COAL MINING IN CATANDUANES

man-uukag's picture
Submitted by man-uukag on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 6:28pm

A Technical Working Group has been created to look into the possible effects of Coal Mining in Catanduanes. Members of this group came from various sectors such as the religious sector, professionals, academe, non-governmental organizations, the media, and representatives from the communities directly affected.
Here is the initial information’s gathered by the Technical Working Group of the Katandunganon Kontra Mina (KKM). We want to share this information’s to those who, like us, were deprived of our Right to Information (I hope this will shed light to some questions being raised):
The coal sample in the Catanduanes coal district was collected from the Eocene (ERA) Hitoma and Payo Formations. The coal we find today formed from generations of plants that died in ancient tropical swamps and accumulated on the swamp bottoms. The plant material first formed a compact organic material called peat. As layers of sediment gradually accumulated over the peat, the pressure and heat exerted by the thickening layers gradually drove out the moisture and increased the carbon content of the peat, forming coal.
 The coals are in distinct beds, 0.3-1.5 m thick, and in stringers;
 The coal measures are in NORTHEAST-TRENDING basin bound by two (2) NORTHEAST-TRENDING faults.
 The coal beds are steeply dipping to almost vertical, having been deformed by faulting along both north-east and north-west trend.(del rosario and pastor, 2005)
 The coal samples (indicated by blue arrows) from 10 coal districts were re-analyzed for their apparent rank by the U.S. Geological Survey. The coal resources for each of the districts are indicated in million metric tons (MMT). Pls see attached table
 @ according to reports if 1.2 million metric tons of coal will be converted into cash it will amount to 200 million dollars or 9.4 billion pesos.
Monte Oro Resources & Energy Inc., is a privately held Philippine Company formed in 2005 to invest in: Mining, Oil & Gas and Infrastructure Investment; Chaired by Dr. Walter W. Brown- also a chairman of Philex Mining Corp.
The board of Monte Oro consist of a number of eminent Filipino businessman including WILSON SY, the former chairman of Philippine Stock Exchange. The company holds interest in both: COAL AND OIL AND GAS licenses in the Philippine.
FEC Resources Inc., chaired by LARRY W. YOUELL entered into a JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT w/ MONTE ORO. Under the terms of agreement Monte Oro will acquire a 30% participating interest in GSEC101 the mother company of FEC in the amount of 1.5 million dollars.
Payment will take place after the award of service contract or completion of any future farm out transaction. The participation of Monte Oro in service contract application w/ DOE will entitle the joint venture to the Filipino Participation Incentive Allowance (FPIA) w/c equates to 7.5% of gross proceeds from any future production.
Monte Oro’s contract covers 2 blocks; Panganiban: 2,000 hectares, San Andres and Caramoran: 5,000 hectares. According to US Geological Survey: 1.) Coal in Catanduanes is of high quality, 2.) With coal of High Heating Value found only in the province, and 3.) 1.2 million metric tons of coal deposit.
EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Panganiban Block will reduce Payo River flows by more or less 25%. Caramoran and San Andres block will reduce flows of Bato River by 30% and Pajo River by 25%. Notwithstanding the Flash Floods, Soil Erosions, and Land Slides comes rainy season. Carbon sequestration will be substantial approximately 8.7 million tons of CO2 and it will have a tremendous effect on global warming.
Coal produces carbon dioxide and methane gas responsible for GLOBAL WARMING: As a result it will create numerous calamities, like storm surge, hurricane, typhoons and the rising of sea water level.
With Coal Mine, FOREST COVERS in Caramoran, San Andres, Virac and Panganiban will be downgraded w/ an equivalent of 7,000 has.
EFFECTS ON LIVELIHOOD: Targeted Mining Site will directly cut down ABACA. Catanduanes is a world producer of abaca. The most expensive carpet in the world can only be found in Catanduanes; MADE OF ABACA.
TIGER GRASS or LASA plantation will be obliterated. Caramoran is a known producer of LASA not only in Catanduanes but in the entire Philippines. Coconut Plantation (Copra), Supplies of Narra and Mahogany will be directly affected and other species of trees home of our flora and fauna.
Producers of furniture and house wood component will be affected. The economic value will be much higher than the projected monetary share of province, w/ its town and barangay.
EFFECTS ON THE POLITICAL CLIMATE OF CATANDUANES: The entry of coal mining in Catanduanes is politically timely with the advent of the political exercises in 2010, admit it or not politician is actually looking for a possible resources in order beef up their campaign fund for 2010 ELECTION. The offer made to Mayor Angeles of Panganiban is a classical example… P1 Million endorsement bonus, P500 thousand monthly allowance and 1 luxury AUV Vehicle.
According to the reports monte oro had actually conducted a background check on the lifestyle of public official before starting the exploration. Meaning to say any ADVERSARIES had already been anticipated prior to their operation.
In sum, there is always the possibility that Local Leaders in Catanduanes may be BRIBED to prevent any resistance to the project.

Description of attached photo’s:
Pic1 shows how coal forms
Pic2 shows datas from US Geological Service
Pic3 comparison of a dipping coal-bed outcrop: size of hammer is approx. 30 cm. Long
Pic4 trenching at an outcrop
Pic5 preparation of coal sample
Pic6 datas of top 10 producing/consuming countries
Pic7 aerial photo of present Catanduanes

NOTHING INDECENT ?

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 10:22am.

Having visited many developing countries and seen many places where environmental degradation or destructive development has damaged the livelihoods of people, I was nevertheless deeply shocked by the negative impact of mining in the Philippines....

....We saw polluted rivers, destroyed mangrove forests, damaged coral and ruined agriculture. We concluded that the Philippines is in danger of losing much of its rich biodiversity and damaging the lives of unique indigenous cultures.....

....During our visit, we found scant evidence of mining benefiting local people or the country's economy. We believe that the Government of the Philippines and the mining companies have failed to comply with national law and international standards....

.....My own conclusion from the visit was that I have never seen anything so systematically destructive as the mining programme in the Philippines. The environmental effects are catastrophic as are the effects on people’s livelihoods.

Right Honorable Clare Short Member of Parliament

These appear to be the "facts" of mining in this country. They come from a report made by a senior United Kingdom MP and former member of Prime Minister Tony Blair's cabinet. Plenty of other disturbing links about mining in the Philippines have already been posted on the Forum.

The people of Catanduanes have a right to be excited about the prospect of mining coming to the island. No "incitement" necessary. How can they possibly hope for reassurance in light of such a damning analysis. It will be a resounding NO! to mining on Catanduanes, of that I grow more sure.

To see the full text of Ms Short's report, go to:

http://www.epolitix.com/mpwebsites/mpwebsitepage/mpsite/clare-short/mppa...

Sweet Bikolana

INCITEMENT, ENTICEMENT, EXCITEMENT

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 8:46am.

'Incitement' is a strong word. But I understand why it might have been used in this context. The site membership in its postings and answer to the poll is demonstrating an overwhelming support for the anti-mining movement. Jorge (Macenas) is in the minority camp. He has assured us that he has no commercial interest in mining on Catanduanes and that he only wants to present the other side of the argument. We should respect this and count ourselves fortunate in a way, to have someone onboard who has considerable experience in the mining field.
No one should feel marginalised. Its easy to to do so if you are part of a small minority. The Forum is for all that have a love and interest for Catanduanes.

Sweet Bikolana

poison ivy

bahi's picture
Submitted by bahi on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 8:33pm.

sweet one moment and eco terrorist the next....

to mine or not in catanduanes. it is a choice. my choice is in the negative. i have graduated expert in red alert with more mine deposits than my enemies. because i value the color green being the color of the world. and my camp after the war always glow. cheats makes me.how did i do it. well you have to have a thousand bucks to buy my account. but that is another story. back to mining. yes it is a must because it is a need. but when the need takes out the entity that needs it. who will care? We need the mine yes, because our way of living appropriates it. will catanduanes be able to bear? i have to ask my geologist friend if small scale mining can be done. in the meanwhile, count me in the opposition.

DOE allows mining of rich coal deposits in Catanduanes

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 9:35pm.

From the Business Mirror

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/13100-doe-allows-mining-of-ric...

Sweet Bikolana

DOE allows mining...@Sweet Bicolana

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 11:48pm.

Nope, read danger there!
Reyes's canned words echo's GMA. AND, GMA is a danger!
Nope!

No to Mining in Catanduanes!

Dave

Position Paper against Mining in Catanduanes

lloyd_crane's picture
Submitted by lloyd_crane on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 12:42pm.

I think it's time we launch Position Paper and Signature Campaign against Mining in our Province. Our province is now subject for grave danger. We know very well that most of our leaders acts with peso sign in their eyes. Plus the fact that there is no real thing such as responsible mining that can be implemented in any tiny island. Mining in Catanduanes means washing out the place of mining concentration or worse, our province itself.

It is time that we start showing our great opposition for this planned mining.

TWG Report

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 7:14pm.

A Technical Working Group has been created to look into the possible effects of Coal Mining in Catanduanes. Members of this group came from various sectors such as the religious sector, professionals, academe, non-governmental organizations, the media, and representatives from the communities directly affected.
The creation of a Technical Working Group is a good start to conduct an objective evaluation and make recommendations about the coal mining in Catanduanes. However, the TWG has two major downsides.
1. The parties that created the TWG are anti mining proponents, hence, objectivity is compromised.
2. The mining sector should be represented or at least involve technical experts from the Bureau of Mines and Geo Sciences. There must be a DENR office at the provincial level who can facilitate the involvement of technical experts from BMGS who in turn can provide data and information that may clarify misconceptions about mining, the mining malpractices that people should be vigilant of and other points the TWG may want to know.

Summarizing the geological report in Mang uukag’s blog, the characteristics of Hitoma Payo coal deposit formation is not suitable to open pit mining (thin seams 0.30-1.5 meters, in stringers, and coal beds are steeply dipping to almost vertical formation). The report states deposit of 1.2MMT but did not indicate how many tons are mineable reserves, probable reserves, and possible reserves. The report did not also indicate how many MT are anthracite, Bituminous, Sub bituminous, lignite and peat. These information are very important to enable stakeholders, financial analyst and government revenue offices how much potential royalties, excise tax, business permits and other direct / collateral economic benefits compared vis a vis the cost of environmental impact. It did not mention as well the acreage of major mineralized areas where possible mining activities maybe done in order to determine the extent of possible affected areas. The two blocks of 2000 hectares in Payo and 5000 hectares in Caramoran may sound huge areas leading people to believe these areas will be denuded, converted into wasteland and wipe off the map. The 2 blocks though comprises the mine concession areas, do not necessarily mean the acreage of actual extraction activity. Rule of thumb would say 10% or less of the concession blocks can be possibly affected by the extraction, stockpiling, settling and leaching pond, conveying and loading.
Therefore, it is very difficult to understand how TWG concluded without these critical data being factored in their findings that
1. Panganiban Block will reduce Payo River flows by more or less 25%. What is the basis?
2. Caramoran and San Andres block will reduce flows of Bato River by 30% and Pajo River by 25%. What is the basis?
3. Flash Floods, Soil Erosions, and Land Slides comes rainy season. This are natural phenomena in Catanduanes.
4. FOREST COVERS in Caramoran, San Andres, Virac and Panganiban will be downgraded w/ an equivalent of 7,000 has., directly cut down ABACA, TIGER GRASS or LASA plantation will be obliterated. Coconut Plantation (Copra), Supplies of Narra and Mahogany will be affected. How come TWG was able to conclude there are lasa, abaca, coconut plantation, narra etc. in the prospective mine sites even before these areas are identified?
The entry of coal mining in Catanduanes can be traced back to the Japanese time when coal was extracted in camp Ermitanyo, the CANARDECO era, in the 80’s when I was part of the exploration team that conducted feasibility study of the Payo coal prospect and in 2006 when the concession was granted to Monte Oro after the previous concession owner did not renew their mining claim. The insertion of political color into the mining issue is designed to provide credence to insinuations that dirty politics are manipulating the granting of mining concessions.
If there is truth to the report that an offer was made to Mayor Angeles of Panganiban - P1 Million endorsement bonus, P500 thousand monthly allowance and 1 luxury AUV Vehicle, then the good mayor – it only implies the good Mayor failed to do his duty and authority to apprehend the person attempting to bribe him. Is it fair to the good Mayor?
The People of Catanduanes has the right to be INFORMED NOT TO BE INCITED.

TWG Report@JOM

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 11:36pm.

As always, i appreciate JOM's unparalleled objectivity. AND on this issue I appreciate it more knowing JOM's expertise, hat off for that.

I agree to the "seeming" partiality of the report which manuukag below claim as technical difficulty in uploading further data which the WTG based their assumptions from. I appreciate both sides.

I never bought the politisation of the issue as mudslinging in Philippines is a favorite past time. However, behind these technicalities is the fact that we are noted to be haphazard in implementing projects and oogling on the projected profits with complete disregard to processes! That is what makes the impending mining shockingly dangerous... to borrow your word, apocalyptic is apt to the current attempt to mine.

Had DOE followed the process before granting permit, it would have lent some credibility to the effort. With this disregard, one can only ask: what else will be disregarded? Therefor, JOM, apocalyptic pictures are valid human response given the previous track record of mining industry in the Philippines that resorted to abuses. People here at CF, therefore have not started "inciting" vs informing. The act of DOE incited the apocalyptic pictures in our minds.

Again, there is no argument as to the good vs evil of mining! Objectively there is always a way to ensure sustainable mining. However, there are requirements for sustainable mining to be ensured and those requirements at times are not present before mining is started, otherwise there would have been no mining accidents in the Philippines.

With that, i feel i'm very objective in saying that Philippines is not ready in ensuring that mining in Catanduanes will be sustainable.

TWG? I don't care! For as long as corruption in government and in high places is not curved, the plan of mining in Catanduanes is an impending rape!

Dave

MINING ON CATANDUANES

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 11:14am.

I think Dave has made the case for Catandungans concerns very well. I should like to endorse the views expressed and make no apology for repeating them again in my own words.

No sensible citizen would argue that mining (since the dawn of the stone age and latterly the iron and bronze ages) has brought many benefits to mankind. The world does still need mining. But we are a more enlightened people than our predecessors. We take a more responsible view toward extraction of the earth's limited riches.

Catandugans have a right to be cautious about the proposed excavations on their island. They are justified in being very suspicious. Government officials (elected and unelected) in this country have a very poor reputation and mining in the Philippines has a less than favorable record. As we have already seen, the normal processes already seem to have been circumnavigated, even before the ground has broken.

Those that seek to bring mining to Catanduanes will have a very steep hill to climb before they can convince the people that mining can be done in a sustainable way, bringing with it social and fair economic benefits to them.

Jorge Macenas' expert input is welcomed. Unless there are any knowledgeable members on the anti-mining side of CF, his most technical arguments will have to go unchallenged. However I may comment on some of his points raised later. Would he declare whether his engineering equipment company is involved, or hoping to be involved in mining on Catanduanes?

Once the mining genie is out of the bottle, there will be no getting it back in if it proves to be malevolent. We have to be very sure of our ground before we allow that cork to be popped.

Its a matter of trust and so far that commodity is severely lacking.

Sweet Bikolana

Mining on Catanduanes

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 12:28am.

Thanks for making it clearer. I cannot make it more simpler than how you placed it.

Thanks!

Dave

NO TO MINING IN CATANDUANES!!!!

Mining in Catanduanes

Submitted by celestev on Mon, 11/29/2010 - 9:45pm.

If I may add to the voices of discontent for lack of information (and lack of regard for the people of the island) about the proposed mining of coal in Catanduanes --

I may be totally misinformed but that just proves the lack of information and transparency in this matter.

Somewhere in the discussions there was mention of extracting 5billionPHP worth of coal which as I recall from previous readings will generate 10millionPHP of employment wages/salaries over five years. If 5millionPHP go to the managers and 3millionPHP go the engineers, consultants, etc., then perhaps the remaining 2millionPHP will go to the workers in the mines who presumably will be local residents of the island. There are about 230,000 residents on the island. The resultant increase in per capita income over five years is 8pesos. In other words, the population of Catanduanes will be richer by 1.74pesos per person per year over the purported 5-year duration of the mining activity.

I would love for the proponents of the coal mining on the island to prove me wrong. What's in it for the people of Catanduanes?

hinde ko maintidihan

Submitted by langob on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 11:26pm.

No sensible citizen would argue that mining (since the dawn of the stone age and latterly the iron and bronze ages) has brought many benefits to mankind. The world does still need mining.

i could not understand what sweet bikolana wanted to say about the sensibility of citizen about mining taken in negative. do you mean to say that the benefits of mining cannot be use as argument. or do you mean to say that no sensible citizen will argue that that mining has brought benefit to mankind.meaning mining has brought benefit to mankind .because if you are not convince that mining is beneficial to us then i will say res ipsa loquetor( sala spelling)

The world does still need mining. But we are a more enlightened people than our predecessors. We take a more responsible view toward extraction of the earth's limited riches.

maybe these stanza qualify that you admit maybe that the world need mining , but you say we are enlightened people

We take a more responsible view toward extraction of the earth's limited riches.

what is these responsible view

Catandugans have a right to be cautious about the proposed excavations on their island. They are justified in being very suspicious. Government officials (elected and unelected) in this country have a very poor reputation and mining in the Philippines has a less than favorable record. As we have already seen, the normal processes already seem to have been circumnavigated, even before the ground has broken.

things must be put in paper what is the safeguard that must be undertaken.if violated then file criminal and civil case to the proponent of mining.hinde pa napipisa binibilang na. all are but conjecture.

Would he declare whether his engineering equipment company is involved, or hoping to be involved in mining on Catanduanes?

derecho nya yan under our constitution and existing laws

Its a matter of trust and so far that commodity is severely lacking.

wala ba tayong tiwala kay jom hehehehe

pero ako to be honest with you jom habo ko nin mina sa catanduanes. kasi napag isisip ko ang catanduanes saday na isla ano pa ang matatada dindi ah.

hinde ko maintidihan

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 12:14am.

To Langob:

I am sorry if my words caused some confusion. Let me try and clarify your queries.

To begin with, I was trying to say that mining is a valuable activity in the evolution of mankind and the growth of its civilisations. It brings us many benefits. We cannot do without it.

The responsible and more enlightened view is that we recognise the resources we get from the earth are finite, so that we must use them more wisely - reduce, reuse and recycle. In extracting these commodities we must have more respect for the impact made on environment and people.

"hinde pa napipisa binibilang na. all are but conjecture."
Agreed. In using the word 'seem' I hoped that I was not conveying a hard accusation; that was not my intention. Certainly if rules have been broken then in an ideal world, one hopes that the law can be used to rectify any wrong. However the reality is often quite different. Time will tell.

My reference to 'trust' was in reference to the relationship of the island people, the officials and the mining firm. I had not intended to cast doubt on JOM's motives; quite the opposite, by seeking clarification from him of his stance. If anyone did have any doubts about his interests, then I hope he has removed them with his assurance. This should be helpful to him in his future contributions on the subject.

Thank you for your comments and prompting me to rework some of my points.

Sweet Bikolana

laud and clear

Submitted by langob on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 5:51am.

ki sb laud and clear na, magaling ka sa literary kaya siguro ganyan ang pag sulat mo medyo pinapaisip mo ang reader mo, hinde specific wag ka sanang magalit ko misan magagtatanong ako sa iyo paminsan minsan salamat sana. inano

HETO NA NAMAN PO KAMI

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 3:04pm.

My apprehension seems to be coming true again. Ga sugna na naman personal insunuation na ikan ako economic interest as the reason why I’m pushing for sustainable coal mining. Dave and STR please be vigilant. Let us not repeat the unfortunate experience in the previous Catanduanes forum. Baga maarsum an linyada.

For your information Sweet Bikolana, my engineering equipment company is into material handling line not mining equipment. I don’t have dewatering pumps, conveying systems, hauling and digging equipment line.

At present I’m here in Cebu managing a multinational automotive wire harness business. You are very much welcome to be my customer. Or you can be my honored guest and tour you to the coal mines here in Cebu.

There is only one reason why I remain steadfast in my stand of sustainable mining operation. THE PEOPLE OF CATANDUANES HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED NOT TO BE INCITED.

INCITING, ENTICING, OR EXCITING

man-uukag's picture
Submitted by man-uukag on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 8:16am.

I’m troubled by the word “inciting”, that was reiterated in the comments to the blogs I posted in this forum, as against the reader’s right to be informed. Inciting is a very provocative word which for me is devoid of decency. Enticing would have been gentler in lieu to that word. But I would have appreciated if what’s used is the word “exciting”(as a description to my blog) instead; I know it will be a castle in the air.
I believe that what I did was to show to the readers of CF some possible scenario if the plan to mine Catanduanes push through. And by doing so, I took the risk on taking side rather than to take no side at all.
I would have presented some good side, at least, about this mining had the applicants or the approving government agencies took a little initiative to explain to the people the pro’s and the con’s of mining. But they never bothered...
The fact that the whole process leading to the approval of the mining operation was kept under the knowledge of the public, expectedly it will bring about more of apprehension than appreciation.
I appreciate the objectivity that was shared to us to show to everyone the other side of the coin. I do hope that we will maintain some degree of respect to one another especially that what is at stake, and which is primordial to us, is the future of our beloved province. Good day all around.

Nothing Indecent

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 9:35am.

The word "entice" is a good suggestion but only a suggestion. It doesnt mean it must be followed. There is no indecency in the word "INCITE".

I remain steadfast that PEOPLE OF CATANDUANES HAS THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED NOT TO BE INCITED. Inciting because in an opposite point of view, the anti mining advocacy dwells more on emotions, paranoia and assumed premises less on facts.

For the sake of the people of Catanduanes, let us create a forum discussion solely dedicated to the mining issue in Catanduanes. Let us invite our good bishop, my very good friend ASec. Cesar Sarmiento, DENR representative, Monte de Oro representative, our esteemed friend CT Fernan Gianan, and all stakeholders in the Catanduanes coal mining issue.

Agree but...

man-uukag's picture
Submitted by man-uukag on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 10:25am.

I agree to you Sir Jorge about this forum for mining issue in Catanduanes, but it would have been relevant had this forum been initiated by the concerned paty(ies) before (or as a prelude to) the approval of permit to mine. I don't want to argue with you but I don't see any relevance to do it now.

"KOOL SANA KITANG PIRMI"

john_torres's picture
Submitted by john_torres on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 1:12am.

KOOL SANA KITA GABOS! Baka magalit si LORd.
Baging nagka-phobia na si Sir JOM dahel sa nagyari saiya duman sa ibong na site. Habo niya na mangyari otro so naranasan niya duman. Entonces, igwa siya nin "masaklap" na nakaagi. Igwa siya nin direktang experience kaya habo na niyang maotro. Iga-anticipate na niya an posibleng mangyari. Bueno, Sir JOM ehemplo lang po yan kung ngata an manga tawo habo man sa "MINA". Habo ninda na mangyari otro an mapait na eksperyensyang nagpasakit sa mangatawong naapektuhan nin MINA. Logical ini. Dae kita ga-uyon por dahel igwa nin mga patunay na talagang maraot an epekto nin coal mining sa tawo asin sa kina'ban.
ni. Sabi ngani, natural na sa tawo an mag-iwas sa kadificilan.
PEACE!

"Bayan kong sinilangan, pinamumugaran na ng mga suwapang!"

Factual and direct

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 10:05am.

Ikan tabi ako nin derektang experience sa mina kaya I'm presenting a point of view based direct personal knowledge. These are as follows:
1. Coal - Semirara, Lianga Surigao del Sur coal exploration , Payo Coal prospect.
2. Gold/ Silver - Cordon Isabela gold operation. Hinobaan Negros Project
3. Oil Exploration - Central Luzon prospect (Victoria, Tarlac, and Quimba N.V), Northen Palawan Basin (Malampaya, Cadlao and El Nido.)
4. Silica – actual operation Roxas, Palawan, San Vicente Palawan and Fort Barton Palawan,
5. Aggregate – Cogeo, Montalban, Antipolo Operation, and Magdalena Laguna Operation.
6. Gabbro – Zambales Prospect,
7. Granite – San Vicente Palawan prospect.
While reading all the discussions about mining in Catanduanes, I decided to present a different point of view based on my actual, and direct knowledge about mining. The People of Catanduanes has the RIGHT TO BE INFORMED.
Please be informed Lagonoy Gulf (Pandan, Caramoran and San Andres) and Ragay Gulf are prospective oil basin.

mina nin oil

Submitted by langob on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 3:22pm.

jom ang lagunoy gulf baging san andres lang yan buda ragay. nagin member ako ni yan na protected area sa agojo bilang memeber nin sanguniang panlalawigan.nadugnog kona yan na ikan daa nin miminahon sa parting pandan dyan daa sa maturin may oil deposit daa dyan. buko sa bagamanoc too.siin man sa pandan. siin lamang yan mga datos mo hari. grabi ang info mo ha.kong husto to puiding tugotan to ta mai ma oyag nin burod.ma drill lang . ikan daa ngani nin mga geologist na nag punta doon.

Langob, the Lagonoy Gulf oil

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 4:09pm.

Langob, the Lagonoy Gulf oil basin is a dome with areas covering caromoan peninsula and Western Catanduanes. Siesmic surveys were conducted decades ago. I was the representative of a member company of oil exploration consortium that drilled Victoria 1 and 2, Guimba wells covering Central Luzon basin, holding potential oil deposits bigger than Northern Palawan. The Lagonoy Gulf prospect was among the 11 Philippine oil basins identified at that time . Ragay and Bondoc Peninsula is another oil basin prospect.

Dear John and Eman

Jorge O. Macenas's picture
Submitted by Jorge O. Macenas on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 9:15am.

Dear John,

Sorry something is being missed in this case.

An puntos ko, kung pwede sana sa atong paghoron horon manungod sa isyu nin mina or ano man na bagay, mae pag taohan nin personal na kolor o ano man na insunuasyun or mas kaaating character assasination. Kadakor na hapless victims an nahapdusan sa naka aging forum. Sado sa mga obserbasyun ninyon, mga forumers na minagamit ni cyber aliases were most vicious and ridiculous sa personal attacks. We must learn from past experience para sa katuninongan nin CF.

Sa atong paghoron horon maski mag kaiba an atong punto de vista, dapat erespeto, asin pag atid atidon kung tayon ta arog ninyon an kiyang pananaw. Any personal insinuation should be a big NO! NO!

Eman, (I wish I know you) para tabi sa imong kaaraman electric forklift rental, traction battery, telco emergency power supply pati racking systems an linya nin material handling business tabi. Sana mag fit into the coal mining project mga product lines na yan pero sa ninto mae pa tabi kami nagkapasupply maski sa anong minahan.

Dave, salamat ha? Nakalibre ata nin commercial advertisement. Send me the bill, bayadan ko nin sadong tapayan na pahang na tuba.

hehehe nakatakot

eman's picture
Submitted by eman on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 1:25pm.

To sir jorge baging natakot ugod ako magpabidbid sainyo.hehehe Pero to be honest po idolo takamo sa grabe nyong aram ang xprnsya about sa mina pero sa sinabi ko na po dae ako mapabor sa mina sa Catanduanes sa anu man na dahilan. Uyon po ako sa pigtaram nyo ang TWG ay anti-mining so anu ang mapala ta duman sempre kontra mina ang maluwas na report kaito. Pero kung sa DENR (na nabayadan) at mga Experts ang mahiling kaito sempre anu ang magiging kaluwasan kaito sempre mauyon sinda duman. Sa ngunian na dae ng tiwala ang mga tawo sa gobyerno at ang gobyerno na ang pigaisip pirmi makasaro, makaloko sa tawo dae na kitang mapupuntahan pirmi na sanang dae magakauyon. Yon ang baging pigataram ni miss sweet b. dae ng tiwala.

Siguro kung kontra man ako sa mina sa Catanduanes dae man ako maapod na kontra na sa pagasinso!!! Ang mataram kaito saro sana ang mata na dae nahihiling ang dakol na bagay sa Cataduanes na pweding pagkuahan Ning makokorakot ang mga nasa gobyerno.

Sir Dave, Sir Jorge,

pasensya na kung personal ang tanog ning hapot ko...

Pasensia @ eman

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 8:19pm.

You're good! don't worry. You are expressing yourself well.

Dave

On Dear John and Eman

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 11:20am.

Exchanges of ideas are exchange of ideas. These include debates and other forums that seek to bring out some truths. What we want, not only on this mining issue but in all of the exchanges of ideas on this site, is objectivity and maturity in handling issues.

The mark of mature debater is the ability to deal with the issue and issue only. Those who deal other than issue need to mature first before venturing into this noble and important exercise.

I cannot agree more with JOM. We have had some bad experiences in the past. What we are happy about is that members of this site has shown that kind of maturity we hope we all have. There maybe some weaknesses every now and then, but as a whole exchanges of ideas on this site remain generally mature.

There have been countless issues where JOM and I disagreed. We disagreed to our teeth on issues but we never delve into the personalities and we remain friends.

However, yes, JOM, the bill is on the way! A case of beer when I arrive in November!

Dave

mr jorge sir

eman's picture
Submitted by eman on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 10:20pm.

Mr Jorge sir bako po akong engr dae po akong aram sa material handling equipment o kaya mining equipment pero ang pagkaaram ko po gakaipo man po ang gaoperate ning mina ning material handling equipment para sa pagimbak at pagtrasportar ning mga nahukay.

sorry kung nasasala po ako....

Heto kami JOM

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 9:07pm.

JOM, rest assured, i'm here ever vigilant.

Dave

HETO NA NAMAN PO KAMI

Submitted by Sweet Bikolana on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 3:12pm.

Jorge,

We'll take that as a 'no' then.
Its as well to get it out the way. It will lend more credibility to your subsequent posts, now that we can be satisfied your motives are purely altruistic.

Sweet Bikolana

missing data's

man-uukag's picture
Submitted by man-uukag on Mon, 07/13/2009 - 7:33pm.

I think I have the data's with me Sir Jorge but sad to say I can't upload it because of limitations in upload memory. Some of it are in hard copies. And by the way I am feeding the TWG report verbatim. It's so easy to say that members of the TWG are anti-mine, but they reacted against mining only after the information's and data's were gathered.

Mining spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R

Dave's picture
Submitted by Dave on Sun, 07/12/2009 - 9:44pm.

Scary! I hope something is being done to stop the operation of this mining project! It will not be easy knowing how it is to struggle against politicians and corrupt government officials... not to mention the probable nod from the arroyo government as some people have been insinuating... but, it has to stop.

One possible way is the Catholic Church flexing its muscles and organizing its flock... however, if this operation is with malacanang nod, i wonder if the bishop, one of arroyo's beneficiaries, will cooperate!

Nevertheless, If there is one move that Catandunganons will have to do to save our island, THIS IS IT!!!

NO TO MINING!!!!

Dave

DON'T BE AFRAID TO FIGHT OUR RIGHTS!!!

amore's picture
Submitted by amore on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 2:35pm.

I agreed to Sir Dave... Nevertheless, If there is one move that Catandunganons will have to do to save our island, THIS IS IT!!!

Many of us are actively attempting to protect the Mother of Nature. We express our feelings that "No to MINING". Our ISLAND is a priceless, If we save a priceless woodland today, it is threatened from another quarter tomorrow. We must understand that Mining is a bad influence to our Mother nature. We should strong to engage to protect our Environment. We should imposed CARE, SHARE, LIVE to make this world a better place to live in.

MINING is a promises of progress are nice but LIFE is more important than anything else.We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.

We know that mountain and sea is a couple give inspiration for us to understand harmony of life it is very seldom to see them angry but now..disaster like good friend always come,never end. (nasanay na sa bagyo)

KAYA KITA GABOS.. MAGKASARARO! EVERY CATANDUNGANON'S HAS THE RIGHT TO PURSUE OUR RIGHTS!
We are NOT AFRAID... WE WILL FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT.. WE WILL FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS OF OUR CHILDRENS' CHILDREN. WE BELIEVE, NATURE IS WITH US... GOD IS WITH US!!!

NO TO MINING !!!!!! SANA MAINYOG NINYO ANG SIGAW NING MGA TAWO UYA SA CF... THE ECHOES CRY OF ISLAND PEOPLE...............

"Don't fill your time with worry - fix what you can and let the rest take care of itself"

let us save catanduanes

ilaya's picture
Submitted by ilaya on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 12:04pm.

With this planned mining of our island, a super typhoon is brewing and
packing a force that will wreck havoc and destruction to our beautiful catanduanes for all generations to come. Pity our people for this impending catastropic calamity as our people will bear the brunt and
suffer from this unnatural event. No amount of relief and assistance can heal nor rehabilatate our people and island once destruction occurs. Bakit hindi nalang tamaan ng Kidlat ang gustong IBUGAW ang ating isla sa mga rapist at mga buwaya. Tama na ang natural na bagyo sa atin kahit paano nakakarecover ang mga tao kahit na hindi nakakaabot ang relief. Napakaliit ng ating Isla. Bakit hindi na lang sila magmina sa Alaska?