DENR keen on revitalizing Phl mining sector

DENR keen on revitalizing Phl mining sector | Daily Tribune

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is target-locked on revitalizing the Philippine mining industry, which they push to be a major contributor to the country's economic growth.

DENR Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, however, assured that the agency would implement sustainable and socially responsible practices to protect the environment and the communities.

“The Department has for the first time required proximity to protected areas and historically and culturally important sites in the application for Environmental Compliance Certificates,” she said at a sustainable mining conference held at Makati Diamond Residences, organized in partnership with international think tank Stratbase Institute

With this, Yulo said the agency is coordinating with government offices including the National Commission on Indigenous People, the National Commission on Culture and Arts, and the National Historical Commission.

Renewed focus

Moreover, Loyzaga informed that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pushed for a renewed focus on boosting the mining sector.

“The message is clear: the Philippines must leverage its status as one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations to drive economic growth,” she said.

The country generated P160 billion in copper, gold, and nickel production last year, said Loyzaga, noting that “contributions from the mining sector are bound to significantly increase in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed optimism about maximizing the potential drive of the mining sector to the country’s economy.

According to him, the said sector contributed 0.5 percent of the gross domestic product last year.

“We expect the promising mining industry to support our manufacturing, infrastructure, and construction sectors with spillovers to the broader economy through more and higher quality jobs for all Filipinos as we work toward meeting our climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement,” Balisacan said.

“The government looks forward to working with our partners in the private sector, both domestic and foreign, towards rapid, sustained, and inclusive economic growth, supported by a vibrant and resilient environment,” he added.

Mining opportunities

Furthermore, the diplomatic community also expressed support for the government in strengthening its mining industry.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said tha a ‘stable business environment is essential,’ citing that the price of critical minerals such as nickel, ‘could be volatile.’

“I would like to thank the government of the Philippines for its continuous support for maintaining such an environment. By working together to address challenges and opportunities in the mineral trade, Japan and the Philippines can further enhance our strategic partnership and contribute to the growth of our respective industries,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Yu said the Philippines’ focus on critical minerals could not have come at a better time.

“Given Australia’s expertise and the Philippines’ commitment to developing a world-class, sustainable, environmentally friendly mining sector, really, our strategic partnership is one that is made in heaven. It’s a perfect match,” she said.

She added, “We should definitely get Australian companies to invest in the Philippine mines, and we should definitely get them to provide the latest mining equipment, technology, and services to Philippine mining companies.”

Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said, “Canada and indeed Canadian companies stand ready to support the Philippines in harnessing the potential of these minerals through research and development collaboration, capacity building and training, and encouraging greater uptake of value-added processing among Canadian companies already domiciled right here in the Philippines.”