Just days before Christmas, MGB personnel served a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) to a Black Sand Mining operator in Candelaria. Region 3 Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Atty. Danilo Uykieng issued the CDO against Mr. Roberto ,the operator of Black Sand Mining on December 19, 2009.

The said mining operation is the subject of the complaint letter of some concerned residents of Candelaria to Director Uykieng. According to them, said operation is destructing their farmlands and affects the coastal area of Candelaria.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Candelaria in November signed a resolution requesting the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) Chairman to stop the quarrying of black sand along the shoreline of Candelaria.

In an investigation conducted by MGB , it was found out that the black (magnetite) sand mining/processing activities which is located in Brgy. Dampay is being operated by Mr. Roberto Go. Mr. Go entered an operating agreement with a certain Romualdo Encina, a holder of a temporary permit issued by the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) in Zambales.

It was also observed during the ocular inspection that the operation of Mr. Go is located only 30m-35m away from the shoreline. This is a clear violation of the Philippine Mining Act.

Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 265, the extraction of gravel and sand and such other activities that would erode and diminish the natural beauty of beaches, are prohibited. The Philippine Mining Act also provides that onshore areas within 200 meters from the mean low tide level along the coast is close to mining applications and operations.