A mining operation in Oriental Negros that was closed down due to complaints of environmental destruction, health concerns and failure to pay local taxes, has been allowed to resume its activity.

Gov. George Arnaiz in his order dated March 9, 2006, lifted the suspension of the mining activity of the heirs of Arturo Zayco Sr., in Barangay Maaslum, Ayungon, a town 82 kilometers north of Dumaguete City.

Zayco's heirs are holders of a permit from the Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to conduct a large scale quarrying of silica in Maaslum. They, however, contracted the Goodyield Resources Development Inc., to do the actual mining operation.

Arnaiz, on Feb. 27, ordered the suspension of the operation in Maaslum due to complaints from barangay officials and residents that the mining activity is hazardous to the health of the people, and has caused environmental destruction. On March 3, the Multipartite Monitoring Team, composed of representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, both from the regional office in Region 7, Barangay Maaslum, Local Government of Ayungon, Ayungon Ministers Association, office of the governor and GRDI representatives conducted an inspection and came up with a report favorable to the mining operator.

The team reported that there was no relatively significant environmental impact resulting from the operations of the company, based on the results of analysis of water samples. It also said environmental measures were appropriately addressed by the management, such as the drainage system.

Arnaiz said that, in view of the favorable findings of the team GRDI, his suspension order issued on February 27, 2006 was being lifted.

However, Arnaiz indicated in his order that the operator should observe its commitment to pay whatever local taxes are required of the company.*RA

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