BAGUIO CITY - A multi-agency task force here has implemented the closure of an illegal small-scale mine operating in Barangay Kias to strengthen the drive of the national and local governments to protect and preserve the city's state of environment. The task force, which is composed of representatives from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in the Cordillera, city environment and parks management office and the Philippine National Police (PNP), was able to confiscate numerous small-scale mining tools and subsequently closed the mine tunnel to prevent future mining activities.
At the same time, the apprehending team was also able to seize at least 10 sacks of gold ore. Small-scale mining is prohibited in this mountain resort city because of the serious negative effects of diggings in the city's highly fractured soil and rock formations. The operation of the tunnel is the subject of a complaint filed by residents who fear that the tunneling activity might be encroaching on their residential areas and threatening their lives and properties. Because of the substantial income derived due to the prevailing high metal prices in the world market, unregulated mining continues to proliferate in the city. Moreover, small-scale miners are forced to pursue their illegal operations since they have a hard time securing the consent of large-scale mining companies which have mining claims over most parts of the city and nearby Benguet province.
