Mining Near Sierra Madre: Clearing the Air
After an image showing mining activity near the Sierra Madre range went viral, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) quickly addressed concerns about Dinapigue Mining Corporation’s (DMC) operations. The four-word keyphrase “mining near Sierra Madre” highlights the heart of the issue.
The photo that stirred public debate displayed a large brown scar breaking through the green expanse of the Sierra Madre mountains. Many social media users feared this indicated harmful mining inside a protected biodiversity hotspot.
However, officials from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Cagayan Valley clarified that DMC operates outside the boundaries of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP). “The Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of Dinapigue Mining Corporation is outside the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and its buffer zone,” a regional director shared with local media.
Permits Validated and Operations Verified
The MGB confirmed that all current mining sites underwent thorough field verification, matching GPS data with park boundaries to ensure compliance. The MPSA was granted in 2008 after proper clearances.
Officials emphasized that DMC consistently requests approval before starting any new mining areas. Their Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), issued in 2008, remains valid, and the mining contract runs until July 2032.
In fact, in 2024, the company earned recognition from environmental authorities for exemplary safety, health, and community relations practices. Regular monitoring continues, with the most recent assessment conducted in May 2025 confirming all permits are up to date.
Reforestation and Community Engagement
DENR records show that DMC has planted or donated over 600,000 seedlings as part of reforestation efforts linked to national greening programs. These efforts are inspected quarterly by monitoring teams and local environmental offices.
The company also submitted an updated rehabilitation and decommissioning plan, which is currently under review. Funds for future rehabilitation have been secured, ensuring commitment to environmental restoration.
Community Consultations and Transparency
The DENR highlighted that community consultations are conducted with the involvement of all stakeholders, including local government units and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. These sessions aim to be transparent, voluntary, and free from coercion.
Maps provided by DMC show their mining footprint lies clearly outside the protected zones. The company affirmed compliance with all national and local laws, stressing that 72% of their workforce are local residents, including indigenous peoples.
Beyond planting trees, DMC focuses on sustainable environmental stewardship, aiming for long-term ecological balance alongside their mining activities.
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