Mining agencies and associations called for responsible mining, the implementation of better mining policies, and the promotion of communication and discourse between sectors through a series of summits held from July to August 2019.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), along with various government agencies, mining companies, students and people in academe, media, and non-government organizations, called for the promotion of responsible mining in the country as well as the raise of awareness on responsible mining practices and recent policies on mining.
In his opening remarks at a Stakeholders’ Forum organized by the Mineral Economics, Information, and Public Division of the MGB Central Office, MGB Acting Director Wilfredo G. Moncan encouraged everyone to not only participate in the forum but to also promote and observe sustainability and sustainable development in the mining industry.
In Compostela Valley, the provincial government, under Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO), and in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Caring Gold Mining Project, International Labour Organization (ILO) Social Justice Decent Work, and the BAN Toxics hosted the National Summit for the Presentation of the Proposed Amendment of the RIRR of the Republic Act (R.A.) 7076 and the 1st National Assembly of the Philippine National Coalition for Small-Scale Miners held from July 28 to July 31 at the Provincial Capitol, Cabidianan, Nabunturan.
Carrying out the theme “Responsableng Pagmina…, Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” around 200 leaders and representatives from different mining associations in the country attended the three-day summit.
Similar to the earlier forum conducted by the MGB, this three-day national assembly also called for the strengthening of the Philippine National Coalition for Artisanal and Small-Scale mining to have a legal personality, to present various responsible practices observed by different miners’ association in the country, to present the DENR – MGB’s revised implementing rules and regulations of the R.A. 77076, to present the updates and the initiatives on the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) as well as the ASGM draft of national action plan and proposed amendment of the act, and to promote compassionale gold business model and certification as an innovative solution to address policy gaps, fomalization, child labor, working conditions, and transparent supply chains.
With the theme “Understanding Gross Value Added on Mining, #Mine Responsibility Campaign, and Consultation on Proposed Policies on Mining,” the most recent small-scale mining summit was the 7th Stakeholders’ Forum held by the MGB on August 13 at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.
According to DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and Finance, Engr. Nonita S. Caguioa, the mining industry has been contributing significantly to the country’s economy for many years.
Engr. Caguioa also called for the establishment of a connection and the promotion of discourse between the mining companies and the host communities to have a better grasp of the needs, the boundaries, and the limitations of both parties. She also reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to prioritize the protection of the environment while mineral exploration in the country is being promoted
Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, in his closing remarks in the July 12, 2019 Stakeholders’ Forum, emphasized the importance of working together to promote responsible mining in order to attain better lives for the present and future generations.
