The application for the renewal of Hinatuan Mining Corporation’s (HMC) mining permit in Eastern Samar is likely to be rejected based on existing laws.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 64th Annual National Mine Safety and Safety Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director, Wilfredo Moncano, said that under Presidential Proclamation 469 issued by former President Fidel Ramos, the coastal and terrestrial areas of Manicani were declared as protected areas.

Additinally, critical areas such as an island ecosystem like the Manicani, cannot be mined according to Executive Order 79 issued by former President Benigno Aquino III.

Based on these laws, HMC is not likely to be granted a permit renewal.

HMC, a subsidiary of the country’s largest nickel producer, Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), applied for a mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) renewal this month to enable it to continue its mining operations for another 25 years.

Source: www.inquirer.net