On Earth Day, Zamboanga geologist shares life behind explorations
PAGADIAN CITY—For Dr. Lawrence Zamora, supervising geologist of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, his profession demands grit, precision, and constant exposure to the elements—whether under scorching heat, heavy rain, or in steep and flood-prone terrain, sometimes even in communities wary of outsiders.
Marking Earth Day, Zamora offered a look into “a day in the life of a geologist,” emphasizing the profession’s crucial role in resource exploration and geohazard assessment.
“Geologists analyze rocks and soils to locate natural resources. We determine whether an area is economically viable and beneficial for the country,” he told the Inquirer.
In mining, the work is highly technical. Geologists identify potential sites, extract samples from as deep as 500 meters underground, and analyze even the smallest particles from diamond drill cores. With drilling costs reaching up to P8,000 per meter, precision is critical.
Zamora said early indicators of mineral-rich areas include reddish soil, sparse vegetation, and the presence of pyrites or sulfides that react with rainwater, producing acidity that inhibits plant growth.
“We usually target mountains with these characteristics,” he shared, noting that small-scale miners often gravitate toward such areas—another sign of possible deposits.
Zamora recalled a case in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, where exploration was halted after a resort owner opposed drilling, fearing it would affect the water supply.
At the Balabag Gold-Silver Project in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, he demonstrated how diamond core samples—cylindrical rock sections extracted using industrial drills—help map ore bodies and identify mineralized zones.
Dangers
While small-scale miners dig tunnels manually, geologists rely on scientific drilling and laboratory analysis. Still, the job carries risks.
Zamora cited dangers, such as landslides, flooding, and difficult terrain, as well as occasional tensions with communities protective of their land.
“Safety training is part of our education. We are taught to deal with unpredictable environments and even with people who may not welcome our presence,” he said.
Beyond mining, MGB geologists conduct geohazard mapping across the Zamboanga Peninsula, assessing slopes, rock formations, and flood-prone areas.
Since 2007, these maps have guided local governments in disaster preparedness and land-use planning.
In 2018, surveys identified limestone or karst areas—prone to subsidence or ground collapse—in parts of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, and in Ipil and Buug towns in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Zamora said findings have been shared with the Office of Civil Defense and local governments, but awareness remains a challenge.
Misconception
“Communities in these areas know there are hollow spaces beneath them, but they don’t fully realize the risks,” he noted.
Zamora also highlighted hydrological studies that help identify potential water sources, providing critical data for communities.
He laughed as he addressed a common misconception. “Many people think geologists are treasure hunters. I tell them, ‘Hindi po iyon ang pinag-aralan namin (That’s not what we studied).’”
Zamora admitted he initially had no plans to pursue geology, having considered mathematics before enrolling in the program due to low enrollment. He recalled attending classes with now Environment Undersecretary Carlos Primo David, sometimes with only two students.
Today, Zamora and his team are systematically mapping the peninsula “quadrangle by quadrangle,” covering about 50,000 hectares each, to better understand tectonic boundaries, volcanic activity, and mineralization.
For him, the profession offers both purpose and adventure. “We love to travel, and in this job, we actually get paid to do it,” he said, recalling trips to remote sites on “habal-habal” motorcycles.
Zamora noted that the MGB’s mission is to identify resources that can support national development while ensuring communities are protected from geohazards.
“Mineralized areas can contribute to economic growth, but hazardous zones must be properly managed and protected,” he said.
On Earth Day, his reflections underscore the delicate balance between resource exploration and environmental stewardship—a reminder that beneath the ground lies both promise and peril, and geologists play a crucial role in navigating both.
