On February 18, 2025, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) issued Memorandum Order (MO) No. 2025-001, titled “Guidelines for the Integration of Natural Succession Strategies in the Progressive Mine Rehabilitation of Mined-Out Areas and Other Disturbed Areas”, to reinforce the government's commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices, as mandated under Republic Act (RA) No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and other relevant Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) policies.

These guidelines emphasize the restoration of post-mining landscapes by leveraging natural succession—a process in which ecosystems recover over time through the sequential establishment of plant and animal species. This approach aims to enhance biodiversity conservation, achieve ecological balance, and support sustainable land use after mining activities cease.

Under this MGB MO, all Mining Contractors and Permit Holders currently implementing or set to implement progressive mine rehabilitation must comply with the following measures:

1. Geospatial Monitoring and Reporting – Mining Contractors and Permit Holders shall validate the results of the satellite image analysis conducted by the DENR – Geospatial Database Office (DENR-GDO) and submit the corresponding geospatial data on all disturbed areas, existing vegetation, and ancillary facilities in GIS shapefile format to MGB Regional Offices for validation and integration into the MGB Geospatial Database System.
2. Engineering-Based Landform Reconstruction – Mined-out areas must undergo contouring, slope stabilization, and the installation of effective drainage systems to ensure long-term structural stability and prevent erosion.
3. Surface Preparation and Soil Amelioration – Mining Contractors and Permit Holders are required to backfill topsoil, apply organic matter, and implement soil amelioration techniques to support vegetation growth and restore soil fertility.
4. Establishment of Initial and Permanent Vegetation – Rehabilitation efforts must follow a phased approach, beginning with ground cover species before introducing climax species for long-term ecological restoration.
5. Species Selection, Seedling Production, and Planting Procedures – Mining Contractors and Permit Holders shall utilize endemic and indigenous pioneer and climax species in rehabilitating their mined-out and other disturbed areas. They must also adopt scientifically backed planting methodologies such as hydroseeding, direct seeding, assisted natural regeneration, and the Miyawaki method to accelerate forest regrowth and habitat recovery.
6. Maintenance and Protection – The maintenance and protection phase begins once initial vegetation is established. Mining Contractors and Permit Holders must conduct survival rate monitoring and implement measures such as watering, replanting, pest control, fire prevention, and site protection per the Mining Forest Program guidelines.
7. Strict Monitoring and Compliance Measures – MGB Regional Offices will conduct quarterly assessments and require mining firms to submit a Progressive Mine Rehabilitation Program Report detailing compliance with approved rehabilitation plans.

Mining companies are expected to immediately incorporate the new provisions into their Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programs (AEPEP). Submissions currently under review by MGB will be returned for revisions to ensure full compliance with the order.

The Memorandum Order's official rollout is scheduled for May 2025 to guide MGB Regional Offices in its implementation and monitoring.

The full version of MGB MO No. 2025-001 can be viewed in the attachment below.

By: Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division

Attachments:

File
MGB Memo Order 25-001