Dynamite injures 1 in Nueva Vizcaya

by Ben Moses Ebreo

Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya (December — A small scale miner was seriously injured Monday(December 7) as the dynamite he was carrying accidentally exploded inside his tunnel in sitio Malilibeg, barangay Runruno in this town.

The victim was identified as Mark Paggad, 28 of barangay Runruno said Dr. Ernesto Mendoza, FCF Minerals Corporation vice president for corporate affairs which provided initial medical assistance to Paggad who sustained cuts, bruises and abrasions on his low back, right hand and right foot.

Mendoza said Paggad lighted the explosive inside the tunnel but collapsed, causing it to explode.

“This is another lesson among small scale miners, particularly on the risks that they face because of their unsafe small scale mining practices,” Mendoza said.

The FCF Minerals Corporation which holds a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement(FTAA) to conduct large scale mining exploration here for gold and molybdenum deposits is currently working with the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) for alternative livelihood programs for the more than 500 small scale miners within its area of coverage.

The mining company here is also helping the affected communities or villages in uplifting their economic status through the provision of livelihood projects under the Runruno Livelihood Foundation (RLF). (PIA NVizcaya)