Mines bureau probes Ipilan project

THE MINES and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is investigating a mining project of Ipilan Nickel Corp. in Palawan after local government authorities complained about the entry of heavy equipment despite their claims that the miner lacked the necessary work permits.

“As we speak, may ongoing investigation sa area (there is an ongoing investigation in the area),” said MGB Region IV-B Director Roland A. De Jesus in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Mr. De Jesus said the agency on Monday deployed mining officials in the area to look into the complaint after a rally was stage at the proposed mine site during the weekend.

The officials were accompanied by two representatives from the municipality of Brooke’s Point and one from Environmental Legal Action Center, a nongovernment organization against mining.

“May mga (There were) dump trucks raw and heavy equipment according to the mayor, for development roads leading to the mine area,” Mr. De Jesus said, citing allegations by Brooke’s Point Mayor Mary Jean A. Feliciano.

He said the project is in the development stage and has not yet reached the mining phase.

In a phone interview, Ms. Feliciano said the company has yet to secure mayor’s permit, but reports reached her that it was hiring employees.

“At nagulat ako dahil may nag- report sa akin na taga- area na may mga heavy equipment na doon ( I was surprised because someone from the area reported to me that there were heavy equipment there), just, I think, two weeks ago,” she said, adding that she immediately went to the site.

Sought for comment, Dante R. Bravo, president of publicly listed Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., which owns the Ipilan Nickel, denied allegations that roads were being built leading to the mine site. —