New team to check mining operations

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 will create a multi-stakeholder team in Central Visayas that will review the performance of existing mining operations and cleansing of non-moving mining rights holders as mandated under Executive Order number 79.

Based on the data released by the MGB 7’s Mine Management Division, there are about 48 mining rights holders in Region 7 with Cebu having the highest with 40 followed by Negros Oriental with five, Bohol with two, and Siquijor with one.

In a press statement, Eddie Llamedo, information officer of the Department of  Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7, said the figure represents only about 2.66 percent or an aggregate of  39,707.4363 hectares of the total land area of 1,492,185 hectares in Region-7.

He said that of  the 48, about 41 are mineral production sharing agreement holders while four and three for exploration permits and lease contracts, respectively.

MGB 7 Director Loreto Alburo said that the review will be made while rationalizing the management and utilization of minerals toward sustainable development.

The MST, which will be led by DENR-MGB, will be composed of  the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of  Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples, and a local government unit in each of the four provinces.

Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 executive director, said the review shall be based on guidelines and parameters set forth in the specific mining contract or agreement and on other pertinent or applicable laws, rules and regulations, such as the Mining Act of 1995 and the Labor Code.

Montejo said appropriate action shall be taken against those proven to have violated the law. He added that EO 79, which was signed last July 6, 2012 by President Aquino, institutionalizes and implements reforms in the country’s mining sector, considers both economic growth and the environment in its provisions.

The order also reinforces environmental protection measures, promotes responsible mining, provides a more equitable revenue-sharing scheme, and provides coordinative mechanisms among stakeholders including local government units.  (FREEMAN)