DENR SECRETARY MEETS WITH THE CHAMBER OF MINES
"I AM NOT ANTI-MINING!" These words were uttered by DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje, Jr. during the membership meeting of the Chamber of Mines where he was guest speaker. This, after his pronouncement that he is amenable to the review of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. He explained that he cannot prevent Congress or other sectors in initiating the review as he believes this will consolidate efforts in the Chamber and sustain the improvement of the law. But he said he admits that the Mining Act is "one of the best mining laws in the world"
The Secretary said that he has to balance the concerns of mines, biodiversity and protected areas, lands, forests and other natural resources including the protection of the environment. "No government can go against mining" restating his support for responsible mining. He reiterated the President's policy to make the Philippines a "predictable and consistent place for investment", where contracts are honoured and due protection to investors are given.
Secretary Paje discussed the actions he would take with respect to the Environment Code of South Cotabato banning open pit mining and other provincial resolutions on mining moratorium saying that he will issue a Memorandum Order/Circular to all the DENR Offices to follow the Mining Law and the mandate of the DENR in exercising full control and supervision over resource utilization through the establishment of guidelines and regulations. He added that there is a need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the national and local governments with respect to natural resource development and environmental protection.
Other important issues discussed during the meeting were: the review of the 2,800 tenement applications pending before MGB, and reducing the transaction costs for permit application process.
The Secretary said that he has to balance the concerns of mines, biodiversity and protected areas, lands, forests and other natural resources including the protection of the environment. "No government can go against mining" restating his support for responsible mining. He reiterated the President's policy to make the Philippines a "predictable and consistent place for investment", where contracts are honoured and due protection to investors are given.
Secretary Paje discussed the actions he would take with respect to the Environment Code of South Cotabato banning open pit mining and other provincial resolutions on mining moratorium saying that he will issue a Memorandum Order/Circular to all the DENR Offices to follow the Mining Law and the mandate of the DENR in exercising full control and supervision over resource utilization through the establishment of guidelines and regulations. He added that there is a need to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the national and local governments with respect to natural resource development and environmental protection.
Other important issues discussed during the meeting were: the review of the 2,800 tenement applications pending before MGB, and reducing the transaction costs for permit application process.
COMPLIANCE AND BEYOND:A Guidebook on Corporate Social Responsibility for the Philippine Mining Industry
Is an effort of the country’s Chamber of Mines to demonstrate its commitment to the tenets of responsible mining and the goals of sustainable development through the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
News Articles Archive 2010
- Reponsible Mining Exhibited at the World Expo 2010
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- IUCN Disowns Statements from Environmental Groups
- Mining 101 for Non-Mining Professionals at UP
- The Philippine National Red Cross Thanks Chamber of Mines
- Antienz's Work Cited by Mining Industry: Welcomes New DENR Secretary
2009