Miners start progressive rehab program

MANILA, Philippines — Mining companies are in talks with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on the lifting of the ban on open pit mining.

“We are talking with DENR and MGB on how to get the President to reconsider his position on open pit mining. It’s really a perception issue, we need to improve the perception of mining before we can move forward,” COMP executive director Ronald Recidoro told The STAR.

Before he left for China, Duterte ordered mining companies to conduct tree planting projects and warned he would extend the ban on open pit mining if firms would not comply.

“In six months, I do not want to see any bald piece of land there. If I don’t see trees as tall as me, better pack up, you can go, and that will be closed permanently,” Duterte said.

The open pit ban was imposed by former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez in April 2017.

While the open pit method is legally acceptable in the country, Duterte rejected the recommendation of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council to lift the ban.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, however,  is optimistic its members can comply with the six-month deadline.

COMP and the MGB are finalizing the new policy on mine rehabilitation, which is already up for approval by DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.

“Under the current regulation, we are undertaking progressive rehabilitation which means we are no longer waiting for the mines to be finished before we start. The DENR wants us to widen our efforts to include not just the mined out areas but also those that are idle,” Recidoro said.

“The President has to see a new face of mining and change his perception. Then we will see from there,” he added.