‘Large-scale mining better than small-scale mining,’ this was advised to BM Roque Tiu

TACLOBAN CITY – “Large-scale mining is better than small scale-mining as what was advised to me,” said Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu.

Tiu’s statement was in support to an earlier pronouncement of President Aquino who categorically made known his preference of large-scale mining than that of small-scale mining.

The President in an interview during his recent visit in Leyte said that he favor large-scale mining operations as it is easy to check as he had ordered a panel composed of the country’s top environment officials to craft a mining policy that will ensure that the environment is protected and to preserve the country’s potential especially on eco-tourism.

Tiu said that based on the advice to him, large-scale mining is far better than those operating in small-scale as large-scale mining companies can assure that they have the capability to rehabilitate the area.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is the government agency task to regulate the operation of large-scale mining companies, as it is where they submit their application for mining permits, while small-scale mining permits are granted by the provincial governors.

He added that based on what MGB Regional Director Roger De Dios said mining companies particularly those in large-scale operation are obliged to deposit a fund intended for rehabilitation process of the areas they had mined as mandated by existing law.

“Unlike in small-scale mining where there is no assurance of the rehabilitation, our environment will be damaged,” he stressed.

In Leyte, there are no reported operation of small-scale mining, but at present three mining companies are currently operating based on the data of the MGB among which are the Nicua Mining Corporation, Leyte Iron Sand and Strongbelt Mining Corporation operating in the municipality of MacArthur.

While the fourth one which is the Northern Access Mining Incorporated has still to comply of acquiring a resolution interposing no objection from the provincial board and is set to have its initial operation in Tolosa.