NEWS

By Jed Macapagal | Malaya | February 18, 2025

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is mandating mining companies to incorporate the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) into their Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs).

The DENR said in a statement on Monday mining firms must now include programs for enhancing biodiversity conservation and protection as well as institutionalizing climate action of host and impact communities, among others.

The DENR said the administrative order was signed by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga without giving details.

SDMP is the five-year comprehensive plan required from mining companies for the sustained improvement of the living standards of their host and neighboring communities in their areas of operation.

“We’re also looking at labor practices, gender equity, social services, along with reforestation, rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystems to address biodiversity loss,” Loyzaga said.

This initiative also supports the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to utilize the nation’s natural resources for sustainable development, she added.

“The goal is to ensure that the wealth generated from mineral extraction is shared equitably, that ecosystems are protected, and that local communities gain empowerment,” Loyzaga said.

The DENR also said mining contractors and permit holders will have the responsibility in ensuring that SDGs are achieved within their host and neighboring communities.

The 17-point UN SDGs are no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality, clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnership for the goals.

Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 which is implemented through DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, mining contractors and permit holders are mandated to designate 1.5 percent of their operating expenses towards the SDMP.

The SDMP allocation is directed towards the host communities of the mining projects and is utilized by local government units (LGUs) in the form of community development projects.

Specifically, 10 percent is reserved for information, education and communication efforts, 15 percent is allocated for the advancement of mining technology and geosciences and 75 percent is designated for projects directly implemented by LGUs, such as roads, water supply, health centers, school buildings and scholarships and livelihood projects, among others.

From 2002 to 2027, the total approved SDMP commitment reached P28 billion, with P17.7 billion allotted for 2002 to 2022 for activities such as livelihood programs, educational support, health and medical assistance, public infrastructure and socio-cultural and religious support, the DENR said.

Meanwhile, the local mining sector welcomes the new measure, according to the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP).

Michael Toledo, COMP chairman, said in a separate statement the group’s adaptation of the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative is already addressing at least 11 of the 17 UN-SDGs.

“This is on top of the goals that we are already concentrating on with the ESG (environmental, social and governance) provisions of our country’s very stringent mining regulatory framework. We like to think that we are in tune with the times and our members are ready to contribute their share to meet the global demand for green technologies through sustainable mining practices,” Toledo said.

Dante Bravo, Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. president, in another statement said the company is supportive of “sustainable mining practices that drive economic growth while safeguarding the environment and empowering communities.”

“We are proud to say that we are very much aligned with the UN-SDGs through our annual SDMP and EPEP (Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program), plus our corporate social responsibility programs,” Bravo said.

Source: Malaya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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