Board approves Itogon mine revival

THE Benguet Provincial Board had just endorsed another mining firm in order to continue its operation in Itogon after a firm review.

The Committee of Environment and Mining chaired by Board Member Benjamin Saguid endorsed the work program of the Itogon–Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI) to the office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Before the recommendation, the town council of Itogon passed resolution 253, series of 2012 titled “endorsing the resumption of operation and continued activities of the approved work program of the ISRI.” The mining firm operates in Sangilo, Itogon.

However, when the council submitted their resolution to the board, some documents were missing including the endorsement resolutions of the village councils of Ampucao and Poblacion and the memorandum of agreement entered into between the ISRI and the residents of the two places.

Saguid then sent a letter-request to the town’s council urging the officials to submit needed documents for its review before the board will endorse the company to the MGB–CAR.

On January 3, 2013, the council responded submitting the necessary documents attesting the truthfulness of the endorsement.

After a series of review among the committee members, they came up with a decision recommending the mining company to MGB. (Rubyloida Bitog)