Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order (EO) No. 130 through DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-25 in re: Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order 130 entitled: Amending Section 4 of E.O. No. 79, S. 2012, Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector, Providing Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources, last August 2, 2021.

EO No. 130, which was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 14, 2021, amends the provision of Section 4 of EO No. 79 which was issued by former President Benigno S.  Aquino III in 2012, effectively lifting the nine-year moratorium on new mining projects.

The said IRR, which was formulated by a Technical Working Group composed of technical personnel from MGB and other officials from DENR, provides streamlined procedures and requirements for the processing and approval of new mining applications.

Other salient provisions of the said IRR include (1) renegotiation of existing mining contracts and agreements to maximize government revenues and share from production; (2) review and recommendation of appropriate measures to rationalize existing sharing schemes and mechanisms; (3) declaration of areas covered by Mineral Agreements into mineral reservation; and (4) strict implementation of mine safety, environment and social development policies, including compliance of mining contractors/permit holders with the recommended measures of the Mining Industry Coordination Council, based on the result of the completed objective, fact-finding, science-based review of mining operations.

The IRR, which will take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of a general circulation and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register, is expected to be a key driver in the country’s post-COVID recovery, by ushering in significant economic benefits through increased direct investments, creation of additional employment opportunities in rural areas, and support to government projects such as the “Build, Build, Build” Program.

The full copy of the IRR can be accessed through this link at DENR website: DAO 2021-25

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division