LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Small scale miners in Beguet are urged to comply with the requirements before a temporary permit to operate a Minahang Bayan will be given them.

Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso, who is also the co–chair of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) said during a recent special meeting, the board approved a resolution providing guidelines in the processing and awarding of temporary small-scale mining permit (TSSMP) covering a period of six months to qualified small-scale miners within the declared minahang bayan area.

“Last meeting, we have approved six months of temporary permit for several, not all. These are the people that we know that were already operating before 1987,” he added.

The governor added miners have to comply with the requirements of having one area for mining extraction and tailings depository.

PMRB Benguet emphasized that the copies of the policies and procedures for the awarding of TSSMP was transmitted to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu thru Mines Geosciences Bureau director of Mines Wilfredo Moncano for their appropriate action meaning this may be approved or disapproved by the environment officials.

Among the qualifications required is that small scale mining operation must be existing before August 1, 1987; the area applied for should be within the declared Minahang Bayan; and the applicant should be registered with the PMRB–Benguet and a member of the Indigenous Peoples in the area.

To recall, the DENR Secretary released a stoppage order against illegal mining activity in the Cordillera region and the Benguet province which remain effective up to present.

A Minahang Bayan has been declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Aside from the TSSMP, small–scale miners should also prepare an SSM contract in the areas declared by the PMRB as Minahang Bayan.

The board passed several resolutions during the special meeting on January 25 providing regulations on the processing and awarding of small–scale mining contract (SSMC) within the declared Minahang Bayan areas in the province.

A guideline is also approved in acquiring Small-Scale Mining License (SSML) which is a mandatory requirement SSMC application.

The governor added although the board declared Minahang Bayan, clearance for the operation must be secured from the DENR Secretary.