Government mulls ban on raw, unprocessed minerals

MANILA, Philippines - The government plans to ban the export of raw, unprocessed minerals and will instead encourage more “value-adding” by mining companies.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Horacio Ramos said this is part of a package of mining reforms the agency is finalizing.

Ramos said the mining policy reforms will also fasttrack the processing of permits and licenses, and will enforce the compliance of mining companies to safety, health, environment and other requirements.

In his first press conference as DENR head, Ramos said by 2015, the Philippines would no longer allow the export of raw minerals, but would instead encourage more value-adding or processing of minerals.

According to Ramos, “in the next five years we will no longer entertain the export of raw materials. They should be at least semi-processed, so there is value-adding.”

He said the DENR has consulted with the mining industry stakeholders about the new policy, with most agreeing on the plan.

But Ramos admitted some remained hesitant due to the need to invest more capital to put up a processing plant.

The proposed reforms Ramos elaborated, would also include a definite time-table for the approval of applications for exploration permits and mining tenements.

The DENR reforms will also enforce stricter compliance by mining firms of their permits and tenements, including the timetable for their development and operation.

Ramos said another reform the DENR plans to implement. is the standardization of mineral ore resources and reserves reporting, and enforcing stricter reporting of such data by a “competent person only.”

He said the overhaul of mining policies was started during the term of his predecessor, Jose L. Atienza.

The mining reforms would be contained in a memorandum order and details spelled out in an administrative order.

One of the initial reforms would be in the processing and issuance of environmental compliance certificates (ECC) which has caused the delay in investment flows into the country.

The ECC reforms will ensure transparent process of documentation and license processing to eradicate the long tedious process.