A composite team dispatched to investigate reports of continued illegal black sand mining in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur found that only mineral activities, not actual mining or processing operations, were seen in said area.

The team is composed of representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Prosecution Service, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). The team was recently dispatched to validate and investigate the reported continuation of illegal black sand mining in the area.

The operation, conducted last October 7-10, is in line with the relentless efforts of the MGB to address illegal mining, with the support of the Joint Fact-Finding Committee on Illegal Mining composed of the DOJ, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the DENR.

Although the team found no illegal mining or processing operations, the operation sent a strong message and warning that the government will be relentless in its drive against illegal mining operations in the area.

By: Mining Technology Division