Black sand mining in Aparri turns out as basin dredging
By Estefan Gavino
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Re-elected Governor Manuel Mamba’s promise to stop illegal mining activities in Cagayan led to an inspection at the Cagayan River due to a viral social media post regarding a black sand mining activity on July 11.
In a surprise visit to the said river at Aparri, Provincial Administrator Rodolfo Alvarado, together with different concerned agencies found out that it was just a basin dredging mistaken for black sand mining activity.
In a facebook post by Cagayan State University Official Fr. Ranhilio Aquino that went viral, the post contains photos of a vessel and said “Without a doubt, this is black sand mining”.
The northern forum is still unsure if this was the post indicated in the press release by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office.
Aparri, Calamaniugan and Lal-lo were the municipalities visited by the authorities and only Aparri was the place conducting the dredging.
In addition, some barges and vessels were seen in Aparri that were being used in the dredging in preparation for the re-opening of the Port of Aparri which is a program of Mamba.
Moreover, this matches with the initial report of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Public Works and Highways that conducted the same inspection at Aparri, Cagayan.
In the press release by the CPIO, Governor Mamba assured there are no hidden intentions in the re-opening of the port.
Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau said that there are only 6% black magnetite ore in the river and has no commercial value.
Source: The Northern Forum