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Thursday, December 11, 2003
DENR submits mining policy draft to GMA
By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already submitted a draft of the national mining policy that would be adopted by the national government.
DENR Sec. Elisea Gozun said the national mining policy is the result of the series of consultations with the mining sector, farmers, non-government organizations, environmentalists and all other agency or groups concerned with mining and its effect on the environment and economy.
Last week, a final consultation was held in Manila, with all stakeholders attending the meeting. Gozun said "sparks were flying" during the two-day meet.
"A miner stood up and accused the civil society as evil society. The civil society in turn reacted by saying that were it not for the wanton neglect of the miners in protecting the environment they would have not opposed any mining corporations in continuing with their business. But I am happy to say that in the end the sectors were in understanding for responsible mining," Gozun said.
She said they hope for the president to approve and sign the national mining policy by the end of this month.
Gozun said with the national mining policy, rules and regulations from the different government agencies related to mining will be harmonized and will set the guiding principles for mining in the country.
She said small-scale miners will also be considered as part of the formal sector by then.
(December 11, 2003 issue)
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