Over a hundred mining areas scattered in the Davao region were reported to be approved and on process by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 11 (MGB-11) this year.
Based on the control map by MGB-11 as of March 20, 2019, the three biggest mining areas in the region are: the North Davao Mining Corporation in Compostela Valley with a total area of 16,252.97 hectares; the 16,002.71-hectare Megaforce Mineral Mining Corporation in Davao Oriental; and the Legenda Mines, Inc. with a land area of 15,885.26 located in Davao del Sur.
Both North Davao Mining and Megaforce Mineral Mining process gold, silver, and copper while the Legenda Mines only process gold and silver.
Davao City, perhaps the region’s most recognizable metropolitan area, also hosts mining operations.
These mining operations are Holcim Philippines Inc. in Bunawan processing limestones, Holcim in Biao processing Silica, and Holcim in Tibungco processing limestones; Alberto Mining Corporation processing gold and silver; and Guidance MGT Corporation processing sand and gravel.
These approvals persisted despite continuous protests of progressive groups urging the government to totally stop mining operations.
In fact, the group Pasaka and Bayan held a demonstration at the Roxas Avenue in Davao City as part of the commemoration of Earth Day last Monday, April 22.
“Amoang gi-kondena ang mga mining companies kay madaot ang kinaiyahan, madaot ang Pantaron, sobra pa sa gipatay nila ang mga katawhang Lumad (We condemn the operation of the mining companies as it has been greatly affecting the environment and Pantaron. It is also like killing the Lumad in the area),” Pasaka secretary general Jong Monzon was quoted in an article by SunStar.com.
The Pantaron Mountain Range spans across the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur.
