From ABS CBN News.com http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/02/14/11/thousands-join-anti-mining-drive-romblon
Interesting to see that Sibuyan Nickel is mentioned also in the context of mercury use but this doesn't gel at all with what what we know of the proposed Pelican operation.
Manila, Philippines- Thousands of Romblon residents gathered in Tablas Island to take a stand against mining.
At Children's Paradise, Odiongan, Romblon on February 14, Valentine's Day, they showed their love for the environment through a rally and parade. Its organizers believe there?s no other day to express that love than today.
A church group, Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros, said the rally aims to awaken environmental consciousness especially in sectors and communities that have grown indifferent.
"Inaasahan nang buong Romblomanon ang positibong bunga nang pakikibaka upang tutulan ang nakaambang na panganib sa buong isla na ginanap mismo sa araw ng mga puso, bilang pagpapaabot ng pagmamahal sa kalikasan at sa bayang minamahal," the group said in its statement.
The anti-mining caravan was sparked by proposed mining activities by Ivanhoe Philippines Incorporated. Led by the Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining or REFAM, an anti-mining caravan went to various towns to mount placards and streamers and thousands of residents signed up along the way.
Scrap the Mining Act of 1995
REFAM's retired Reverend Monsignor Nonato Ernie Fetalino said it is time the government bans all mining applications and operations in Romblon and reject Ivanhoe Philippines' exploration application in Tablas Island.
The group also wants the government to revoke the Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation's Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) in Sibuyan Island.
In the grand scheme of things, REFAM wants the Aquino government to scrap the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, if the country wants to fight climate change better.
REFAM stressed that mining in the country is replete with ecological damage, such as mine waste spillage in Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Benguet and many others.
Local government support
The province's leaders, headed by Romblon Congressman Budoy Madrona, Governor Lolong Firmalo, Vice Governor Mel Madrid, also joined the grand rally. Romblon province is no stranger to mining and its ill-effects on health and the environment.
Sibuyan Romblon has recorded deaths due to mercury poisoning in the past, largely blamed on pollution from the mine sites.
Massive harm seen in new mining applications
Ivanhoe Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. of Canada, has applied for mining exploration on approximately 14,000 hectares in the mountainous regions of Tablas Island.
The area encompasses the municipalities of Odiongan, Looc, Sta. Maria, Alcantara, San Agustin, San Andres, and Calatrava.
According to REFAM, a license has been granted by the government to mine almost 1,600 hectares in Sibuyan Island, and roughly 70,000 trees are to be felled.
But Ivanhoe Philippines Incorporated, for its part, said it will comply with government regulations in its mining operations, and take into account not just environmental problems but the social impact of mining as well.
In a text message sent to ABS CBN, Ivanhoe Country Manager Leo Daparin said "Ivanhoe is committed to supporting and strengthening existing communities where we work. We encourage supportive, cooperative partnerships to enhance social and economic resources. We respect the diversity of multicultural and local communities."
?We involve the public and community leaders in the planning, implementation of our projects. Ours is an exploration permit application or a mineral research survey that is still under process," added Daparin
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