MGB pushes for lifting of open-pit mining ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is hoping for the lifting of the ban on open-pit mining as it can help boost the country’s economic recovery.

In a text message to The STAR, MGB director Wilfredo Moncano said that open-pit mining is a globally accepted method of mining, with over 1,000 open pit mines all over the globe, and is one of the safest methods.

“Just like any human activity, there is no foolproof and accident-proof mining operation, but this can be mitigated mostly by the use of technology,” Moncano said.

Moncano described open-pit mining as a method of mining available if the geology of the minerals where it is naturally deposited is shallow-depth or near the surface.

“If it’s a near-surface mineral deposit, it would be illogical, costly and unsafe to use underground method of mining because the rock formations near the surface are highly fractured, soft, and cannot support tunnels. It becomes unsafe and costly,” Moncano said.

He said that it is the geology of the minerals that determines what mining method to use.

“Aside from that, some of the priority projects that can help the Philippine economy recover are open pit mines. The Constitution and the Mining Act does not prohibit [open pit] mining. So, why not lift the ban,”Moncano said.

In 2017, former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environment secretary Regina Lopez issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2017-10, which bans the open pit method for mining for copper, gold, silver, and complex ores in the country.

The MGB is eyeing to lift the ban on open pit mining through a provision repealing the order in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order (EO) 130, which lifts the moratorium on new minerals agreements.