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Volcanic situation may hamper Pagan mining
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Posted on Aug 04 2004
While some are pushing for the immediate awarding of the pozzolan mining contract on Pagan, some lawmakers have expressed caution citing unpredictable volcanic movements in the Northern Islands.
“Can they go ahead with the mining project under this situation?” asked Saipan Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero.
The lawmaker, who had testified against an investor who is actively pursuing a mining contract on Pagan, indicated that he is already out of the picture.
“I’ve said my piece and it’s up to the Marianas Public Lands Authority to make that decision (to award the contract). I have nothing to do with that,” said Guerrero.
However, he said that he wonders about the success of the project in view of the volcanic situation.
Saipan Rep. Martin Ada said he hopes that concerned authorities consider such potential hazards.
“MPLA should not rush into this. They should study this,” said Ada, who had worked as teacher on Pagan prior to the 1980 eruption of the volcano.
The MPLA has received at least two applications from investors to mine on Pagan, in addition to the current permit holder that is in default, J.G. Sablan.
The MPLA said it would take its time to assess each application, putting major emphasis on the commitment and financial standing of the company.
Current applicants are Azmar International and Texas-based Consolidated American Energy Resources.
This as the U.S. Geological Survey recently reported that the Northern Islands remains unsafe for settlement and visits due to potential threats of volcanic eruptions.
It reportedly said that people should not be in the islands unless necessary monitoring equipment is installed there.
The USGS would need up to $7 million to set up and operate such instruments.
The agency currently lacks the money to carry out the project.
