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Maupition Jul 23, 2012 11:25am
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Probe blast
Probe blastPosted on July 23, 2012 12:01:09 AM
Provincial mining board to probe blast in prohibited area
KORONADAL -- The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of South Cotabato has launched a probe into an alleged mine blasting in a prohibited area in T’boli town.
Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, chairman of the mining board, told media on Friday that the investigation was based on a complaint file by small-scale miners belonging to the T’boli Minahang Bayan Multi-purpose Cooperative based in Barangay Kematu. They claimed to have witnessed workers of Tribal Mining Corp. conducting the blasting, he said, which could damage several mining tunnels surrounding the area and endangering the lives of mine workers.
“We have to investigate [the incident] to ensure the safety of everybody. We will request the help of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 12 to conduct a joint investigation with the provincial environment office,” said Mr. Pingoy.
The blast site is a conflict area undergoing litigation involving the small-scale miners and Tribal Mining. The provincial government is seeking a resolution to the conflict pending the court’s decision.
Tribal Mining, a subsidiary of Cadan Mining Corp., engages in commercial-scale gold and silver exploration in T’boli. Its mineral production sharing agreement with the government covers 85 hectares and a mining life-span of 25 years.
The mining site allegedly overlaps with 21 hectares under the ‘minahang bayan’ or small-scale mining area.
Tribal Mining officials did not comment on the probe but said an official statement will be released this week.
Mr. Pingoy said the company has also promised to cooperate with the probe team. The investigation is expected to be completed in a week or two, he added.
Both parties have signed an agreement that prohibited blasting within drain areas of mining tunnels.
Mr. Pingoy said both parties are allowed to continue their operations although blasting activities are prohibited.
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