The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office engaged in the recent conference of Provincial and City Mining Regulatory Boards, the localized governing bodies for small-scale mining, in Region XI as part of the review of the country’s small-scale mining regulatory framework.

The Conference held on September 21, 2016 in Davao City, was organized by MGB Regional Office No. XI and was participated in by members of the Mining Regulatory Boards of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, and Davao City. Its aim is to thresh out issues hindering the formalization of the small-scale mining sector and provide inputs to enhance the existing policies toward a responsible industry.

It may be recalled that the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) of Republic Act No. 7076, the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, was issued in 2015 in accordance with the reforms instituted through Executive Order No. 79. However, some industry stakeholders are already clamoring for revisions of the said RIRR. As such, the MGB is reviewing the legal framework for the small-scale mining industry as part of the multi-dimensional approach in addressing the concerns of the Filipino small-scale miners.

The national review of the existing rules and regulations on small-scale mining aims to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of the governing bodies for the promotion of responsible small-scale mining.

By:  Mining Technology Division 

Members of the Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Boards of Davao Region with the Atty. Wilfredo Moncano, Regional Director of MGB Regional Office No. XI and representatives of the MGB Central and Regional Offices.

Ongoing discussions on small-scale mining regulations.