Published June 7, 2018, 10:00 PM By Madelaine B.
Miraflor
As compliance to this certain new
mining order will entail major changes in their operations, mining companies
are now doing preparatory works to comply with the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources’ (DENR) soon-to-be-released Department Administrative
Order (DAO) — which, in essence, will limit the area where they can
operate.
Environment Undersecretary Analiza
R. Teh said that she is “pushing” for the issuance of the DAO on Progressive
Rehabilitation this month.
Under the DAO, if a miner is
producing 1 million metric tons (MT) or less, they can only operate within 50
hectares of their mine sites, while those producing around 1 million to 3
million MT are only allowed to operate within 60 hectares of their tenements.
Those producing 3 million to 5
million MT, on the other hand, can only excavate within 70 hectares of their
contract areas.
Teh said that as early as now,
miners already began with their respective “preparatory works” in order to
comply with the order, which will be effective immediately after Environment
Secretary Roy Cimatu signed it.
“Actually, regional offices are
already working this out with mining companies. Chamber [of Mines of the
Philippines] said they will support and cooperate,” Teh further said.
In separate interview, Chamber of
Mines of the Philippines (COMP) Executive Director Ronald Recidoro confirmed
that miners are now ready to comply with the new order.
Environment Undersecretary Jonas
Leones earlier said that non-compliance of the DAO — which would be applicable
to all mining operations, even the existing ones that already have feasibility
studies — can result to suspension and closure.
Once implemented, the DAO will force
mining companies to make major adjustments in their operations. For one, they
should be able to start their rehabilitation efforts way earlier than they are
supposed to be.
Based on the existing laws, miners
are only required to implement their final mine rehabilitation or
decommissioning plan at least five years prior to the end of their mineral
agreements, which normally have a term of 25 years.
Leones said the DAO “doesn’t violate
the rights of the miners” because “in the first place, they are required to
rehabilitate and that the new order is just requiring them to adjust it.”
“They really have to adjust,” Leones
said. “This order really intends to cause a shake-up the industry.”
Aside from progressive
rehabilitation, the DENR is also looking at increasing the rehabilitation funds
that are required of miners.
Under the Philippine Mining Act, a
Mine Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) shall be deposited as a trust fund in a
government depository bank and shall be used for physical and social rehabilitation
of areas and communities affected by mining activities and for research on the
social, technical and preventive aspects of rehabilitation.
No comments:
Post a Comment