ENFORCING RESPONSIBLE MINING

In the recently held MRFC Meeting in Dinapigue town, committee chairperson and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Mario Ancheta and co-chairperson and Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2, provided technical assistance and recommendations for the mining firm officials to improve their operational status particularly in environmental concerns.

 

“Mining will not connote negative impression if we religiously take actions for it to be done responsibly,” the regional environment chief said adding the benefits extended by the mining companies in both economic and social development.

MGB Regional Director Ancheta emphasized for the regular conduct of site assessment within the mining area to validate the environmental compliance of the permit holder. “This is to ensure that provisions of DENR Administrative Order No. 21 s. 2020 known as the "Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995" is strictly enforced," Director Ancheta said.

 

The monitoring of mining operation’s compliance is also in accordance with the new DAO No. 4 s. 2022 issued by Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna which provides for the guidelines on responsible mining. It aims to strengthen measures to protect terrestrial and marine biodiversity in mining operations.

 

In the meeting, representative from the DMC presented the programs and activities of the different developmental projects implemented within the area.

 

RED Bambalan discussed strategies on how to implement better the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) and the five-year Social Development and Management Plan (SDMP) of the company. “The DENR will continuously monitor the integration of environmental programs to these plans during the whole duration of the mining operation,” she added.

 

The application of the DMC for conversion of tenurial instrument from Special Land Use Permit to Forest Land Use Agreement was also tackled during the meeting.

 

Development projects in the area such as agroforestry and nursery establishments were also visited as the mining company committed to apply all environmental regulations in mining operation.

 

The MRFC is responsible to manage the funding requirement for each mining company purposely used as an environmental deposit to ensure availability of funds for the satisfactory compliance with the commitments of the mining companies. It is conducted quarterly to monitor the performance of the mining firms and ensure that rehabilitation of areas and development of communities affected by mining activities are implemented.

 

Other MMT members from the Environmental Management Bureau; and the concerned Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers, local government unit, and non-government organization attended the meeting.#