The dolomite in Cebu is a sedimentary carbonate rock that has a high content of the mineral dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2.

This mineral is generally used as an auxiliary material for iron and steel; sintering agent and flux in metal processing; ingredient in the production of glass, bricks and ceramics; utilized as fertilizer and soil conditioner; and feed additives for livestock, among others.  The fine dolomite products can also be used as substitute for white beach sand for its aesthetic value.

The Province of Cebu is blessed as it is among the few provinces in the country where economically mineable deposit of dolomite can be found. Dolomite occurs in several municipalities, but the main deposit is found in Alcoy and Dalaguete areas.

Currently, a mining firm, Dolomite Mining Corporation (DMC), is mining/quarrying the dolomite found in the town of Alcoy, particularly in Barangay Pugalo.

The mining company has a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) with the government to mine for 25 years or until 2030. The raw dolomite quarried by DMC is delivered to its sole buyer, the Philippine Mining Service Corporation (PMSC) for processing to various desired sizes and marketable products.

PMSC-Alcoy Plant has been issued a Mineral Processing Permit (MPP) by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and presently on its second 5-year term which will expire in 2023. The MPP has a maximum term of 25 years.

The sized dolomite products of PMSC-Alcoy Plant are marketed to several local and foreign buyers and end-users of dolomite. Outside the Philippines, it has markets in  Taiwan and Japan.

In the Philippines, it is shipped to various buyers/end-users in Misamiz Oriental, Pasig City, Davao City, Manila, as well as in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in the Province of Cebu.

On August 26, 2020, MGB-7 Regional Office issued an Ore Transport Permit (OTP) to PMSC to transport 3,500 WMT of processed dolomite (size -5mm) with cargo destination at Manila Integrated Cargo Terminal, Manila City. This dolomite shipment is the reported ‘white sand’ which had been spread along the shoreline of Manila Bay to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the bayfront.

“The dolomite materials sourced from Cebu have been extracted, produced, and shipped out to various buyers following proper regulatory laws and procedures,” declared MGB 7 Regional Director Loreto B. Alburo.

He assured that MGB 7 will continue to monitor all mining activities in Central Visayas particularly the transport and shipment of minerals/ores outside of the region to ensure strict adherence to existing laws, rules and regulations. / MGB7

Photo grabbed from PMSC Facebook account.