Amidst opposition and a cease-and-desist order from the provincial government, a mining company in Iloilo persists in its pursuit of a permit renewal for operations on Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town, Iloilo.
In a report by the Inquirer, TVI Resource Development Inc. (TVIRD) Spokesperson Kaycee Crisostomo revealed the company’s intention to renew the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) granted to its partner, Minimax Mineral Exploration Corp., to explore and mine copper and gold in 535 hectares in the area.
Despite the existing opposition and regulatory hurdles, TVIRD cites significant investment in the mining sites as the driving force behind their renewal efforts.
Originally granted to Minimax in 1999, the MPSA is set to expire on July 19 this year. TVIRD aims to expand the current exploration activities into full-scale mining operations on Pan de Azucar Island, part of a joint venture project initiated in 2012 between Minimax, Mindoro Resources Ltd., and TVIRD.
Ores discovered during exploration include copper, iron, gold, silver, and pyrite, prompting TVIRD’s interest in further development.
However, a cease-and-desist order was issued by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on March 4, following reports of arsenic presence in the island’s groundwater, upon the recommendation of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) upon a field investigation conducted on January 10.
The provincial board committee held a hearing on the matter, during which TVIRD contested the findings, citing insufficient evidence and preexisting arsenic levels on the island. Nevertheless, TVIRD complied with the order, withdrawing equipment from the site.
Despite the opposition from local residents, represented by the “Save the Pan de Azucar Movement,” and ongoing regulatory challenges, TVIRD remains committed to pursuing renewal.
Meanwhile, a pro-TVIRD petition has also garnered support from residents employed by the company.
Awaiting confirmatory tests from the Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas (EMB-6), both TVIRD and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) anticipate results that will influence future actions and permit decisions.
TVIRD, which is conducting exploration, is the Philippine-based affiliate of TV Pacific Inc. It is owned primarily by Prime Resources Holdings Inc., the resources arm of the Villar family’s Prime Asset Ventures Inc.
