CNMI Public Lands Department Hires Mining Expert
(By Frank S. Rosario in Saipan, Pacific Magazine)
A mining industry consultant with 48 years of experience has been hired by the Department of Public Lands (DPL) to determine the economic potential of pozzolan deposits on Pagan, an island about 300 miles north of Saipan.
Dr. John W. Wilson will begin his work with an analysis to determine the quality and estimated quantity of pozzolan on Pagan, according to a press release from the Governor’s office. The $152,000 contract includes the cost of sub-contractors and transportation.
“The amount of pozzolan on Pagan has been substantially depleted since the eruption of 1981,” according to John S. Del Rosario, Secretary of the Department of Public Lands. “Unless effective action is taken in the near future, we may lose a unique source of revenue at a time when new revenues are desperately needed,” he added.
In the middle part of last year, Governor Benigno R. Fitial formed a task force to determine the amount of pozzolan on Pagan and instructed them to keep him informed on the status of their work. This occurred shortly after DPL terminated the contract of a local company mining pozzolan for numerous violations. The company sued DPL in a matter which is still before the Northern Marianas Superior Court.
Pozzolan is an extract from volcano eruption that can be used in cement products to strengthen concrete used in buildings and roads.
A preliminary report on relevant literature and contact with mining and cement companies is expected to be submitted by the end of next month.
Del Rosario said he realized the current litigation regarding termination of the J.G. Sablan mining permit may delay the issuance of the request for proposals (RFP). “But we need expert assistance now to address some basic issues on what we hope will be a lucrative investment opportunity worth millions of dollars for the Commonwealth,” Del Rosario said.
The task force, comprising of executive and legislative branch officials, is headed by Rep. Cinta Kaipat, a former Pagan resident who has been residing on Saipan. Residents of Pagan were evacuated to Saipan following the eruption in 1981. Pagan has been declared off-limit for human habitation since the eruption but has since been resettled by a few former residents. The volcano is still active.
