Last July 8, 2020, The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office (MGB RO) No. XIII took part in a consultation meeting held in Barangay Nabago, Surigao City with barangay officials and small-scale miners as a way of support in the effort to legalize small-scale mining.

This was in response to the request of Engr. Elmer C. Tecson, Surigao City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, for technical assistance for the meeting. The said request was affixed on the legal basis of Barangay Resolution No. 021 Series of 2020 of Barangay Nabago dated June 22, 2020, which was delivered to stop illegal small-scale mining operations in the area. Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble, Regional Director (RD), MGB RO No. XIII, was present in the meeting along with his technical staff.

In an explanation by Mr. Alberto D. Aba-a, Punong Barangay, he states a few residents resorted to illegal small-scale mining activities as a result of halted livelihoods due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He sympathizes with them and shares that the activity is meant to educate these affected individuals towards the legalization of their mining operations. The summary of the legal and regulatory framework concerning small-scale mining operations was discussed by Engr. Noli A. Arreza, Public Relations Strategist, MGB RO No. XIII, followed by a brief talk on the procedural guidelines for the Minahang Bayan application, Small-scale Mining Contracts and Mineral Processing License embodied under DAO 2015-03.

Engr. Arreza pointed out that small-scale mining is in fact a livelihood project of the National Government. RD Noble affirms both the National Government and local small-scale miners will be benefitted should the legalization of small-scale mining operations proceed.

The full article from MGB RO No. XIII can be accessed here.

By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division