Kalinga tribe leaders reaffirm support for Batong Buhay mining project

MANILA, Philippines — The Balatoc Kalinga Tribe Inc. (BKTI) denounced statements circulating online about its supposed opposition of the group on the Batong Buhay mining project in Pasil, Kalinga, describing the claims as ‘false and misleading’.

In a press release issued on Friday, July 3, Victor Gumisa, tribal leader and president of BKTI, said, speaking on behalf of the Balatoc tribe that the claims being associated to the Indigenous community “do not represent the views of the recognized Indigenous People’s organization, Council of Elders, nor the overwhelming majority of the Balatoc, Pasil people in Kalinga.”

According to Gumisa, the BKTI, as the recognized representative of the tribe, was granted the Certificate of Precondition covering the exploration of the area, thereby giving BKTI the authority to determine the development of mineral resources under Exploration Permit Application No. 79.

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READ: Church in Kalinga backs Balatoc tribe’s stance vs mining expansion

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He further explained that the Balatoc tribe has already exercised its priority rights over the ancestral domain as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in 2008.

Gumisa said that the BKTI, together with the majority of tribal elders, have expressed support for the development of the Batong Buhay mine project, formally nominating Metals Exploration as its mining partner.

Under the proposed joint venture arrangement, the Balatoc tribe will receive a 20 percent equity stake in the operating company and representation on the board of directors.

He said that the move was a pioneering model in the country’s mining industry and expressed how the project could “become the benchmark for future responsible mining developments on ancestral lands.”

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The Faratuk Exploration and Mining company was also said to have presented a draft memorandum of agreement to the community that outlined development commitments, including construction of a P100-million access road, improved healthcare facilities and medical services, scholarship programs, employment and livelihood opportunities, and community development.

The meeting last June 25 with the Balatoc tribe was the initial presentation of the memorandum of agreement, according to Gumisa.

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He, moreover, said that pursuing a “transparent, legally compliant, community-led mining project” can deliver benefits to the Indigenous communities, citing how improper small scale mining caused the death of tribe members.

Gumisa emphasized that the proposed projects are also expected to contribute to the country’s critical mineral development strategy. /mr

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