Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners Association (LIPMA) is expecting to get the first small-scale mining (SSM) contract in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
LIPMA will gain the SSM contract through a resolution passed by the Philippine Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Benguet on April 23.
PMRB-Benguet chair and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera director Fay Apil said the turnout is considered a victory for the sector by stakeholders and government officials alike.
“This is a historical and triumphant day. We were able to approve a resolution by PMRB Benguet of the SSM contract between LIPMA and the government of the Philippines,” Apil was quoted saying in a SunStar.com report.
According to Apil, the miners’ association complied to proper procedures submitting requirements like environmental protection and enhancement program, and community development plan.
The compliance resulted in an early approval from PMRB-Benguet of a 64-hectare Minahang Bayan application filed by LIPMA prior to the consent given by the Benguet Mining Corporation of their patented mining area in Antamok.
For LIPMA’s processing area, on the other hand, a 15-hectare mining area will be allocated.
Lomino Kaniteng, Benguet Small-Scale Miners Federation president, also look at the contract grant as victory to small-scale miners considering how several government agencies set tedious requirements for applications to be approved.
Kaniteng also explained that out of the 64 hectares declared as minahang bayan last year, a minimum of 1.25 and maximum of 20 hectares is allowed to all SSM contract applicant.
“It doesn’t mean that the 64 hectares all belong to LIPMA. Every qualified miner can apply for contract,” he said.
However, it was clarified by both Apil and Kaniteng that LIPMA still has to secure an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Environment Management Bureau which is mandatory to limit potential environmental risks making sure that providing livelihood to miners will not sacrifice the environment of Cordillera.
The PMRB assured that upon receiving the ECC, LIPMA will be issued the SSM contract with two-year effectivity which is renewable for another two years provided they comply with all the requirements.
