The Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) is fast tracking the approval process of several Minahang Bayan applications as the government moves forward with formalizing eligible small-scale mining operations in the country.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-attached agency is currently reviewing and evaluating Minahang Bayan applications together with non-government organizations to formalize small-scale gold mining operations.
The technical team of MGB met with International Labor Organization representatives on the proposed joint initiative to develop of small-scale mining.
“The formalization of eligible small-scale mining operations is just one of the current two-way approach of the DENR in addressing informal and illegal small-scale mining operations,” MGB said.
“This is also in simultaneous with the intensified campaign in controlling and regulating their proliferation, through the recent creation and activation of anti-illegal mining task forces,” MGB added.
Majority of the 300,000 to 500,000 small-scale miners operating in 40 mineral-rich provinces nationwide operate outside the Minahang Bayan.
According to the DENR, all small-scale mining activities operating outside Minahang Bayan were illegal in nature and should be stopped immediately.
Small scale produces more than the large scale industry but the Philippines do not benefit from them, in terms of taxation, as they are not being regulated.
The government has been long urged that small scale should be under MGB regulations just like large-scale miners to ensure an effective law implementation.
A Minahang Bayan centralizes processing of minerals within a zone where the government can better monitor gold production by small-scale miners. It helps the government curb illegal mining and manage the adverse environmental impacts of illegal and irresponsible mining operations in the country.
There are only three existing Minahang Bayan currently located in Masbate, Davao Oriental, and Samar.
A Minahang Bayan helps the government stop illegal mining and prevent the adverse environmental effects of indiscriminate mining operations in the country.
The DENR said the requirements for Minahang Bayan application include evaluation report from the MGB, results of initial review of the DENR and MGB, and proofs of notice to mining tenement holders, private landowners, to the host local government units and to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The government also requires a certification that there is no protest filed against the application, endorsement by the LGU, and consent from the land owners or companies who have claims over the area being applied for.
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