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
Gina Lopez names 21 mining firms facing...
3 February, 2017 at 09:07
Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Thursday said 21 mines are facing closure, mainly for ruining bodies of water because of “indiscriminate mining.”
Challenging times ahead for PH mining companies
4 November, 2016 at 12:06
Prospects for mining over the next several years have been described as “challenging” by no less than the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) itself.
Global Ferronickel, Chinese firm tie up for...
26 October, 2016 at 10:00
Listed Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI) is eyeing the construction of a $700-million stainless steel plant in the country after it inked a strategic cooperation deal with a Chinese firm.
Mining, exports to suffer from DENR audit
10 October, 2016 at 16:30
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. believes the massive audit of mining companies may adversely affect the industry’s output as well as export earnings.
Rude Language and Awakenings
4 October, 2016 at 13:00
Judgment, it seems, came early for President Rodrigo Duterte.
Policy recommendations eyed for new mining projects
30 September, 2016 at 17:00
Policy recommendations that will pave the way for new mining projects will be out by year-end, something that may offset the potential shortfall in the country’s nickel production resulting from the government’s crackdown on existing operations.
DENR open to reviewing new mine projects
30 August, 2016 at 16:00
The Executive Order (EO) 79, which was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2012 banning the approval of new mining projects, is something that is not the country needs to properly regulate the mining sector.
MGB to review Aquino EO on mining...
30 August, 2016 at 14:00
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is set to review the executive order on mining agreements issued by the past administration, as stakeholders consider this an investment dampener for the country.
Tampakan copper-gold project, Semirara open-pit coal mine...
15 August, 2016 at 16:00
The environment department has threatened to revoke the permits of the Tampakan copper-gold mine project in Mindanao — initially estimated to cost some $5.9 billion and which has suffered delays since 2010 due to regulatory and policy hurdles
Philippines’ ‘shock and awe’ mine crackdown rattles...
9 August, 2016 at 15:15
As the Philippines’ tough-talking new President ratchets up a campaign against irresponsible mining, the suspension of a quarter of the country’s nickel mines and the risk of more action to come is spooking global nickel markets.
DENR chief calls for review of mining...
9 August, 2016 at 11:15
Environment Secretary Gina Lopez on Thursday said she would initiate a review of the 1995 Philippine Mining Act that opened the country’s mining sector to 100-percent foreign ownership, which she described as “treasonous and should not have been passed at all.”
Mining to become sunset industry – Rody
9 August, 2016 at 10:21
Mining and logging will be sunset industries in the years to come.
DENR to end illegal logging, mining in...
5 August, 2016 at 15:00
Davao City – Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Gina Lopez said she will end illegal logging and mining operations in the country in eight days, with her “Duterte team” backing her up in the protection of the environment.
Can we afford cleanliness?
4 August, 2016 at 15:00
Let me make it clear from the start: I fully support a green world and the reduction, even elimination, of pollution of all kinds. But I am a realist. I realize that I have to pay for my stance. And I am willing to, but many other Filipinos are not able to.
Philippines in bid to boost FDI
4 August, 2016 at 11:00
An easing of restrictions and regulatory requirements is expected to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Philippines, as the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte looks to increase the country’s attractiveness as a business destination.
Philippines’ Duterte says nation can survive without...
2 August, 2016 at 16:14
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned mining companies to strictly follow tighter environmental rules or shut down, saying the Southeast Asian nation could survive without a mining industry.
