Biofuel company eyes refineries in Western Visayas

A biofuel firm is proposing to put up refineries in Western Visayas, citing the region’s abundant supply of raw materials. Mario San Juan, chief operations officer and chief financial officer of US-based Bizminded Concepts, Inc., recently presented to the Regional Development Council in Western Visayas his company’s intention to operate in the region. Mr. San Juan said Bizminded Concepts has earmarked $55 million to put up biofuel refinery plants that can produce approximately 20 million gallons a year. He said his company is looking for 110,000 hectares of land on which to plant crops to fuel the refineries. “We hope to tap private landowners with sizeable plantations here in Western Visayas where we see a virtually inexhaustible network of feedstock sources. The company said it would engage in inter-cropping to replace old- generation crops and utilize hybrid technology in coconut while adding jatropha, sunflower, malunggay (Moringa oleifera) and algae as future feedstock. Bizminded Concepts was established in 2007 as a California private stock corporation, the company’s Web site said. It promotes and undertakes project development in “energy innovation and green technology.” (July 3, 2009)