The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Iloilo welcomes updates on mineral resources development in the province during its 20th regular session on May 23, 2012.
Iloilo Vice Governor and Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Oscar “Richard” S. Garin, Jr. presided the session.
MGB-6 Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan presented to the body the present status of mining applications in the province given its mineral resources potential.
Iloilo has potential for gold, copper, chromite, manganese and iron for metallic mineral resources. For non-metallic resources, the province has white clay, red-burning clay, limestone, marble, sandstone, guano, phosphate rock, semi-precious stones and aggregates (sand and gravel).
At present, there are 3 approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) which are entirely within the province, while there are 2 straddling within the boundaries of Iloilo and the Province of Capiz. There are 3 approved Exploration Permits and one Mining Lease Contract (under PD 164). Approved tenement covers 2.58% of the province’s total land area.A total 13 mining applications within the province are still pending covering 5.84% of the province’s land area.RD Juguan also presented the 1:50,000 geohazard maps of the province. The body expressed appreciation to the DENR-MGB for all the information on geohazards.