Thursday, October 23, 2008 Itogon okays exploration By Jane Cadalig
COGNIZANT of the fact that mining remains the lifeblood of the town and its people, the local government of Itogon gave its go signal for the conduct of a mining exploration.
The Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. (Isri), which plans to explore the mineral potentials of Barangay Ampucao, was given the consent to proceed with the project without the need to undergo the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) by the affected communities.
The Municipal Council upheld Isri's proposal, after village officials of Ampucao endorsed the project.
In a resolution, the barangay council recognized the legality of the company's existence and its rights to conduct exploration within the village.
"This body is convinced Isri has legal rights to conduct exploration within the mining claims covered by and during the life of its Mining Lease Contract either by itself or through another entity," village officials said in a resolution.
Isri will conduct the project with Anvil Philippines through an Exploration Development Agreement. Isri's mining lease contract within Ampucao will expire on September 2012.
Earlier, the Municipal Council referred back to the barangay the exploration proposal, saying the process of participative and community-based dialogue and negotiations must be complied with.
"The (council) recognizes and fully supports the collaborative initiative and efforts of the barangay officials, community and company representatives in pursuing, formulating and institutionalizing mutually acceptable terms and commitments to satisfactorily resolve project-related issues and concerns though an effective and participative dialogue," the municipal resolution said.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau said it could not prevent Isri's exploration because the firm has an existing legal mineral claim over the area it is eyeing for exploration.
