In Minglanilla, Talisay, Toledo: Mineral exploration gets nod from DENR

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) approved yesterday an exploration project in the town of Minglanilla and cities of Talisay and Toledo covering an area of 787.46 hectares for a period of two years.

The permit to explore was granted to Sinian International Corporation, a Filipino and Chinese owned company that has seen the potential of the area deposits of porphyry copper and related epithermal gold, base metals and other minerals for possible future utilization and exploitation.

The exploration will be done for characterization and assessment of the area, which will have an estimated cost of P3.6 million.

MGB-7 director Loreto B. Alburo said that the exploration activities to be conducted will only include geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, test pitting, trenching, and diamond drilling to identify and delineate mineral deposits.

“It does not include commercial extraction, and construction of infrastructure designed for mining development or mining production,” Alburo clarified.

Samples collected will be sent to the laboratory for assaying.

Assay results of rock samples shall provide an assessment in terms of needed grace of an exposed mineralized zone, he said.

“A mining exploration project will advance a sound and systematic exploration program in characterizing and quantifying the resource available in the area. Extreme care is employed when test pitting or trenching is carried out,” Alburo assured.

He said that the proponents of the project must ensure that an environmental friendly operation is put in place to safeguard the environment at all times.

“The term of the Exploration Permit shall be for a period of two years from the date of issuance… renewable for the same period but should not exceed a total term of four years for non-metallic mineral exploration and six years for metallic mineral exploration. Renewal is still subject to the necessary evaluation and assessment by the MGB,” Alburo said.

He clarified that mineral exploration is neither a land use nor a development activity but rather a scientific, non-destructive assessment of the mineral deposits that will lead the decision to mine.

“We are actively pursuing or continuously attracting mining investors to generate local employment without compromising the quality of the environment,” he said.

“It has to be emphasized that the decision to mine may come after all mandatory or regulatory requirements and an exhaustive study of the mineral deposit have been undertaken.”    (FREEMAN NEWS)