TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — With its vast mineral deposits like chromite, limestone, magnetite sands, and coal, among others, an official from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MBG) in Region 8 said Eastern Visayas is a potential area for mining investment with large-scale mining operators expected to have full-swing operations next year.

MGB 8 regional director Roger de Dios bared that by next year five large-scale mining operators are projected to hire some 300 to 500 workers each as soon as the mining firms go into full operational gear, making the province a viable mining investment area.

“We encourage mining applications here because the province has substantial deposits of valuable minerals like chromite, a major component in the manufacture of iron and chrome steel,” he said.

However, De Dios pointed out that while they encourage mining applications here, “it does not mean that the issuance of permits will be easier because we will be strictly adhering to requirements mandated by law as well as prioritize environment protection.”

The MGB8 official said there are several local government units in the region that have issued a moratorium on mining operations due to some “misconceptions,” which his office is trying to resolve.

“We have been conducting dialogues and consultations with local officials and stakeholders to clear issues related to mining,” said De Dios.

He also added that with the help of the Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region (Armor)-Eastern Visayas the public will have better insights on the benefits of mining.

It can be recalled that Leyte Board Member Roque Tiu asked the MGB to be always circumspect in issuing mining permits.

Tiu, who chairs the provincial council’s committee on environment and natural resources, said that with Leyte’s “great wealth in natural resources, particularly in magnetite sand, it would not be a surprise if mining operators would come in the province.”