BAGUIO CITY, April 10 (PNA) – The Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) received 49 small mining applications since Executive Order Numbered 79 was issued in 2012.
Sec. 11 of EO 79 limits the activities of small-scale mining, which is aimed to contain mine tailings from spilling into the environment in general.
In an interview on Friday, MGB Regional Director Fay Apil said there were 20 applications from Benguet, 10 from Apayao, six from Baguio City, four from Mountain Province and three each from Kalinga, Abra and Ifugao provinces for a total of 49 applications.
Apil said this only signified the intent of the people and small-scale mining associations in sustaining their means of livelihood.
The DENR and the City and Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (C/PMRB) are scheduled to discuss the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) prior to the identification of “Minahang Bayan” and approval of the applications.
”Minahang Bayan” is an attempt of the government to regulate small-scale mining which are blamed for poisoning of waterways and deforestation which eventually leads to soil erosion and landslides or flooding.
The EO bans the use of mercury and cyanide in small-scale mining and provides for the state ownership of mine tailings and wastes upon the expiration of the contract. (PNA)