MOST of the mining companies applying for mining permits in Compostela Valley are but "speculators" who are just out for the opportunity to sell their mining permits to bigger mining companies and have no plans really of doing any actual mining.
Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy demanded that all companies seek first the endorsement of the Provincial Board (PB) before applying for exploration permits at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
He said this is to ensure that the mining companies that explore in their province are really interested in making investments in the province and not just mere speculators.
Uy said they have already passed the provincial mining ordinance that aims to institutionalize the involvement of the local government in the granting of mining permits to big companies.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Southern Mindanao chief Edilberto Arreza, meanwhile, welcomed the mining ordinance of Compostela Valley. It said that it's high time the local governments get involved in the process and ensure that their interests are protected with the entry of big mining companies in their area. (BOT)
