ATM calls for a halt to mining activities in Dupax del Norte
- Alyansa Tigil Mina
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately stop the exploration activities of Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya due to violations committed by the mining company.
Jaybee Garganera, ATM National Coordinator, said “We fully support the demands of the residents and the Oyao Village Council in Nueva Vizcaya, who have set up a barricade at the mining site to protest the illegal mining activities and the lack of consent from the affected communities.”
“We welcome the news that a suspension order has been issued by the DENR regional office, but it remains unclear what is actually being suspended, whether tree-cutting or exploration activities or permits. We demand that the mining permit be revoked and all on-site activities of the mining company be prevented. This mining project is not welcome and the community’s rejection must be respected,” he added.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) granted in August an exploration license to Metals Exploration Plc (MTL) covering 3,100 hectares, targeting gold and copper deposits.
Woggle Corporation, a company that is 60% owned by FCF Minerals Senior Staff Annuity Corporation and 40% by MTL, has since then started exploration activities, which the communities opposed due threats to their environment and livelihood.
The communities complained about lack of genuine consultations, uprooting or removal of trees and vegetation within the exploration area, and trespassing on privately-owned and possessed properties and residences.
“We demand that the Environment Code of Nueva Vizcaya, which prohibits destruction mining practices, be fully enforced. We call on concerned agencies to uphold national environmental protection laws,” Garganera said.
Comments