Friday, October 24, 2008 Miners press code's passage
THE federation of small-scale miners in Benguet is pushing for the immediate passage of a provincial code, which would regulate the industry.
Engineer Lomino Kaniteng, federation president, said the passage of the small-scale mining code, which was crafted by the small-scale miners themselves, would greatly help the stakeholders of the industry.
The proposed code, Kaniteng said, is a reconciliation of the three different laws governing pocket mining -- Presidential Decree 1899 or the Small-Scale Mining Law, Republic Act 7076 or the People's Small Scale Mining Act and the Local Government Code that devolved the regulation of small-scale mining to the provincial government.
Since the passage of these national laws, their impact to the small-scale mining sector was measly or not at all felt, that's why the federation crafted the ordinance to reconcile these laws for the benefit of the industry, said Kaniteng.
The proposed code was submitted to the Provincial Board three years ago, but deliberations were overtaken by the change in the set of officers, he said.
Benguet Vice Governor Crescencio Pacalso said the proposed code has yet to be presented to the legislative body.
"We are awaiting its presentation to the Board," Pacalso said.
Board Member Juan Nazarro Jr. meanwhile said the provincial legislative body would support the proposal.
Kaniteng said production wise, small-scale mining is at par with the large mining companies.
From 2002 to 2007, the annual volume of gold sold by small-scale miner traders to the Central Bank averages to three tons, according to Kaniteng.
This accounts to an average of P3 to P3.5 billion annually. In 2004 alone, the value of gold produced by small-scale miners amounted to P4,829,783,780.
The lingering problem with the industry, despite its economic contribution, is the absence of permits given to the individuals engaged in small-scale mining, making the livelihood unlawful.
Kaniteng said the creation of the mining code would help legalize the operations of the small scale miners.
"Although the activity is not covered by permits, we deem it legitimate, because it provides livelihood," he said.
More than its adverse impacts, Kaniteng said the economic contributions of small-scale mining could not be disregarded.
"The only dark side of the industry is the inability of the miners to protect the environment," he said.
The Municipal Government of Itogon earlier passed an ordinance which created a council to help small- scale miners, among others, lobby with large companies for the establishment of Minahang Bayan as provided for under the Peoples' Small Scale Mining Law.
Councilor Oscar Camantiles earlier said the local legislation would also help safeguard the welfare of individuals engaged in small-scale mining by adopting measures for the protection of their health and their environment. (JC)
