Masbate Gold cited as best mine site

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has cited the Masbate Gold Project (MGP) of Filminera Resources Corp. as the best mine site following the company’s rehabilitation efforts.

“This is the best mine I have visited. The mining operation is well-planned and well-engineered,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The MGP and the Didipio Gold Project of OceanaGold Philippines Inc. in Nueva Vizcaya were the country’s major gold producers last year. The combined gold output of the two projects accounted for 53 percent or P24 billion of the country’s gold production value.

DENR lauded MGP’s mine site and coral reef rehabilitation project which seeks to restore the coral reef cover in Port Barrera that has been damaged by illegal fishing.

Through the installation of reef balls shaped with biological uses and engineered to stand up to the forces of nature, the rehabilitation work will mitigate the loss of coral reef within the marine protected area and enhance natural reef as it recovers.

It is also expected to provide habitat for surrounding fish stocks enabling it to recover while providing alternative sources of livelihood through the restoration process and the active management of the area.

MGP is the only investment in the municipality of Aroroy which helped catapult the town from a fourth class municipality to first class through employment, taxes, social development and management program, and environmental conservation efforts.