DZIQ: Mining bureau nixes bishops’ call to stop mining in PH

MANILA, Philippines– The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) does not agree with the bishops’ demand to halt all mining activities in the country, an MGB official said over Radyo Inquirer interview Saturday.

“The reaction of the bishops was solely based on the mining tragedy in Compostela Valley.” said MGB Assistant Director Leo Jasareno when asked why they did not approve of the bishops’ demand.

Jasareno added that not all mining operations could lead to the tragedy in Compostela Valley where a landslide in a mining village left 13 people dead and 11 missing.

“It was an illegal small-scale mining operation. They used Mercury that is harmful to people, they threw their wastes on the river, they even used explosives without permit.” Jasareno explained.

“As of now, the BGM is taking action by temporarily suspending mining applications all over the country. About 1000 applications have been denied.” Jasareno added.

The goal of BGM is to “cleanse” every single pending application by June 30.

For the full interview, listen to DZIQ 990 AM.

Erika Villanueva