MGB: No extraction of black sand in Cagayan cemetery

By Charlie Lagasca 

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya  – There is no extraction of black sand being undertaken in a cemetery in Cagayan, according the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Engineer Mario Ancheta, MGB director for Cagayan Valley, belied reports of extraction of black sand in an old cemetery in Gonzaga town, one of the remaining mining sites for the precious mineral in northern Cagayan.

“It is prohibited to conduct such an activity in areas like cemeteries,” he said.

Besides, Ancheta said, Chinese mining contractors do not want to conduct such activities in hallowed grounds or places like cemeteries, as the Chinese believe this is bad for business.

Black sand mining operations in Cagayan, which the local Church and anti-mining groups have been opposing due to their perceived risks to the environment, are being financed by Chinese firms. 

“The Chinese respect the dead so much. Their culture prohibits the desecration of the dead,” Ancheta said. 

Earlier, reports said black sand was being extracted in an old cemetery in Barangay Casitan, which lies along the shoreline of Gonzaga town.

But Gonzaga Mayor Carlito Pentecostes Jr. said the old and abandoned cemetery was destroyed not by mining activities but by waves, which have gradually eroded the site.

Residents said there was extraction of black sand near the area before, but the cemetery was spared.

“Besides, we will not allow the desecration of sacred places in our town, especially our dead,” Pentecostes said. 

He admitted they allowed mining in some villages but only those being sanctioned by the MGB and the provincial government.

“All mining activities in our municipality are legal. They have permits from competent authorities. We don’t allow illegal extraction of our natural resources here. We are utilizing them properly for the economic benefits of our constituents,” he said.

Aside from Gonzaga, black sand mining is also being undertaken in some Cagayan coastal towns such as Aparri and Buguey.

A rich resource in Cagayan’s northern coastlines, black sand or magnetite commands a high price in foreign markets, as it is used as additive in manufacturing concrete and steel products, magnets, paint, ink, paper, jewelry, and cosmetics.

The MGB said the extraction of black sand is only being conducted in selected areas in controlled volumes with the purpose of clearing the coastlines and rivers of silt.   

Besides, the MGB said rehabilitation efforts are being immediately done after the extraction activities. 

“We will not allow the mining companies to leave until they are finished rehabilitating the area,” Ancheta said.