Cagayan River Sand Extraction Sparks Concerns over Mining Activities and Impact on Local Fishing Communities

The Cagayan River in the Philippines has been a source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen, but the extraction of sand has caused a significant decline in fish and aramang catch, leaving locals struggling to make ends meet. Residents have been opposing the extraction of sand since 2019, citing concerns that it is actually a cover for black sand mining. Despite claims that the extraction is for flood-control, residents have seen the contrary, with vessels arriving to process sand materials and Chinese individuals involved in the dredging activities.

Key Takeaways:

• The extraction of sand from the Cagayan River has caused a significant decline in fish and aramang catch, with fishermen's income dropping from P1,000 to P300-P400 per overnight sail.
• Residents have been opposing the extraction of sand since 2019, citing concerns that it is actually a cover for black sand mining.
• The local government claims that the province has immense deposits of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, including magnetite, which can be extracted from black sand.
• A 2011 report by Pacific Strategies and Assessments revealed a spike in Chinese mining activities in the Philippines, with some exporting minerals out through porous coastal ports.
• Out of the 298 existing Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA), eight are in Cagayan, covering 50,505 hectares.
• The Cagayan Offshore Magnetite Mining Project is expected to have a production rate of 1.3 million metric tons (MT), but in a new proposal, extraction will be increased to 30 million MT every year.

Statistics:

• 1.56 billion metric tons of minerals containing 5.7 to 64.4 percent magnetite are believed to exist in the Philippines, according to government data on metallic resources and reserves.
• 515 million metric tons of minerals containing magnetite are said to exist in Aparri, Cagayan.
• 298 existing Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA) are in operation in the Philippines, with eight in Cagayan covering 50,505 hectares.
• The Cagayan Offshore Magnetite Mining Project is expected to have a production rate of 1.3 million metric tons (MT) initially, but this may be increased to 30 million MT per year.

Sources:

• Grupo Mangngalap
• Local residents, including Edison Palattao and Yolanda Culcul
• Government data on metallic resources and reserves
• A 2011 report by Pacific Strategies and Assessments
• News articles from INQUIRER.net and other publications
• Congressional hearings and statements from Surigao del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers