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Open-pit mining still not allowed despite issuance of EO 130 — Roque

Published Jun 17, 2021 18:57 pm  |  Updated Jun 17, 2021 18:57 pm

The proposed lifting of the ban on open-pit mining is still under government study, Malacañang clarified Thursday.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the ceremonial signing of new laws in Malacañang on June 16, 2021. (Malacañang)

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Executive Order No. 130, which lifted the moratorium on new mining deals, did not include a provision on easing the restriction on open-pit mining, adding the matter is still being reviewed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

EO 130, signed by President Duterte last April, authorizes the resumption of new mineral projects in a bid to generate job opportunities and spur countryside development.

"There is nothing in the executive issuance on mining which is EO 130 which lifts the ban on open-pit mining. I have conferred with Undersecretary Benny Antiporda and he says the matter is still being studied by the DENR," Roque said during a televised press briefing Thursday, June 17.

Roque noted that the President has already declared his opposition to open pit mining due to its impact on the environment. He said the President noted that there were "no corrective measures immediately available" in this type of mineral development.

"So, anyway, from what the President said ‘no, he’s apparently against open-pit mining but there is no mention of open-pit mining in EO 130, the matter is still being studied by the DENR," he said.

"Both the President and (Environment) Secretary (Roy) Cimatu agreed that the mining industries must reinvent mining in a manner that would ensure that it is sustainable and would cost the least damage to the environment," he said.

READ: Duterte lifts suspension on new mining deals; DENR ordered to strictly enforce mines safety, environmental policies

In EO 130, the President allowed the grant of new mineral projects subject to compliance with the relevant laws. It amended EO 79 issued in 2012 that prohibited the approval of new mining permits until a new legislation rationalizing revenue-sharing scheme is enacted.

EO directed authorities to strictly implement mining safety and environmental policies, review existing mineral deals for possible renegotiation, and rationalize the existing revenue-sharing scheme.

READ: IRR now allows open-pit mine

The draft implementing rules and regulations of EO 130 reportedly showed the government's planned repeal of the ban on open-pit mining method.

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President Duterte Harry Roque lifting mining deals ban DENR open-pit mining
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