By HENRY EMPEÑO

MASINLOC, Zambales — Barangay chairmen in this town have expressed opposition to the application of a mining company for mineral production rights at Sitio Coto here, adding their voices to the clamor not to approve renewed mining in what used to be one of the biggest chromite-producing sites in the world.

In a resolution passed on March 8, members of the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by Christian Pierre T. Nacin, opposed the application of Consolidated Mines, Inc. (CMI) to extend or renew its mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) covering the mineral lands in Coto.

CMI, the barangay leaders said in the resolution, “appear to be not responsible or not worthy to be an operator of (mines), as this company was found to be irresponsible and incompetent when it negligently allowed the flooding of the underground openings critical to the viable exploitation of the remaining chromite deposits in the Zambales Mineral Chromite Reservation.”

Moreover, they pointed out that in in about 50 years of commercial mining production by CMI, “our respective communities have never experienced significant economic benefits from this mining operation.”

“Allowing it to continue for another 25 years would only cause the depletion of our natural resources and degradation of our environment,” the barangay officials added.

They also stressed that the water used for domestic and agricultural consumption in Masinloc come from the same watershed where the MPSA is located.

“Mining operation in the Coto area is expected to have an adverse effect on the quality and quantity of the water supply,” they pointed out.

The Liga ng mga Barangay likewise said that the host barangay of Taltal, as well as the Sangguniang Bayan of Masinloc, have already expressed opposition to CMI’s application for MPSA.

Governor Hermogenes Edbane Jr. has also “personally expressed to us his vehement opposition’ to the MPSA application during a meeting with barangay officials on March 6,” the Liga resolution also stated.

The resolution was signed by Liga ng mga Barangay president Christian Pierre T. Nacin, and members Benjamin T. Alquiza of Brgy. San Lorenzo; Edgar D. Angeles, Inhobol; Marlon E. Delos Reyes, Collat; Rey > Eduad, Bamban; Orlino E. Ednilao, South Poblacion; Sean A. Elad, Bani; Yuri F. Gagarin, Baloganon; Harrison E. Hebron, Tapuac; Ramir E. Hermosilla, Taltal; Richard D. Medina, North Poblacion; and Rolando E. Ponilas, Sta. Rita. 

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Residents fear that the Coto river, a source of drinking water for Masinloc, would be compromised by renewed mining