Wednesday, June 25, 2008 RDC-12 supports Tampakan project
KORONADAL CITY -- The economic development committee (EDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Mindanao has shown support to the Catholic Church-opposed copper and gold venture of Sagittarius Mines Inc.
In a meeting last week, EDC members recognized the need to tap the huge mineral wealth in the region "in a responsible manner, as a way for the people to get out of poverty and cope with the prevailing food crisis."
"We are a poor country sitting on a mountain of wealth," said Constancio A. Paye Jr., regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
Paye presented a map of areas in Central Mindanao that have untapped but promising mineral deposits.
He said some of the areas are still under exploration.
Sagittarius has repeatedly said it will pursue the project through its Tampakan project "in a sustainable and responsible manner."
"We in the EDC should advocate responsible mining. We should not let this mineral wealth remain untapped," said Jim O. Sampulna, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Sampula said those who oppose the mining in the region should consider the potential impact of responsible mining operations to the economy.
Ibrahim K. Guiamadel, Department of Trade and Industry director for Central Mindanao, said local government units should not whimsically reverse policies on mining, after allowing mining investors to spend huge amounts even during exploration stage.
"These investors have spent several millions already, then suddenly someone will just tell them to pack up. That is not fair. There is a process to be followed in allowing or disallowing an application for mining operations, such as the ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate) and the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)," he said, apparently referring to Sagittarius.
The provincial government of South Cotabato has been deliberating on an environment code that contains a provision prohibiting the open-pit mining method.
Supporters of the Tampakan project argued the provision effectively prevents any large-scale mining projects from operating.
"We can wait for the results of the project proponent's feasibility studies. It is the ECC process and the feasibility studies that will scientifically determine whether the mine will operate or not," said Paye.
But Bishop Dinualdo D. Gutierrez of the Diocese of Marbel said there is no such thing as sustainable and responsible mining, as insisted by Sagittarius and government officials.
"How can it be sustainable or responsible? Open pit mining is a destructive method," the bishop said.
Gutierrez urged the company to leave the Tampakan project, some portions of which falls under his diocesan territory. (BSS )
