Ilocos Sur gov’t denies permit for sand mining

By Jun Elias

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur  – The provincial government of Ilocos Sur has rejected an application for the extraction of magnetite sand by a private mining firm in six towns of the province.

Gov. Ryan Singson said last week the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources informed him that the Odyssey Greenglobe Resources, Inc. applied for a permit to extract magnetite sand in the towns of Caoayan, Santa, Narvacan, Sta. Maria, San Esteban and Santiago.

Singson said he rejected the application as private firms are not allowed to take the province’s resources, particularly if it would endanger the lives of residents.

He said the application was not endorsed by the local government units where the mining operations will be conducted. He said the company did not consult the officials and residents of the affected towns.

“The provincial government opposes the application because it will stifle the local governments’ initiatives for environmental protection and prosperity,” Singson said.