In line with the Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Philippine Rise and Celebes Sea Regions Project of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD) of MGB Central Office has conducted the Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Visayan Sea, Camotes Sea, Leyte Gulf and eastern portions of Bohol Sea including Butuan Bay on board the RPS Explorer covering the period of August 1 to September 20, 2024.
The primary objectives of the Project include the following:
• Conduct of research and exploration in Philippine Rise (PHR) and Celebes Sea Regions (CSR) in order to determine their geology and economic potentials;
• Delineation of areas with placer mineral deposits particularly gold, platinum, titanium, iron, scandium (other rare metals), hydrothermal vent systems and ferromanganese nodules and determination of the occurrence, concentration, genesis and ore reserves of polymetallic sulphides and other deep-sea mineral deposits within the PHR and CSR; and
• Assessment of coastal and potential offshore geological hazards in the Regions together with the conduct of geological studies.
Led by Dr. Rogel A. Santos, MGSD Chief and Overall Project Coordinator, the team included personnel from the MGB Central Office, along with the officers and crew of the RPS Explorer. Mr. Claysterkim J. Paloma, Senior Geologist of MGB Regional Office No. XIII, joined the cruise and assisted the team for two weeks while the project activities were carried out within the jurisdiction of Surigao del Norte.
The methods used in the conduct of the Marine Scientific Research are basically subdivided into three categories, namely pre-fieldwork activities, geoscientific activities during fieldwork on board the RPS Explorer or motorized boat and post-data gathering activities.
A 500-gross ton geophysical and geological survey vessel, the RPS Explorer was acquired through grant-in-aid from the Government of Japan in 1984 as part of the Offshore Scientific and Mineral Exploration of the then Bureau of Mines and Geosciences (BMGS). The research vessel, first of its kind in the Philippines, has been utilized and pivotal for the marine mineral exploration program of the BMGS (now the MGB). It was also involved in several multi-disciplinary research with inter-governmental organizations and institutions as well as other stakeholders in offshore explorations.
As the onboard survey equipment becomes obsolete and the vessel itself succumbs to wear and tear, it remained non-operational for years. Rehabilitation efforts started in 2020 with the purchase, delivery and installation of two brand new units of diesel generators. Since then, the research vessel has been used for geological studies and mineral exploration of PHR and CSR, hereinafter, referred to as the Project.