Introduction

Mining is the extraction of minerals and other materials with value from the ground.

Mining has basically four stages:

1. Exploration;
2. Development and Construction;
3. Utilization/Commercial Operation; and
4. Decommissioning/Final Mining Stage/Rehabilitation Stage

The main legal framework that regulates the mining industry are as follows:
1. Republic Act No. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations; and
2. DENR Administrative Order 96-40, as amended.

Furthermore, the laws that regulate small scale mining are as follows:
1. Republic Act No. 7076 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations; and
2. DENR Administrative Order 34, series of 1992.

Content (Guide Questions)

What is Mining?

Mining is simply the withdrawal of minerals and other materials of value from the
ground.

What are the minerals available in the Philippines and operational regions in the mining
industry?

Generally, the minerals available in the Philippines are as follows:

1. Gold;
2. Nickel;
3. Copper; and
4. Chromite.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has estimated that the country has an estimated
840 billion dollar worth of untapped mineral wealth as of the year 2012.

The operational regions of mining industry in the Philippines include:

1. Malangas Coal Researvation in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay and Panian Open Pit
Mine in Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique for coal;
2. Boyongan Mine , Canatuan Mine, and Tampakan Mine for Copper;
3. Canatuan Mine for Gold; and
4. Rio Tuba Mine for Nickel.
 What is the role of the Republic Act No. 7942?

The objective of the law is to regulate the exploration, development, utilization, and
processing of all mineral sources.

How does Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geocsiences
Bureau help in regulating and monitoring mining in the Philippines?

MGB is the agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and
proper use of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations and lands of public
domain.
The agency helps in regulating and monitoring mining in the Philippines through their
following services:
1. Geological Mapping;
2. Coastal and Marine Geological and Geophysical Survey;
3. Issuance of Sand and Gravel Permits and Area Clearances;
4. Seminars on mining-related subjects;
5. Inspection and Recommendation Measures;
6. Analysis of chemical and physical of rock soil and water samples; and
7. Chemical and Metallurgical tests.

List down at least 10 environmental impacts on mining

Environmental impacts of mining include:

1. Tama na tong mga gin enumerate sang tutor nya

Insights
There is a good side and there is a bad side of mining. Advocates against mining fight to
completely ban mining in the Philippines. Others on the other hand, ask for regulation only of the
mining industry.

In my own personal stand, there is nothing wrong with mining in the Philippines, for as
long as careful studies are conducted first before mining will be allowed in a certain area and
permits granted to the mining firm.

Our world is a world of fast-paced generation, and of progressive technology. Hence, we

cannot continue to let our mind-set go backwards. Careful study, continuous monitoring, and
sustainable environmental recovery after mining are the keys to make sure that our generation
will still be able to hand down our country and its beauty to the next generation, and the
generations after.

References:
en.m.wikipedia.org
www.mgb.gov.ph
www.manilatimes.net
www.lawphil.net