Jan. 10, 2011 - Philippine port authorities have seized a Panamanian ship allegedly carrying undocumented chromite ore from a mine in the northern Philippines.
Regional port officials say the Panamanian vessel MV Gold Eagle docked at a mining port in the northern Philippine province of Zambales, without permit.
Port officer Manuel Estioco says the ship is believed to be carrying chromite ore from a mine which was closed down by the mines bureau last year, following reports of a large-scale chromite theft.
80 Chinese workers were detained when the mine was ordered shut in July.
The Chinese Embassy says the mine was being overseen by Geoking Asia Mining Corporation, owned by Ye Zhou, a Chinese national.
The courts have scheduled a hearing in February on the seizure of the undocumented chromite ore cargo.
