The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued Orders of Finality to three (3) exploration permit applications (EXPA) that put in effect as final and executory the decision or order of the MGB regional director denying such applications. The issuance of Orders of Finality is pursuant to Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) Memorandum Circular No. 2019-006 with subject “Clarificatory Guidelines on the Rules on Appeal” issued by MGB Acting Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, on August 7, 2019.
As stated in MGB MC No. 2019-006, “these guidelines shall apply to appeals from judgments, decisions or final orders of MGB Regional Offices, denying the applications for various mining permits and agreements, such as Application for Exploration Permit (EP), Application for Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (APSA), Application for Industrial Sand and Gravel (ISAG) Permit or other mining permits filed and within the jurisdiction of MGB Regional Offices.”
“The decision/order of the Regional Director denying an application for a mining permit shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days after the receipt by the applicant a copy thereof, unless within that period an appeal has been perfected. One motion for reconsideration may be filed, which shall suspend the running of the said period. Once the decision/order becomes final and executory, the MGB Regional Director concerned shall issue an Order of Finality, copy furnished the MGB Central Office, and Notice, which shall be posted in the bulletin board/MGB website, that the area is “Now Open for Mining Applications”. In no case shall applications for mining permits be accepted prior to the issuance of a Notice that the area is “Now Open for Mining Applications”.
Two (2) EXPAs are located in the province of Negros Occidental while one is in Antique. These are denominated as EXPA-000051VI, EXPA-000085VI, and EXPA-000093VI. (MGB VI)