The mining application of a company in Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao did not push through due to the firm’s non-compliance to regulatory requirements, contrary to what has been circulating on social media.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Mine Management Division Chief Alfredo Genetiano said MGB did not grant the application for a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) to Horizon Resources Corporation.
Netizens were alarmed over a post circulating on Facebook showing documents of the application of the mining firm, which filed its registration on Jan. 18, 2005. The documents showed the company applied for a total of 59,187.55 hectares with an initial open area of 38,142 hectares located in various towns of the three provinces.
Genetiano said the company’s application has been denied because of its failure to comply with the requirement of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Cordillera to conduct a Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the affected areas within three years from submission of the application.
The FPIC is a mandatory decision-making process facilitated by the NCIP in areas to be affected by the mining or exploration activity of an applicant company.
Genetiano said the company is not precluded from reapplying but it will have to go through the process before being approved.
The company’s scope of operation in Benguet are in Kapangan covering Balakbak, Beleng-Belis, Boklaoan, Cayapes, Cuba, Datakan, Gadang, Gaswiling, Labueg, Paykek, Central, Pongayan, Pudong and Taba-ao; in Kibungan are Badeo, Lubo, Palina, Poblacion, Sagpat and Tacadang; in Atok are Caliking, Cattubo, Poblacion; in Bakun is Poblacion; Bineng, La Trinidad; and in Ambongdolan, Baayan, Daclan, Tublay Central, and Tuel in Tublay.
In Mountain Province, its application covers Bagnen Oriente, Bagnen Proper, Balintaugan, Banao, Bila, Abatan, Guinzadan Central, Maba-ay, Guinzadan Norte, Mayag, Leseb Guinzadan Sur, Monamon Norte and Sur, Poblacion, Tapapan, Sadsadan, Otucan Norte and Sur in Bauko; Balili, Bayyo, Caneo, Gonogon, Poblacion, Samoki, Talubin in Bontoc; Bao-angan, Bun-ayan, Busa, Camatagan, Capinitan, Data, Gayang, Lagan, Losad, Namatec, Napua, Pingad, Poblacion, Supang, and Tambingan in Sabangan; and Suyo and Taccong in Sagada.
In Ifugao, it covers Amganad, Balawis, Cambulo, Gohang, Poblacion, Tam-an, Uhaj in Banaue and Lubu-ong in Hungduan.
The FTAA may be entered into between a contractor and the government for large-scale exploration, development and utilization of gold, copper, nickel, chromite, lead, zinc and other minerals except for cement raw materials, marble, granite, sand and gravel and construction aggregates.
It has a term of 25 years from the date of its issuance, and renewable for another term not exceeding 25 years. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
