I.
Summary
Mining and quarrying boosted the economic growth in the
region. It provided employment opportunities to many
Bicolanos. In 2007 alone, it contributed P2.77 billion to
the GRDP or 7.27 percent of the region’s regional economy.
In 2008, however, the sector had a slower growth because of
the non-operation of mining in Rapu-rapu during the fist
three quarters of the year.
At the beginning of the year, mining was seen to be
promising due to the increase in metal prices. This resulted
to the rise in investments wherein 34 mining applications
were filed with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Most
of the mining investors were from China, Australia and
Canada.
Among the challenges that confronted the industry were the
conflicts of mining claims between small scale mining and
large scale mining, illegal extraction of magnetite sand and
the continuing opposition by some sectors to mining. Despite
these challenges, the sector pursued the strategies
enunciated in the Plan.
II.
Assessment
The objectives of the sector are: (1) to contribute to the
poverty reduction efforts of the government through
generation of mining related jobs; and (2) to promote
responsible mining. These were pursued with close
collaboration among mining stakeholders. The Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB 5) and Environmental Management
Bureau (EMB) 5 regulated the mining operations. Local
government units regulated the quarrying operations.
The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project at Rapu-Rapu Island in
Albay resumed its operation in the last quarter of the year
with the issuance of the order lifting the social and
environmental impositions. The project was under the new
management of LG Kores of Korea and Malaysian Smelters
Company of Malaysia. The Masbate Gold Project (then Atlas
Mining) of Filminera Resources Corporation started its
construction phase. Production is expected to commence in
the first quarter of 2009. Multi-partite Monitoring Teams (MMT)
were created to monitor mining operations in these areas.
Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs) were also
pursued by mining companies in enhancing the development of
the host and neighboring communities. Two SDMPs were
approved including the Ibalong Resources Development
Corporation that producess cement in Camalig and the
Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated. SDMPs, would create
responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities and
would benefit 13 barangays.
The Regional Minerals Development Council (RMNDC) created
multi-sectoral task forces at the regional and provincial
levels to coordinate, monitor and apprehend the illegal
transport of minerals in the region. Cases of illegal
extraction of magnetite sand in Catanduanes and Sorsogon
were reported.
In the last quarter of the year, the impact of the global
recession was felt by the mining sector. There were 40
workers displaced from YNLU Bicol Mining Corporation in
Paracale, Camarines Norte.
III.
Prospects and Trends for 2009
There are bright prospects for the mining and quarrying
industry for 2009 especially the full operation of two large
mining companies in the region. Responsible mining will be
pursued through investment promotion while the communities
will be empowered through the implementation of SDMPs.
Multi-partite teams will continue to monitor the operation
of mining companies.
