Mining industry welcomes EO

MANILA, Philippines – Mining industry players welcomed yesterday the signing of an executive order on a new mining policy, calling it a positive step toward full development of the mineral industry.

At the same time, industry players said they would closely examine the order with the help of technical and legal experts.

“The Mining Policy is a signal to all investors of government’s desire to establish a consistent and stable business environment founded on a level playing field,” the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) said in a statement.

“We are hopeful that the policy will harmonize conflicting interests, encourage investments, and foster sustainable development, especially in the countryside where it is greatly needed,” it added.

Through Executive Order 79, the government bans mining in protected and tourism areas and holds off issuance of new mining permits pending the approval of a new revenue sharing scheme.

In its statement, COMP also vowed to cooperate with the government in developing a national revenue sharing scheme.

“We appreciate the position recognizing existing operating permits. COMP is committed to cooperate with the executive and legislative branches in developing a rational revenue sharing scheme,” it said.

Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI), which is pursuing the multi-billion dollar Tampakan copper-gold project in Mindanao, said the new executive order would pave the way for harmonized national and local mining laws.

“We believe this executive order is a positive step towards promoting a responsible mining industry in the Philippines and, in particular, we welcome the recognition of the need for consistency between national laws and local ordinances,” SMI said in an official statement.

“We look forward to partnering with the national and local governments and our host communities to progress the Tampakan project and achieve our shared goals for southern Mindanao – namely a vibrant, multi-faceted economy that provides sustainable opportunities for all.”

It said that if approved, the Tampakan project would establish a blueprint for modern large-scale mineral development in the country.

In a statement, TVI Resource Development (Phils) Inc. said it would study the implications of the new policy but is nonetheless willing to cooperate with the government.

“We have to read and analyze every provision or detail of the EO with the guidance of mining experts (technical and operations), financial advisers, and lawyers as well as confer with industry colleagues at this point,” TVI said.

It stressed that it is “even willing to invest in developing more mineral resources in the country.”

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone called the new policy “a fair compromise between the interests of the mining companies and the protection of the environment.”

“The mere fact that it suspends the issuance of new mining permits is already a major victory for people who oppose irresponsible mining especially in tourism areas, prime agricultural lands and island ecosystems,” he said.

Evardone, a partymate of President Aquino in the ruling Liberal Party, said the new EO “will now put to a stop the granting of small mining permits in areas not declared as Minahang Bayan.”

“The decision of P-Noy to respect the inherent power of Congress to determine taxes is a healthy development. I just hope that the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other law enforcement agencies will be more forceful in implementing cease and desist orders against illegal mining activities,” he added. –-Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) with Jess Diaz