DENR regulates cyanide supply in Southern Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has cancelled the certificates of distributorship of 17 cyanide suppliers in Southern Mindanao, particularly those that who cater to mining operators in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. 

DENR Region 11 director Joselin Marcus Fragada said the cancellation of certificates was based on a recommendation of Environmental Management Bureau Region 11 director Metodio Turbella.

Fragada said the sale of cyanide should be controlled, as most suppliers do not reveal the names of their clients.

Cyanide is said to be essential in gold extraction and is reportedly mostly used by mining operators on Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo and Pantukan towns in Compostela Valley. 

Fragada said the cancellation of certificates covers not only the supply, but also importation of cyanide.

Six of 17 cyanide suppliers whose certificates have been cancelled are based in Tagum City, four in Davao City, one in Panabo, and four in Monkayo and two in Nabunturan in Compostela Valley.

Only two firms, the Pacific Underground Innovative Solutions and Mindanamics Corp. in Tagum City, remain as registered cyanide suppliers.