Local officials and indigenous leaders in Abra province have launched a formal consultation process to determine the future of a proposed mineral exploration project, stressing that no mining activity can proceed without the validated consent of the community.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) facilitated the first community assembly in Sallapadan this week to initiate the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process.

The procedure, mandated by the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, serves as a legal milestone that must be completed before any exploration permits are issued.

Sallapadan Mayor Fernando A. Semanero clarified that the initial meeting was strictly informational and does not grant the project clearance to move forward and cited that the authority to grant or withhold consent rests exclusively with the indigenous cultural community.

“This is not a final decision,” Semanero said, adding that the outcome must reflect the collective will of the people.

The launch of the formal talks follows a period of tension regarding the project. Local stakeholders previously raised objections after an Authority to Verify Minerals was issued before the consent requirements were met.

These concerns prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to suspend related activities until the company achieved full legal compliance.

Yamang Mineral Corp., the company behind the proposal, stated it welcomes the structured dialogue and will respect the community’s ultimate decision.

In a statement, the company said it views the consent mechanism as a platform for transparency rather than a regulatory hurdle and remains committed to development that aligns with the expressed will of the host community.