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Mining industry

Crackdown on Small-Scale Illegal Mining in Blaan Tribal Domains

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Government officials and the local community have initiated a crackdown on small-scale illegal copper and gold mining in the Blaan tribal domains in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The provincial government of Cotabato, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Police Regional Office (PRO), and Blaan tribal councils are working together to address the problem. Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. emphasized that the focus of their initiatives is to tackle the ongoing clandestine small-scale mining activities in the area.

Key Takeaways:

  • The provincial government of Cotabato, led by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., is working with various agencies to address the issue of small-scale illegal mining in Blaan tribal domains.
  • The mining firm, Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI), has been permitted by Malacanang to begin copper and gold mining operations in Tampakan, but has not yet started operations, possibly by 2026.
  • Blaan tribal leaders signed a free and prior consent for SMI to mine copper and gold deposits in their ancestral lands.
  • Experts from the DENR and geologists from Europe estimate that the copper and gold deposits in Tampakan are worth at least US$ 200 billion, based on extensive studies.
  • Engineer Efren Carido, director of MGB 12, and Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, director of PRO 12, have vowed to use their offices' powers to help stop small-scale illegal mining activities in Tampakan town.
  • The multi-agency initiatives aim to address the ongoing clandestine small-scale mining activities in the area.

Statistics:

  • Estimated worth of copper and gold deposits in Tampakan: US$ 200 billion (according to DENR and European geologists).
  • Mining firm permitted to begin operations, possibly by 2026: Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI).
  • Number of agencies cooperating to address the issue: Provincial government of Cotabato, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Police Regional Office (PRO), and Blaan tribal councils.
  • Number of officials vowing to stop small-scale illegal mining: Engineer Efren Carido (MGB 12 director) and Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente (PRO 12 director).

Sources:

  • Radio reports in Central Mindanao cities on Monday, May 19.
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
  • Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
  • Police Regional Office (PRO).
  • Provincial government of Cotabato, under Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.
  • Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI).
  • Malacanang.

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