The Oriental Negros government was caught by surprise with the application of a large scale mining operation, especially with the certification issued by the Provincial Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office.

The Minerals Unlimited Mining Corporation, represented by Balgamel Domingo, with office address at Suite 601, L & S building, 1500 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Metro Manila had filed an application for Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the exploration, development and utilization of Magnetite and other associated mineral resources in the coastal barangays of Bal-os, Nagbola-og and Actin, all of Basay, Oriental Negros. The place is about 120 kilometers south of Dumaguete City.

Provincial legal officer Erwin Vergara said this is similar to the mining activity during the time of former president Ferdinand Marcos, where black iron sands or magnetite occurrence along the beaches of Basay were scooped using a mechanical system. The exploration period will have a term of two-years, renewable for another two years, but in no case to exceed six years.

Gov. George Arnaiz had earlier expressed vehement objection to large-scale mining in Oriental Negros, Vergara pointed out.

He called on the people in the affected areas to strengthen their vigilance and to air their sentiments during a public hearing, which is required by law.

Regional director Roger de Dios of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau has encouraged adverse claims, protests and opposition to the project to be filed in accordance with Sections 203 and 204 of DENR Administrative Order No. 96-40, series of 1996.*JG

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