MGB-8 recommends
suspension of all small-scale mining permits in East Samar by DENR Secretary
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January
25, 2012
PALO, Leyte – The
Mines and Geoscience Bureau of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas has recommended for the
suspension of all the small scale mining permits in Eastern Samar by
DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje.
MGB Region 8 Director
Roger de Dios informed that he has made the recommendation through a
communication which was sent in December of 2011, addressed to MGB
Director, Engr. Leo L. Jasareno, copy furnished the DENR Secretary.
Director de Dios said
that it is only by suspending the small scale permits issued in
Eastern Samar, that the proliferation of illegal small scale mining
activities in the province will be stopped.
The MGB Director also
recommended for the creation of a composite team composed of MGB 8,
EMB-8, PENRO Eastern Samar, and the Provincial Government of Eastern
Samar, to reassess or validate all SSMP areas for possible lifting of
the suspension subject to compliance of stringent requirements like
submission of work programs and rehabilitation plans, establishment of
Mine Rehabilitation Fund for each permittee and creation of Municipal
Monitoring Team for close monitoring of mining operations.
The recommendation was
reached after a thorough monitoring and field investigation conducted
by the MGB technical personnel on November 28-29, prompted by numerous
complaints about the rampant illegal small-scale mining activities in
the province of Eastern Samar.
Field investigations
were conducted in the municipalities of Salcedo, Guiuan, General
MacArthur, Llorente and Hernani, all of the
province
of Eastern Samar.
The general
observation of the investigating team was that the SSMP holders were
buying ore concentrates from illegal contractors.
Another observation is
the reluctance of several concerned local government executives to be
at the forefront of the campaign against illegal mining operations
because it will adversely affect their bid in the coming elections.
They are all, however, amenable for the suspension of mining permits
to stop illegal mining in their respective areas, the investigating
team reported.
It may be recalled
that during the Congressional-LMP Interagency Consultations initiated
by the Hon. Congressman of the Lone District of Easter Samar Ben
Evardone on November 18, 2011, at Borongan City, the illegal
small-scale chromite mining operations which reportedly caused great
environmental damage in their respective areas, was the main concern
raised by the LGU representatives. They were all amenable to putting
a stop to the illegal mining activities in their localities.
