THE MULTI-AGENCY Mining Industry Coordinating Committee (MICC) will be convening to discuss the next round of industry reviews, after the Environment department affirmed the outcome of its audits in 2017.
“We’ll have one (meeting) if not this week, next week. It’s really their mandate. It’s really what they should be doing. Looking at mines, seeing if they have violations, and imposing penalties,” Finance Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th Financial Infrastructure Development Network forum in Manila.
“The dates and mines to be covered are still up for discussion during the next MICC meeting,” Mr. Agabin said later in a mobile phone message.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Wilfredo G. Moncano meanwhile said in a separate mobile phone message that: “The review of the performance of mining companies is done every two years. So next round reckoned from the release of the results will be in 2020.”
Mr. Agabin said that he welcomes the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) affirmation of its decision to close and suspend some mining operations that stemmed from the reconciled audit of then-DENR Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez in February 2017 and the MICC-commissioned independent audit in March.
The DENR said on Friday that of the country’s 27 mines, the government affirmed the closure of three mining operations of the 12 originally ordered closed. The three have been fined and barred from transporting ore pending full mine rehabilitation.
It also affirmed the suspension of nine mines from those initially ordered closed. The nine were also fined and ordered to undertake corrective measures. It also lifted one suspension order subject to the implementation of corrective measures.
“The matter of allowing mines to operate or not is purely within the mandate of the DENR. We respect that. We’re glad that DENR finally put a movement into the matter of the mines that were inspected by the MICC,” said Mr. Agabin.
The MICC was created in 2012 via Executive Order 79, and is co-chaired by the Environment and Finance departments. The recommendatory body is mandated to review the performance of existing mining operations, review mining-related laws and regulations, and facilitate related capacity building programs, among others.
“There has to be a balance between development and environmental protection. We always believe when there’s development you have to mind also the environment. Make sure that you don’t sacrifice it. If there are mines that are closed, then so be it,” he said.
Mr. Agabin said that mines can still file further appeals.
“It’s up to the mining companies that are subject to the suspensions. They need to consult with their lawyers, they can go to the Office of the President, or file a motion for reconsideration with the DENR,” he said.
“But it seems to me that they are suspended but they are given the chance to remedy. (If they) do this and do that, they can probably ask for permission to operate again,” added Mr. Agabin.
The MICC reviewed the mines for technical, legal, environmental, social, and economic compliance. Four mines failed to score an acceptable level of performance in terms of the technical aspect, four failed on the legal side, eight failed their environmental evaluations, while 12 failed on the social parameter, while two failed the economic evaluation. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

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