TWO mining companies are expected to start exploration works in Mindanao this year after having been granted permits by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) last year.
The exploration permits were issued by the MGB to Bunawan Mining Corp. (Bunawan) and Kiamba Mining and Development Corp. (Kiamba), which will allow the companies to start drilling and conduct necessary tests in search of mineral deposits in their respective mining tenements.
The permits are the second and third permits that allow mining companies to do exploration works approved under Executive Order 79 since its enactment on July 2, 2012, according to the MGB web site.
Bunawan’s permit (EP-XIII-033) covers a 677.0285-hectare area located in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. The company’s permit was issued on August 18, 2014, and will expire on August 18, 2016.
Kiamba’s permit (EP-014-2014-XII) covers a 7,047-hectare area located in Maitum, Kiamba, Sarangani and Maasim, Lake Sebu, and T’boli, South Cotabato. The permit was issued on August 20, 2014, and will expire on August 20, 2016.
The EPs grant Bunawan and Kiamba the right to explore the potential gold, copper and other associated mineral deposits within the permit area for a period of two years, renewable for like periods but not to exceed a total term of six years, as such in the case of metallic minerals.
To date, MGB approved a total of three permits, including the previously approved permit to explore Goodearth on May 19, 2014, which covers a 1,968.0622-hectare area in Dinapigue, Isabela.