DENR ordered to bolster regulatory powers on mining

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to strengthen its regulatory powers on small and large-scale mining to ensure the strict implementation of safety and health programs for workers.

“We want to legalize small-scale mining firms because many of them are illegal, so the miners have no protection,” Marcos was quoted as saying. The Office of the Press Secretary said Marcos made the instruction in a meeting with DENR officials.

“We want to strengthen the regulatory framework so they can operate legally in order to give our miners assistance and protection for safe working conditions,” he added.

Alyansa Tigil Mina welcomed the order of Marcos to the environment department.

“Both mining laws that regulate small-scale and large-scale mining are outdated and not designed to ensure safety of small-scale miners nor respond to the challenges of climate change or impacts,” ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garnanera said.

Marcos may certify as urgent bills on small-scale mining, including the amendment to Republic Act 7076 or the Act Creating a People’s Small-Scale Mining Program. The OPS said this is to “incentivize small-scale mining, to provide social assistance and labor protection as well as government assistant programs.”

“I think for now the need is for the regulatory capabilities, especially the small scale,” Marcos said.

The DENR earlier expressed commitment to review mining laws to ensure that standards are updated and that the provision of the implementing rules and regulations takes full advantage of remote sensing and innovation in artificial intelligence.

ATM’s Garnagera said the environment department should consider publicly supporting the proposed Altermative Minerals Management Act as a starting point to crafting new mining policies. The bill seeks to place more safeguards for the environment, indigenous peoples, and host communities.

“Our alliance is also recommending that DENR consult local governments and indigenous communities to identify policy reforms in effectively managing the country’s natural resources,” Garganera said.

“It is important that DENR ensure that Filipinos benefit from minerals and that mining does not displace or affect communities or bring additional environmental and social problems with their operations,” he added.