Mining moratorium not lifted

“We have not lifted the moratorium on the processing and issuance of new mining permits. In fact, since I assumed office in July last year, I have not issued a single new mining permit as we are committed to address first the increasing concerns aired by various sectors, including local government units, on the environmental and social impacts of mining,” Paje explained.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje recently clarified that the moratorium on the issuance of new mining tenements remains in force until such time that planned reforms in the mining sector are put in place.

Paje made the clarification following news reports stating that the DENR has already lifted the mining moratorium it has imposed early this year as it moved to cleanse the mines bureau of ageing mining applications.

According to Paje, the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (NGB) has renewed 10 exploration permits last October 6. He made it clear that these approvals made by MGB Director Leo Jasareno are renewal of exploration permits issued prior to the imposition of the mining moratorium and not new mining permits.

MGB Director Jasareno said that the companies cleared by his office to resume their exploration activities include Cessmag Development Inc. in Misamis Oriental (EP-000006A-X), Coolabah Mining Corp. in Nueva Vizcaya (EP-II-00003), Cordillera Exploration Company in Abra (EP-0042006-CAR), Egerton Gold Philippines, Inc. in Batangas (EP-IVA-011), Masbate 10 Philippines, Inc. in Masbate (EP-V-2007-04), and, Mineral Treasures Mining Corp. in Zambales (EP-02-2009-III).

Others are: Pacific Metals Canada Philippines, Inc. in Tacloban City and Leyte (EP-2009-000008-VIII), Red Earth Mining Corp. in Nueva Vizcaya (EP-II-00006), Sagittarius Mines, Inc. in South Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat (EP-00001-08-XI), and UP Mines, Inc. in Southern Leyte (EP-2005-000005-VIII).

Jasareno described exploration activities as “having minimum impact to communities and the environment, and do not necessarily lead to the development of a mine.”

Exploration permit is a two-year permit issued by the MGB that allows the holder to search for minerals, and is renewable for the same period. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila