Paracale council wants mining firm to reopen

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of Paracale town in Camarines Norte are asking a mining company to resume its operations in their municipality to generate jobs and prevent the spread of illegal mining operations that have already cost lives.

In a resolution, the municipal council of Paracale said the closure of the United Paragon Mining Corp. (UPMC) several years ago forced its former employees and their relatives to go into illegal mining.

“In 1999, the UPMC, with office and mine site at Barangay Palanas in this municipality, stopped its mining operation for the reason, according to them, that the price of gold in the international market during that time is low that it does not anymore suffice with their cost of production,” the council resolution stated.

With UPMC’s closure, the miners had no recourse but to continue to prospect for gold as this was their only means of livelihood.

Illegal mining has been reportedly rampant in Paracale and Jose Panganiban towns with local officials even coming under investigation for their alleged involvement in these activities.

The late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo had ordered the probe after non-governmental organizations and environmental groups alleged that illegal mining operations in the province had the blessings of local officials.