Celsius Resources Limited (ASX: CLA) has been able to accelerate its drilling activities at its flagship Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog copper-gold project (MCB Project) in the Philippines following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Operated via the company’s subsidiary, Makilala Mining Co. Inc (MMCI), drilling at MCB has now moved to 24 hours per day with the easing of local restrictions.
MMCI commenced the drilling programme at MCB on February 26, 2021alongside an environmental management work program. This drilling programme consists of a total of six diamond drill holes totalling approximately 4,000m.
The first two drill holes (MCB-033 & MCB-034) at the MCB Project are designed to confirm the continuity of the copper and gold mineralisation, for the purpose of increasing the confidence in the Mineral Resource and further assisting with the mining and metallurgical studies. Drilling of the first hole MCB-033 at the MCB Project is currently ongoing and is currently 730m as of the date of the latest release.
In other news, MMCI, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kalinga State University (KSU). The agreement was forged to achieve mutual objectives in the implementation of Social, Environmental, and Community Development initiatives for MMCI’s Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog Project in the Municipality of Pasil, Province of Kalinga, Philippines.
In his message, KSU President Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang expressed his gratitude to MMCI for considering the university as a partner. Describing it as an academe-industry linkage, he added, that this will definitely help KSU achieve its vision and mission in pursuing its role in regional and national development through its research and extension services.
On its part, the move is in line with MMCI’s thrust to work with project stakeholders in all aspects of its work programs to cultivate a sense of community ownership and participation
to ensure sustainability of project initiatives.
The collaboration is also beneficial as it would allow both parties to share technical and financial resources to implement projects cost-effectively while maximizing impact for the local community.
Initial activities identified under the agreement are the conduct of Baseline Social and Environmental Studies, training and development programs for the community, and other environmental programmes.
MMCI is keen on establishing long-term relationship with its stakeholders. The partnership with KSU is just the first step. More collaborations are in the works to enjoin the community in pitching in for the development, not only of the project area but the Region in general.