On August 03, 2022, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano issued MGB Memorandum Order (MMO) No. 2022-007 in re: “Guidelines for the Designation of Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office Head,” to strengthen the implementation of the pertinent provision on the organization of the Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office (MEPEO) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21, the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995.”
Pursuant to Section 173 of DAO No. 2010-21, the MEPEO shall be incorporated in the respective organizations of all Contractors and Permit Holders. The office tasked to implement environmental management programs shall be headed preferably by either a licensed Mining Engineer, Geologist or Metallurgical Engineer or by an Environmental Engineer with at least five (5) year experience in actual mining environmental work.
MMO No. 2022-007 provides specific qualifications and functions of the MEPEO Head. The said guideline for the designation of MEPEO Head aims to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of appropriate programs. The qualifications of MEPEO Head are classified into six (6) categories: professionals mentioned in Section 173; licensed engineers under specific fields; natural science professionals; graduate of mining and environmental management-related courses; individuals with master’s degree related to mining and environmental management; and individuals holding the position of MEPEO Head for at least fifteen (15) years.
Aside from the educational background, additional requirements for the MEPEO Head include number of years of experience in the mining/mineral processing environmental work, and EMB-accreditation as Managing Head or Pollution Control Officer.
For the case of Industrial Sand and Gravel Permits and MGB Regional Office-issued Mineral Processing Permits, the MEPEO shall be supervised by at least a part-time MEPEO Head that is deemed fit with the qualifications specified in the subject Order.
Additional provisions in MMO No. 2022-007 include duties and responsibilities of the MEPEO Head, and registration of the same.
All Contractors and Permit Holders are given until August 03, 2023 to comply with the provisions of the Memorandum Order otherwise their respective Contract/Permit shall be subjected to cancellation, revocation, or termination.
The full version of the said MGB MO can be viewed in the attachment below.
By: Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division
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 MMO No. 2022-007_Guidelines on MEPEO Head designation |