Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan, CESO V of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. 6 (MGB RO-6) said that MGB RO-6 has identified potential areas in Region 6 which can be declared as a Mineral Reservation under the National Mineral Reservation Program of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
MGB RO-6 has previously conducted a geological assessment of potential areas in Sibalom, Patnongon and San Remigio, Antique. The identified potential area in these municipalities in the province of Antique is 3,715 hectares. In 2016, a geological assessment and environmental resource mapping of potential areas in Hinobaan, Cauayan and Sipalay City, Negros Occidental which initially covers around 98,000 hectares will be conducted by MGB RO-6.
A Mineral Reservation is an area set aside and established as such when the national interest so requires, such as when there is a need to preserve strategic raw materials critical to national development, or certain minerals for scientific, cultural or ecological value.
After the process is completed as mandated in the Mining Act of 1995 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the President may establish mineral reservations upon the recommendation of the MGB Director through the DENR Secretary
RD Juguan explained that as part of the process as provided in Chapter 3 of the DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2010-12 expounding provisions on Mineral Reservations and Government Reservations, a public hearing is conducted regarding the declaration of the proposed Mineral Reservation. The public hearing will allow all concerned sectors and communities, interested Nongovernmental and People’s Organizations and Local Government Units to air their views regarding the establishment of a Mineral Reservation.
Before the conduct of a public hearing, a notification must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the concerned province and posted in affected municipalities and barangays at least (30) days before the public hearing.
After the public hearing, the MGB Director gives a recommendation to the DENR Secretary for the establishment of a mineral reservation. The written recommendation shall likewise be published after its submission.
Upon the recommendation of the MGB Director through the DENR Secretary, the President may establish or de-establish an area as a Mineral Reservation. In the proclamation of such Mineral Reservations, all valid and existing mining rights shall be respected, as provided in DAO 2010-21.