The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed commitment to improve the efficiency of the application process for priority mining projects, particularly in two areas in Mindanao.
During a consultative meeting on mining concerns in Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula last May 5, DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna emphasized the importance of expediting the mining approval process in these regions amid the country’s continuing economic recovery from the pandemic.
“In our country’s quest for economic recovery from the long recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mining industry may well play a significant role. Our country has around 9 million hectares of land with high mineral potential, out of its total land area of 30 million hectares,” Sampulna said in his speech read by Undersecretary for Legal, Administration, Human Resources and Legislative Affairs Ernesto D. Adobo Jr.
The meeting led by the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) resulted in the identification of policy gaps and immediate actions from the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) on several concerns of mining applicants and permit holders in Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
Among the agenda discussed were the fast-tracking of issuance of environmental compliance certificates through simplified geological study by the EMB and the creation of one-stop shop to streamline mining applications by the MGB.
The faster process on issuance of area and dredging clearances by the DPWH and issuance of the Certificate of Non-Overlap and clarificatory meetings with the NCIP were also discussed.
MGB Director Wilfredo O. Moncano said that the aim to address the challenges in filing applications, securing certifications, acquiring permits, and operations of mining projects were mostly considered by the concerned agencies.
“There were some issues that cannot be addressed because these were not under the jurisdiction of the MGB and the other national government agencies that were present. We can bring these issues to the proper agencies. But, for the other issues, I believe we were able to come up with solutions on most of the problems raised in the consultative meeting,” Moncano said.
The consultative meeting was also attended by Earth Tools and Development Corporation, identified by the MGB 10 as a mining priority project under Phase 1, which covers companies in the development and construction stage whose commercial operations are expected to become viable within six months.
Holcim Resources and Development Corporation and CEKAS Development Corporation, which are both mining priority projects under Phase 2, also took part in the meeting.
Companies under Phase 2 are those in the process of filing for declaration of mining projects’ feasibility, including those in the advanced exploration stage.
Other issues and concerns surrounding TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc.’s Balabag Gold and Silver Project and Canatuan Project, and the Industrial Sand and Gravel permit holders in the Zamboanga Peninsula were also discussed.
Moncano said that apart from the prompt approval of permits, the meeting also aimed for the compliance of the Ease of Doing Business Law, improvement in the mines permitting system, faster development of the mineral sector, and increased production capacities of mines.###
