NEWS

By Jonathan L. Mayuga | Business Mirror

AMID the pandemic, the government stopped 144 illegal mining operations in 2021, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu credited the “enhanced performance” of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) which led to the closure of the illegal mining operations in accordance with Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Cimatu issued the statement as the agency mandated to manage the country’s natural wealth came under heavy attack with the lifting of open-pit mining method, a reversal of an environmental policy put in place in 2017 by the late and former DENR Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez.

According to Cimatu, the number of cease-and-desist orders issued in 2021 is up 240 percent from the original annual target of 59 stop orders of the government.

However, a total of 4,526 mining permits and contracts, which include ore transport permit and declaration of mining project feasibility, were issued last year.

The DENR chief said the “enhanced performance” of the MGB hews to the Duterte administration’s policy to address mining issues and concerns.

“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 in a statement.

The accomplishments of the DENR-MGB, Cimatu added, 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 on illegal and irresponsible use of our mining resources and areas beyond the target we have set,” Cimatu said.

“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.

The DENR-MGB reported that a total of P407.6 million were contributed by the mining industry from the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) to help cushion the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Around P380 million was allocated for the procurement of personal protective equipment and medical supplies and goods for the social amelioration of communities.

The fund served almost 300,000 front liners/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 2012-07 or The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order 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.

Source: Business Mirror