The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has lifted the moratorium on the acceptance, processing and approval of applications for Exploration Permit (EP) for metallic and non-metallic minerals.

The DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2018-13 signed by Secretary Roy A. Cimatu last July 3, states that the moratorium on the acceptance, processing and/or approval of EP applications for metallic and non-metallic minerals has been lifted following the completion of the audit on all mining operations pursuant to DENR Memorandum Order No. 2016-01, or the “Audit of all Operating Mines and Moratorium on new Mining Projects.” The move is also in line with the President’s economic agenda, particularly on increasing competitiveness and the ease of doing business to attract more local and foreign investors to the country.

EP applications must be filed in the respective Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office pursuant to the pertinent provisions of the following: 1) DAO No. 2010-21, or “Providing for a Consolidated Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order for the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995;” and 2) DAO No. 2012-07, or the “Rules and Regulations to Implement Executive Order No. 79 dated 06 July 2012 Entitled: Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector, Providing Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources.”

Acceptance, processing and approval of EP applications will all be done by the MGB Regional Office concerned.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division