TVIRD slams order to stop mining probe
ILOILO CITY: TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) blasted the cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the Iloilo provincial government on the mining exploration on Pan de Acuzar island which it described as “abrupt and haphazard.”
“TVIRD was caught by surprise by the abrupt and haphazard issuance of the CDO, considering that they were not afforded an opportunity to present their side via a preceding Show Cause Order,” the mining company told The Manila Times on March 11.
The mining firm added that the basis for the issuance of the CDO was an “investigation report” of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro).
TVIRD said it was not given a copy of the Penro report.
The Manila Times has reached out to Penro for comment but has yet to receive a response.
TVIRD is engaged in a “pyrite joint venture project” on the island, operating under the Mineral Processing and Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with Mindoro Resource Ltd. (MRL) and Minimax Mineral Exploration Corp.
The CDO, signed by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on March 4, was received by TVIRD at the MPSA area in Concepcion town on March 7.
The CDO has directed the mining company to “refrain from any exploration activities in Barangay Taloto-an until they can ensure the protection of marine life and prevent Arsenic contamination.”
The Penro, meanwhile, confirmed the presence of arsenic in the groundwater following a field investigation on Jan. 10, 2024.
TVIRD, however, maintained that the company did not use arsenic in its mineral explorations on the island.
“The presence of arsenic is a pre-existing condition on the island, regardless of any exploration and mining activities, as arsenic naturally occurs within the radius of massive pyrite deposits,” TVIRD said.
Records show that in 2011, MRL conducted drilling activities on Pan de Azucar Island, specifically in the village of Talotoan.
The exploration revealed that the island has pyritic sulfide zones with associated copper, gold, silver and zinc mineralization.
TVIRD also said they are exploring all legal remedies to protect their rights and interests under the Philippine Mining Act and applicable laws.
The mining company began conducting community preparation activities on the island in 2023 and subsequently laid the groundwork for the project.
In 2024, the firm mobilized exploration activities to validate earlier findings, followed by an information, education and communication campaign targeted at the locals of the three barangay (villages) on the island.
“Prior to current drilling activities, [the mining venture] received the necessary social licenses to operate, explore and drill in Pan de Azucar Island,” TVIRD added.