Mining firms call for new minerals policy

Mining firms operating in the Philippines want the next president to repeal Executive Order No. 79 and craft a new mining policy.

In a position paper, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) called on the next President of the country to scrap such a “flawed” minerals policy as embodied in EO 79—which President Aquino issued in 2012.

“To ensure long-term growth, (we) propose the creation of a Minerals Development Agency,” COMP said, referring to what it believes as a move that would reverse the EO’s supposed adverse impact on the domestic industry.

The COMP said a new, alternative mining policy for the next administration should be one that “emphasizes the stream of benefits from a vibrant minerals industry, and institutionalizes reforms that will ensure prolonged and long-term growth.”

The group said it was pitching its recommendations on such an alternative policy to presidential candidates, for their consideration and for possible inclusion in their administrative platform.

Otherwise, the business chambers said it would “(c)onsider a judicial attack on the validity of EO 79 in order to prevent continued implementation by the next administration.”

Also, the COMP wants open areas for mining and seeks a review and rationalization of the current “no-go” zones policy.

“EO 79 is executive legislation that unduly expands the areas closed to mining under (the Mining Act),” the chamber said.

Further, the group noted that the Mining Industry Coordinating Council had proposed expanding areas closed to mining applications.

“Zones which overlay many highly mineralized parts of the country will constitute a major obstacle to new mine development,” it added.

“Many of the areas classified as ‘no-go’ actually have no real scientific or technical basis and may be challenged,” the COMP said.

Instead of the no-go policy, the COMP proposes the preparation of a clear definition of mineral lands that can be prioritized because of their economic value.

Guidelines for the creation of maps and delineation of no-go areas, and their justification, must also be prepared, the group said.