Mining firms want to explore 37T hectares of land in Guimaras
Four mining companies have applied for exploration works in the the island province of Guimaras. The exploration applications cover 37,000 hectares or more than half of the island's total land area which is 600,400 hectares.
The four mining firms are Fil Asian Strategic Resources and Properties Corporation, Dorilag Cement Corporation, Next Generation and Global Philippines. Of the four applicants, Fil Asian and Dorilag were given exploration permits by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Of the 98 barangays in the island, 84 barangays have been applied for exploration works to determine the presence of iron, copper, gold, limestones and other mineral deposits available in the island.
Guimaras Gov. Felipe Nava, however, is worried that the entry of mining operations will displace the residents since mining operators have already applied to explore 80 percent of the island.
If this will happen meaning only 20 percent of the province's land area will be left for the people to live and occupy,said Nava.
In yesterday's orientation on the effects and consequences of mining in Nueva Valencia, Nava told residents that they are the ones to be directly hit in case the exploration and consequent mining operations is implemented.
Nava clarified that there is no politics involved in the province's campaign against all big scale mining operation in the island.
Nava said the people should take a stand on the proposed exploration works for the island.
The people should stand firm on their decision prohibiting any exploration works in the island. They (mining firms) are willing to give as much as P200 to P.5 million just to encourage the people, the governor said.
Nava said they (exploration firms) will exhaust all the means to get the approval and support of the community for the proposed exploration projects.
He admitted that there are some people who already asked for a "meeting" with him regarding the applications of mining firms. Nava did not name which among the applicants lobbied for his intervention over the proposed mining activities in the island.
Nava said the province is still recovering from the oil spill. The entry of the mining firms will destroy the watershed areas, coastal areas and will decrease the food production of the province especially in rice production as it will pollute the rice fields. The mango production will likewise be affected.
The presence of the mining firms will destroy the tourism activity in the island. They will drive away tourists. The province primarily promotes tourism industry other than its mango and cashew industry. The mining operation will spoil everything, said Nava.
The province along with the different municipalities in the island will continue to lead series of information dissemination campaign to brief the people on the effects of mining. The consultations will benefit the people especially for the land owners whose property are included in the proposed mining sites, Nava said.