Aussie firm told to stop mining exploration in Vizcaya

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Inquirer
Last updated 09:55pm (Mla time) 08/30/2007

MANILA, Philippines To avert fresh violence, Environment Secretary Joselito Atienza on Thursday ordered an Australian mining firm to stop hauling equipment to its mining exploration site in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.

Scores of tribal folks were hurt Wednesday afternoon after clashing with paramilitary forces who tried to transport heavy equipment past their barricade to the Oxiana Philippines Inc. site.

The paramilitary forces were employed by Oxiana.

“We are calling for a moratorium, a status quo. Let’s not rush into things,” Atienza told reporters. “Let’s hold it, talk things out.”

The secretary also called the Oxiana executives to a dialogue Friday to discuss the tribal folks’ concerns against the mining project, and draw up ways to address these.

“We will admonish them to address the local concerns. It looks like there has been an absence in communication and community relations,” he said. “Concern for the degradation of the environment must be clearly answered by the corporation.”

Tension had been building up in the upland town after the tribal folk barricaded the road leading to the Oxiana Philippines Inc.’s exploration site in Pao Village.

The mining firm, which is exploring gold and copper in the area, has secured a temporary restraining order from the local courts against the barricade.

The villagers, on the other hand, should be open to a dialogue with the mining executives, and be apprised of the benefits of the project, Atienza said

“The local community leaders must understand what’s happening, what are the benefits of hosting a mining operation, and what can they do against the resulting damage to the environment,” he said.

“There have to be assurances in the process so that they’ll be more appreciative of the immediate benefits.”

Atienza praised Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma for initiating a dialogue between the tribal folks and the mining firm.

“I’m happy because the governor is calling for a meeting. She’s mediating, that’s good,” he said. TJ Burgonio