DENR to review mining permits in Nueva Vizcaya
Manila Times
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has taken steps to address the complaints of tribal communities affected by mining concessions in Nueva Vizcaya.
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza ordered a thorough review of mining permits given to companies operating in the province to resolve the issue of lack of consultation raised by the tribal groups and other community stakeholders during a dialogue with the department.
“We will look into this lack of consultation issue carefully and if found to be going against the provisions of the law, we will impose sanctions to the erring mining firms,” Atienza said in a statement.
Australia’s OceanaGold, London-listed Metals Exploration and Royalco, also of Australia, all have operations in Nueva Vizcaya.
Atienza had asked the complaining group to keep an open mind as he enumerated the many benefits both the people and country will gain from a thriving mining industry.
“We are blessed with minerals, we must use it to uplift our lives,” he said, adding “We have to do what is right and not what a few want.”
Under Philippine laws, miners have to get permission from tribes before they can explore and extract minerals from their lands.
Antimining groups and some tribespeople in Nueva Vizcaya have accused the companies of failing to consult and bribing some people to get their consent.
–Chino S. Leyco
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