Mines and Quarries

Tribesmen burn mine equipment in Surigao Norte

Kailash — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:01:04 +0100

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Disgruntled members of the Mamanwa tribe torched mining equipment owned by the Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) in Claver, Surigao del Norte, on Thursday, the police said Friday.

TMC is the largest nickel mining company in Claver.

Superintendent Ruben de los Santos, Surigao del Norte police chief, said the armed tribesmen, numbering around 30, stormed TMC’s mining site in Barangay (village) Urbiztondo and abducted two company guards at around 6 a.m.

De los Santos said the attackers had figured in a dispute with the management of TMC over mine claims.

Groups Hit DENR for Seeking Compromise on Controversial Mining Deal

Kailash — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:17:46 +0100

Manila — Various groups criticized the DENR today, for pushing for a compromise deal on the controversial Tampakan mining project in South Cotabato. Sec. Ramon Paje was quoted yesterday in major dailies, that the “DENR will protect the investment” in the threatened mining project. According to Paje, the marching order for him was to find a “win-win solution” to this issue. The Province of South Cotabato formalized its passage of its Environment Code last June 28, putting a ban on open pit mining. The local code has effectively put in limbo one of the largest mining project in the country.

CBCP urges P-Noy to abolish Mining Act of 1995

Kailash — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:32:59 +0100

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Friday called on President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to protect and preserve the country’s natural resources by abrogating the Mining Act of 1995.

“We are calling for the abrogation of the Mining Act of 1995, [which does] not adequately protect the interest of our people and the country’s natural resources,” CBCP president Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar said in his letter to Aquino dated July 12, 2010.

IFC Investment in Mindoro Resources Supports Responsible Mining in the Philippines

Kailash — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:22:43 +0100

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and MANILA, PHILIPPINES – IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today agreed to invest about 2.1 million Canadian dollars in Mindoro Resources Ltd to support a nickel exploration project in the Philippines that is expected to provide jobs and government revenues once a mine is developed.

Mindoro, a Canada-based mining exploration company, will use IFC’s investment for exploration at the Agata nickel project in the Surigao district on Mindanao Island.

Ebdane suspends small mining in Zambales

Kailash — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:36:44 +0100

IBA, Zambales—-Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has ordered the suspension of all mining and quarrying operations in this province pending a review of permits and compliance by mining firms with environmental-protection requirements.

Ebdane, who issued the order just four days after his inauguration as Zambales governor on June 30, also began inspecting mining and quarrying sites in the province last week in accordance with his call for “judicious utilization of resources” here.

Lumads end protest as DENR settles row

Kailash — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:43:54 +0100

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has resolved its dispute with a group of 200 lumads after a five-hour dialogue last Tuesday that finally ended the protest rally at the DENR compound in Barangay Ambago, this city, officials said Thursday.

The lumads belonging to the different tribes of Mamanwa, Manobo and Higaonon under the “Diwata-Tricom-Yellow Force” held the rally to air their grievances on forestry and mining issues.

The dialogue between the protesting tribal group headed by the tribal consultant Victoriano Vidal and the DENR officials headed

Alternative mining bill refiled; antimining advocates hail move

Kailash — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:47:39 +0100

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—-While much hype and publicity accompanied the filing by Rep. Gloria Arroyo of a bill calling for a Constitutional Convention to revise the 1987 Constitution, not much fanfare accompanied the re-filing of the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) by Rep. Erin Tanada.

“We welcome the refiling of the bill,” said the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth-Philippines (LRC-KSK/FoE), one of the groups leading the multi-sectoral campaign for the scrapping of the 1995 Mining Act, authored by the former President during her term as senator.

Benguet folk to oppose mining operations

Kailash — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:11:03 +0100

KIBUNGAN, Benguet: Residents of a barangay in the town vowed over the weekend to oppose any mining operation in their area, fearing that such activities would adversely affect water sources used for farming and domestic needs. According to Oswaldo Paggayan, representative of residents of Kibungan town’s Barangay Palina, “our ancestors have opposed mining operations in the past and now we are still taking the same stand.”

Opposing petition

Paggayan referred to a petition submitted by residents against a planned mining exploration to be conducted by Da Gama Minerals Inc.

Indigenous body recalls mining order

Kailash — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:10:43 +0100

KIBUNGAN, Benguet: The battle has been lost but the war has not yet been won for Da Gama Minerals Inc. as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has recalled an earlier certification issued to the exploration company.

In a Philippine National Police-sponsored mining exploration between stakeholders in this town, held July 1, lawyer Alex Degiem, NCIP representative, informed the public that the earlier certification issued by the office has been recalled.

Solon urges stop to mining in ancestral domains

Kailash — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:03:17 +0100

Surigao City – Wary on mining firms which operate on lands covered by ancestral domain but did not pay royalty shares to the “lumads” or indigenous people who owned the same, Cong. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. recently said that he will seek for a congressional inquiry on the matter and will possibly recommend the revocation of mining permits to eventually stop the said mining operations when the 15th Philippine Congress convenes next month.

Stay order on mining project issued

Kailash — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:46:51 +0100

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Civil society groups have obtained a restraining order against three mining firms involved in a project in Surigao del Norte province, the first issued under a legal instrument introduced by the Supreme Court.

Judge Evangeline Yuipco-Bayana of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 30 in Surigao City has issued a 20-day temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) after conducting a hearing a week ago against Manila Mining Corp., Kalayaan Copper Gold Resources and Silangan Mindanao Mining, Inc.

People of Bakun call for the protection of ancestral domains

Kailash — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:58:46 +0100

Australian mining company Royalco Resources Limited recently executed an options agreement with Brazilian mining giant Vale SA, for exploration and farming of copper opportunities in the northern Philippines district of Bakun. Indigenous peoples account for the majority of the district’s population.

Indigenous group Bakun Aywanan, or Defend and Nurture Bakun, has organised community resistance against large-scale mining in their municipality.

South Cotabato governor signs ban on open-pit mining

Kailash — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:57:31 +0100

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Religious and environment groups hailed outgoing Gov. Daisy Fuentes of South Cotabato for signing into law a local environment code, which banned open-pit mining in the province.

“Up to the last hour of her stay in office, Gov. Fuentes remains true to her promise to protect the environment and uphold the interest of the greater majority,” Fr.

CBCP tells Noynoy to implement mining moratorium

Kailash — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:49:50 +0100

A Catholic Church official urged President-elect Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III to impose a moratorium on mining once he assumes office.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa) also pushed for a review of mining policies.

“This is our call for President Noynoy. This is a big problem and it’s not true that mining brought development to communities where mining operations are present,” CBCP Nassa executive secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez said in a Church-organized forum on mining.

Declare a Moratorium on All Large-Scale Mining Operations

Kailash — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:38:44 +0100

We, from the Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc.

10,000 march to press South Cot gov to sign environment code

Kailash — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:06:53 +0100

KORONADAL CITY — Pressure has continued to build up on outgoing South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes as she bides for time before deciding on the fate of the Provincial Environment Code passed last week by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which bans open-pit mining.

Earlier reports quoted Fuentes as having said she was keen on signing the controversial code, citing the adverse impact of open-pit mining on water sources.

Her pronouncement sent an estimated 3,000 opponents of the code, who are supporters of the huge copper and gold venture of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc.

First Environmental Case Against Mining Giants

Kailash — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:54:09 +0100

SURIGAO CITY — Hundreds of residents from a village in Surigao del Norte will storm the hall of justice here to file an ‘environmental case’ against three mining companies and a government agency at around 9:30 am, Tuesday.

Calling themselves the Anislagan Bantay Kalikasan Task Force, Inc. (Abakataf), the complainants from barangay Anislagan, in Placer town, Surigao del Norte, will file an injunction ‘mandamus’ class suit against Manila Mining Corp. (MMC), Kalayaan Copper Gold Resources (KCGR), Silangan Mindanao Mining, Inc.

Nueva Vizcaya DENR chief suspended

Kailash — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:58:02 +0100

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — The provincial chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found himself jobless for at least a month for alleged misconduct.

In an order, the Office of the Ombudsman has directed the DENR to implement the one-month suspension of forester Robert Apigo, provincial environment and natural resources officer, for allegedly attempting to facilitate the sale of forestland being occupied by residents in favor of a mining firm.

Crucial Days for Palawan "UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve" Before Newly Elected Government Takes Over

Kailash — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:42:26 +0100

The so-called anti-mining “karaban rally” composed of about 600 protesters from farmers and indigenous communities reached Palawan capital city (the Philippines) on the 7th of June. The main scope of the peaceful effort was to request the Provincial Government not to endorse the proposed plans of MacroAsia and Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC), and to clarify matters on the Canadian-based MBMI mining company’s newly approved Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) application.

The Diocese of Marbel Lauds South Cotabato SP Members

Kailash — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:34:13 +0100

The Diocese of Marbel commends members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato. For passing the Environment Code that bans open pit mining methods in the province, they are leaving behind a legacy worthy of praise by the people of the province.

For mining companies like SMI/Xstrata, we understand they will continue to spread a scenario of doom for the province and for the country if the open pit ban is implemented. It is not also lost on us that their major concern is to profit from the mineral deposits of our province.

Mining critics question board approval of nickel project

Kailash — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:03:18 +0100

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—-Lucio Tan’s first venture into nickel mining, through his flagship company MacroAsia, has hit a snag as the provincial board declared Tuesday it would look into a controversial resolution issued by the business’ host town to begin actual mining operations.

The provincial board said it would rule next week whether to uphold a resolution passed by the Brooke’s Point municipal council endorsing MacroAsia and another company, the Ipilan Nickel Corp., amid allegations raised by antimining groups that the local endorsement was invalid.

T'bolis to Aquino: 'Protect our land from SMC'

Kailash — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:16:32 +0100

Indigenous Peoples belonging to the T’boli tribe in the remote barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato want the President-elect Benigno Aquino III to look into their plight and demand that their ancestral domain claim be spared from extractive projects including coal mining.

This developed after San Miguel Corporation (SMC) acquired three coal mining projects with a total land area of 17,000 hectares that would impact the ancestral domains of the T’bolis and the Ned Agrarian Reform Community (ARC).

Zijin Says Open-Pit Ban Adds 'Uncertainties' to Indophil Mine

Kailash — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:04:06 +0100

Zijin Mining Group Co., buying Indophil Resources NL, said a ban on open-pit mining by a local government in the Philippines adds “uncertainties” to the Tampakan mining project partly owned by the Australian company.

Zijin in December agreed to buy Indophil Resources to gain a stake in Southeast Asia’s largest untapped copper and gold deposit in the Philippines. The bid is awaiting Chinese regulatory approval.

“Since we are still awaiting approval for the bid, we can’t say what we will do,” Zhao Jugang, head of board secretary office at Zijin, said by phone.

AFP vows full support of RP mining industry projects

Kailash — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:15:08 +0100

DAVAO CITY – Citing its bright economic prospects, the Philippine mining industry has the full support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), according to Brig. Gen. Romero Fajardo, deputy commanding general of the 10th Infantry Division based here in the Davao Region.

“We are ready to help in the security requirements of mining companies operating in this country,” Fajardo told participants of the Mining Industry Forum held here recently at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

Catholic bishops urge mining moratorium

Kailash — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:56:38 +0100

AN official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and affected residents of Mogpog, Marinduque, have asked President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to look into the possibility of imposing a moratorium on mining activities in some areas in the country to prevent further environmental degradation.

Fr.

Davao Sur guv slams mining firm for toxic waste dumping plan

Kailash — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:39:39 +0100

DAVAO DEL SUR – Governor Douglas Cagas lambasted the top executives of Sagittarius Mining Inc. (SMI) for planning to turn Davao del Sur province into a dumping site for mine tailings and toxic wastes coming from its mining site at Tampakan, South Cotabato.

“Why are you using our province of Davao del Sur as your dumping site?” Cagas asked, addressing his question to SMI top executives who were absent during the recent Mining Industry Forum held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel in this city.

Midnight Mining Deal Hit by Green Groups -- Palawan activists get national and international support

Kailash — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:22:30 +0100

Manila — Green groups accused the DENR of fast-tracking a mining contract in Palawan, calling the agreement a “midnight deal that is insulting and a threat to ecological balance not only in Palawan but in the whole Philippines.” Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) stated that they have reliable information that a mining contract has been approved by DENR, without the necessary consultations and failing to secure consent from affected communities.

Indigenous Peoples Unite Against Mining in Palawan

Kailash — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:16:01 +0100

Indigenous Peoples were ‘shocked’ to learn this week that the application of three new Philippine mining firms has been approved into one Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) on Palawan, a UNESCO “Man and Biosphere Reserve” in the Philippines.

Approval of this FTAA application will allow the Canadian mining firm MBMI and its Philippine Partners to substantially increase exploration activities and to progress toward full-scale nickel operations in the municipalities of Rizal, Bataraza, and Narra.

In response to the news—and the ongoing incursion of mining developments in Pa

South Cotabato board prohibits open-pit mining

Kailash — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:25:14 +0100

KORONADAL CITY – Leaders of the local Catholic Church rejoiced on Thursday after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, or provincial board, in resource-rich South Cotabato voted to ban the open-pit mining method.

The ban is contained in the long-deliberated environment code of the province.

In a marathon session on Wednesday, the provincial board members voted six to five in favor of the provision banning open-pit mining. There was one abstention while two other members were absent during the voting for the second reading of the bill, where amendments were made section by section.

Will Noynoy be a 'green' president?"- Groups pose environmental challenges to incoming president Aquino

Kailash — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:02:05 +0100

Progressive green groups challenged incoming President Noynoy Aquino to implement fundamental environmental reforms and actions in his first 100 days in office to reveal if he is indeed sincere in the protection and conservation of our environment and national patrimony.

The groups posed eight challenges a day before the 2010 World Environment Day, an international event that aims to heighten awareness and heighten political and public action on environmental.

Community resisting benefits of mining venture

Kailash — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:44:07 +0100

SURIGAO CITY — Scarecrows stand in front of tattered tarpaulins that serve as protest messages to miners approaching Barangay Anislagan in the remote town of Placer in Surigao del Norte.

A stone’s throw away from the village’s boundary in Barangay Timamana in the municipality of Tubod, backhoes are working overtime, scarring the land for copper, nickel and gold.

“We have been holding protest actions against mining since 2002,” said Mario E.

Declaration of the Indigenous Communities of the Central Plateau in Chubut Province, Argentina

Rafael — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:14:49 +0100

[Editorial introduction by Luis Claps of Mines & Communities – Despite open pit metal mining is banned in Chubut province since April 2003 by Law 5001 (passed by provincial legislative power following the Esquel referendum resulting in the cancellation of Meridian Gold proposed gold mine), the government have allowed exploration companies to find and develop mineral deposits which require this type of mining activities to be exploited.]

At the end of last year Pan American Silver took over the Navidad silver-lead proyect from Aquiline Resources, showing that the industry is confident in ove

Anti-mining activist shot dead in Oriental Mindoro

Kailash — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:31:32 +0100

CITY OF CALAPAN, Philippines — An active member of the anti-mining movement in Oriental Mindoro was shot dead shortly before he was to attend a church service Sunday morning in the city, police said Monday morning.

Chief Superintendent Paul Mascarinas, MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) police director said Mike Rivera had just alighted from a car at around 9:15 a.m. in front of the Calapan United Evangelical Church of the Philippines on Ramirez St., San Vicente Central, when two unidentified gunmen fired at him.

Didipio Campaign Update: Indigenous Groups in the Philippines are Hoping New President-Elect Will Make Good on His Campaign

Kailash — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:33:54 +0100

Indigenous groups in the Philippines are hoping that president-elect Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III will make good on his campaign promise to investigate illegal mining activities that affect Indigenous communities.

Green groups seek end to mining in Zambales

Kailash — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:33:14 +0100

Environmental groups have expressed their unconditional support to the demand of the people of Zambales for a stop to large-scale mining in the province.

More than 3,000 people gathered at the Provincial Capitol in Iba, Zambales Wednesday and denounced the entry of mining operations.

The protesters claimed mining destroys the remaining forest cover in Zambales and threatens the Negrito ancestral domains in the area aside from affecting agricultural and fisheries activities.

“The Zambalenos are crying loud against the aggressive entry or mining companies, such as Rusina Mining, Coto Mi

Climate change, mining and Mimaropa

Kailash — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:26:59 +0100

This is to inform the general public that the Mining in Cantilan article that came out on April 11, 2010 was prepared with the intention of documenting the then ongoing protest action in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur led by Mayor Tomasa Guardo. The protest action which was participated in by local community members opposed mining activities by Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. (MMDC) and have set up a picket line adjacent to the road leading to the mining area. Monica Edralin, advocacy assistant of Haribon Foundation was tasked only to interview people involved in the protest action.

Indigenous Groups Welcome Sen. Noynoy's Intent To Probe 'Illegal' Mining In Didipio

Kailash — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:21:36 +0100

Indigenous groups and mining watchdog welcome Liberal Party presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s pronouncement last April 26, 2010 that he will seek an investigation on the ‘illegal’ mining activities in the province if elected president. Likewise, the groups also raise a challenge to all those aspiring for national government post this election to look into the controversial Didipio mining project which has been the subject of opposition by Ifugao residents of the village, municipal and provincial local governments, catholic church and environmental organizations.

Noynoy vows probe of mining activities in Nueva Vizcaya

Kailash — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:29:47 +0100

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Liberal Party presidential bet Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has vowed to initiate an investigation into the illegal mining activities in the province if elected president.

Aquino said he has personally witnessed from above on a chopper during a campaign sortie how unfettered mining activities have left mountains in the province eroded.

“(We will seek) an investigation on this matter. It’s disturbing that the whole mountain top is almost gone,” he said.

People's Court finds Xstrata, partner guilty of environment abuse

Kailash — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:45:21 +0100

A rebel court has ordered the ‘arrest’ of executives of a mining firm and its local partner operating in Mindanao, after finding them guilty of abusing the environment and local residents.

The People’s Court of Far South Mindanao ordered the New People’s Army (NPA) to ‘arrest’ officers of Swiss miner XStrata plc and top-level representatives of local partner Sagittarius Mines, Inc.

Alternative Law Groups (ALG) commends the Supreme Court for issuing the New Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases

Kailash — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:55:51 +0100

The Alternative Law Groups (ALG) commends the Supreme Court for issuing the New Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases just before the Earth Day Celebration. The new rule will be effective on April 29, 2010.

“The new rules would greatly help in the immediate resolution of cases as the high court has provided new remedies for the protection of the environment and new rules that are expected to facilitate the resolution of these cases”, said Atty. Marlon Manuel, coordinator of ALG.

Water Warriors Press for Moratorium on Water Permits

Kailash — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:09:26 +0100

In line with the Global Earth Week celebration, Ifugao leaders of the province of Nueva Vizcaya and a 100-strong contingent of water advocates troop the National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) in Quezon City to urge the regulatory board to freeze the issuance of water permits for mining projects that exacerbate water crisis and climate change, uphold peoples’ basic right to water, and address the proper management and conservation of our fresh water resources, primarily to secure community and agricultural use.

Thousands to protest against mining, deadly energy projects

Kailash — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:24:11 +0100

General Santos City — SoCSKSARGEN CAN (Climate Action Now) will lead protest activities in key centers in the region on April 21, 2010 (Wednesday) in commemoration of the World Earth Day.

“The protest actions are our concrete expression of commitment to protect the environment, manifest our opposition to various projects that will destroy its integrity and reverberate our demand for climate justice and a stop to global warming” said Sr.

Environmental activists laud Supreme Court's issuance of Writ of Kalikasan as an early Earth Day gift

Kailash — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:43:32 +0100

Environmental groups have reason to celebrate Earth day as the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases, the rules and regulation which will govern the procedure in legal actions involving enforcement or violations of environmental and related laws.

“We commend the SC for issuing an ‘environment-friendly’ Rules of Procedure. This early Earth Day reward is a result of grassroots communities’ arduous and untiring struggle to protect the environment and natural resources and uphold their basic rights,” said Clemente Bautista Jr.

Groups question Arroyo conservation award

Kailash — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 09:11:53 +0100

MANILA, Philippines—-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to fly to the United States next week to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C., where she will also receive the International Conservation Award from the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF).

Ms Arroyo will be conferred the award during formal rites at the US Congress on April 14.

An alliance of local environmental groups and religious organizations, however, has expressed its “absolute opposition” to Ms Arroyo’s being so honored.

Farmers launch "Piso-piso" [i] for the bail-out of Anti-Mining Activist

Kailash — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:30:36 +0100

Close to a hundred farmers from the small village of Anislagan, Surigao, Mindanao, Philippines visited the Surigao provincial jail in Surigao City where Rico T. Amarille has been detained since March 24 for two counts of attempted homicide and handed the 1,000 pesos they raised over the weekend.

Anislagan is an agricultural village on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao with two thousand residents has vowed to keep their land protected from one of the world’s largest mining conglomerates, Anglo American Plc., and free of mining projects.

Barrage of mining operations feared to make Caraga a 'ghost region'

Kailash — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:18:47 +0100

Butuan City – Shortening the time in acquiring mining permits in the country is both bad and sad news for communities protecting environment and will bring sooner the Philippine’s Mining Capital, Caraga Region, lived up to its name — a ghost region.

Environmental groups claimed that the barrage of mining activities in Caraga Region had made some portions of the once high, towering and mighty “Red Mountain” in the boundary of Surigao provinces an instant “swimming pool”.

Groups demand transparency in Palawan mine community dealings

Kailash — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 09:25:02 +0100

MANILA, Philippines — Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group on environmental and human rights issues and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, demands transparency in community dealings of MacroAsia Nickel Corporation in Brooke’s Point, Palawan.

It was reported by mining affected communities in Brooke’s Point that MacroAsia conducted a closed door focus group discussion (FGD) exclusive to its pro-mining allies held at the Palawan State University (PSU) on Saturday, March 20.

Justice to Mining Disaster Victims in the Philippines

Kailash — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:16:21 +0100

March 24, 1996, Exactly 14 years ago, the worst mining disaster happened in Marinduque Island, Philippines put the country in the global map. The mine tailing collapse occurred a year after the passage of the Philippine Mining Act or R.A. 7942. The disaster resulted in the release of over 1.6 million cubic meters of tailings along 27 km of the river and the coastal areas. The impact on the river and the people who depend on it for their livelihoods was massive.

Dev't Aggression in N. Luzon Rising, Group Says

Kailash — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:33:10 +0100

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet —- Reports from people’s organizations all over Northern Luzon show an increasing trend in development aggression. This was culled from the provincial surveys of people’s opposition to the encroachment of big, foreign corporate businesses in people’s lands and water systems in the recently concluded 6th General Assembly of Katinnulong Daguiti Umili iti Amianan (Kaduami).

Kaduami is a service institution that aims to contribute to the development of communities in Northern Luzon.

2 power plant projects opposed in Mindanao

Kailash — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:41:34 +0100

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Philippines—-Residents of at least three Mindanao provinces are cold to the idea of constructing more power plants in their areas despite the power crisis hounding Mindanao.

Projects that have met opposition from groups representing the residents are the construction of another hydropower plant at the Pulangi River in Bukidnon, aimed at boosting the supply of electricity on the island, and the coal-fired power plant in Davao del Sur.

Groups slam 'joint forces' of DENR and 2 mining firms in Palawan

Kailash — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:50:37 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group on environmental and human rights issues and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, slam the joint public scoping consultation of MacroAsia Corporation and Ipilan Nickel Corporation (INC) facilitated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held at Barangay Mambalot, Brooke’s point, Palawan on Saturday, March 13.

Metals Exploration secures environmental compliance certificate for Runruno gold-molybdenum project

Kailash — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:32:14 +0100

Metals Exploration (AIM: MTL) has been awarded he Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the Runruno gold-molybdenum project on the island of Luzon in the northern Philippines following a positive evaluation of the project’s environmental impact statement by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

The ECC certified that the project has complied with all the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system and will not cause significant negative environmental impact.

Group rejects coal plant in Davao Sur

Kailash — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:41:24 +0000

DIGOS CITY — The Tugaska-Davao del Sur (Tingog Ug Gugma Alang Sa Kinaiyahan-Davao del Sur) has started airing protests against the building of a coal-fired power plant by the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in the municipality of Malalag in Davao del Sur.

In a statement released Tuesday, Tugaska called on local government units (LGUs), environment groups, the church, and the people of Malalag and its neighboring towns to come together and fight the putting up of a coal power plant in the said town.

Coal Mining In Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Opposed By Environmental And Local Groups

Kailash — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:40:48 +0100

Local opposition demands the immediate cancellation of Sultan Energy Philippines Corporation’s (SEPC) Coal Operating Contract (COC) in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Yellen Zata, chairperson of Hublag Kontra Mina (HUKOM) based in Barangay Ned asserts that SEPC was not able to secure an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) within a year after the contract was awarded.

Ifugaos Applaud CA Junking of OceanaGold Petition

Kailash — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:53:37 +0000

Indigenous Ifugaos of Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya are in a triumphant mood with the recent Court of Appeals’ resolution junking OceanaGold’s petition seeking to annul the Regional Trial Court Branch 30’s decision.

Last December 29, 2009, OceanaGold filed a petition for certiorari seeking to annul and set aside the order of Judge Panay denying the mining company’s motion to dismiss the case lodged at the Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya Regional Trial Court Branch 30.

Groups slam Tampakan copper-gold mining project

Kailash — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:51:45 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group on environmental and human rights issues and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, said the Tampakan mining venture in South Cotabato create environmental devastation and will further induce conflict in the area.

Judge in Marcopper case gets inaction complaint

Kailash — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:42:41 +0000

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Residents of Mogpog, Marinduque filed a complaint against a judge for allegedly failing to take action on an nine-year old case involving a mining company’s bursting dam whose contents killed two people, various livestock, and a river.

On Monday, residents of Bocboc and Magapua villages filed an administrative complaint before the Office of Court Administrator (OCA) of the Supreme Court against the presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 38 of Boac, Marinduque.

The court has yet to set a trial for a 2001 case of Rita Natal, et. al.

Anti-mining activist shot dead in Cagayan

Kailash — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:39:50 +0000

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines—-A leader of an anti-mining group in Cagayan was shot dead in Buguey town on Monday afternoon, police said on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo, Cagayan police director, said Gensun Agustin, 30, was on his way home aboard his motorcycle when two men on another motorcycle shot and killed him in Barangay (village) Calamegatan at 4:15 p.m.

2 miners killed, 2 others missing in South Cotabato

Kailash — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:51:21 +0000

COTABATO, Philippines (Xinhua) — Two Filipino miners died while two others went missing yesterday after they were trapped and suffocated inside a tunnel in a gold-rich village in South Cotabato province, officials said today.

Local rescuers have retrieved the remains of two victims, Toto and Gary Olin, after the incident was reported to authorities around 5:00 p.m. yesterday in T’boli, South Cotabato, Ramon Ponce de Leon, the province’s environmental management office chief, told reporters.

Trial vs OceanaGold to hear alleged violations

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:07:32 +0000

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – A trial is expected to publicize alleged human rights violations committed by OceanaGold Philippines Inc. (OGPI), two years after the mining company reportedly demolished houses in a Didipio, Kasibu village in this province.

This was disclosed by Peter Duyapat, chairperson of Didipio Earth-Savers Multipurpose Association (Desama), which represents communities displaced by the mining company’s operations.

Green groups call for mining moratorium to mitigate El Nino impacts

Kailash — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:09 +0000

‘The El Nino phenomenon has put watersheds in dry spell in different parts of our country. Mining is a water intensive industry and mining operations and/or tenements are located in watershed areas.

Canadian expert eyes entrepreneur boot camp for RP lumads

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:00:34 +0000

Surigao City - Claiming it is the only means to achieve sustainable Community-Based Enterprise (CBE) for Indigenous People in the Philippines, Canada's University of Manitoba Research Fellow Mavis McRae recommends establishment of entrepreneur boot camp.

Indigenous groups still not a gov't priority

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:18:01 +0000

SURIGAO CITY —- Indigenous communities continue to get sparse attention from the government despite a 13-year-old law mandating their protection, nongovernment groups told a recent workshop here.

The absence of a sustainable source of livelihood, coupled with uncertainty over their ancestral lands, is the top cause of poverty among indigenous communities. And up to now, the exact population of indigenous people is unclear, making it difficult to develop an action plan for the group.

Appointment of Pro-mining DENR Secretary sparks fear among Indigenous groups

Kailash — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:01:57 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than eighty (80) organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, feared the appointment of longtime Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director Horacio Ramos as the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary that will put indigenous groups at higher risk to mining impacts.
“Currently, there are 354 mining applications here in Palawan.

Anti-mining priest to head CBCP's social action apostolate

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:10:31 +0000

An anti-mining priest has been named as new head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA).

The CBCP said Fr. Edwin Gariguez will be executive secretary of the NASSA of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP).

“(Fr. Gariguez) is going to work closely with ECSA-JP chair (Manila auxiliary) Bishop Broderick Pabillo, a very dynamic figure in the church’s social action advocacies,” the CBCP said in its news site.

Gariguez, 47, will succeed Sr.

Midnight mine deal disgusts Sibuyan Island Communities

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:49:57 +0000

MANILA, Philippines —Sibuyan Island communities in Romblon province express disappointment on Tuesday regarding the large-scale mining license given by the Philippine government to a Canada-based mining firm.

Dubbed as Galapagos of Asia by international scientists, Sibuyan Island in the province of Romblon has been a target of several mining companies. One of which is Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), holdings firm of Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation (SNPDC) and subsidiary of Canada-based Altai Resources planning to mine nickel on the island.

Philippines: Over 15 million indigenous Filipinos suffer from hunger and government indifference

Kailash — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:06:21 +0000

Manila – About 15 million indigenous people (10% of the population) suffer from poverty and human rights violations and their life expectancy is 20 years shorter than that of civilized peoples. This is according to a recent report by the UN Development Program in the Philippines. “The indigenous Filipino are fighting every day against hunger and cultural degradation – says Jacqueline Badcock, UN coordinator in the Philippines – they have no access to basic social services such as education and healthcare.”

According to the document about 370 million indigenous people in the world live.

Philippine's Largest Mining Company pushes for Re-entry in Anislagan

Kailash — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:09:53 +0000

Anislagan, Surigao del Norte – In December 11, 2009, the Asst. Mgr. for Environment of Philex Mining/ Silangan Mindanao Mining Company (SMMC), MR. EUFRONIO A. ORTIZ, JR., wrote to the Bgy. Capt. Manuel Tejada of their intention to make a Livelihood Training Center within the 1 hectare land they purchased within the barangay.

The Barangay Council provided a venue to hear their planned project in a barangay session.

Groups tackle environmental issues in regional summit

Kailash — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:59:05 +0000

KORONADAL CITY — Civil society groups and grassroots organizations gathered here Friday for a regional summit that discussed environmental issues that are seen by the participants as stemming from government priority investment projects in the area like Sagittarius Mines Inc.‘s copper gold project straddling the towns of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur.

Association of villages chief shot dead in Victoria

Kailash — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:53:11 +0000

CALAPAN CITY—-A barangay captain in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro was shot dead by two unidentified assailants on Wednesday morning, police said.

Ricardo Ganad, 56, sustained gunshot wounds in the body, right arm and chest, said Senior Supt. Sonny Ricablanca, Oriental Mindoro provincial police chief.

He was pronounced dead at a local hospital, Ricablanca told The Mindoro Post.

Ganad, chairman of Brgy.

Mining bureaucrat is new DENR secretary

Kailash — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:12:48 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named long-time Mines and Geosciences Director (MGB) Horacio Ramos as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced the changes on Wednesday in a media briefing held in Malolos, Bulacan.

The erstwhile DENR secretary, Eleazar Quinto, has been appointed director-general of the Presidential Coalition Affairs Office.

Quinto replaced Maricar Imperial, who was appointed Cabinet secretary replacing Silvestre Bello III.

Civil society laments lack of impartial investigation into the burning of school building in Tampakan

Kailash — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:24:51 +0000

KORONADAL CITY—-Last February 1, the school building of Datal Biao Elementary School in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan, South Cotabato was burned by still unidentified men. The military blames the New People’s Army (NPA) of the mine site atrocity. Datal Biao lies within the Mine Development Area of Xstrata—SMI.

UN aid seeks stronger role for indigenous peoples

Kailash — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:05:27 +0000

THE UNITED NATIONS Development Programme (UNDP) is providing assistance to strengthen the stake of indigenous peoples (IPs) in resource management particularly in ancestral lands.

Titled “Strengthening Indigenous People’s Rights and Development (SIPRD) in the Philippines: 2010-2011,” the program acknowledges IPs’ rights on sustainable use, management and protection of ancestral lands, supporting the implementation of good governance principles, and promoting indigenous peace-building mechanisms.

SC rushes promulgation of rules for writ of kalikasan

Kailash — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:23:53 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) is now rushing the promulgation of the rules governing the issuance of the “writ of kalikasan,” which is expected to hasten the resolution of environmental cases.

Speaking before members of Philippine-Australian Alumni Association Inc.

Royalco still obtains permits despite opposition

Kailash — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:48:58 +0000

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Elders of the Bakun-Aywanan people’s organization are restless after finding out their opposition for phase II and III mining exploration has gone to waste.

The people’s organizations continue to oppose Royalco’s exploration in their town.

Royalco is an Australian mining company in Gambang.

Elders went to the Provincial Capitol Monday to submit yet another protest to the project before going to the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).

Solons, LGUs Hit DENR on Mindoro Mining: Local and National Groups Express Support to Scrapping of Nickel Project

Kailash — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:14:47 +0000

MANILA, Philippines — A congressional inquiry into the issue-laden proposed large-scale mining in the island of Mindoro revealed several flaws in the DENR process of approving mining applications. The House Committee on Natural Resources today tackled House Resolution 1492, wherein the DENR was alleged to have committed violations in its process of issuing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to Intex Resources, owner of the Mindoro Nickel Project.

Rep. Diogenes Osabel, Governor Arnan Panaligan and Vice-Governor Ma.

Defending Ancestral Domain

Kailash — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:11:00 +0000

Aeta Groups with Fr. Shay Cullen and the Preda Staff , happy after receiving their ancestral land title recognizing their rights to more than 15,000 hectare of land in Botolan.

It was a happy day and a happier event for hundreds of the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Philippines. They were gathered in the covered basketball court of Botolan, Zambales, to be recognized as the rightful inhabitants and owners of 15,000 square kilometers of ancestral domain.

Use geohazard maps to prevent mining disasters, environmental alliance urges

Kailash — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:02:21 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—-An anti-mining network is urging the government to use geohazard maps to review mining tenements and abandoned mines to prevent mining disaster.

The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and people’s movement composed of more than 80 organizations from mining-affected communities and civil society organizations nationwide, said the Department of Environment of Natural Resources (DENR) P60 million geohazard mapping study of the Philippines identified landslide and flood prone areas in the country.

Miner may build processing plant following finds at nickel mines in Surigao del Norte

Kailash — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:33:23 +0000

Exploration by Canadian miner Mindoro Resources, Ltd.

Quarrying Threatens Floridablanca CADT; Aetas Stand Their Ground Vs Quarry Operations

Kailash — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:51:47 +0000

QUEZON CITY — A score of Aeta families are holding their ground amid threats of an imminent demolition by virtue of a request from a prospective quarry site operator in a resettlement site in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

The said site is in the Aeta territory in Floridablanca town, which recently acquired a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and has since been a show window of her administration’s implementation of various programs including the “poverty alleviation” package.

Geo-tagging reveals Palawan mining threats

Kailash — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:37:36 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—-Modern technology has exposed several threats brought by mining to Palawan’s rich environment that could also affect the lives of several indigenous peoples living in the province, a group supporting ethnic groups said on Friday.

Citing a study by the Unesco on the threats of mining in Palawan, the group Ancestral Land/Domain Watch (ALDAW) said that the presence of mining companies poses a threat to the lives of local people in the province.

Double Whammy for Two Largest Mining Firms in a Small Village-Community Victory: Village folks block the entries of Philex Minin

Kailash — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:56:33 +0000

Surigao del Norte — It is little known that a small village in Mindanao thwarted Philex Mining, the Philippine’s largest mining firm, after the community blocked the firm’s entry to inaugurate a pseudo-livelihood training center on 11 January 2010.

Almost the entire populace of Anislagan, Placer, Surigao del Norte installed a makeshift checkpoint as early as 5:00am in preparation for the inauguration of the newly bought 1 hectare of land by Philex for the proposed livelihood training center.

DENR urged to spare ancestral lands from mining

Kailash — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:29:13 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—-An indigenous group threw the first challenge to new chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Eleazar Quinto, and asked him to stop mining operations in their lands.

In a statement Friday, the Didipio Earth Savers Multipurpose Association (DESAMA) and the Luzon chapter of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center said six months were enough time for Quinto “to do the right thing” by canceling mining permits in their area in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya.

BHP Billiton pulls out of Philippine nickel mining project but CAFOD continues call for new consent process

Kailash — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:23:24 +0000

Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton has cut ties with a controversial nickel mining project on a Philippine island community. The project funded and operated by BHP Billiton and worth US$22.7 billion, came under heavy criticism from a CAFOD report over allegations of bribery by BHP Billiton’s local joint venture partner AMCOR. BHP Billiton has sold its stake in the project to AMCOR.

But CAFOD is reiterating its call for a new, independently monitored community consent process to be carried out before any mining goes ahead in Macambol.

Group re--checks processes done in Bakun mine permit

Kailash — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:29:47 +0000

BENGUET — A group opposed to the mining exploration permit of Royalco which covers 5,241 hectares in Barangay Gambang, Bakun town started to gather more documents that could possibly help advance their cause.

The Gambang Indigenous Peoples and Community Organization (GIPACO) formally requested the Courier to possibly issue if a certification that the Royalco’s Exploration Project Application or EXPA 0001 marked as Exploration Permit No. 005A-2008-CAR was published by the paper.

Courier staff checked the files but initial findings showed negative result.

BHP sells stake in Philippine nickel project

Kailash — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:49:13 +0000

Global miner BHP Billiton has pulled out of a $US2 billion nickel project in the southern Philippines, selling its 40 per cent stake to a local partner.

The project was BHP’s only mining venture in the Southeast Asian country and the move could be part of the miner’s plan to exit the nickel business as early as next year after selling two major nickel divisions in four months.

Septagenarian Mother Lead A Tree Planting Against Mining Giant

Kailash — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:56:52 +0000

Surigao del Norte — a weekend of drizzle from inter-tropical storm in the province didn’t stop a septuagenarian woman leading the entire community in a tree planting initiative of a small village threatened by giant mining firm.

Anislagan, Placer, Surigao del Norte is an area very rich in natural resources. It has been identified by the government as its priority area in mining because of its rich mineral resources. It has first-class nickel and gold minerals. It is also abundant in its farm produce. Lakes, rivers, and spring, also surround it.

Philippine climate activists outraged at outcome of Copenhagen climate talks

Kailash — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:55:59 +0000

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (19 DECEMBER 2009)- Climate activists from the Philippines express their dismay and opposition to the non-binding Copenhagen Accord and the adoption made by the Philippine government for it in the recent concluded 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) in Copenhagen.

“We saw it coming. Based on the earlier pronouncements of the US officials before the COP 15, the US and other rich industrial countries are working for a non-binding international climate agreement,” says Mr.

Fugitive tribal leader gets 'green award'

Kailash — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:05:25 +0000

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—-Deep in the forests of Talaingod in Davao del Norte, Ata-Manobo Datu Guibang Apoga, obviously through an assistant, could only send a text message to express how he and his people valued environment.

“For us, nature is like our mother and father who provide us with everything we need … life, food and other things essential for us to survive,” said the message in Bisaya. It was read by a representative who received the award on his behalf during the ceremony on Dec.

Ex-Arroyo Aide Among Execs of Mining Firm Terrorizing Bukidnon Lumads

Kailash — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:29:13 +0000

MANILA —- A former chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who is also one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s most trusted men, is one of the directors of a big mining company that operates in a number of provinces, among them Bukidnon, which is one of the provinces where several indigenous-peoples’ communities are suffering under a reign of terror perpetrated by the military and paramilitary groups.

Ex-militiamen take villagers hostage in S. Philippines

Kailash — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:10:22 +0000

MANILA — Government-armed former militiamen accused of murder and banditry kidnapped more than 70 villagers and children Thursday from a southern Philippines village, demanding that charges be dropped against them before they would free the hostages.

The abductions raised fresh questions about the government’s long-standing policy of arming civilian volunteers to protect against insurgencies. The day before, 100 other militiamen in the south were added to the list of those accused of slaughtering civilians in the country’s worst political massacre.

Occidental Mindoro bans large-scale mining, too

Kailash — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:17:56 +0000

SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro—-An ordinance banning large-scale mineral exploitation for 25 years has come into force in Occidental Mindoro, making the entire Mindoro island off limits to mining activities.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Occidental Mindoro passed the ordinance on November 23, and Governor Josephine Ramirez-Sato signed it into law four days later.

A similar mining prohibition has been in effect in Oriental Mindoro since 2002.

Military's Oplan Bantay Laya Sows Terror, Disunity Among Lumads in Mindanao

Kailash — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:32:16 +0000

As foreign mining investments continue to encroach into Lumad lands in Northern Mindanao, the military, through its Oplan Bantay Laya, intensifies its campaign to stifle local opposition to these companies. A fact-finding mission found that so far this year, 13 Lumads have been summarily executed while more were tortured and harassed by soldiers and fellow Lumads co-opted by the military.

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur —- Datu Mampaagi Belayong thought the evening of Sept. 2, 2009, was just going to be another ordinary evening.

Atienza revokes Norwegian firm’s Mindoro mining clearance

whit — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:41:32 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – Environment Secretary Lito Atienza has revoked the clearance of Norway-based Intex Resources to mine nickel on Mindoro Island, anti-mining groups announced Friday.

This came on the 11th day of protest fast staged by the Mangyans and religious people from Mindoro demanding a halt to Intex's plan to dig for nickel ore about 11,200 hectares of land in Mindoro, said Father Edwin Gariguez, one of the hunger strikers.

UK fund invests P2 billion in Century Peak Metals

Kailash — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:57:28 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – UK-based fund management firm Global Emerging Markets Ltd. (GEM) is investing P2 billion in listed mining firm Century Peak Metals Holdings Corp. (CPMHC).

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, CPMHC said it has signed an investment agreement with GEM for the subscription of P2 billion worth of shares in the mining firm.

Under the terms of the deal, CPMHC has sole and discretionary option of deciding how many shares it would issue to GEM.

SC allows gov't takeover of Diwalwal

Kailash — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:45:24 +0000

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has upheld its June 2006 decision allowing the national government to take over the so-called Diwalwal Gold Rush Area, otherwise known as the Agusan-Davao-Surigao Forest Reserve.

In a 46-page en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Minita Chico-Nazario, the high tribunal dismissed a motion for reconsideration that Southeast Mindanao Gold Mining Corp. (SEM) filed two years ago.

In its earlier decision, the high court nullified SEM’s exploration permit that it acquired from Marcopper Mining Corp. (MMC).

Sagittarius Mines ends swing of four towns to solicit support for gold and copper project

Kailash — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:29:11 +0000

GENERAL SANTOS — Foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. concluded last week a four-town swing in which it disclosed company plans as well as listened to concerns raised by critics.

Company officials allayed fears of environmental degradation and stressed that the country would benefit from a mammoth revenue stream from the Tampakan copper and gold project, once it goes into commercial stream in 2016.

Roy D.

An Open Letter to DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza from Bishop Pabillo

Kailash — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:57:46 +0000

It was with great joy that we ended our meeting last Wednesday, November 18, 2009, when, after finding out that the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the mining company, Intex Resources, in Mindoro was acquired with grave irregularity — that it was given without the required genuine consultations and endorsements of the affected local government units, as attested by the mayors of the two directly affected towns and the governors and congressmen of the two provinces of Mindoro — you promised to suspend the ECC.

Manila freezes Intex's permit for $2.4 bln nickel project

Kailash — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:52:40 +0000

MANILA – The Philippine government on Wednesday suspended a mining permit given last month to the $2.4 billion nickel project of Norwegian firm Intex Resources ASA (ITXX.OL) following opposition from local communities.

Statement of Solidarity with Hunger Strikers over ECC issued to Intex Resources

Kailash — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:02:35 +0000

On this day that you start your hunger strike, we Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links, extend our greetings and solidarity to you in your struggle to ensure justice and the protection of the future of Mindoro, and particularly that the highly irregular issuance of an Environmental Clearance Certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Joselito Atienza to Intex Resources is revoked.

We note with concern not only the way in which the ECC, which will clear the way for large-scale mining, was issued without the correct due process, but also the risks that