MGB stops firm from mining in Surigao

Regulators have ordered a unit of publicly listed Marcventures Holdings Inc. to stop its mining operations in Surigao del Sur in light of alleged environmental and other violations, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

MGB director Leo L. Jasareno told reporters that the bureau has issued a stoppage order to Marcventures and was finalizing the list of specific penalties that should be slapped on the firm under the Mining Act. The amount of penalty, however, would be up to the courts to decide, he said.

A group from Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur petitioned the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) last year for the cancellation of its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with Marcventures. In response, MGB formed a team to investigate. The team found that Marcventures had reportedly mined outside its approved area, had “unsystematic” operations and caused siltation in a river in Surigao del Sur, Jasareno said.

A show-cause order was sent to Marcventures and the company claimed that its operations were approved by the MGB. After review of the company’s response, Jasareno said the stop order was sent to Marcventures Mining and Development Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the listed holding firm, this month.

The company’s MPSA covers an area of 4,900 hectares. In 2010, MGB allowed the company to mine within the 300-hectare portion of the MPSA.