The bay and the pollutant … These are the siltation ponds being
operated by Johson Gold Mining Corp (JGMC), a medium-sized gold processor at
Baranggay North Bagumbayan on the outskirts of Mambulao. They are used to
contain slurry produced from gold processing so that no waste water finds its
way into the nearby creeks and other tributaries, according to JGMC. Actually, the
miner operates four tailings ponds around the mine camp to handle
cyanide-laden waste water and silt. The island of Calambayungan in Larap is seen
on the upper left corner of the picture as well as a portion of the mine
silt-polluted Mambulao Bay, which is just about 1km from the mining camp. – Text
by AP HERNANDEZ/ photo supplied by JGMC.
Subsistence fishing boats … A typical scene at the bay waters in
Barangay Osmena on the outskirts of Mambulao poblacion showing fishing boats
operated by subsistence fishermen. With dwindling catch from Mambulao Bay,
which is right now suffering from mud and silt pollution caused by gold mining
operations in various areas around the municipality, they have to sail far out into
the Philippine Sea and to fishing grounds outside of Mambulao’s own fishing
territory to catch enough fish to pay for their fuel and bring food on the table.
The island of Bunog (Pag-Asa) is seen on the other side of the bay. – Text by AP HERNANDEZ, MWBuzzpic by ARNEL P HERNANDEZ
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