By Gabriela Baron
A mining corporation announced Monday, Feb. 6, that it is voluntarily halting all exploration and testing operations in Sibuyan Island.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist Order to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC), preventing the mining firm from the construction and operation of its causeway and stopping its transportation of nickel ore.
The DENR order also suspended APMC’s Ore Transport Permit, stopping the transportation of ore from the contract site to the causeway.
In a statement, APMC assured its full cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities to address any concerns or issues raised.
“Our priority is to maintain peace and order, to ensure the concerns and well-being of the Sibuyanons, and to ensure that no parties are negatively impacted by our operations,” AMPC said.
“We pride ourselves as stalwarts of sustainable and responsible mining, so we take this as an opportunity to address all recent concerns brought up against our Sibuyan exploration,” it added.
Meanwhile, Alyansa Tigil Mina said the DENR order suspending the current operations of AMPC is “a clear victory for the people of Sibuyan.”
Residents of Sibuyan Islands earlier barricaded the port of APMC in a bid to stop the extraction of nickel ore and other minerals in the area. -ag