DENR OKs gas, mineral search in Benham Rise

DENR OKs gas, mineral search in Benham Rise

• Written by  PNA
• Monday, 06 August 2012 

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje said on Thursday the Department of Energy (DoE) can now explore the seabed of Benham Rise for possible natural gas and other mineral resources.

Paje revealed this as he included in the DENR’s performance review in the Senate the approval of the Philippines’ claim on the jurisdiction over the seabed resources in Benham Rise area by the United Nation on April 12.

”It’s now ours. The UN has agreed. It’s already ours. The DoE can take the ball if they want to,” Paje said.
Paje told the Senate committee on finance that the Benham Rise is rich in manganese and possibly, other minerals and natural gas.

DENR Undersecretary Peter Tiangco, who spearheaded the campaign to get the jurisdiction of the Benham Rise seabed for 12 years, said if the DoE or any department cannot explore the area at this time “the important thing is it is now ours.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/index.php/nation/item/2538-denr-oks-gas-mineral-search-in-benham-rise