Residents to act as watchdogs for NAC Samar mining projects

Residents, especially mothers, in Manicani Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar say they would be keeping a close watch on the operations of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) unit Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC), which recently secured an extension of its mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA).

Based on an article in The Manila Times, a group of mothers from the four barangays of Manicani Island – Banaag, Buenavista, Hamorawon, and San Jose – have rallied together to protect the island with the resumption of HMCâ€™s operation.Â

Julie Morante, one of the mothers, said that while they are pleased that NAC will be handling the mining contract, they will act as the â€œcommunity watchdogsâ€ for the project.Â

HMC recently secured a 15-year extension of its original 25-year MPSA from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The government also lifted its suspensions on HMCâ€™s operations in a 1,165-hectare project in the island.Â

HMC project manager Engr. Manolito Javar said that based on the data gathered from the communities, the company has a trust rating of at least 89%.