Fishermen object to proposed offshore mining in Pangasinan   

FISHERMEN expressed opposition to the proposed offshore mining in Lingayen Gulf that will cover five coastal towns in Pangasinan, citing its potential effects to livelihood.    

Bobby Roldan, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) Central Luzon regional chairperson, said in a statement on Monday that the proposed Iron Ore Pangasinan Offshore Magnetite Mining project will cause “devastating impacts” to the livelihood of at least 5,000 small fisherfolk in Dagupan City, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, and Sual.    

“This proposed offshore mining would certainly spell doom to the livelihood of thousands of small fishers who subsist in Lingayen Gulf through various forms of fishing. Not to mention its adverse impact to the livelihood of other coastal residents involved in inland fisheries and salt farms in interior parts,” he said.    

It was previously reported that the project’s proponent, Iron Ore, Gold, and Vanadium Resources (Phils), Inc., is applying for an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.  

The project will have an annual extraction of 25,000,000 dry metric tons and a project area of 9,252.45 hectares. According to the company, the project is covered by the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement No. 07-2020-IOMR approved by the Office of the President in November last year. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave