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The 11 Chinese nationals who were recently arrested for illegal mining operations in Paracale, Camarines Norte, could be searching for uranium, among other minerals, according to an official of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
“On paper, they are mining for ore. But based on technical assessment of our engineers, it’s highly probable they’re also trying to source out uranium deposits. Paracale has been identified as a possible source of uranium,” PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a radio interview on Thursday.
The Chinese nationals, who reportedly carried only tourist visas, were arrested by authorities in a joint operation on Sunday for allegedly operating an illegal mine in Paracale, a coastal town known for small-scale gold mining.
The arrest was also reported by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Wednesday as she expressed concern that the foreigners were able to obtain permits to operate a mine from local authorities in 2023.
