A Catholic priest in the town of McArthur in the province of Leyte has appealed to the government to stop black sand mining operations in the area.
Father Amadeo Alvero of St. Isidore Parish in McArthur called on the government to implement environmental laws to prevent disasters in his parish.
“I am pleading with my bended knees to stop the Black Sand Mining here in MacArthur,” Father Alvero said.
“If we protect the environment from destruction, the environment will protect us from destruction,” he said.
To drum up the campaign against mining, the priest led a motorcade around town on December 7.
“Help us stop this black sand mining … for the sake of those who will suffer and die in the future if we do not protect our environment,” said Father Alvero.
About 2,000 hectares of mining claims have been reportedly granted by the government to McArthur Iron Projects Corp., which runs the local operation of Strong Built Mining Development Corp.
The mining project reportedly covers the towns of McArthur, Abuyog, and Javier.
Black sand is an additive in concrete and steel production and for the manufacture of jewelry and cosmetics.
