REVITALIZATION OF THE MINERALS INDUSTRY
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
I. REVITALIZATION OF THE MINERALS INDUSTRY
In 2003, the government made a policy shift from mere tolerance to promotion for the revitalization of the minerals industry. The government believed on the potential of the minerals sector to attract new investments, generate revenues for the government and provide additional jobs and livelihood opportunities. However, these should be anchored on the basic principles of sustainable development.
Thus, the government undertook a social preparation process through the conduct of regional workshops and consultations, local and international mine visits and a national mining conference to thresh out the issues and concerns on mining.
After the 9-month engagement process, Executive Order No 270 or the National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines was issued on 16 January 2004 with amendments on 20 April 2004 in EO 270-A..
It contained the 12 guiding principles for responsible mining towards sustainable development. These principles are the points of convergence during the 9-month engagement process.
It also called for the formulation of a Minerals Action Plan (MAP) which will detail the strategies and activities for the attainment of the goals of EO 270/EO 270-A.
NEW PARADIGM ON MINING
- Shift from tolerance to promotion in mining policies;
- Promotion of mining as an engine for economic growth and in the alleviation of poverty in the countryside; and
- Strict adherence to the principles of sustainable development.
NATIONAL POLICY AGENDA ON REVITALIZING MINING IN THE PHILIPPINES
- Issuance of E.O. 270 or the National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines was issued on January 16, 2004 and amended in E.O. 270-A on April 20, 2004.
12 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF E.O. 270/270-A.
Economic principles
1. Recognition of the critical role of investments in the minerals industry in support of national development and poverty alleviation goals;
2. Provision of clear, stable and predictable investment and regulatory policies to facilitate investments;
3. Development of downstream industries or value-adding of minerals;
4. Support to small-scale mining in order to rationalize their activities;
5. Adoption of efficient technologies to ensure judicious extraction and optimum utilization of non-renewable mineral resources;
Environmental principles
6. Protection of the environment in every stage of mining operations;
7. Safeguarding the ecological integrity of areas affected by mining;
8. Pursuing mining within the framework of multiple land use;
9. Rehabilitation of abandoned mines;
Social principles
10. Ensuring the equitable of benefits among direct stakeholders;
11. Sustained information, education and communication ((IEC) programs and respect for the rights of the indigenous people and communities; and
12. Continuous and meaningful consultations with stakeholders.
MINERALS ACTION PLAN (MAP)
- Formulated by DENR in consultation with other government agencies & stakeholders
- Approved by the President thru Memorandum Circular No. 67 dated 13 September 2004
- Contains 57 strategies & 126 activities to address the problems of mining
- On-going implementation, with regular review of status and accomplishments with various sectors of civil society
MINERAL RESOURCES POTENTIAL OF THE PHILIPPINES
- The Philippines ranks among the world’s most endowed countries in terms of mineral endowment, with a huge 30% identified as geologically prospective for metallic minerals alone in the approximately 30 million hectares of Philippine territory.
- Yet, our mineral resources are vastly untapped. To date only 1.4% (or about 240,000 hectares) of our country’s total land area is covered by mining permits.
- There is an estimated 9 million hectares more of potential sites available for mineral rights approval and exploration.
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE PRIORITY PROJECTS UNDER THE
REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
- Identified (23) priority medium to large-scale metallic mining projects under the Revitalization Program
Projected Economic Potential (2004)
US $ 90.8 B - Estimated Gross value of mineral deposits
US $ 6.5 B - Foreign direct investments
US $ 3.4 B - Annual sales/foreign exchange
US $ 61.4 M - Annual excise tax on minerals
US $ 432 M - Annual corporate income tax
200,000 – Additional direct & indirect employment
Economic Contributions of the Minerals Sector (FY 2006)
| Indicators | 2006 |
| Gross Production Value | P 68.4 Billion |
| Gross Value Added (contribution to GDP) | P 14.1 Billion (1% of total GDP) |
| Total Exports | US $ 2.06 Billion |
| Employment Contribution | 141,000 |
| Taxes, fees, royalties from mining | P 6.3 Billion |
II. MINERALS INDUSTRY PROFILE OF WESTERN VISAYAS
2.1. Minerals Resources Found in Region 6 :
Metallic
Gold
Aklan Malinao, Madalag, Buruanga
Antique Barbaza, Patnongon and Valderrama
Capiz Cuartero and Maayon
Guimaras Jordan and Nueva Valencia
Iloilo Ajuy, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo, Dingle, Balasan, Lemery, Janiuay and Carles
Negros Occ. Hinoba-an, Cauayan, Sagay City and Sipalay City
Copper
Capiz Madalag, and Pilar
Guimaras Jordan and Nueva Valencia
Iloilo Ajuy, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo, Dingle, Balasan
Negros Occ. Sipalay City and Hinobaan
Chromite
Capiz Madalag
Manganese
Aklan Ibajay, Nabas, Lezo and Tangalan
Antique Belison, Pandan and Sibalom
Capiz Ivisan
Iloilo Anilao, Sara, San Dionisio, and San Joaquin
Negros Occ. Kabankalan City and Calatrava
Iron
Antique Libertad
Capiz Roxas City and Ivisan
Guimaras Jordan and Buenavista
Iloilo Concepcion
Links: (Geologic Maps)
Geologc Map of Negros Occidental
Non-Metallic
Marble
Aklan Nabas
Antique Libertad and Pandan
Silica
Aklan Nabas, Malay and Ibajay, Aklan
Antique Libertad
Guimaras Buenavista and Jordan
Negros Occ. Hinoba-an and Sagay City
White Clay
Iloilo Carles, Concepcion, San Dionisio, Batad
Red-burning Clay
Antique Tibiao and Caluya
Iloilo Ajuy, Leon, Oton, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel, Pototan, Tigbauan and Cabatuan
Negros Occ. Silay City
Limestone
Aklan Malay, Madalag and Buruanga
Antique Culasi, Pandan and Libertad
Capiz Pilar and Tapaz
Guimaras Buenavista and Jordan
Iloilo Dingle, Passi City, Carles and Dumangas
Negros Occ. Cadiz City, Cauayan, Kabankalan City, Toboso, Sagay City, Escalante City, Cadiz City and Toboso
Guano and Phosphate Rock
Capiz Dumalag, Dumarao, and Pilar
Guimaras Buenavista and Jordan
Iloilo Carles, Dingle, Passi City and Igbaras
Negros Occ. Toboso, Sipalay City, Ilog, Calatrava and Escalante City
Semi-Precious Gemstones
Antique San Remegio and Sibalom
Iloilo San Joaquin
Aggregates (Sand and Gravel) Various river systems in the region
2.2. Status of Large-Scale Mining Operations in Region6
- At present, there are no large scale mining operations in Region 6.
See list of Approved/Pending Mining Rights Applications