In his keynote address during the organizational meeting held at the Development Bank of the Philippines last June 22, 2017 for the launch of the National Advocacy on Responsible Mining, Environment Undersecretary and Concurrent Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto assured that the Bureau is always looking after the benefit and welfare of mining communities by promoting responsible mining, and making the plans for final land use its top priority when reviewing feasibility studies and mining proposals.

He stressed that it is important to have sustainable economic activity after mining operations cease in a particular area. 

“We have to look into what would be the final land use. When we are able to see sustainable economic activity after mining in a particular area, then we can say that mining has been responsible; that mining has been able to do sustainable activities,” Jacinto said. 

The MGB will also conduct watershed inventory to identify and delineate where the sources of water are, to know which ones are safe for mining activities and which ones are not.

The MGB will also identify potential mineral reservation areas that will be possible for development.

The MGB is currently reviewing current policies for mining, especially the moratorium on the issuance of permits.  The Bureau will ensure that the parameters are clear, in terms of compliance requirements and what is expected from mining investors.  MGB will also make sure that there is transparency in all its operations, including the processing of applications.

Jacinto asserted that people should be made aware of what the mining sector contributes. “Mining has played a key role in the development of countries and communities for centuries now.  The people should be made aware that mining plays a major role in the economy of our country and that it has developed communities and brought about positive changes in the lives of people,” he added.

Toward this end, Jacinto encouraged mining companies to establish long-term relationships with the community.  He said it is necessary to “bridge the gap” and partner with local government units to properly inform and educate them about mining and its benefits.

“We see that this is an opportunity for the advocacy on responsible mining. At every level of governance, we can have champions. We can push to understand, and have a shared perspective of what mineral resource development can do in the overall development scheme,” Jacinto added.

“We want to see long-term, sustainable mining operations in potential areas. We want to see communities that are developed, people that benefit the most from mining operations. So with the continued advocacy on responsible mining, it becomes, hopefully, a way of life of miners,” Jacinto said.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division

 Members of the National Advocacy on Responsible Mining during the organizational meeting

 Undersecretary and Concurrent MGB Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto during the organizational meeting for the launch of National Advocacy on Responsible Mining