Wednesday, August 15, 2007 PB backs opposition v. diamond drilling
THE Benguet Provincial Board (PB) upheld the opposition of Itogon residents against the proposed diamond drilling by a foreign mining firm in the town.
Small-scale miners and residents of Barangay Ampucao, Itogon have manifested opposition to the proposed diamond exploration by the Australian firm Anvil Ltd. in a watershed area in this municipality.
The PB has asked the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to scrutinize the application of the foreign company if this has complied with the necessary requirements before its proposed undertaking.
Itogon officials sought the assistance of the province's legislative body in endorsing the opposition to the MGB.
Ampucao residents are against the proposed diamond drilling, saying "this will deprive them of their source of water."
Anvil Mining Limited Inc. is reportedly eyeing around 2,896 hectares for its exploration. The area is a claim by the former Itogon-Suyoc Mines.
The area of the proposed exploration is covered by old patented claims comprising 35 hectares and unpatented claims involving 582 hectares.
At least 317 hectares are covered by the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement. (JC)
