Complaint vs OceanaGold formalizedBAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya: Governor Carlos Padilla has led the provincial government in formalizing the request to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the immediate cancellation of OceanaGold Philippines Inc.’s (OGPI) renewal of its exploration permit. “Seemingly, the issuance of the exploration permit last April, 2016 which resumes the exploration activity of the company was a midnight deal and very suspicious,” Padilla said in the letter. Padilla said in a letter addressed to Environment Secretary Gina Lopez they are formalizing their request for the cancellation or suspension of the exploration permit and that an exploration moratorium be declared pending amendments to mining policies. Lopez on Wednesday assured Padilla and residents of Kasibu town that she would cancel the extension of the exploration permit granted to OGPI amid strong opposition from residents and anti-mining advocates to the mining activities in the area. “Most of the communities where the ongoing exploration is being undertaken oppose this activity as indicated on their various petition papers submitted to you by our partner Alyansa Tigil Mina,” Padilla said.

Source: Manila Times July 24, 2016 11:26 UTC