Mining project backed

CALAPAN CITY, Mindoro Oriental - Sen. Gregorio Honasan, visiting a remote Mangyan village here, virtually gave his full support for the application of a foreign mining company provided that it complies with all requirements.

Honasan, chairman of the Senate committee on indigenous people and environment and natural resources, told some 500 Mangyan natives in Victoria town that the application of Crew Development Corp. (formerly Mindex) to mine cobalt and nickel deposits in Mindoro Island is a welcome activity provided that it gains acceptability.

He said Crew, a Canadian mining firm, is showing its good intention to the people of Mindoro by putting up more developmental projects and ensuring the livelihood of Mangyans in the area.

He said his committee is inclined to endorse the project's approval to President Estrada after all requisites are met.

Honasan visited Barangay Villa Cerveza in Victoria town last Tuesday and led the inauguration of a multipurpose house built for the Mangyans living there.