DENR lifts suspension of mineral export permit of E. Samar firm

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has lifted Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) of Techiron Resources Inc. after the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowed continued operations of export-related industries amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Independent media group FYT reported that the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 8 has lifted on April 11 the suspension of MOEP of Techiron issued on March 31.

Asked to confirm, MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano told GMA News Online that “IATF guidelines are clear that export-related industries are exempted from the lockdown.”

The MGB Region 8 earlier suspended the MOEP of Techiron and delayed its shipment to MV VW Peace after Eastern Samar's provincial government imposed a general community quarantine on the entire province, which banned entry of non-residents to its coastlines and in response to protest by Guian town residents.

According to FYT, the MV VW Peace is carrying 13 Chinese and 4 Myanmar nationals and was supposed to collect 7,000 metric tons of chromite ore worth more than P61 million from Techiron’s mining operations before it was barred by Guian town from docking.

Moncano, however, clarified that the DENR and MGB Central Office only set parameters for the lifting of the MOEP suspension.

Among the parameters are “certification from Bureau of Quarantine that quarantine protocols are complied.”

Also foreign vessels, Moncano said, will not be allowed to dock but should stay several miles away from the shore.

The mining firm should pay its taxes and surety bond and must ensure there is no physical contact between vessel crew members and locals. It should also secure endorsement from the Department of Trade and Industry, mineral ore validation, issuance of export permit.

The decision left Homonhon, a fishing community of about 8,000 people, shocked and helpless, according to FYT. --KBK, GMA News