Group condemns Chinese-led illegal mining in Misamis town

Authorities from different agencies raid an illegal mining operation in Misamis Oriental on May 13, 2023. Photo from DENR

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Makakalikasan Party condemned the Chinese-led illegal mining activities along the Iponan River in Misamis Oriental, noting that these continued despite the Writ of Kalikasan and a writ of continuing mandamus issued by the Court of Appeals.

These court orders ordered government agencies to take action to stop the environmental damage caused by the mining activities.

“The Makakalikasan Party is calling on the government to take immediate action to ensure a permanent halt to all illegal mining activities in the Iponan River,” the party stated.

Orlando Ravanera, the party’s chair, said: “The Writ of Kalikasan in Iponan river must be upheld at all cost. And heads must roll for violators; including conniving government enforcers who allow illegal mining to happen.”

The illegal extraction of gold in the area gained renewed attention after a raid on a mine site between Cauyunan and Nangcaon villages of Opol town on May 13. The operation involved five Chinese individuals who employed at least 11 locals.

The mountains along the river, particularly in the hinterlands, have been subjected to extensive illegal gold extraction activities over the past two decades. These activities employ the hydraulic mining method, which involves using high-pressure water to dislodge materials believed to contain mineral deposits. The resulting sediments are then directed to a sluice box that pans the gold.

This has caused significant siltation in the river, which is shared by Opol with Cagayan de Oro.

The deteriorating condition of the river prompted environmental groups to seek a Writ of Kalikasan from the Court of Appeals, which was granted in February 2013. The court directed environmental and law enforcement agencies to take action to halt the illegal mining operations in the area.

Although there was a temporary halt to the illegal mining activities in 2017 due to continuous crackdown efforts, these activities resurfaced in 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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