We are transparent in all our dealings: PMDC exec

A GOVERNMENT-OWNED and controlled corporation, the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), maintains that all of its dealings have been transparent, contrary to the allegations of several small-scale miners.

Lawyer Vincent Barry Lagura, manager of the business development group of PMDC, said during a press forum that aside from maintaining transparency, PMDC has also put safeguards in place in order to ensure that the bids and contracts that it enters into will actually be beneficial to the government.

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"If ever the contract does not comply with the terms and conditions, the Commission on Audit will nullify the contract. And we have always been transparent in all our dealings," Lagura said.

Given the opportunity to have things done his way, Lagura said he would still push for the bidding as it is one of the most beneficial way for the community.

It was learned that at least nine big mining companies expressed interest in exploring and developing the Mt. Diwalwal mining area that include the Paraiso Consolidated Mining Corp. (Pacomingco), construction firm FF Cruz & Co., Philex Mining Corp., Blackstone Mineral Resources Inc., Udema Holdings, China NonFerrous Metals Mining (Phil.) Group Co., Angping-led Geograce Resources Philippines Inc., Balatoc Gold Resources Corp. and Mt. Sinai Mining Exploration and Development Corp.

"Just look at the corporate social responsibility of the big mining firms, not only the entire community benefits from them, but also the municipality and even the whole province," Lagura said. "The bidding will actually benefit all of them."

Lagura also clarified that the government properties in Diwalwal are not being bidded to be sold to private large scale mining firms.

"The bidding is for the development of the property. PMDC will continue to manage the property but actual mining will be done by partner firm; that is why there is a bidding," Lagura said.

The PMDC is now in hot water as small-scale mining firms led by Diwalwal barangay captain Franco Tito and a group of tribal groups who claim to have the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title to a portion of the gold-rush site are crying foul over the planned bidding of the area by the government owned and controlled corporation without consulting them.

"The small scale miners are not being prevented from joining the bidding," Lagura added.

Gold deposit in Diwalwal is estimated to be around $18 billion.