|
THE
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
will start investigating the alleged violation being
committed by small-scale mining companies that allegedly
exceed their production limits in violation of the
permits granted them by local government units (LGUs).
DENR
Secretary Lito Atienza said he would not hesitate to
penalize and stop the operation of abusive small-scale
mining companies found guilty of abusing the conditions
of their permits.
“We must
now clearly define the manner of operations and closely
monitor the activities of some holders of small-scale
mining permits. While only allowed to use picks, shovels
and similar implements, some holders of small-scale
mining permits have reportedly been harnessing tractors,
backhoes and other heavy equipment, which is a clear
violation of their permits,” Atienza said.
Atienza
said small-scale mining was meant to provide livelihood
opportunities to the poor. Wealthy investors, he said,
should stop masquerading as small-scale miners to avoid
paying the correct taxes at the expense of the
environment and the communities affected by such
irresponsible mining activities.
“Their
irresponsible mining activities endanger the environment
and threaten the health and safety of the people. They
are committing economic and environmental crimes and
should pay for it,” Atienza said.
Atienza
issued the warning in the wake of growing concern over
the operations of nickel mining company SR Metals Inc. (SRMI)
in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, which has reportedly far
exceeded its allowable annual production of 50,000
metric tons, the extraction ceiling set for any
small-scale mining permit.
The DENR
chief has issued an order suspending the operations of
SRMI pending the results of the investigation of a DENR
composite team he created for the purpose.
The DENR
fact-finding team, led by Undersecretary Demetrio
Ignacio, will determine the extent of SRMI’s mining
operations and their environmental, social and economic
impacts on the communities in the area.
Atienza
said the results of the investigation would guide the
DENR in coming up with a decision on the company’s
operations, as well as in implementing further measures
to put a stop to the unscrupulous activities of
supposedly small-scale miners that are undertaking big
mining operations.
The
small-mining permit of SRMI was granted by the local
government of Agusan del Norte. Such permit only allows
the use of the artisanal method, commonly known as
mano-mano, where only tools like crowbars, hammers
and picks can be used.
“Only
crude implements are allowed in small-scale mining to
ensure that the beneficiaries are the economically
challenged residents of the community. This is the clear
intent of the law, and we will see to it that this is
followed,” Atienza said.
LGUs in
various parts of the country have issued more than 2,000
small-scale mining permits. Mines and Geosciences
Bureau records show that of the P68.4-billion
gross-production value in mining in 2006, over P28.1
billion or about 41 percent came from small-scale gold
mining alone.
“The
government recognizes the important role of small-scale
mining in the economy, particularly in providing
livelihood in the countryside,” Atienza said. |
