Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29) — Sibuyan Island residents on Sunday put up a barricade to protest the alleged illegal mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Company in San Fernando, Romblon.
According to local environmental groups, the mining company was not able to secure necessary mining permits and documents.
Elizabeth Ibañez, Coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining, said protesters want the mining company to show its barangay clearance, municipal business permit, Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) foreshore lease contract, and a Philippine Ports Authority permit to construct a private port.
“As far as we know, Altai Mining Company does not have these documents. What they are doing therefore is illegal. Their activities must immediately stop, especially that the residents of Sibuyan are opposed to any large-scale mining in the region,” she said.
The mining company claimed that the DENR allowed them to export 50,000 metric tons of nickel ore to be tested overseas.
But in a tweet, Filipino environmentalist Rodne Calicha alleged that the Mineral Ore Export Permit presented to the local government unit by the mining company was “tampered.”
He added that it does not show the estimated value of the ore they are selling to Transmine Far East Ltd. based in Hong Kong.
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Please @DENROfficial Secretary Toni Yulo, we beg – DECLARE A STATUS QUO NOW in Sibuyan Island and suspend mining exploration activities! Summon Directors Moncano and Adobo – the culprits. Tension is ongoing between environmental defenders and mining company. #SaveSibuyan pic.twitter.com/QSoucaUlv2
— Rodne R. Galicha (@kalikasan101) January 27, 2023
