ILOILO – Full-scale mining at Pan de Azucar Island in northern Iloilo may be inevitable, a site inspection by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) showed.
Pan de Azucar is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Concepcion. It is the largest of 16 outlying islands of the town and makes up nearly 19 percent of Concepcion’s total land area. Mining explorations confirmed it contains valuable mineral deposits such as gold, silver, copper, and manganese.
Atty. Cesar Emmanuel Buyco, PGENRO chief, led the inspection on Dec. 7 accompanied by officials from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 6. He said TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc. holds a 25-year Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) from MGB’s central office.
The company is in the final stages of securing a pit mining feasibility plan, community resolutions, and environment compliance certificates (ECC), among other necessary documentary requirements to commence full-scale mining operations, added Buyco.
“Once these are finalized, the company can proceed with mining,” he said.
He noted the cessation of exploration activities, suggesting the completion of material sampling.
But Buyco emphasized the urgency of informing local residents about the potential effects of mining activities, considering the long-term nature of the project.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will be briefed on the inspection findings in the coming days.
Moreover, a meeting is scheduled on Dec. 12 with representatives from the mining company, MGB, and Environmental Management Bureau to discuss the future direction of the mining operation.
Defensor last week expressed the need for local government involvement in such projects. He stressed the importance of the mining company respecting localities and involving local government units since they play a crucial role in environmental management.
Pan de Azucar Island is known for Mount Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), a steep volcanic cone and a prominent landmark at the northern entrance of Guimaras Strait.
At 574 metres, the steep-sided Mount Pan de Azucar (also called Mt. Manaphag) is the most prominent feature and distinguishable landmark of the island. The lofty cone is an inactive volcano.
Pan de Azucar Island is ringed by beaches. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 7,502. Some residents fear mining activities would destroy the natural beauty of the island and mountain./PN
