30 October 2003

MRS. LETTY JIMENEZ-MAGSANOC
Editor-in-Chief
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Makati City

Dear Ms. Magsanoc:

This refers to the news article “New mining operation worries farmers” which was published in your newspaper last 28 October 2003.

Last Monday, October 27, two personnel from our Office were sent to Vulcan Industrial Mining Corporation (VIMC) at Brgy. Anonang, Cordon, Isabela to verify the alleged plans of Dr. Jose Jocson to reprocess the mining tailings of past VIMC operation.

A portable gold processing plant composed of a small ball mill and other ancillary equipment was found in the area. These equipment were accordingly set up in preparation for the approval of a small-scale mining permit which was filed and still pending in the provincial government of Isabela. The small gold processing plant established is intended to process gold ores to be mined from ore reserves left by the previous operation of VIMC.

The group of Dr. Jocson was already advised to desist from conducting any mining activities until such time that their mining permit is issued.

For the reported reprocessing of mine tailings abandoned by VIMC, the group of Dr. Jocson is planning to recover the gold content of the said tailings.

However, a project which requires the use of complicated machineries and chemical process has to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR - Environmental Management Bureau before the issuance of a Mining Permit.

The processing of an ECC involves scopings and public hearings with the affected residents to determine the social acceptability of the project. It is in this stage where the details of the proposed project will be explained and the sentiments of people concerned will be heard.

With regards to the Diadi River, our Office has been regularly monitoring its water quality for several years now even though the company has already ceased its operation way back in 1984.

Likewise, assessment of the stability of the tailings and absorption pond of VIMC is being conducted periodically.

Rest assured that we will continue to closely monitor any mining activities that might affect the environment especially the Diadi River and see to it that the welfare of the residents of Brgy. Anonang and other adjoining barangays will be protected.

Very truly yours,

(SGD.) RAYMOND D. CARREON
OIC, Mining Operations Officer