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Police authorities here on Thursday recovered mineral deposits taken from the gold rush area in Barangay Didipio in Kasibu town.

Police Chief Inspector Maciste Serrano, Kasibu chief of police said the 60 sacks of mineral deposits, locally known here as “Luyot” were discovered in a checkpoint manned by local environment enforcers and policemen.

The “Luyot” were loaded inside an Isuzu Elf van with plate number RJW 823 owned by Tomas Batalao of Barangay Didipio in Kasibu town.

“They were attempting to smuggle the mineral deposits from the gold rush area despite our presence and strict prohibition of its illegal transport,” Maciste said.

Earlier, the provincial government here has ordered the stoppage of smuggling “Luyot” from barangay Didipio after these were found to be a lucrative business among villagers and buyers in Kasibu town.

“Luyot”, extracted from tunnels of small scale miners in barangays Didipio and Alimit in Kasibu are sold at P15.00 to P20.00 a kilo among buyers outside the town.

These mineral deposits are processed through a ball mill in order to extract high grade gold, known to be the best qualities in the international market.

The stoppage of small scale mining operations and smuggling of mineral deposits in Kasibu town was ordered by Governor Luisa Cuaresma due to the absence of required permits and the unsafe practices in the area.

Earlier consultations between provincial officials, small scale miners and businessmen in the area have resulted in the proposed creation of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board(PMRB).

The PMRB will be tasked to scrutinize small scale mining applications in Kasibu town and the proposed declaration of the area as a public mining site or “Minahan ng Bayan”.

“Luyot” traders have also appealed to the provincial government to allow their transportation of mineral deposits from the area as they have invested close to millions of pesos for the illegal trade. (PNA)

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