Tinongdan dads nix small scale mining

By Susan Aro

ITOGON, Benguet -- Officials of Barangay Tinongdan here expressed opposition to the establishment of any small scale mining structures in their village. 

Barangay officials in Resolution No. 7 series 2014, said construction of small scale mining structures in the area pose danger to the environment and pollute and contaminate resources.

They said they wanted to protect and preserve their environment and natural resources which give life to the people in the community aside from promote their barangay as tourist- friendly.

Facilities such as gold processing plant, ball mill or milling projects within their barangay pose danger to lives of human beings, animals or livestock and affect bodies of water such as creeks and rivers with various fish species as source of food, they said.

Also their rights as indigenous peoples as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples should be protected as provided by the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

There are small groups which undertake scale mining operations in Itogon apart from the large mining companies which operate in the municipality.

Tinongdan  is where the Binga Dam is located.