The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced on Tuesday its plan for government-initiated mineral exploration next year.
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“We are directing the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau) to concentrate efforts on mineral exploration in the coming year,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said during the Nickel Initiative forum in Makati City.
The DENR chief added that the MGB will be the lead agency for “the extensive government-led exploration of critical minerals.”
“This effort will be augmented by technical support coming from our foreign development partners, including the Australian government and the US Geological Survey,” Yulo-Loyzaga said.
The DENR is also promoting mineral processing for laterite deposits, processed nickel, and recovery of other minerals such as iron, cobalt, and rare earth minerals, according to the Cabinet official.
Yulo-Loyzaga stressed that mineral extraction must follow the law.
“The DENR is guided by this directive, and we affirm our commitment towards responsible mining through the implementation of pro-people, pro-environment, and science-based policies and programs,” she said.
At a press briefing on the sidelines of the forum, Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) president Dante Bravo said the mining sector is also looking into enhancing the development impact of the industry’s environment and social programs.
“Any industry development effort should translate to sustainable economic development, particularly in impact communities. PNIA members have consistently demonstrated how we deliver beyond compliance to uphold the welfare of our host communities and to progressively rehabilitate the environment,” Bravo said.
The PNIA chief said the group expressed intent to support the DENR and MGB’s ongoing review of Environment Protection and Enhancement Programs (EPEP) as well as Social Development and Management Programs (SDMP).
Apart from EPEP and SDMP, Bravo said mining firms need to implement the Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan —a guarantee that a cost is set aside for rehabilitation once mining has been completed.
“Then you have the other programs of the government for biodiversity, research, environmental protection, and sustainability programs,” he said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News