SERGIO OSME A, Mar. 16, 2011 - Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines Groundbreaking for a new chromite mining project here is widely seen as the start of a new era in private-public partnership (PPP) in the mining industry.
Fifty-four-year old housewife Arlene Ogoc welcomed the entry into Barangay Danao of Maharlika Dragon Mining Corporation (MDMC), an affiliate of Century Peak Metals Holding Corporation (CPMHC), a publicly listed company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"As long as it gives us the opportunity to legally earn a decent living and will be good for our community, I am for it, she said. Like others in the village, her family subsists on a small farm, unaware that their farms sit on lodes of precious mineral deposits. We trust this new development will do us good, she added.
In a press conference at the mining site during the groundbreaking rites, MDMC President Willy Keng assured that the company adheres strictly to a policy of responsible mining.
"We are not only after profits. We are also into job creation and we look into the interests of the community by ensuring environmental protection while we provide a comprehensive program package for the people and add value to our mining products, he said.
Keng said CPMHC will undertake a vertically integrated mining operation that combines mineral ore extraction with smelting plant operation which is more economically advantageous.
MDMC business partner Wu Xiliang added that their company is decidedly pro-people and pro-enviroment and that if their company gains, the community will gain even more.
The company holds an approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with the government denominated as MPSA 333-2010-IX covering over 7,868 hectares in ZaNorte where chromite ore will be mined. It will also put up a multi-million peso mineral processing plant in the area.
Sergio Osmena Mayor Augustine Magsalay said he will see to it that the reforestation condition clearly stipulated in the mining agreement is followed. In addition, he said he has asked MDMC to help his municipality pursue its balanced development goal.
Former ZaNorte Congressman Romeo Jalosjos who attended the press conference with his two sons -1st district Rep. Frederick Seth Jalosjos and Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos, and Dapitan City Councilor Apple Agolong expressed joy that their long wait for an investor that will extract resources and at the same time take care of the environment, is finally over.
