The Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board in Negros Oriental will monitor closely companies that have applied for permits, provincial legal counsel Erwin Vergara said yesterday.

A report of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau revealed that at least five big mining companies have applied for mining permits in the mountains of Zamboanguita, Siaton, Bayawan and Basay, Negros Oriental.

Vergara said the mining exploration is to search for minerals like silver, copper, zinc and gold. The MGB-7 has  already  collected  P1.6 million  from  the  application  fees  of  the  five  mining firms, he added.

He added that if  the  operation  is realized,  local  government   units  and  the  provincial government  can  expect  an increase  in  revenue  collection.

The  PMRB also agreed  during  a meeting  to  strictly  enforce  to the  requirements  before   the  mining permits are approved, Vergara  also said.

He assured affected communities in the concerned LGUs that there will be public consultations before mining companies are given permits.

The PMRB will also monitor these companies to ensure they comply with their responsibility  in environmental  rehabilitation.

They  will  also  require  company  representatives  to  visit  the office of  Gov.  Emilio  Macias II for orientation  and  instructions.

The  PMRB  will hold  another  meeting on the  second  week   of  February  with  company representatives to finally  discuss their  mining permit  applications.*MA

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