Residents and indigenous Ibatan people of Barangay Babuyan Claro, Calayan, Cagayan launched a signature campaign on November 19 against the Ludgoron Mining Corporation’s exploration application for its plan to mine Babuyan Claro Island.

On November 14, the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) issued a resolution opposing all exploration applications of the company and all forms of mining and quarrying in the town of Calayan. Mayor Jong Llopis also called on the Department of Natural Resources to reject the company’s application. He stated that mining would affect the island’s natural resources. The island has an active volcano and contains critical habitats for marine resources.

The Parish of San Bartolome also expressed opposition to the planned exploration.

Ludgoron Mining Corporation extracts nickel, cobalt, gold, and copper, and also owns mines in Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, and Andap Valley in Surigao del Norte.