Leyte SP passes resolution interposing no objection to NICUA Mining operation in MacArthur, Leyte

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February 14, 2012

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Provincial board members of Leyte recently passed a resolution interposing no objection to the magnetite sand operation of the NICUA Mining in the municipality of MacArthur, Leyte.

The resolution was made after verification was made by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources through its chairman, First District of Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu, on the documents transmitted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 8 Director Roger De Dios.

In his letter to the Sanggunian, Director De Dios said the mining firm was able to secure the necessary documentary requirements including resolution interposing no objection from the respective Sangguniang Bayan of MacArthur, Leyte as well as from Barangays Pongon and San Pedro in same town.

NICUA was granted with two MPSA in the municipality of MacArthur under MPSA-290-2009-VIII of Vincent Tan Tiong and MPSA-317-2010-VIII of Edgar Lim.

To recall, on December 10, 2011, the Director of MGB appeared before the members of the provincial board for the purpose of final consultation regarding the favorable endorsement to the Magnetite Sand Project of Tan Tiong and Lim under the Mines Operating Agreement with NICUA Corporation.

In the final consultation, the MGB Director assured the Board that the mine rehabilitation program of NICUA Corporation at Barangays Pongon and San Pedro will be faithfully implemented by the company and as a safety net, a rehabilitation cash fund has already been allocated.

The MGB Director said that a Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) was already organized, specifically to monitor the activities of NICUA Corporation until the time that the mined-out area is completely rehabilitated, with representatives from the National Irrigation Administration and Department of Agriculture as member. The MGB chief said added that soon, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Agrarian Reform will also be represented.

Furthermore, the chairman of the Committee on Environment of the Provincial Board was also included as one of the members of the monitoring team as ordered by the provincial government of Leyte and approved by the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

During the final consultation, the MGB also reaffirmed its commitment to strictly comply of its strict with the requirement of consultation before any mining permit is issued at his level and for securing a resolution interposing no objection to any mining project or proposal pursuant to Section 21 of the Environmental code of the Province of Leyte and Sections 26 and 27 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines.

Board Member Tiu, however, stressed that the issuance of resolution interposing no objection is only for mining firm's operation in the municipality of MacArthur.