About Us

WASIAN SMALL SCALE MINERS’ ASSOCIATION (WSSMA)

Purok 01, Barangay Wasian, Municipality of Rosario, Province of Agusan del Sur
Certificate of Registration No.: R013 – ADSFO-WA-OURS-2025-07-00010

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Wasian Small Scale Miners’ Association (WSSMA) is a duly registered, community-based people’s organization composed of responsible small-scale miners operating within the jurisdiction of Barangay Wasian, Municipality of Rosario, Province of Agusan del Sur.

Formally established under Certificate of Registration No. R013–ADSFO-WA-OURS-2025-07-00010, WSSMA upholds the principles of sustainable, equitable, and environmentally sound mineral resource utilization. It operates in close coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. XIII (Caraga) and the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Agusan del Sur, in accordance with Republic Act No. 7076 (People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991) and Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995).

The Association aims to empower local miners, ensure the fair distribution of mining benefits, and integrate environmental stewardship into all aspects of mineral extraction and processing. Its long-term goal is to become a model of responsible and community-led mining in the Caraga Region.

II. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS

Vision

To be a recognized and self-sustaining association of responsible small-scale miners in Agusan del Sur, contributing to inclusive economic growth, environmental integrity, and community development.

Mission

To promote ethical small-scale mining practices through efficient resource management, technical training, environmental conservation, and partnership with government and indigenous communities for a balanced and sustainable local economy.

III. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Wasian Small Scale Miners’ Association was founded through the collective initiative of small-scale miners and indigenous Manobo leaders residing in Barangay Wasian. Recognizing the need for legal recognition, environmental compliance, and economic empowerment, the Association organized itself under the guidance of the Municipal Government of Rosario and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

WSSMA’s establishment marked a significant step in transforming informal mining practices into a regulated and community-managed industry, ensuring equitable access to resources, enhanced safety, and compliance with environmental standards.

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

A. Legal and Institutional Framework

The Association functions under the direct supervision of the PMRB – Agusan del Sur, and adheres to the regulatory oversight of the MGB Regional Office No. XIII (Caraga). It maintains coordination with the Municipality of Rosario, Barangay Wasian, and other relevant government agencies in policy compliance, safety enforcement, and environmental protection

B. Supervising Authority: Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) – Agusan del Sur

PMRB and Key Local Officials:

  • ENGR. LARRY M. HERADEZ
    Regional Director, MGB Regional Office No. XIII (Caraga)
    Km. 2, National Highway, Surigao City 8400
    Tel: (086) 826-5256 | Fax: (086) 826-1058
    Email: region13@mgb.gov.ph | www.mgbr13.ph

  • HON. SANTIAGO B. CANE, JR.
    Provincial Governor, Province of Agusan del Sur
    Provincial Capitol, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
    agusandelsur.gov.ph

  • HON. JUPITER C. ABULOG
    Municipal Mayor, Municipality of Rosario
    Municipal Hall, Rosario, Agusan del Sur

  • HON. JENNY S. CALONGO
    Punong Barangay, Barangay Wasian
    Municipality of Rosario, Province of Agusan del Sur

V. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Wasian Mining Area encompasses mineralized zones within Barangay Wasian that contain auriferous (gold-bearing) and associated mineral deposits. Historical panning and artisanal mining activities confirm the presence of gold within alluvial and weathered rock formations.

WSSMA’s operations prioritize legal, organized, and environmentally compliant extraction methods, following the technical guidance of the MGB and DENR. The project aims to generate livelihood opportunities while ensuring resource sustainability through regulated small-scale mining systems.

VI. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Geologically, the Wasian area forms part of the Eastern Mindanao Gold Belt, characterized by volcanic and intrusive rock formations favorable to gold mineralization. The mineralization occurs primarily along quartz veins hosted by altered andesitic to dioritic rocks.

Surface sampling and artisanal diggings have indicated the presence of fine to coarse gold grains, often associated with sulfide minerals. Ongoing geological assessment and mapping are being undertaken to delineate resource zones and support future mine planning.

VII. MINING SYSTEM AND OPERATIONS

The mining method adopted by WSSMA is based on manual and semi-mechanized small-scale techniques, in compliance with DENR Administrative Order No. 2015-03 (Guidelines for Small-Scale Mining Operations).

Operational Features:

  • Shallow excavation and tunnel mining with reinforced supports.

  • Controlled sluicing and gravity concentration methods for gold recovery.

  • Use of mercury-free processing techniques whenever feasible.

  • Proper mine waste segregation and tailings containment system.

  • Continuous coordination with MGB for technical monitoring and permit compliance.

VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT

WSSMA is committed to sustainable environmental practices and occupational safety. Its Environmental and Safety Management Program includes:

  • Rehabilitation and Reforestation of disturbed areas after mining operations.

  • Construction of Settling Ponds to prevent siltation and water pollution.

  • Mine Waste Management, ensuring proper disposal of non-ore materials.

  • Worker Safety Orientation, provision of PPEs, and first-aid facilities.

  • Community Environmental Education, involving local residents in ecological protection.

WSSMA’s environmental compliance aligns with the DENR’s Small-Scale Mining Environmental Guidelines, and is periodically audited by the MGB Regional Office XIII and Municipal ENRO of Rosario.

IX. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Association’s social responsibility extends to providing livelihood diversification, capacity-building programs, and support for local education and health initiatives. WSSMA collaborates with the NCIP, LGUs, and TESDA to promote indigenous peoples’ welfare and skills training in sustainable mining and environmental management.

The Wasian Small Scale Miners’ Association (WSSMA) represents a new era of organized, law-abiding, and environmentally responsible small-scale mining in Agusan del Sur. Through collaborative governance, community participation, and adherence to national mining standards, WSSMA aspires to serve as a model of inclusive and sustainable mineral resource development in the Caraga Region.

Gallery

Showcasing our mining community's journey