DENR to probe illegal mining

Angelo S. Samonte
Global Pinoy.Com July 22, 2006
http://www.globalpinoy.com/news/news_inside.php?newsnum=2079

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will look into illegal small-scale mining in Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, because of possible mercury contamination of the Didipio River. Environment Secretary Angelo T. Reyes is scheduled to visit Barangay Didipio to determine whether illegal mining has harmed communities, and if mercury has contaminated the river.

“The secretary will see for himself the mining operation’s adverse consequences on the people and the environment,” said Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, who invited Reyes.

“Illegal mining is not only threatening the health of our residents but also our rivers and forests.” Penro Apigo, DENR provincial officer, said families in the area face grave danger. “People are in danger because the river is their source of water, particularly drinking water. Mercury is hazardous to their health.”

The intake of mercury-containing water or fish, accumulated over time, can impair a person’s ability to feel, see, move and taste, and may lead to death.

Earlier, the Australasian Philippines Mining Inc., the Philippine subsidiary of Climax Mining Ltd. of Australia, said illegal small-scale miners in Didipio use mercury to extract gold from ores. “After grinding the mineral-containing ores, they used mercury to separate the gold,” the mining firm said, noting that vaporizing mercury, a metallic liquid, is dangerous to human health.

APMI’s Didipio mining project is set to start construction by September this year and begin mineral extraction next year. The company said it expects to create more than 1,500 jobs during construction and development, and a separate 500 jobs when operation starts. The project could also generate additional 3,000 indirect employment as a multiplier effect.

APMI said it would allocate $2.8 million for social development programs and $8.6 million for environmental programs. Total government taxes and fees are projected to be P131 million.