Mining-free bill won’t affect 2 NV projects – MGB

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines   â€“ The two existing large-scale mining projects here are exempted from the recently passed House bill which declares this mineral-rich province a mining free zone, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Mario Ancheta, MGB director for Cagayan Valley, said the ongoing multibillion-peso Didipio gold-copper project and Runruno gold-molybdenum project would not necessarily be affected once the bill becomes a law. 

The MGB was referring to House Bill 3667 declaring Nueva Vizcaya a mining-free zone, which is now at the Senate for review following its passage by the House of Representatives last month.

Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla said his measure seeks “to prevent environmental destruction from the harsh effects of mining,” especially since the province is considered as a watershed area. 

But the MGB said the two mining projects here cannot just be stopped once the bill becomes a law since both are covered by financial and technical assistance agreements between the government and their foreign contractors.