DENR may lift quarrying suspension

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is considering lifting the suspension imposed on quarry operators in Albay, particularly those around Mt. Mayon, the country’s most active volcano.

Last month, the agency recommended to the provincial government of Albay the suspension of quarry operations in the area until its task force—led by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)—finished its probe on the extent and impact of quarrying on the river systems on the slopes of Mt. Mayon.

Some residents believe that the recent lahar avalanche from the volcano that killed at least six people and buried communities was triggered not only by Supertyphoon “Rolly” (international name: Goni) but also by local quarrying operations.

But in a statement released by the DENR, it said there was now an “urgent need” to empty and restore the capacity of the river channels around Mt. Mayon, which was the basis of the MGB’s recommendation to finally lift the moratorium.

MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano said that of the 106 quarry operators covered by the suspension, 91 were found to be compliant while only 15 have permit violations. INQ