TACLOBAN CITY— Following weeks of protests from farmers and residents, the MacArthur Integrated Processing Corporation (MIPC) has temporarily withdrawn its massive cutter suction dredger from the town’s coastline, citing concerns over community welfare and environmental impact.
The dredger, roughly the size of a six-story building at 30 meters wide and 150 meters long, had been stationed in Barangay Maya, just 150 meters from the proposed black sand mining site. Locals feared that full-scale operations could damage rice fields, irrigation systems, and other critical agricultural areas.
“In light of local sensitivities, we have decided to withdraw the dredger and coordinate with authorities while reassessing our work plan,” MIPC said in a statement on Thursday, February 19. The company emphasized its commitment to balancing mining activities with environmental protection and community welfare.
The black sand mining project, which involves extracting magnetite-rich sands under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) covering more than 7,000 hectares, is seen by the company as a major economic driver.
MIPC estimates that the project could generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost household incomes, energize local businesses, and attract new investments. Annual contributions in mineral resource taxes and regulatory fees are projected to exceed P100 million, potentially funding programs in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.
MIPC also highlighted environmental safeguards, including a P56-million rehabilitation bond posted with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to restore mined-out areas before returning them to landowners. A five-year community development program covering health, education, livelihood, and infrastructure is planned to benefit host and neighboring communities.
Despite the withdrawal decision, protesters, led by farmer representative Jesus Cabias Jr., remained vigilant. “We will see their sincerity if the dredger is removed from here,” Cabias said, noting that while the group does not oppose mining outright, they demand strong assurances that farmlands and irrigation systems will be protected.
The protests, which began in January, prompted Mayor Ruden Babante to call on MIPC on February 15 to voluntarily withdraw the dredger and appeal for residents to suspend demonstrations, stressing that any local government action would follow due process.
(JOEY A. GABIETA,LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
