Western Visayas hosts mineral exploration project
One of the 24 priority mining projects in the country that is expected to generate US$ 8 billion worth of investments which was disclosed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes recently, is in Western Visayas.
Mines & Geo Sciences Bureau 6 (MGB 6) Mine, Environment and Safety Division Chief Rene de la Cruz said that Western Visayas is lucky to be one of the hosts of these 24 projects identified under Executive Order 270 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The mineral exploration project is located in Barangays Nabulao and Manlucahoc in Sipalay, Negros Occidental.
"As of the moment, confirmatory drillings are being done in the areas as to test the presence of copper," said De la Cruz.
De la Cruz said around US$ 2.5 million is expected to be spent in the exploration alone but as soon as the presence of copper is confirmed the project is estimated to be at the figure of US$268 million. The exploration activity is expected until the end of 2007.
Republic Act 7942 or Philippine Mining Act of 1995, said De la Cruz, has placed the country in more competitive advantage with other mineral producing countries.
"Through this we envision to attract more foreign investors to develop the country's mineral resources that will create more jobs and bring more revenues to the country," said De la Cruz.
De la Cruz added that the Mining Act has also given big considerations on the social and environmental aspects of the mining operation. He cited that there are now more protection measures to safeguard the environment in every stage of the mining activity.
"Another significant step is the socio - economic development that will benefit the communities covered by the project areas. We now take care of the community where our mining operations are located. We do not leave them behind, that is why when we progress in terms of mineral development, we also want the community where the operation is located to progress," said De la Cruz.
To allay fears on the perceived hazards of mining operations, De la Cruz said the government is at the forefront of protecting the people and keeping them from harm.
"If only the principle of sustainable mining is followed by all companies then the people has nothing to worry about mining operation," said De la Cruz.
(PIA)