RE:A Glimmer Of Hope (for open pit mining)Excellent article ..thx -
Legal Basis
DIMACULANGAN also noted the Mining Act of 1995 allows the implementation of open-pit mining.
“There are economic, safety and environmental considerations for employing this method. Thousands of mines worldwide have adopted this primary method, including Australia, Canada, China, Brazil and the USA. We are the only country in the world that bans this method,” he said.
Lastly, Dimaculangan said open-pit mines can be operated safely by following globally accepted standards and mined-out areas that “can be rehabilitated properly in a manner that provides alternative and productive land use after the life of the mine.” Also interesting:
‘Not To Worry’
MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano, in a telephone interview with the BusinessMirror, told industry players “not to worry.”
“Sabihin mo lang [Tell them] don’t worry,” Moncano said. The official, however, stopped short of saying the ban on open-pit mining method will also be lifted soon.
“What I can say is that a working group is working on it in the DENR,” he said.
Moncano, however, said any decision on the issue of open-pit mining will depend on the appreciation and recommendation of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to Malacaang.
“Of course, it will all depend on Secretary Cimatu’s decision,” he said.
Moncano has been vocal in supporting the mining industry in its calls to reverse alleged anti-mining policies put in place by Lopez, which include the mining audit that saw 26 mining projects having been canceled or suspended, cancellation of 75 inactive Mineral Production and Sharing Agreements (MPSA) and one Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) and the open-pit mining ban.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/04/25/a-glimmer-of-hope/