The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recently approved the Exploration Permits (EPs) of Bunawan Mining Corporation (Bunawan) and Kiamba Mining and Development Corporation (Kiamba), the second and third EPs approved under the Executive Order (EO) No. 79 since its enactment on July 2, 2012.
Bunawan's permit denominated as EP-XIII-033 covers a 677.0285 hectare area located in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. The company's EP was issued on August 18, 2014 and will expire on August 18, 2016.
Likwise, Kiamba's permit denominated as 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.
The approval of the EPs is in accordance to the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7942 otherwise known as the "Philippine Mining Act of 1995" and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and EO No. 79 and its implementing guidelines. The permits were approved after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary issued the clearance to grant the EP.
To date, MGB approved a total of three EPs including the previously approved EP of Goodearth last May 19, 2014 which covers a 1,968.0622 hectare area in Dinapigue, Isabela.
By: Mining Tenements and Management Division
