Benguet okays African firm’s mining venture

MANKAYAN, Benguet  – Far Southeast Gold Resources Inc. (FSGRI), a subsidiary of African mining giant Goldfields, has been given the go-signal to pursue its mining operations in Mankayan, Benguet.

Although many opposed this, majority of villagers said “yes” to the long-delayed FSGRI’s mining venture during a recent free prior and informed consent voting process facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

With the outcome of the voting, villagers have legally given their nod to the FSGRI’s application for a financial and technical assistance agreement with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Mankayan mayor MaternoLuspian said those opposing mining operations should now give way to the majority.

“The elders and the majority have spoken, Let us give them the right for the wishes to be followed (regarding mining operations.)

Environmentalists and cause-oriented groups have lobbied that the FSGRI not be allowed to conduct mining operations in this town which have led to clashes with the police and proponents.

Even with the “yes” given by the majority of local folks for the FSGRI to start mining operations, those opposing it said they would still wage activities opposing such.

But local municipal officials said those against mining operations should now respect the decision of the majority as this was the essence of democracy.