3 groups ask DENR to halt A3 Una’s mining activities

Three mining firms – Benguet Corp., Eramen Minerals, Inc. and Zambales Chromite Mining Co., Inc. (ZCMC) – are urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as well as the courts to stop what they claim as  illegal mining activities of A3 Una Mining Corp.

Benguet, Eramen and ZCMC have all filed complaints against A3 Una for conducting illegal mining activities in areas where the three have established mining claims and permits.

Benguet had complained about a year ago to the DENR about A3 Una’s illegal mining activities within Benguet’s area in Sta. Cruz, Zambales which is covered by minerals production sharing agreement (MPSA) 226-2005-111.

On May 4, 2007, an inspection team from the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau was able to verify Benguet’s complaint against A3 Una. However, A3 Una persisted with its activities leading to in an incident on June 16 and 17, 2007 wherein A3 Una’s personnel purportedly forced their way once more into Benguet’s mining area.

Benguet has filed a criminal case accusing A3 Una of theft of minerals with the Region 3 Provincial Mining Regulatory Board.

Eramen Minerals, likewise, is accusing A3 Una of illegal mining activities in Eramen’s area in Sta. Cruz, Zambales which is covered by MPSA 209-2005-111.

The most recent complaint against A3 Una was filed just last month by ZCMC which had asked for a temporary restraining order from the Regional Trial Court of Zambales against A3 Una which was about to ship out some ores.