Tuesday, July 08, 2008 MGB won't allow mining operations in Kibungan By Jane Cadalig
THE Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) on Monday allayed fears of villagers in Kibungan regarding the proposed conduct of an exploration in Barangay Lubo in the town.
"As long as there is no certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), no permit will be issued to the proponent of the exploration," said MGB Regional Director Neoman dela Cruz.
Indigenous peoples from Lubo assailed the frequent visits of engineers who are gathering rock samples from the mountains of Lubo village, saying the technical persons have no business in the area.
Dela Cruz however dispelled fears of the villagers. "It would not adversely affect the community if those engineers would get only small rock samples," as he assured no exploration permit will be issued to the Almagan Mining Co., the proponent of the exploration, until the village endorses the project.
Indigenous peoples of Barangay Lubo have manifested their opposition against any activity that would lead to mining in their village. Lubo was host to the operations of the defunct Western Minolco Mining.
Minolco was blamed for the depletion of water sources of Lubo. Nearby Atok is also affected by the operations of Western Minolco.
Barangay Lubo chairman Arturo Collado said 400 families in the village will be adversely affected if the exploration pushes through.
