Dipolog City to contest ban on open pit mining

The city council of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte authorized their city mayor to contest in court the ban on open pit mining in the province contained in an ordinance of the province.   Dipolog City gets its sand and gravel for public works projects from quarrying operations along the Layawan River.   Sangguniang Panglungsod Resolution No. 11-548 comes nearly two weeks after mining firm TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. (TVIRD) said it will contest the same provincial ordinance.   TVI Resource operates a $60-million copper and zinc mine in Zamboanga del Norte that the firm said has the full support of the local community.   TVI Resource asked the Zamboanga Regional Trial Court for an injunction against the provincial ordinance and the first hearing will be held on Friday, Nov. 25.    Dipolog City officials said they want four provisions of the provincial ordinance struck down, including Section 8, which authorizes the provincial governor to issue cease and desist orders against mining operations.   The city council said Section 8 is invalid because it usurps the power of their city on the issuance of mining permits. — ELR/VS, GMA News