Coremin2 asks MGB to regulate small-scale mining

MANILA, Philippines - The Coalition for Responsible Mining in Mindanao (COREMIN2) is pushing for the regulation of small-scale miners by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to promote responsible mining operations in the country.

“[We] strongly support the proposal of reverting back to the MGB the mandate and authority of approving and regulating small-scale mining in the country,” COREMIN2 said in a statement dated April 20 but released to reporters yesterday.

It said the regulation by the MGB of small-scale miners would encourage responsible mining operations in the country.

The statement was issued following the issuance of the MGB of a cease and desist order against all forms of illegal mining activities in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

The MGB issued the cease and desist order against all illegal forms of mining in the Zamboanga Peninsula on April 13, citing that such activities have resulted in the depletion of mineral resources and violence in the area.

The cease and desist order covers small-scale mining operations and carbon-in-pulp processing operations without the required permits

“The issuance of the stoppage order is very timely considering the reported rampant violations perpetrated by illegal small-scale mining which have brought harm not only to the environment but also exploited the lowly people,” COREMIN2 said.

The Coalition which groups key mining companies in Mindanao added that the cease and desist order is an important first step towards ending the environmentally destructive practices, child labor, unsafe working conditions, and rising criminality which proliferate in areas where illegal mining is being undertaken.

COREMIN2 also said that it is hopeful that the cease and desist order would be implemented quickly so that the national government and legitimate mining contractors could proceed with the responsible development of mineral resources and their projects.