Govt stops operations of 3 black sand mining firms in Ilocos Sur

The government has stopped the operations of three Chinese companies engaged in magnetite sand mining and processing for allegedly operating in prohibited areas.

Covered by the cease and desist order issued by the Mines and Geosciences Burea are Yinyi Philippines Investment Holding Group, Inc., An Bang Mining Company, and Hong Ze Mining Corporation.

The three were allegedly operating along the beaches of San Vicente town in Ilocos Sur.

Engr. Carlos A. Tayag, MGB regional director in Region 1, said mining activities are not allowed along shorelines.

The MGB issued a CDO against Yinyi Philippines Investment Holding Group, Inc. and An Bang Mining Company for allegedly operating in prohibited areas, while Hong Ze Mining Corporation, although it holds a Mineral Processing Permit, has been mining within the 200-meter onshore area that is closed to mining activities.

To prevent the transport of magnetite sand coming from San Vicente, the MGB will refrain from issuing a mineral ore export permit for the black sand mined by the three companies.

The three firms face charges of mineral theft and illegal mining. — KBK, GMA News