Mining project's rejection sets precedent for other provinces

MANILA, Philippines - Nueva Vizcaya withdrew its support for a mining project undertaken by a New Zealand company, creating a precedent for other communities beset by problems related to mineral exploration. In a statement, an environmental group claimed Nueva Vizcaya’s provincial board endorsed a resolution withdrawing support for OceanaGold’s gold project in Dipidio. Environmental groups led by Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE), the Center for Environmental Concerns – Philppines (CEC-Phils), and Save the Valley Serve the People Alliance in Nueva Vizcaya welcomed the decision, saying it was a first of its kind. Of the Philippines 23 current mining projects, the Dipidio project is considered as the “template" for the country’s mining development, which is why groups have focused its efforts on the province, Allan Barnacha, spokesperson of the alliance said. He told GMANews.TV that their initiatives in resisting mining projects could be replicated in provinces hosting mineral exploration activities. “This is another blow to Oceana Gold and a step towards complete stoppage of their mining operation. The decision may lead to the withdrawal of financial support from banks and stockholders of Oceana Gold as they become more unprofitable and unsustainable," Clemente Bautista Jr. of Kalikasan said. The same statement added that “mining was never considered as a primary development strategy." “The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Comprehensive Development Plan (PCDP), for instance, clearly stipulates that Nueva Vizcaya, as the watershed haven of Region II, should embark on a development strategy while building on agriculture," Barnacha said. GMANews.TV