DENR shortens processing time for mining permits

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has shortened the processing time for new exploration permits and mineral agreements for initial exploration activities to 10 weeks from 15 weeks.

Through Memorandum Order No. 2010-04, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) was directed to expedite the approval of mining contracts and permits, thoroughly review existing applications, and strengthen compliance requirements.

DENR Secretary Horacio Ramos said the shorter processing time for exploration permits is expected to revitalize the Philippine minerals industry.

Ramos ordered renewals of exploration permits and renewals of exploration period of a mineral agreement be approved within 15 days of payment of renewal fees.  

He said, however, that the DENR will disapprove applications of mining firms that fail to consult with and get the consent of indigenous peoples living in the exploration site.

Applications of mining companies will be disapproved if they fail to secure the Certificate of Non-Overlap from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), as well as the NCIP Certification Precondition within three years of request for certification.

Failure to secure the proof of consultation with the concerned municipal or provincial council two years from the date of filing of mining application will also be a ground for disapproval. 

On the other hand, existing mining contracts or permits of firms that fail to implement the three-year development/utilization work program or the exploration work program for two consecutive years will be cancelled.

Mineral agreements with expired exploration permits for five years or more will also be cancelled.

Prior to the commissioning of a mining project, the DENR will inspect the mining site. 

The mining bureau will also send a mine inspector to major mining projects to monitor compliance with government requirements.