COTABATO CITY — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-12 (MGB-12) and a private university are studying the propagation of plants and trees scientifically suitable in metal-rich areas in South Cotabato as an environment-protection measure.
Radio reports on Saturday in Cotabato City and in provinces in Region 12 stated that researchers and geologists from the MGB 12, the University of Mindanao (UM) and a private firm met last week in Tampakan, South Cotabato and started a study where to get rare metallophytes, or plants that can survive in lands with metal deposits for massive propagation in the municipality.
The five-year project also involves the Sagittarius Mines Incorporated, the Tampakan-Copper Gold Project with a written permission from Blaan tribal leaders in Tampakan and from the National Commission on Indigenous People.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-12, MGB-12, the UM, whose main campus is in Davao City, and the SMI will push the metallophyte plant and tree project forward, dubbed Trial Planting of Forest Tree Species Inoculated with Mycorrhiza in SMI Copper-Gold Environment. — John Felix M. Unson
