DavOr PLGU wants closure of nickel mine in Banaybanay 

Silted and discolored Mapagba River in Banaybanay

DAVAO ORIENTAL, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental wants a permanent halt in the operations of the Riverbend Consolidated Mining Corporation/Ark Nickel Resources, Inc., (RCMC/ANRI), whose irresponsible practices caused the massive siltation discoloring the Mapagba and Pintatagan Rivers in the Municipality of Banaybanay.

Provincial Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang sent his letter to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) requesting to revoke the license of the mining firm RCMI/ANRI after the massive siltation in the rivers of Mapagba and Pintatagan in Banaybanay due to its disregard for the environmental-friendly and sustainable mining practices.

After assessing the site, the rivers became discolored, which turned orange due to the presence of nickel laterite after heavy rainfall in the previous days, the statement in the provincial's social media page reads.

"Based on the findings of my technical personnel, the siltation ponds were not wide and deep enough, causing the discolored water discharges to overflow while some portions of discharges were not directed to the catchment ponds. The company's environmental mitigating measures and preparedness to address unforeseen events is not enough," a part of Dayanghirang's letter to DENR posted in the province's social media page explaining the reasons why the mining company has to be closed.

Dayanghirang also cited that the company disregarded its commitment to protecting the environment, which caused massive damage to it.

The letter also emphasized that while the mining company has mainly contributed to the income generation of the local government, it will not sacrifice environmental protection for it. (PIA XI Davao del Norte/jmda/Ezri M. Coda, Jr. with reports from PIO - Davao Oriental)

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