The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, thru the Zero Backlog Project, aims to complete the evaluation of all pending applications for Exploration Permit (EP) in the Central Office on or before June 30, 2016.

In his Memorandum Circular No. 2016-02 dated January 21, 2016, MGB Director Leo L. Jasareno directed the Mining Tenements Management Division of the MGB, with the assistance of the Regional Office concerned, to implement the Zero Backlog Project, which will result in either the approval or denial of EP applications.

At present, there are 264 pending EP applications undergoing evaluation at the MGB.

Previously, on January 18, 2011, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued Memorandum Order No. 2011-01, which suspended the acceptance of all types of mining applications.

The said Order was, in effect, lifted on February 21, 2013 with the implementation of DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-11, which prescribed the procedural guidelines in the filing and processing of EP applications pursuant to Executive Order EO No. 79.

By: Legal Service Division