Pols warned on mining

POLITICIANS involved in small-scale mining in Davao Oriental are opening themselves up to charges, according to an official of one of the government’s mining regulatory agency.

Edilberto Arreza, head of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Southern Mindanao, said mining companies that hold permits in areas that had been encroached into by small-scale mining operators are bound to sue politicians involved in small-scale mining.

No small-scale mining permit can be issued in areas that are already covered by large scale mining permits.

“They can be charged with illegal mining because they are mining without permits,” Arreza said, referring to officials or politicians who are involved in mining.

He said the gold rush area currently being mined by small-scale miners could be part of the 3,000 hectare tenement belonging to the California-based Oro East Mining Company in Davao Oriental.

Oro East’s mining permit, approved in 2010, straddles the boundaries of Manay, Tarragona and Mati.

On June 19, MGB issued a cease and desist order against small-scale mining activities in the boundaries of Mati and Tarragona after Oro East complained of the influx of small-scale miners there. THE NEW mining policy of President Aquino was welcomed recently by mining firm Mindoro Nickel.

In a statement, the mining company said the new policy was a major step toward responsible use of mineral resources without sacrificing the environment.

Mindoro Nickel said it has been advocating the same principles that the new mining policy outlined.

It said the company has been avoiding selective high-grade mining that leaves behind lower grade ore.

The statement said the firm plans to process ore in a local refinery to produce high-grade nickel.