DTI to identify mining sites with no problems

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced they will be identifying mining sites that does not have any problems with residents, local government units (LGUs) and the church in order to help potential investors in choosing viable destinations.

In an interview over the weekend, Executive Director Efren Leano said that although the country is rich in minerals, investments are being hampered by the tendency of some organizations to stage protests over mining activities.

“We will identify sites that have no problems, meaning the LGU is supportive and the church shows no opposition,” Leano told reporters.

“We are wasting the opportunity because even foreign analysts are telling us that mining will make our country very rich,” Leano explained.

Unfortunately, opposition has deterred investors from coming in in spite of the efforts of the local government to attract mining activities.

For this year, no new mining firm has come in the country. To counter this, Leano said they will be working with the Chamber of Mines to update the list of mine sites that have no problems. Three years ago, the government was able to identify 25. However, the change in government as a result fo the May polls may have changed the situation.

In a separate interview, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje said that they will do everything in their power to protect investors in the mining industry. Likewise, Paje denied that there are no new investments in the mining industry. However, he failed to identify any new investors that have come this year.

Likewise, Paje said they will make sure that investors are not stifled with the issue of open pit mining but has refused to elaborate on the matter.

Foreign investors seek a clear message from the government that the administration supports responsible mining in accordance with the current Mining Act. –Ma. Elisa P. Osorio (The Philippine Star)