ILOILO – The mining company engaged in exploration activities on Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town has stated it is willing to stop its operations if tests confirm the presence of arsenic in the groundwater of barangays Taloto-an, Macatunao and Tambaliza.
The assurance was made by TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc.’s legal counsel, Atty. Jess Uy, during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) committee hearing on April 3, led by Board Member Valentin Marcelo Serag, who is the chairman of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Uy said, “If we do find that there’s really no need to proceed, we might just bring our business somewhere else. Hindi na natin itutuloy. Depende po sa magiging findings ng EMB (Environmental Management Bureau).”
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against TVIRD and Mindoro Resources Ltd. from Canada, following a field investigation that noted the presence of arsenic in groundwater.
“These arsenic exposures with groundwater present a relevant hazard for the residents of Barangay Taloto-an, and exposure to arsenic dust raises significant concerns for the townsfolk,” read part of the CDO.
Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., head of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), said the CDO was a “precautionary measure” aimed at protecting the health of residents and marine life in the area.
In response to the CDO, Uy emphasized, “Upon receipt of the CDO, we stopped operation immediately. Wala na pong activities doon sa area.”
TVIRD has also initiated the withdrawal of their equipment pending the results of the water sampling testing conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 on March 26, 2024.
EMB-6’s Engr. Shella Mar Portillo reported that although the bureau has deployed a team to conduct ambient water sampling and established 10 sampling stations, their laboratory lacks the capability to analyze the presence of arsenic. The samples were thus forwarded to the EMB-Central Office, with results expected in two to three months.
The committee hearing aimed to address communication gaps between the mining company, the local government of Concepcion, and the provincial government, ensuring TVIRD presents safety measures to mitigate health risks.
Edsel Abrasaldo, vice president of TVIRD, defended the company’s reputation as responsible, stating, “Our company is multi-awarded. We take our mandate seriously…its speaks for our reputation as a responsible mining company.”
Despite TVIRD’s compliance with regulatory requirements, concerns remain about the impact of exploration activities on the community and environment. Atty. Buyco emphasized the need for the company to disclose its precautionary measures, stating, “What are your measures in place to protect the residence? Because there’s is one information that have been neglected. That is true, they have a rehabilitation plan. All mining companies are required to have a rehab plan post-mining. But what about during the mining operation?”
According to Abrasaldo, they submit an Approved Environmental Work Program to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 6 every two years or every permit renew for exploration. This was confirmed un the hearing by Atty. Rjay Pestaño, the MGB-6 representative.
TVIRD’s Mineral Processing and Sharing Agreement (MPSA) at Pan de Azucar covers 350 hectares targeting pyrites and other potential minerals like copper and gold./PN
