Mining company sanctioned in Surigao del Sur

SURIGAO DEL SUR - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has suspended the operation of Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation in Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur.

The suspension followed an investigation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on reports that Marcventures mined an area that was not covered by its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

Marcventures holds an MPSA with the government within a specific, 300-hectare area in Cantilan town.

According to MGB-CARAGA Acting Director Noli Arreza, Marcventures was summoned to comment on the supposed breach of the MPSA in July 2012.

But Arreza clarified that the MGB-CARAGA so far received "verbal orders," via SMS from MGB Director Leo Jasareno to enforce the suspension immediately.

Arreza said the MGB CARAGA has yet to receive the official documents from its head office ordering the suspension of Marcventures' operations.

A newspaper report also claimed that Marcventures' operation was found to be "unsystematic" and that it has caused siltation to a nearby river.

But Arreza could not provide further details about this for now.

Arreza meantime said, that while operations have been stopped, the mining company is still allowed to load nickel ore on at least seven cargo vessels in the area to avoid demurrage, or additional costs charged by shipping companies in relation to delays resulting from loading or unloading of cargo.