MGB-NBI team dismantles illegal black sand mining operation

MANILA, Philippines - A composite team of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has dismantled the remaining structure used by Huaxia Mining and Trading Corporation in its illegal magnetite operations in Cagayan province.

This was announced by the MGB yesterday on its website.

In December, the MGB Region II issued dismantling orders against four firms in the province for failing to remove all equipment, conveyances and structure in their plant site despite the issuance of stoppage orders to them.

The notices were served after the composite team discovered during joint operations from December 9 to 12 the continued illicit black sand mining operations of the four companies in the province.

The firms were given until Dec. 31, 2013 to voluntarily dismantle and clean their plants of the structures.

The three other companies: Well Resources Corporation, Lutra Incorporated, and Global Express have complied with the notice.

Magnetite sand is a component in making steel.

Many black sand miners in the Philippines export to smelters in China. 

Late in 2013, the MGB deputized eight agents of the environmental protection division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to apprehend illegal miners that continue to operate despite the issuance of stoppage orders against them.

The agents were deputized to stop the illegal transport of minerals from illegal mining operations and file the appropriate charges against the operators.

The MGB  earlier said that some companies continue to undertake clandestine operations despite the issuance of CDOs against them by courts in response to the complaints filed by MGB regional directors.

The MGB has said that the prevalence of illegal mining has become “an urgent concern” in many parts of the country.