DENR, APO conduct mine tour, symposium

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the APO Cement held a mine tour and a symposium in Tina-an, Naga town on Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, to promote responsible mining in the country.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional director Roger de Dios described the mining act as the "best law we ever had as it is the only mining law in the world that respects the environment" and the human health.

MGB regional mining and environment section chief Armando Malicsi explained that RA 7942 declared that the private sector also has the responsibility of safeguarding the environment and protecting the rights of affected communities.

He said the law embraces the concept of sustainable development "that aims to meet the needs of the society today, while conserving ecosystems for the benefits of future generations."

Malicsi said that the law's provisions are aimed at maintaining sustainable environmental conditions at every stage of the mining operation, establishing a functional post-disturbance land use capability, preserving downstream freshwater quality, preserving sea water quality and natural habitats for marine life, preventing air and noise pollution, and respecting for the traditional or sustainable management strategies concerning natural resources of indigenous cultural communities and other communities.

The MGB chief reiterated that mining companies are required to submit reports at every stage of the mining operations - exploration, feasibility, construction and development, commercial operation, mine closure, and post-mine closure.

Before being granted a permit to explore a specified area, a mining company should submit an Environmental Work Program stating its environmental management in mineral exploration. Safety and health concerns should also be incorporated in the EWP.

At least 10 percent of the exploration costs should be allotted for EWP. A Certificate of Environmental Management and Community Relations Record (CEMCRR) is also required to make sure that the company has a satisfactory relationship with local communities and that it upholds acceptable resource management strategies.

During the feasibility stage, the company is also required to submit initial estimates for its prescribed environmental and social development responsibilities.

An Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) should also be submitted during the construction and development stages.

EPEP details the procedures the company would use in attaining its environmental protection and management objectives.

The firm should also submit a Safety and Health Program (SHP) within 15 working days before the start of every calendar year. A comprehensive five-year Social Development and Management Program will be required to ensure the project's development and implementation.

The company is also required to submit the Annual Environment Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP) at least 30 calendar days before the beginning of the year.

Malicsi explained that all mining companies are required to conduct reforestation within or outside their mining operations to make sure that the ecosystems of the place would be preserved when they close the mining company.

A livelihood program should also be provided to the community folk who would be rendered jobless the moment the mine closes and that the mine rehabilitation would be done after the closure. - Noreen B. Napoles