PAN DE AZUCAR EXPLORATION: Capitol firm on protecting island from arsenic contamination

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The provincial government of Iloilo stands firm in its commitment to protect Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion town from potential arsenic contamination resulting from mineral exploration activities by TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD).

“We have confirmed that water is emerging from several of their boreholes, indicating they have reached groundwater during their drilling,” Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) chief Atty. Cesar Emmanuel Buyco told Daily Guardian.

“If they hit the groundwater, they are also hitting arsenic because it is naturally occurring. It would then seep into the groundwater runoff, affecting the surrounding sea,” he added.

Buyco’s statement responds to TVIRD’s denial of using arsenic in their exploration activities and their assertion that arsenic is naturally present due to massive pyrite deposits on the island.

“TVIRD maintains that it has not used any chemicals, much less Arsenic, in connection with its exploration activities on Pan de Azucar Island. The presence of Arsenic is a pre-existing condition on the island, regardless of any exploration and mining activities as Arsenic naturally occurs within the radius of massive pyrite deposits,” the firm said in an official statement obtained by Daily Guardian.

While Buyco agreed with TVIRD’s claim about not using arsenic, he maintained that the naturally occurring chemical poses risks of groundwater contamination.

“That is where we see the problem. It’s very clear. That is not a potential (issue) because it will eventually happen. That is where we compound the problem: the groundwater of the residents, the fishing grounds, and the ecosystem,” he stressed.

The findings of an independent investigation conducted by the PGENRO on January 10, 2024, have been forwarded to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for further action.

Buyco said the provincial government is “willing to be proven wrong” as they are primarily concerned with how the problem will be managed.

‘ABRUPT, HAPHAZARD’

The TVIRD described the cease and desist order (CDO) as “abrupt and haphazard,” claiming they were not provided with the investigation results beforehand.

“TVIRD was caught by surprise by the abrupt and haphazard issuance of the CDO, considering that we were not afforded an opportunity to present their side via a preceding Show Cause Order,” it said.

The CDO has directed the mining company to “refrain from any exploration activities in Barangay Taloto-an” until they can ensure the protection of marine life and prevent “Arsenic contamination.”

TVIRD is currently engaged in a “pyrite joint venture project” on the island, operating under the Mineral Processing and Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with Mindoro Resource Ltd. (MRL) and Minimax Mineral Exploration Corporation.

Buyco confirmed that the TVRID was not given a copy of the results of the investigation as to not preempt them but assured they would provide the documents upon request.

“We have received the communication from them that they were not given the copy of the report but upon issuance of the CDO, we told them to communicate with our office and we will provide them with a copy,” he said.

The PGENRO awaits the results of an investigation conducted by the EMB, which collected water samples on March 25 for laboratory testing to confirm arsenic presence.

Once the results are out, Buyco said the provincial government, TVIRD, EMB, and MGB will convene to address the issue.

Meanwhile, TVIRD said it is exploring legal options to protect its rights under the Philippine Mining Act and other applicable laws, asserting its compliance with licensing requirements prior to drilling activities.

“Prior to current drilling activities, [the mining venture] received the necessary social licenses to operate, explore, and drill in Pan de Azucar Island,” it added.