Executives in the mining sector are advocating for further regulatory modifications to unlock additional investments in the Philippine mining industry.
In a report by the Inquirer, Chair of Philex Mining Corp. Manuel Pangilinan emphasized the necessity to separate the roles of regulation and promotion within the industry.
Pangilinan expressed concerns regarding the conflicting objectives of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), both entities falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), leading to a “policy dilemma.”
During his earlier speech at the Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition, he proposed to establish an independent entity similar to the US Environmental Protection Agency, separate from the EMB, without the need to form a new department and allot a separate budget.
Pangilinan also raised concerns related to health, safety, and the exploitation of women and child laborers within the sector and pointed out the lack of clear plans and actionable strategies for post-mining rehabilitation to restore mine sites to their original natural state.
Meanwhile, Tulsi Das Reyes, the President of DMCI Mining Corp., acknowledged the current administration’s supportive stance toward the mining sector.
He implied that the permitting process could be improved by drawing inspiration from the Department of Energy’s one-stop-shop approach, for a more streamlined and efficient process.
