Friday, July 04, 2008 Mines bureau to recall Royalco permit By Jane Cadalig
THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said it will recall the permit it issued to an exploration company in Bakun if the agency, which issued the basis in allowing the exploration, withdraws its first certification.
MGB-Regional Director Neoman dela Cruz said the permit of Royalco Philippines, Inc. to explore Barangay Gambang, Bakun for mineable minerals will be recalled by the bureau if the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) retracts its certification of precondition attesting to the conduct of a Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) among the villagers.
"Our action was based on the recommendation of the NCIP, and unless the office withdraws its earlier certification, we will not recall the permit we granted to the company," dela Cruz said.
He said certification of precondition from the NCIP is the only document the MGB needed to allow Royalco's exploration in Bakun.
The certification issued by the NCIP, he said, validates the authenticity of the consultation held among the community in relation to the exploration.
Earlier, a group of indigenous peoples from Gambang objected the permit issued to Royalco, saying the FPIC process was flawed, an allegation denied by the NCIP and council of elders who signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Royalco.
Royalco was given a two-year permit to explore Barangay Gambang. It is renewable for two years and another two years, or a maximum of six years.
Dela Cruz said the permit issued covers only a less than 1,000 hectares. Royalco applied for 5,000 hectares.
If the company finds mineral deposits in the area sufficient for mining, another round of dialogues will be held, dela Cruz said.
