The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has ordered the sealing of a warehouse in Lanang, Davao, containing drill core samples owned by Nationwide Development Corp. (Nadecor).
Jose de Jesus, Nadecor president, in a statement said the samples were taken from the company’s mine site in Kingking in Pantukan, Compostela Valley.
“[These samples] are critical in determining the mineral value of the Kingking mine site,” De Jesus said, adding that the sealing was at Nadecor’s request to prevent “third parties” from using the core samples.
Nadecor has estimated that its 1,656-hectare mining area in Kingking—which is covered by a mineral production sharing agreement—could yield up to 10.3 million ounces of gold and 5.4 billion pounds of copper.
The warehouse’s closure will remain in effect until the MGB lifts its order.
MGB officials were present at the sealing of the warehouse. Inquirer Mindanao