Duterte lifts moratorium on new mining agreementsDuterte lifts moratorium on new mining agreements By: Krissy Aguilar - Reporter/ @KAguilarINQ INQUIRER.net / 11:11 AM April 15, 2021 MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the government to enter into new mineral agreements, provided that these would comply with the countrys mining laws. In his Executive Order (EO) No. 130 signed April 14 and made public Thursday, Duterte lifted the moratorium on new mining agreements imposed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2012. The Government may enter into new mineral agreements, subject to compliance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations, EO No. 130 stated. Duterte permitted new mining deals, believing this will usher significant economic benefits to the country. [T]he mining industry can support various government projects such as the Build, Build, Build Program by providing raw materials for the construction and development of other countries; and the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, by increasing employment opportunities in remote rural areas where there are mining activities thereby stimulating countryside development, the EO said. Under the EO, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is tasked to formulate terms and conditions in the new mineral agreements and strictly implement mines safety and environmental policies. Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1419356/duterte-lifts-moratorium-on-new-mining-agreements#ixzz6s4dRBEAA Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook