In a recent event held in Cebu City, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) conducted a rollout activity for the implementation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2022-04. The said order focuses on science-based rehabilitation and restoration of mine-affected ecosystems. For. Christian Kevin A. Latiza and Engr. Apolinario J. Katipunan of MGB Central Office participated as resource speakers during the said event.

The rollout activity aimed to familiarize key personnel from DENR and MGB Regional Office Nos. V-VIII with the provisions of the DAO No. 2022-04. The event, which took place from May 15-19, 2023, included the discussions and field trips to relevant sites such as Carmen Copper Corporation's contract area and Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

During the discussions, several crucial points were raised for consideration. These points included the implementation of a multifaceted strategy for each mining commodity under the DAO No. 2022-04, the need for guidance and clarification regarding the implementation of the 5% reference ecosystem with respect to different mining commodities, and a potential revision of the 85% survival rate threshold based on location and climatic conditions.

Furthermore, the participants emphasized the importance of guidelines for mine rehabilitation, including the progressive replacement of exotic species with native ones and indicators to measure the success of rehabilitation efforts. They also suggested a review of the penalty provision within the DAO No. 2022-04, which some believe imposes undue pressure to the mining industry. Additionally, it was proposed to pilot test some of the major provisions of the DAO No. 2022-04 in selected mining companies, with supplemental guidelines developed based on the results.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the DAO No. 2022-04, the participants put forward several recommendations for the consideration of the Technical Working Group. These recommendations include issuing amendments or clarificatory guidelines, developing a manual for mine-out rehabilitation per commodity, rolling out the policy to mining companies, establishing a roadmap for biodiversity-friendly enterprises (BDFE) in the Social Development and Management Program, integrating biodiversity considerations into small-scale mining, reviewing and updating relevant manuals and checklists, and finalizing the draft Special Order on the creation of a Technical Working Group and Implementation Plan for DAO No. 2022-04.

The DENR aims to address the challenges associated with mine rehabilitation and restoration by implementing comprehensive measures outlined in the DAO No. 2022-04. Through collaboration with industry stakeholders and continuous improvements based on feedback and pilot testing, the DENR seeks to ensure the sustainable management of mine-affected ecosystems while striking a balance with the interests of the mining sector.

Photo No. 1. For. Christian Kevin Latiza presenting the salient points of the DAO No. 2022-04                Photo No. 2. ASec. Nonita S. Caguioa clarifying the provisions of the DAO No. 2022-04

Photo No. 3. The attendees with the representatives of Carmen Copper Corporation                               Photo No. 4. The attendees at the Ecological Park of Carmen Copper Corporation

Photo No. 5. The attendees at the Carmen Copper Corporation                               Photo No. 6. ASec. Nonita S. Caguioa with the attendees and the representatives of Carmen Copper Corp.

                                                                         Photo Nos. 7 and 8. The attendees at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary 

By: Mining Safety, Environment, and Sustainable Development Division