EO 79, IN EFFECT PA RIN: Mining application processing in Davao still on-hold, MGB says

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Davao Region clarified that no mining applications processing and approval has taken place recently as the moratorium on mining applications is still being observed in the region.

“No mining application has been approved nor processed recently as the moratorium on mining application is still in effect by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 79 vis-à-vis DENR Memorandum Order No. 2016-01, or the “Audit of all Operating Mines and Moratorium on new Mining Projects,” MGB 11 Regional Director Atty. Jasper Alberto H. Lascano explained in a SunStar.com report.

Despite the observance of the EO which puts mining application processing on hold, reports of mining areas in Davao region obtaining MGB-11 approval have recently surfaced .

MGB-11 stated that Holcim Mining and Development Corp., APEX Mining Co., Inc., and Guidance Management Corp. are the only three operating and processing mining projects in Davao region while the rest are under exploration stage.

There are 17 approved and existing Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA), one Exploration Permit (EP), and one Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit (ISAG) are now included in MGB-11’s tenement record.

The agency, however, said it has pending mining applications for: 36 MPSA, 119 EP, four ISAG, and one Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA).

Putting the processing of mining applications on hold is part of MGB-11’s compliance to EO 79 which aims to ensure the protection of the environment while also increasing the revenues of the mining industry to promote economic and social development at the national and regional level.

Lascano guaranteed that mentioned applications are not yet denied and still possible to get approval upon passing proper assessment.