In light of the responsible mining approach, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is gearing up for another environmental policy that would integrate biodiversity protection and conservation into mining operations.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with other government agencies, had conducted several meetings with the mining regulating unit in drafting the latest addition to the set of laws imposed on the mining industry under the responsible mining reform adopted last year.
“Series of meetings and consultations are being spearheaded by the DENR. It is also planned that the said policy shall be subject to public consultations, prior to the signing of the DENR Secretary (Roy Cimatu),” the Bureau said, citing that they are already working with different agencies including the Biodiversity Management Bureau, Environment Management Bureau, Climate Change Service and Mining Concerns and Planning Policy Service.
The MGB is also collaborating with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Marine Sciences Institute, UP National Institute of Geological Sciences, and UP-Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources, among others.
Technical support for environmental protection and rehabilitation, as well as mining tenements processing and approval, are also being provided by the Bureau’s Mine Safety Environment and Social Development Division and Mining Tenements Management Division.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) expressed its support on the crafting of the new policy and welcomed the opportunity of working alongside the government towards biodiversity integration.
“It is a good idea and the objective is good. We need to consider this aspect. But of course, it will still be subject to the details and the rationality,” Ronaldo Recidoro, executive director of the Mines chamber, said.
The Philippines is home to 228 key biodiversity areas in scattered regions, accounting for over 855 known, undiscovered, and fresh species contributory to national and global conservation initiatives.
Since last year, the government is hard at work strengthening the utilization and conservation of the country’s natural resources that was spearheaded by the controversial suspension of the open-pit mining method as a warning to all mining companies to “shape up” and incorporate a much responsible, safer approach to their operations.
A responsible mining approach, according to Cimatu, will give the mining industry a positive image to the public that will benefit all, entailing protection and preservation of the country’s flora and fauna species and habitats.
