ITOGON, Benguet — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) Cordillera has granted Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts (ISSMCs) to three qualified small-scale mining associations in Itogon, allowing them to legally operate while completing the requirements for permanent contracts.

The interim contracts authorize the Antamok Loacan Northwall Miners Association, Shianwart Gold Trading and the Banggawan Gold Ore Miners Association to conduct small-scale mining activities within the declared Minahang Bayan in Barangay Loacan.

According to the DENR-MGB, the interim permits were issued to qualified groups as they work toward securing permanent Small-Scale Mining Contracts under existing mining regulations.

The issuance of the interim contracts follows the 2019 declaration of the 56-hectare Loacan Minahang Bayan, which was approved based on the application of the Loacan Itogon Pocket Miners Association (LIapamA).

LIapamA later became the first association in the Cordillera Region to obtain a Small-Scale Mining Contract, enabling its members to operate legally under the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act.

A Minahang Bayan is a government-designated area where qualified small-scale miners are allowed to extract minerals in accordance with environmental, safety and regulatory standards.

The DENR said the designation is intended to formalize small-scale mining operations, promote responsible mineral extraction, strengthen government oversight, and support the livelihoods of local mining communities while ensuring compliance with environmental laws.