DENR asked to recall permit of Camarines mining firm

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been asked to recall the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) it issued to a mining company earlier charged for violating environmental laws in Camarines Norte.

The Yinlu Bicol Mining Corp. (YBMC) questioned the DENR for issuing an MPSA to the Investwell Group of Companies (Investwell), which was reportedly charged with illegal mining and theft of minerals by the agency itself.

In a press conference in Manila last Tuesday, YBMC lawyer Jobbie Barte alleged that Investwell is an “illegal miner with a dubious record.” 

“The MPSA is no different from giving your house’s front door key to the same man that has been caught stealing from you. How this happened in the first place should be investigated,” Barte said.