industry but this is being addressed
thru memorandum of agreement by and among the claim owners,
landowners, small-scale miners and local government units. Only
the gold production from Johson Mining Corporation in Jose
Panganiban, Camarines Norte was reported accounting for a sales
value of P12.2M with silver combined. The quarry and cement
plant production in Camalig, Albay produced limestone and shale
with a sales value of P1.76M even while the project suffered
production breakdown from labor problem this last quarter of the
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Due diligence work is being undertaken by certain investors for
the possible opening of the mining projects of Filminera
Resources Corporation, which was formerly the Atlas Mine in
Masbate and that of United Paragon Mining Corporation in
Paracale, Camarines Norte where operation is currently
suspended.
The office has been
facilitating mining applications while at the same time
cleansing inactive applications. It has diligently imposed the
3-letter notice to applicants resulting in the rejection of 15
APSA’s. From a high of 308 applicants, almost half have been
cleansed.
Compliance monitoring of
permit holders on their exploration, mining and environmental
work programs was regularly conducted and feedback was given to
these permittees on the findings made. Multi-sectoral approach
was implemented with NGO’s, PO’s and LGU’s joining the
monitoring work. The sincerity and credibility of the government
in imposing rules is slowly gaining headway with the local
people.
Generally, the mood of
industry is more or less upbeat and all eyes are focused on the
Rapu-Rapu project.
Aside from regulating the
mining industry, MGB-V has embarked on geo-scientific
initiatives such as mineral exploration, hydrogeological survey,
coastal assessment, geohazard assessment, assessment of solid
waste disposal sites the studies of which are furnished the
concerned LGU’s. Such information can be inputs to their land
use plans.LValdez
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