Secretary Roy Cimatu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) directed the Mines Bureau (MGB) to fast track the geological investigation and exploration for minerals, particularly polymetallic sulfide at the Philippine Rise, formerly known as Benham Rise, which could be a source of huge revenues for the government. Executive order No. 25, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on May 16, 2107, changed the name of Benham Rise to Philippine Rise.
Dr. Yolanda M. Aguilar, MGB Central Office Marine Geological Survey Division OIC-Chief said that they are preparing to conduct further exploration and surveys at the Philippine Rise to look for manganese nodules and sulphides, like gold, copper, and for possible rare earths and methane ice.
At present, a reconnaissance geological and geophysical survey is currently being planned and more studies and long term program proposals are being prepared, to explore the Philippine Rise using the MGB’s research vessel, RPS Explorer.
“I requested Dr. Aguilar to prepare a program proposal so that we will know what is needed to really make sure that the RPS Explorer is fit to conduct exploration in the extended continental shelf to cover 150-250 nautical miles for possible exploration,” DENR Undersecretary for Mining and Concurrent MGB Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto said.
While feasibility studies are being conducted and program proposals written, funding is also being sought. The MGB has a pending proposal to the Department of Budget and Management to conduct offshore mineral exploration work, sedimentation and fossil studies in the region which is planned in April 2018, when sea is calm.
Sec. Cimatu said he is very interested to know what minerals and rocks are present in the Philippine Rise, which could be the source of huge wealth for the country. He also wants to dig into the Philippine Deep for deuterium and hydrogen and is keen on having new sources of fuel in case the country’s current sources are depleted.
Given the financial and technical limitations, Sec. Cimatu directed the MGB to create teams to conduct further research on the extraction of deuterium and to coordinate with the Department of Energy and Department of Science and Technology, since these Departments have already researched about it in the past.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division and Marine Geological Survey Division
DENR Undersecretary for Mining and Concurrent MGB Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto (holding the microphone) and MGB officials during a meeting with DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu (center)