THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the ongoing mine loading activities on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar province are part of the regular mining and export operations in the area.
“We wish to clarify that this is a regular mining operation. The mine has been operating for more than three years, so there’s nothing unusual in this particular transaction,” Benny Antiporda, DENR undersecretary for solid waste management and local government units concerns, said in a statement.
He added the continued operation of Techiron Resources Inc. in the region was based on the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ instruction that export-oriented businesses should not be hampered.
“After thorough investigation and the mining company secured all the necessary quarantine certificates, the DENR had no choice but to lift the suspension,” Antiporda said.
The official also said proper safety protocols and guidelines were in place for the loading of mineral shipment to a foreign cargo vessel commissioned by the mining company to ensure protection of residents, mine workers, pier or dock personnel and stevedores from risks associated with the coronavirus disease.
Likewise, the DENR assured that the loading is being done mechanically using equipment and no Filipino is allowed to go inside the foreign cargo vessel.
“What’s important is there is no physical contact with the crew of the cargo vessel anchored off 1.5 kilometers from Homonhon Island,” Antiporda expressed.
