DENR, mining firms discuss policy thrusts

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) met with mining companies to thresh out issues affecting the sector.

Without going into specifics, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director Wilfredo Moncano told The STAR Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Monday met with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and other non-member mines to discuss the government’s policy directions for mining.

Moncano said one of the policies discussed was the setting of limits of the area to be used by a mining company at any time and the period within which progressive rehabilitation has to be done.

Asked whether controversial issues such as open pit mining and approval of new mining projects were resolved MGB assistant director Danilo Uykieng said:  “That is for the MICC (Mining Industry Coordinating Council) to discuss and report to the President.”

The industry is hoping Cimatu can soon develop a more detailed plan to allow the mining sector to move forward.