The Heritage Resources Mining Corporation engaged in chromite is the only mining firm now operating in Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar while the Hinatuan Mining Corporation in Manicani Island also in Guiuan, which is presently under suspension, is working out for the immediate lifting of ban. This ban was issued by former DENR Secretary Heherson Alvarez who issued the suspension order when issues involving the mining firm, the community and environmentalist groups ensued.

Alburo also said that based on their assessment the anti-mining groups and members of the community seemed ready to accept the entry of mining operations with so much mineral resources in the province to help boost the economy of the region.

“Yes, we feel that the anti-mining groups are now ready to support the government, their sentiments in fact has subsided through massive information dissemination campaign na kapag meron mining operation social development and environmental disruption occur, karamihan kasi perception lang ng environmental destruction ang bayad kung meron mining operation at hindi naman nangyayari... and its because of the strict regulation we implement in the mining operations,” he said.

The bauxite mineral resources alone in Samar Island is estimated to generate some P20 billion US dollars and nickel is the next possible mineral resources.

Some barangay officials in Paranas, Samar have in fact recently come up with favorable endorsement to undisclosed mining firms which are now conducting bauxite exploration.  
It was learned that 90 percent of the country’s nickel production is being sold to China while India and Japan take the market of the remaining balance.

Alburo said Eastern Samar has the highest potential of nickel deposits, according to feasibility studies of mining experts.

The Hinatuan Mining Corporation has still about one million tons of low grade nickel product about to be sold to China which their primary market.

An Asia Pacific conference was held last week in Manila attended by mining executives of Asian countries where the major agenda was preparations by Asian countries having potential of mineral resources.

Alburo added that mining industry is the best economic opportunity for Eastern Visayas, adding that the industry has the potential to generate thousands of jobs in the next six years that could attract between $2 billion and P4 billion foreign investments.

A couple of years ago, the Supreme Court has ruled that RA 7942, which is the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its implementing rules and regulations.