MINING
With an estimated US$ 1.4 trillion in mineral reserves, especially gold, copper, nickel, aluminum, and chromite, the mining potential of Philippines is one of largest in the world. According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the archipelago is second in the world in gold and third in copper resources. The country is ranked top five in the world for overall mineral reserves, covering an estimated nine million hectares, although less than 2% has received mining permits.
Background
The Philippine mining industry is fortunate to have, aside from the country's substantial mineral resources, a regulatory framework favorable and attractive to investment. After stagnating for almost a quarter century, the mining sector of the economy is making a comeback following a Supreme Court decision in 2005 affirming the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942). [ Read This Chapter ]Recommendations
The prevalent external perceptions are of corruption, Church intervention on mining issues, and inconsistent policy. These perceptions deter new investors. [ Read This Chapter ]
News Updates
MGB plans to lift ban on new...
21 December, 2017 at 13:00
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) may soon lift the moratorium on new mining projects as it aims to attract more investments into the local mining sector.
End open-pit mining ban — MICC
26 October, 2017 at 10:30
The controversial ban on open-pit mining is nearing its end after the multi-agency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) yesterday recommended its lifting and the government’s Environment chief signaled his concurrence.
MGB: No need to declare ‘mining-free zones’
5 October, 2017 at 10:58
Even if Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu already said that he will evaluate pending measures in Congress seeking to declare certain areas in the country “mining-free zones”…
Industrialization in peril sans mining progress —...
30 August, 2017 at 17:00
President Duterte’s thrust towards the industrialization of the Philippines is taking a significant hit with the continuing lack of progress in the country’s mining sector, the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines said.
Arangkada forum to explore PHL industrialization
24 August, 2017 at 10:47
Foreign businesses are looking forward to helping the Philippines reach the next level of development by helping it diversify away from economic pillars like business process outsourcing (BPO) by boosting agriculture, among other sectors.
[OPINION] Unprocessed Mineral Export Ban
16 August, 2017 at 10:38
In his 2017 SONA, Pres. Duterte threatened, among others, to stop the export of unprocessed mining products. This follows the ban on similar products in 2014 by Indonesia.
Cimatu gets tough, warns errant miners
10 August, 2017 at 10:14
A recent statement from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cited Cimatu saying that mining companies must comply with all existing mining and environmental laws if they want their operations to continue.
Duterte meets with mining executives
8 August, 2017 at 14:28
After hitting the mining industry for what he described as its irresponsible practices, President Duterte met on Thursday with industry stakeholders to stress his concerns.
MICC to review mining tax regime
3 August, 2017 at 16:30
The interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) is set to conduct a review of the country’s mining laws in order to come up with improved tax and revenue sharing schemes on local mining operations…
Ban on open pit mining stays —...
2 August, 2017 at 14:00
The order banning all prospective open-pit mines in the country will remain in effect and will be taken up at the interagency Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.
Mining the industrialization dream of SONA 2017
31 July, 2017 at 15:30
Aside from frequently cussing and cursing or threatening people with state-sponsored murders over his anti-drugs war, President Rodrigo R. Duterte (PRRD) is not exactly known for articulating policies on industrialization.
Rody to draw up new mining law
24 July, 2017 at 16:00
President Duterte has pitched for new legislation on mining, saying he is set to gather all stakeholders of the industry to discuss his proposal for a modified measure.
UPDATE 1-Philippines plans new law to ensure...
24 July, 2017 at 09:48
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday the government will draft a new law for the country’s mining industry, which he said pays too little in tax and not enough in compensation for any environmental damage.
The Sixth Anniversary Arangkada Philippines Forum: Implementing...
12 July, 2017 at 10:44
The Sixth Anniversary Arangkada Philippines Forum of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines will be held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom on September 14, 2017.
Gov’t must implement mining laws
18 May, 2017 at 16:30
Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III yesterday reiterated that as mandated under the law, the government would implement mining rules and regulations, whether critics like it or not.
Gov’t assures miners of fair audit
15 May, 2017 at 16:48
With the appointment of a new environment secretary, the head of the Duterte administration’s economic team yesterday assured concerned companies that, as mandated by law, they would be given due process as the government undertakes audit of mining firms.
