The Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC) operating in Isabela has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining, assuring the public of its compliance with environmental regulations and dedication to community safety.
The mining firm, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) and based in Dinapigue town, is a diversified natural resources company. Its portfolio includes seven operating nickel mines and a rapidly growing renewable energy arm.
At the 2025 Stakeholders Forum organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), DMC Safety Manager Averee Molina clarified that the company’s operations are outside the buffer zones and the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park.
She emphasized that mining activities comply with Philippine laws and are monitored by the appropriate government agencies.
MGB Regional Director Mario Ancheta stated that the company has obtained permits to conduct mining operations and tree-cutting activities within a designated 15-hectare area, situated 1.1 kilometers from the protected zone.
“As part of site preparation, approximately 12,000 trees, including small ones, have been cut. DMC is required to plant 100 trees for every one cut,” Ancheta said.
“Reforestation has already begun in non-operational and buffer areas,” he said, noting a memorandum of agreement between DMC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The agreement, he added, mandates the reforestation of 1,299 hectares across the Cagayan Valley Region – 125 hectares in Cagayan, 904 in Isabela, 60 in Nueva Vizcaya, and over 200 in Quirino.
Ancheta also assured the public that communities near mining sites in the Cagayan Valley Region remain safe, adding that the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) strictly oversees operations to ensure compliance with the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA). (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, Quirino). By Thelma C. Bicarme
Article courtesy of the Philippine Information Agency
