Illegal mine shut down; police nabs 14 Chinese

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) raided an illegal mining operation in Camarines Norte at the weekend and arrested 14 Chinese nationals, MGB Director Leo Jasareno said.

He said operatives confiscated six backhoes and 500 tons of copper, gold and iron concentrates worth about P2 million and the mine and processing plant will be dismantled.

“The illegal operator was Bo-Hai Top Mining. The raid was done as part of the national campaign to stop illegal mining,” Jasareno said.

Several Chinese companies have been involved in illegal mining operations in the country in past several years. Last year, three Chinese firms were ordered to stop magnetite sand mining and processing in Ilocos Sur.

Two Chinese companies, Yinyi Philippines Investment Holding Group and An Bang Mining Co, were found mining in prohibited areas. Hong Ze Mining Corp holds a mineral processing permit, but it was found mining within the 200-meter onshore area closed to mining.

Jasareno said MGB regional directors have been ordered to file formal complaints in court against the Chinese companies to stop illegal mining and quarrying in different parts of the country.

“Stopping illegal mining and quarrying operations does not end with issuance of cease and desist orders,” Jasareno said.

“As a matter of policy and procedure, the corresponding complaints have to be filed. Said measures are in line with the thrust of the Environment Department to effectively regulate the minerals industry,” Jasareno said. –Anna Leah G. Estrada, http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/12/illegal-mine-shut-down-police-nabs-14-chinese/