The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) boasts doubled accomplishment in the issuance of closure orders and mining permits and contracts in 2021 despite the effect of the pandemic on the mining industry.
In its drive to continuously strengthen the anti-illegal mining campaign, the DENR-MGB issued a total of 144 cease and desist orders (CDOs) against violators of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, up 240 percent from the original annual target of 59 CDOs.
The DENR-MGB has also exceeded its target on the issuance of mining permits and contracts this year with a total of 4,526 agreements/contracts/permits, ore transport permit/certification, declaration of mining project feasibility, and other mining-related permits.
Secretary Roy Cimatu said the DENR-MGB’s enhanced performance is in accordance with the campaign of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to address existing and arising issues on mining despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19.
“We were able to achieve this significant accomplishment for the year despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought to the mining sector.”
“With the unwavering support from the President, we were able to achieve this significant accomplishment for the year despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought to the mining sector,” Cimatu said.
The environment chief added that the accomplishments of the DENR-MGB are a manifestation of the strengthened responsible mining campaign of the Department.
“In our heightened campaign for responsible mining in the country, we are proud of our milestone in cracking down illegal and irresponsible use of our mining resources and areas beyond the target we have set,” the environment head stressed.
“The increase in the issuance of mining permits/contracts will compel mining companies and entities to abide by environmental laws.”
“On the other hand, the increase in the issuance of mining permits/contracts will compel mining companies and entities to abide by environmental laws, policies, and regulations, thus, making our mining sector more responsible,” he added.
Moreover, the DENR-MGB took pride in the P407.6 million contribution of the mining industry that was realigned from the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) to support the impact and non-impact communities affected by the pandemic.
Around P380 million was allocated for the procurement of personal protective equipment and medical supplies and goods for the social amelioration for the communities.
The fund served almost 300,000 frontliners/individuals and 1.1 million household beneficiaries.
The realignment of the annual SDMP fund and safety and health programs also aided in the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines for host and neighboring communities and mining employees and workers.
Meanwhile, the DENR-MGB has also finalized action on 164 mining applications under the “Use It or Lose It” policy by virtue of the DENR Administrative Order No. 2012-07 or The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 79.
The Mines Adjudication Board of the DENR-MGB has also deliberated on 21 complaints/cases/conflicts, while 23 charges were filed with the Provincial/City Prosecutor’s Offices as part of the anti-illegal mining campaign in 2021.
On geohazard assessment, the DENR-MGB continued its identification and mapping of geohazards for critical land areas where the updating of 1:10,000 scale maps and vulnerability and risk assessment benefited around 81 local government units (LGUs).
Karst subsidence assessments were also conducted in 19 LGUs nationwide.
On coastal vulnerability assessment and impact of climate change, the DENR-MGB has monitored 31 coastal municipal and city governments, topping the target 20 LGUs for the year.
Meanwhile, 52 cities and municipalities were assessed on their groundwater resource.
