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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Firm removes black sand mining equipment due to strong opposition

Firm removes black sand mining equipment due to strong opposition

Published Feb 19, 2026 04:29 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – Due to the strong opposition of farmers and residents affected by black sand mining in MacArthur, Leyte, the MacArthur Iron Projects Corp. announced the removal of the giant cutter suction dredger in Barangay Maya on Thursday, Feb. 19.
“In light of the current situation, and in the interest of maintaining harmony and preventing further escalation, MIPC has decided to withdraw the dredger and re-evaluate its current work plan. The company has solicited the assistance of the concerned local government units to safely remove the structure,” the mining firm said in a statement.
Since January, anti-mining advocates have conducted prayer vigils and silent protests to prevent it from passing the national highway going to the mining site.
They cited the destruction it has caused to their farms, irrigation canals, and roads left unrehabilitated by the mining firm since 2022.
Strong Built Mining Development Corp. was issued an MPSA on July 28, 2007, covering 7,411.55 hectares of land in the municipalities of Abuyog, Javier, MacArthur, Dulag, and Mayorga.
The local government units of Mayorga and Abuyog issued an ordinance imposing a moratorium on mining operations in their municipalities for 50 years.

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MacArthur Leyte Black sand mining
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