The mining industry holds huge promises as having among the biggest potential in the world but the opportunities have eluded fulfillment despite the enactment of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. 

Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo David revealed at the 2023 Mining Philippines International Conference last September that the DENR is dead-set on transforming mining into a more responsible and globally competitive industry that best upholds environmental laws and mining regulations, minimizes environmental risks and promotes safety.

David revealed at the assembly, the first hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, or COMP, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, that the DENR has pilot-tested, and is working on implementing in 2024, a new partnership between the  government and miners called Negotiated Sustainability and Resilience Agreement to jumpstart the industry.

The program is anchored on shared goals in reducing environmental impacts and host-community resilience, among others.

COMP chairman Mike Toledo said the chamber's members have laid the groundwork for improving environmental, social and governance performance of miners  through sustainable mining.

First established by the Mining Association of Canada years back, he said the self-assessment system has evolved into the global standard for miners to manage environmental and social risks and adopt best practices in sustainable mining in their facilities.

Sector must be sustainable

However,  the common goals by the national government and the private sector to produce minerals in the most environmentally and socially responsible way needs the support of LGUs.

Eastern Samar has shown the way on how a provincial government can take resolute steps to make mining firms abide by the provisions of their mining agreements with the government.

LGUs does not have regulatory power under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 with regards to miners operating in their areas.